Erie County Fair New Food Showdown

It was a professional dream come true when I was asked to be a judge for the Erie County Fair's annual New Food Showdown.

I had the chance to sample 16 new Fair foods, and here's the big winners (in my opinion). You can still sample these foods for yourself and cast your own vote for the winners on the Erie County Fair app.

My favorite from the Healthy Options category was the Shrimp, Broccoli, and Rice from Eastern Pearl Restaurant. Not sure who over there is the mastermind behind the ginger garlic sauce it's served with, but whoa -- this should be on your list of foods to try.

In the Entree category, I had two favorites and tied scores for both the Pierogi Poutine from Babcia's Pierogies, and the Soba Noodle Stir-Fry with Sweet Teriyaki Chicken from Wok on the Wild Side.

But when it comes to Sweets & Treats, there was one solid clear winner, and my personal Best In Show -- the Not Your Mother's Peanut Butter and Jelly Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Guy. The maximum points we were allowed to give was 25 -- I gave this one a 500.