But, first things first, what is a Cactus Blossom? Well, it's pretty much a large onion cut strategically (to make it appear flower-like) that's then battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection.

Add the dried cactus strips to the batter, and coat thoroughly. Drop the strips, shaking off some of the excess batter, into the hot oil and fry, in batches, until browned, 5-7 minutes.

The inventor of the chicken-fried cactus demonstrates how he prepares his food before he takes the stage as a finalist at the Texas state fair. KXAS’s Justin Hinton reports.

DALLAS (AP) - Hold the thorns. Fried cactus was announced Wednesday as one of eight finalists for the zany food of choice at the Texas state fair. Officially called "chicken fried cactus bites ...