Oh My Cob!!
The Breon Bunch
by Joe Milledge/KIIC Radio
New Food item Debuts at Osky RAGBRAI
What started out merely an idea 11 years ago for Oskaloosa Surgeon Tim Breon, has turned into a creative way to get his entire family involved to save money for college when RAGBRAI lands in Oskaloosa this week. The State Fair should take note, because according to the Breons there may be only 1 or 2 other places in the country making ‘Deep-Fried Corn’ on a stick.
“When we originally began testing our concept, we couldn’t find anyone anywhere making this” according to Shannon Breon, mother of the Breon 5 – Alec, Leah, Jordan (triplets) and Lindsey and Carson. “But we think it’s the first time it’s ever been sold on RAGBRAI, or anywhere in the Midwest for that matter.” She added.
The Breons take Midwest-grown corn, and dip it into a salty, sweet batter. “It looks like a fat corn dog and some people eat it like it’s a corndog.” So what about the butter and salt that typically goes on an ear of corn? The inventors claim that the batter stands alone and doesn’t need much else, but surprisingly ‘ketchup’ is a favorite dipper for those in the family. They’ve also tried honey, mustard, butter and ranch.
Although they’ve tested it with neighbors and other family members, the Breons created several batches to test with friends last week at the Southern Iowa Fair where the kids are involved wth 4-H. Shannon added “Everyone loved it!”
So what about the State Fair – where even Oreo Cookies make their way onto the Midway and get deep fried onto a stick? “We’re seriously thinking about it – but the Fair requires a track record of at least 3 events to be considered for the big time – so for now, we will be at RAGBRAI, and if it goes well we will set up a booth at the Sweet Corn Serenade in August.
The Breon Bunch is trying to narrow down the search for the name that fits their brand new item, and are holding it close to the vest as of today… however some of the possibilities include ‘Twisted-Corn’, ‘Korn-KaBob’, ‘Corn in a Blanket’ and ‘Hunk ‘o Dunked Corn’ to name a few. Regardless, you will find their kids dipping up ‘Corn for College’ near the Eagles Nest Book Store on the downtown square in Oskaloosa from 10am to 10pm Thursday.
