Food: Fact or Fiction? Season 2 Episode 12 Carnie Knowledge

Carnivals and fairs are known for their unique, indulgent treats, but what is the history behind these popular treats? In the season 2 finale of Food: Fact or Fiction?, host Michael McKean takes viewers on a journey through the history of carnival food.

The episode begins with a look at the roots of carnival food, dating back to medieval Europe where fairs were held as a way to showcase local goods and livestock. It was during these fairs that food vendors began serving up popular items like sausages, roasted meats, and breads.

Moving into the 19th century, McKean explains how the advent of the traveling circus brought with it a new wave of carnival foods. Popcorn became a staple snack at circuses thanks to its low cost and portability, while candy apples and cotton candy were created as a way to entice children to attend.

McKean then delves into the famous fried foods that are so synonymous with carnival cuisine. Beginning with the corn dog, he takes viewers on a trip to Texas where he discovers the story of the first corn dog, which was created by a man named Neil Fletcher. The concept quickly caught on, and before long, corn dogs were being sold at fairs and carnivals across the country.

Moving onto other fried foods, McKean takes a look at the origins of the funnel cake and the elephant ear. The former can be traced back to the Pennsylvania Dutch, while the latter is said to have been invented in Seattle in the early 1900s.

As the episode progresses, McKean tackles some of the more unusual carnival foods, including the famous "turducken" - a dish consisting of a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken - and the "churro dog," a dessert consisting of a churro stuffed with ice cream and topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

But the history of carnival food isn't all glamour and indulgence. McKean also explores the darker side of the industry, including the use of cheap and potentially unsafe ingredients in some carnival foods.

Despite this, the popularity of carnival food shows no signs of slowing down, and McKean notes that many of the items that originated in fairs and carnivals have become beloved staples in American cuisine.

Overall, Carnie Knowledge is a fun and informative exploration of the history of carnival food, with McKean's wit and charm making it an entertaining watch for foodies and history buffs alike.