Camille’s Cooking: Winging it for the Big Game

January 31, 2014 Editorial Staff

Photo courtesy of Camille Orrichio Loccisano

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BY CAMILLE ORRICHIO LOCCISANO

The weekend of the Big Game is one that celebrates our American culture, and it is also brings with it the realization that we are now five weeks into 2014. That means we have all recuperated from the feasting and celebrating of the holidays, and we are also allowed a small and deserved break from our New Year’s dieting resolutions.

Very few foods are more associated with the day than Buffalo Wings! There are countless ways to prepare wings, and I personally love them in a mouthwatering and crispy toss of buttery hot sauce and sweet honey.

Enjoying them with a fresh blue cheese dip is an added plus. I strongly encourage making your own blue cheese dip with fresh ingredients. The rich flavors are just so much better than store-bought, and I am happy to share my recipe.

I will be spending Sunday with friends and family and enjoying great food and a variety of great wings.

I wish all my readers a fun and exciting game!

WINGS

2 dozen wings (washed and patted dry)

Salt and pepper

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup honey

1/2 cup hot sauce

1 stick butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Spray a baking sheet lightly and evenly with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Layer the wings on the baking sheet and sprinkle with the mixed spices. Bake at 400°F until golden brown, turning over once in the middle of baking. The wings will be done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

You may also opt to deep fry the wings in a large pot. Heat several inches of vegetable oil to 350°F, and fry the wings in batches until golden brown.

In a large bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, butter and brown sugar very well. Add cooked wings a few at a time and toss until fully coated. Layer the wings on the baking sheet and heat under the broiler for a few minutes in order to let the coating set to a nice golden crisp.

Serve with celery, carrots, red pepper slices and blue cheese dressing.

Homemade Blue Cheese Dip

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

In a bowl, mix first five ingredients well. Gently stir in crumbled blue cheese. Sprinkle black pepper to taste. Serve chilled.