You can’t throw a cheap stuffed animal on the boardwalk without hitting a stand that sells something fried. Anything you could want: oreos, funnel cakes, french fries, pickles, candy bars, ice cream, pizza… yeah fried pizza. Heck, you can even get cheese fries on pizza. Boardwalk food is all about ruining your diet and having a ton of fun while you do it. Go on some rides, eat something, play some games, eat something else, walk awhile and eat more.
When and if I get to go up on the Boardwalk, the diet is out the window and my inner fat kid takes back over. The options are endless beyond the fried stuff too. My Dad lived for a sausage, pepper and onion sandwich while he was up there. There’s sit down restaurants, food stands, carts and more.
I am open to trying all kinds of things while I’m up on the Boardwalk, but if it’s Wildwood NJ, there are three places I need to stop. First up, a slice of pizza. There are loads of pizza and italian food spots along the approximate two miles that the Wildwood boardwalk takes up. But if you are a local or one that frequents the South Jersey shore every year, you know that the battle really lies between two famous pizza stands: Sam’s and Mack’s. I’m not going to pitter patter around this: Mack’s is better. If you don’t take anything else away from this paragraph, wrap your mind around this. THEY PUT THE CHEESE ON FIRST AND THEN ADD THE SAUCE WITH A HOSE FULL OF SAUCE. A SAUCE HOSE. I want a sauce hose. A hose of delicious New Jersey marinara sauce that just dollops a little bit on in between the cheesy goodness that is sprinkled all over the crust. It is pure heaven. You won’t find any fancy toppings here. No boujee frills. Your pizza comes on a paper plate, the booths don’t have cushions and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. A slice of cheese pizza and an ice cold Birch Beer and I’m a happy, happy girl.
Next up is French Fries. And not just any french fries, Curley’s French Fries . Listen, there are other “Curley’s” or “Curly’s” or just “Curly” fries on other boardwalks, but it’s not this one. I’ve found out the hard way so you guys don’t have to. These fries are made fresh, I mean you can literally watch them go through boxes and boxes of potatoes right in front of you as they make them and fry them up fresh for every order. They are so stinking fresh that they will burn the ever living hell out of your mouth if you eat them immediately. Again… I’ve found out the hard way.
Two things you need with Curley’s Fries: Every sauce they have and a fresh squeezed lemonade. There is cheese sauce, vinegars, hot sauce and of course ketchup. Get the barrel, cause everyone around you will want to have some, even if they say they don’t. Make sure to sit beneath one of the areas that have umbrellas and the lines above them as this will prevent seagulls from attacking your fries. And they will. They are ruthless and are well aware of how good those fries are.
Finally, our last stop is for dessert. Again, there are dozens of ice cream places up on the boards. But there’s only one real spot that is worth stopping at, which is why there are multiple of them along the stretch of the boardwalk: Kohr Bros Frozen Custard.
This place is legendary for their frozen custard flavors such as your traditional orange creamsicle, strawberry banana twist, chocolate mint, my favorite chocolate peanut butter and a few others. The flavors are available also on their own and you can add a few different toppings to it as well. My preference is rainbow sprinkles (or jimmies… but I’m not even getting started into that debate). It’s so creamy, delicious and smooth that for not being a sweet tooth, is a must do.
Alas, like many other things, a trip to the Wildwood Boardwalk didn’t happen this year thanks to Covid-19. It really doesn’t feel like summer to me without a trip on those boards to take in the sights, the people and the eats. I know I’m not alone in missing out on some traditional summer events. Many of us have had to forego our summer as well as other norms in order to keep ourselves safe. Even more reason for me to bring one of my Brother Bill’s favorites to our own kitchen: Funnel Cakes.
Obviously the funnel cake choice is apparent but why blueberries? Not many know that New Jersey is the Blueberry Capital of the world. Hammonton, NJ to be exact but nevertheless, the state is loaded with them and they are delicious. Making a blueberry compote on top of the funnel cakes was a no brainer to combine two more famous Jersey ingredients.
This recipe is pretty straight forward but I am going to recommend you get a few plastic squeeze bottles, a funnel and a LOT of powdered/confectioner’s sugar. I hope you have fun making these with your family, your significant other or whoever else you might be quarantined with. It’s fun, it’s not healthy and it’s amazing.
Boardwalk Funnel Cakes with Blueberry Compote
Serves 6
These are meant to be small individual funnel cakes!
- 2 cups milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
Blueberry Compote
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Combine milk, egg and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl. In a separate mixing bowl, add all the dry ingredients and mix to combine. In small batches, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until it is all combined.
In a large dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, add enough oil to come up about 3 inches in the pot. Heat carefully up to 375 degrees. Line a sheet tray with paper towels and place next to stove area.
When the oil is up to temperature, use your finger to cover the hole in the bottom of a one cup funnel. While still holding your finger over the bottom, hold the funnel over the oil and remove. Swirl the batter in a swirly pattern or in a consistent spot if you like thicker cakes.
Fry on the first side for 1 1/2 minutes or until golden brown. Carefully flip over using a spider or tongs and allow to brown for another 1 1/2 minutes.
Carefully remove with tongs and land on the paper towel tray. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve funnel cakes with blueberry compote and powdered sugar.
Blueberry Compote
Combine all ingredients in a medium sauté pan over medium high heat. Allow to reduce until mixture is thick and liquid is evaporated. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.