Wings Wings Wings

The lowly chicken wing use to be nothing more than an appendage, (HA,HA) but over time it has flown to astronomical heights. I remember growing up at my grandmother house and the late night snack of choice for my uncle was fried chicken wings. These were nothing like the wings we grab today but were simple fare, deep fried and tossed in a paper bag with salt. 

Today you will rarely find wings so scantily dressed due completely to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY.  Most people attribute today's Buffalo Wings to an accidental delivery of chicken wings to Teressa Bellissimo, owner of the Anchor Bar.  Instead of letting the wings go to waste, Teressa cut them up, deep fried them and tossed them in hot sauce...the Buffalo chicken wing was born.  This was the mid 1960's and it didn't take long for the humble chicken wing lathered in hot sauce to be as American as apple pie.

The popularity of chicken wings was and up until lately due to cost.  It was inexpensive to put out a platter of wings for family and friends to snack on.  Today they continue to be the go to finger food even though the popularity and often short supply, has made them much more expensive.

Look at the number of fast food outlets that specialize in just chicken wings; a google search near me lists 9 restaurants where wings are the main focus of their business.  Buffalo Wild Wings advertises throughout the football season and every couple of miles you will pass a Wings n' Things, a Wingstop or a Wings & More, all national chains.  For as many national chains and local wing restaurants there are, the chicken wing has just as many variations. 

Anchor Bar's creation has run amouk.  Along with Buffalo flavored wings, there are a myriad of choices; Garlic Parmesan, Korean, Chili Garlic, Lemon Pepper, Honey BBQ, Cilantro Lime and even Flamin' Hot Cheeto wings (can't wait to try those).  All of these variations start the same, fried wings, though now they are just as often baked or air-fried so as to be healthier.

My wife (only because I can't pull away from the football game) air-fries the wings at home. Not only is it a healthier alternative, but less expensive not having to use oil and far easier clean-up.  Below is New Market Spices recipe for classic Buffalo wings with a twist. Enjoy, the game is about to start! 

Ingredients:

     5 lbs.     wings (flats and drumettes)

Dry rub:

     New Market Spices "Alabama Wing Rub"

     Spray oil

Buffalo sauce:

     5 cup     Franks RedHot

     1 lbs      butter or margarine

     8 Tbsp   paprika

     2 Tsp     Worcestershire

     1 Tsp     garlic powder

Directions: Sauce

1. In a large sauce pan, place all the sauce ingredients and slowly heat until butter has melted.  Stir frequently throughout process.

2. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Remember to stir as to not allow the seasonings to stick to the bottom of the pan.

3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Toss with wings or serve on the side for a less "hot" alternative.

Directions: Wings

1. Pat dry the chicken wings. In a bowl toss the wings with the Alabama Wing Rub.  

2. If air frying or baking, lightly spray wings with oil. No need for spray oil if frying.

3. Cook until internal temperature is 165 degrees.

4. Toss with Buffalo sauce.

All of the spices and herbs for this recipe can be found in our shop.