Imagine my astonishment: Krispy Kreme doughnuts with Cheerwine

After blogging yesterday about both Cheerwine and Krispy Kreme, I discovered something shocking.

When I wasn't looking, the two Carolina brands had secretly spawned the Cheerwine-filled Krispy Kreme doughnut. The doughnut was originally introduced back in June 2010--in a ceremony held at the North Carolina State Capitol. And it was unveiled by none other than Bev Perdue, the governor of North Carolina.

I find myself imagining Gov. Perdue, glancing at her to-do list over her latte on that particular morning and blinking in disbelief at the following:

Things to Do Today
1. Balance state budget.
2. Find jobs for all the former furniture workers and tobacco pickers.
3. Debut a doughnut.

Anyhow, the Cheerwine-flavored Krispy Kreme confection was a limited-run treat sold only in North and South Carolina grocery stores and then resurrected for about one month this past July.

My mind (and to be honest, my stomach) is reeling. What other Southern culinary mashups might be in the works even as I type these words? Could we one day be getting tipsy from mint julep-infused Moon Pies? Is Chick-fil-a scheming to slather pimiento cheese on its fried chicken sandwiches? (Hmm...neither one of those sound half bad, come to think of it.)