Fisher Scones: Seattle's Beloved Fair Food
Ah, fair food. Nostalgic for many, enjoyably indulgent, and admittedly sometimes sickening, greasy fair food is the stuff of dreams. Whether your go-to fair staple is deep-fried Oreos, powdery funnel cakes, or over-loaded nachos, fair food is undeniably a gloriously caloric experience. While there are many dishes that seem to always make an appearance at fairs across the country, there are also many unique regional delicacies that reflect the locations they are served.
Ohio, for example, has deep-fried buckeyes. Buckeyes are sweet peanut butter fudge confections dipped in chocolate and made to resemble the buckeye nut. The buckeye is their state tree, and the visually similar nut inspired the treat that is popular around the state. For Massachusetts, a pumpkin whoopie pie screams fair season. With perfectly whipped cream cheese frosting and spiced, moist cakes, we can't blame them (via Food Network). But, for Washingtonians, Fisher scones are what's on the menu.
What are Fisher scones
Fisher scones visually resemble a British Cornish or Devon scone, with red jam and cream oozing out the sides. The flaky, crumbly scones are served fresh and hot at Northwestern regional fairs, are often cut in half, and are slathered with whipped honey butter and succulent raspberry jam inside (via Food Network).
According to the Fisher flour company's site, all the ingredients in the scones are high-quality, and the company aims to have eco-friendly practices. For example, their flour is sourced from family farms that are certified as using sustainable farming practices. They write, "Under the Shepherd's Grain brand, these farms produce consistent, high-quality wheat flour that is a favorite of artisanal bakeries and home cooks alike." They also note that their raspberry jam is sourced locally.
While there are many recipes online, there are only a few places where you can get the real signature treat.
Where to eat Fisher scones
According to the company's site, Fisher scones have been served in Washington since the early 1900s. They were first served at the Washington State Fair, also known as the Puyallup Fair, named after the town that hosts it. It is one of the biggest fairs in the country, and the scones are wildly popular, with "one million sold annually over the course of the 20-day festivities" (via Food Network).
Today, they are served not only at local and state fairs across the state but the entire Northwest region. To get a fresh scone, you would have to travel quite a far distance if you don't call the Northwest home. But there are many recipes online that allow you to bake the treats at home. Food.com shares a classic, straightforward recipe that yields a perfect pastry. But nothing beats a fresh fair scone, in our opinion.