DALLAS -- Oh sure, it sounds like deep-frying cookie dough would be a cinch, but Abel Gonzales says there's more to it than meets the fryer.

For one thing, Gonzales says the dough has to be made from scratch. Store-bought dough is too sweet, he says. And don't even get him started on toppings.

All that thought and effort paid off for Gonzales today, though. His deep-fried cookie dough has been named the best-tasting fried food created for the upcoming State Fair of Texas.

It's the third year in a row Gonzales has been honored. Last year, his fried Coke earned him an appearance on the NBC program "Today" and was mimicked by fry cooks at other state fairs.

Fried food has been synonymous with the State Fair of Texas since the 1940s and the introduction of the corny dog, the iconic hot dog dipped in batter and deep fried.

To encourage variety, fair officials three years ago started a contest among concessionaires to see who could whip up the tastiest and the most creative fried fare. There's no cash prize for winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards, but they get free publicity before the fair starts September 28th.