Most of us remember the good old days when we go to the state or county fair and eight way too much cotton candy. As I remember, most people liked the pink flavor but I was a blue cotton candy man myself.

Cotton candy is a European invention from centuries ago. At that point, of course they did not have cotton candy machines, and instead made it by simply melting sugar in a pan and pulling the strings out with a utensil. Once the sugar is removed from heat, it solidifies partially immediately, and it is a simple matter to twirl it onto a spoon or other item for ease of handling and eating.

The next step in the path to modern cotton candy was not until motors were invented. A couple of bright guys took a motors centrifugal force and used it to develop the familiar candy spinning process we know today. Early units were prone to breakdown, and over time improvements were made to the design until manufacturers were able to create the economical and dependable machines we now have available.

Nowadays you will have to wait for the fare to come to town because you can get a home cotton candy machine to enjoy with your family and friends. These are always a hit, especially at children's birthday parties and other family celebrations.

Today's cotton candy machines have come a long way from the industrial looking stainless steel units we remember from our childhood carnivals.

The most popular modern versions of cotton candy machines are simple tabletop units, mostly made of plastic. They're light easy to use and easy to clean up. Usually you can find them online, with your initial supply of candy floss included. As you might imagine the candy floss is available in a rainbow of colors and flavors.

These machines are as fun to watch as they are to use, and it is really easy too. All you have to do is pour the candy in the machine and turn it on. Then the machine will spin the sugar into cotton candy.

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Ok – Really, are you expecting me to tell you that it is good for you? Basically all it is is sugar. Here is the breakdown for a single 2 ounce serving:

• No fat
• No protein
• No trans fat
• Carbs / Sugar: 115 grams

Not poison, exactly, but not on Dr. Atkin’s recommended list of foods, either.

If you ever really large get-together planned, and you really want to drench all of the children's brains in sugar, you may want to rent a large machine. These will be very similar to the machine to remember from the fairs and carnivals of your childhood. Usually the renter will supply you with all the candy floss that you need.

Check the rental agreement carefully and make sure that if you are required to clean the machine prior to return that you know exactly what clean means. Often if the machine is not ready for the next rental in the opinion of the rental company you will be charged a cleaning fee.

If you would like to have a machine on hand, or of you simply really like cotton candy, it is not hard to find a cheap cotton candy machine online. Amazon, of course, and eBay will offer pretty much the entire currently available selection.. I suppose you could also save some money by buying a used one, but that is little gross. If I am buying something for use with food, I generally want something new.