Abstract cotton candy. Photo: Mkrigsman, Flickr.
Long a staple at circuses, amusement parks and county fairs across the country, cotton candy is beloved as a whimsical and edible piece of childhood nostalgia. Though the concept of spun sugar dates back to the 1700s, cotton candy as we know it dates back to the early 1900s, when it first came to be known as "fairy floss."
Although its debut is debated -- some argue the Ringling Brothers take credit for it, while others claim the sugary treat was first showcased at St. Louis' 1904 World's Fair -- one thing is certain: Tennesseans John Wharton and William Morrison patented an early cotton-candy machine in 1899, "in which a revolvable or rotating pan or vessel containing candy or melted sugar causes the said candy or melted sugar to form into masses of thread-like or silk-like filaments by the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the vessel." The devices haven't changed much -- and cotton candy is still a delightful confection to modern audiences of all ages, currently being served at popular restaurants like Landmarc and BLT Fish today.
Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured in Feast Your Eyes.
Though I am not one for sticky sweet drinks that are more like "cake-tails" rather than cocktails, I couldn't help but think that the Cotton Candy Kiss would make for a great after dinner drink on Valentine's Day.
A trip down to the shore is one of the best things you can do in the summer. The air is cooler than it is inland and tangy with salt. The people all seem to have smiles on their faces, playing in the water or simply relaxing on a towel in the sand. But even more attractive than the sand and surf is a boardwalk, if you're lucky enough to find a beach that has one. Boardwalks range in size from a few shops to small carnivals, with rides and games. The best thing about them is always the food. They offer both sweet and savory - none of it healthy and all of it delicious. The Travel Channel has a 


