KY State Fair Offers New Level of Dietary Mayhem

So you may have already heard about the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger making the rounds at state fairs across the country this summer. Our very own KY state fair was certainly no exception--we've been reading about this type 2 monstrosity in the local paper for a couple weeks now.

This shouldn't be totally surprising, there's a long-standing tradition of gastronomic oddities associated with the American state fair. It seems like there is always some sort of outrageously ill-conceived novelty snack invented every decade or so that specifically attempts to cash in on the state fair diabetes fervor. Consider: elephant ears/funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, Dippin' Dots (AKA "The Ice Cream of the Future"), steak-on-a-stick, etc. Obesity is the mother of invention, I guess.

But the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger does seem to be taking things a little far, doesn't it? It lacks nuance of any kind & seems so over-the-top in such a obvious way--I find it a little insulting in it's lack of subtlety--too many elements showcased into one package (Fried dough! Sugary glaze! Cheese! Bacon! Uh, mayo?), but I suppose that would be the point, right? And it is kind of a perfect food item metaphor: it symbolizes the current brand of don't-tread-on-me, in-yer-face, self-destructive libertarianism that perfectly reflects the political feelings of those who are most likely to consume it: "What? You socialist Obamacare commies are worried about my health? Well, F-you! I'll really give you something to worry about...nom-nom-nom...!"

(Due props to that guy in the video for the slammin' 'stache, tho)

Bon Apetit, Kentucky!

Official Mercy Missiles Summer 2010 Cocktail

Readers, after much deliberation we've settled on the official beverage of the summer season here at MM: the mojito slushy! After some experimentation and modification to the traditional mojito recipe (lime juice, rum, sugar, mint, ice), we've arrived at a remarkably well-balanced and refreshing drink that, when done right, calls to mind a lemony/limey Icee--a kind of naughty sno-cone for the adults.

I should note that I really couldn't make this happen without the manic ice-crushing power of my Waring Professional Bar Blender (the last word on at-home beverage blending, not to mention stylish, retro good looks)--it doesn't screw around like those other blenders when asked to make you an icy drink that you don't have to chew.

Anyway--you don't have to take my word for it, here's the recipe so you can see for yourself:

In a blender add:

* juice from 1 lime
* juice from 1 lemon
* 3 shots of rum (2 if you'd rather stay coherent after drinking a few)
* 1 oz agave nectar (or sugar)
* fill to within 3 inches of the top with ice
* 1/2 can diet ginger ale

blend until all ice is crushed

muddle a sprig of mint leaves in two mason jars (1 sprig in each), add the rinds of the lemon & lime to each glass, then pour blender contents on top. A swizzle stick is a helpful inclusion to each glass. Makes two very easy-to-drink servings. Ciao bella!