Today I feel the need to clear up some confusion.  In my last post about my trip to Ottawa, I showed you this picture.

And I mentioned that during our visit, we enjoyed eating at that establishment a few times.

And then I received many horrified comments.  Here’s what some of you said;

• Beaver tails??? Really?
• beaver tails sounds just a little bit nasty. I’m just sayin…
• Beavertails…do I even want to know?
• I’m pretty sure I’m not the first, nor the last, to ask this…but what the hell is a beaver tail?
• Like, real beaver tails?

And so you’ve left me no option.  I must respond.  I feel I need to explain myself.

First, please take a look a the word directly below “Beaver Tails” on the sign.  Here – I’ll enlarge it for you . . .

 

See what it says there?  Pastry!  CANADIANS DO NOT EAT REAL BEAVER TAILS!  (well, I don’t think we do. at least no one I know does)

Honestly.  What do you people take us for?!

(never-mind.  don’t answer that)

As per my friend Wiki, a Beaver Tail is:

“fried dough pastries individually hand stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail.”

And they look like this.

And they’re fresh and warm and made as you order them.  And they come with many different toppings.  Like cinnamon sugar.  Or chocolate.  Or icing sugar.  Or chocolate & bananas.  You can pretty much put anything fattening on a Beaver Tail.  Because it’s already fattening.  Because it’s FRIED DOUGH!

And just for the record, I’ll say it very clearly . . . it is NOT a REAL beaver tail! 

But it IS mighty delicious!

Sheesh – must I teach you foreigners everything?!

(speaking which . . . if you come back on Monday, there will be a celebration of sorts AND I’ll be talking about baths, butts and tongues.  Although possibly not in that order.  But still.  Who would want to miss out on all that?)

Okay, who wants a Beaver Tail now?

16 Responses to “I Feel The Need To Explain Myself”

1. Cathy Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:13 am

   YUM! I want one right now! And then I want one tomorrow and the next day. I do love fried dough. And I think I need to try all the different toppings. Thanks for clearing up the confusion and making me hungry.

2. Sara Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:14 am

   So, this is similar to an Elephant Ear, only better?

   I’m for it. I will have one when I visit.

   And I’m quite excited for the baths, butts and tongues discussion scheduled for Monday!

3. WebSavvyMom Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:32 am

   –>I DO! I haven’t had one since I was a teenager visiting Ottawa. We can’t get them in The States.
   ~deb

4. brandy Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:35 am

   omg – shut your face. that looks like a fair food. yum.

5. Beckles Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:40 am

   I *really* need to visit Canada. I’m putting it on my list.

6. jessalyn Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 11:48 am

   canada has the best food. between tarts and this- i need to get up there. i mean, we have fried dough but you have to go to the fair and buy it from a toothless carny. that is not so fun.

7. Shana Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

   Between these things and butter tarts, I think I might have to pay you a visit. Your junk food looks so much more appetizing than ours.

8. foxy Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

   Yes, you must explain everything for this particular foreigner! Man, those beaver tails look GOOD.

9. ScoMan Says:
   August 20th, 2010 at 9:50 pm

   I still think that chip / cheese / gravy thing sounds far more delicious. I will get around to making it one of these days.

10. Tracie Says:
    August 21st, 2010 at 6:25 pm

    I do! They look yummy!

11. MiMi Says:
    August 21st, 2010 at 8:55 pm

    Just like an elephant ear. I want a beaver now. I mean a tail. Or a beaver tail. Whatever.

12. Kate Says:
    August 21st, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    I’m not sure I believe you. Just as I was warming to the idea that Mounties are far and few between, now I find you don’t actually eat beaver tails. It’s like you’re dead-set on ruining every fun Canadian stereotype I have. What’s next, that CANADIAN SKIES DON’T ACTUALLY RAIN MAPLE SYRUP?!?

    Cher Replied:
    August 22nd, 2010 at 10:41 am

    Well THAT one is true. They do rain maple syrup. But only on Tuesdays.

13. Bringing Pretty Back Says:
    August 22nd, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    Haha. I read the sign in the post. we call them elephant ears here in Michigan.
    DELISH!
    I am hoping to figure out a way to do the classes on line. or on the phone… not exactly sure. But I need to figure it out … and DO IT!
    Have a pretty night!
    Kristin

14. Fragrant Liar Says:
    August 23rd, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Looks kind of like a funnel cake. I’ll take two, please.

15. Amanda Says:
    August 24th, 2010 at 11:14 am

    Id’ like a beavertail immediately!