Best deep-fried fair foods: 2013 edition

RALEIGH, N.C. — Every year we give you our picks for the best deep-fried foods at the N.C. State Fair. This year, we are on a mission to find five new favorites!

Red Velvet Oreos – We didn't think Oreos could get any better. Then someone came up with the idea of deep-frying them. And now this year, they upped the ante by using red velvet coating and topping them with cream cheese icing. These treats are rich but not too sweet, and perfect for sharing.

Cookie Dough – Some years, I can't find this item. Well, this year it is back and even better than I remember. Don't let them cool off too much so you can enjoy the gooey, chocolate center with a crisp outer coating!

Girl Scout cookies – Choose between sweet Caramel deLites (or Samoas, as I still call them) or minty Thin Mints. We only tried the Thin Mints, which melt slightly but retain that minty crisp in the fried dough, but we can imagine the caramel cookies are delicious as well.

Pumpkin spice funnel cake – This classic fair treat is back with a fall twist. With seasonal spices, a perfect hint of pumpkin and caramel topping, it's sure to be a popular item this year.

Pecan pie – What makes a Southern favorite even more perfect for the fair? Deep fry it, of course. If you're not "pumpkin-ed out," take a bite of deep-fried pumpkin pie for a change.

There you have it – our favorite fried fair foods this year! What fried delicacies are you chowing down on this year? Tell us in the comments below.