In 2006, Abel Gonzales debuted a snack at the Texas State Fair that blended two of the United States’ most beloved culinary comforts: Coca-Cola and deep-fried dough.

Gonzales began by deep-frying balls of Coca-Cola-flavored batter. If that weren’t decadent enough, he then topped the crispy nuggets with Coke-flavored syrup, cinnamon sugar, whipped cream, and a cherry. Fried Coke was a hit: He sold 35,000 cups over 24 days and won the fair’s “most creative” award.

Now fried Coke can be found at state fairs nationwide. But its home is Texas, where its inventor has continued to work up other inventive treats, including deep-fried beer, butter, and cookie dough.