From: Stephanie da Silva Ingredients: ------------ Seasoning Mix (Makes 2 tblsp plus 1 3/4 tsp) 2 tsp salt 2 tsp paprika (mild, or Hungarian hot paprika) 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 3/4 tsp white pepper 10 tblsp (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, in all 1 tblsp plus 1 tsp Tabasco sauce, in all 24 chicken wings, tips removed, room temperature 2 cups vegetable oil Blue Cheese Dressing (recipe follows) Celery sticks (optional) (Yield: 8 servings) Instructions: ------------- Thoroughly combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl. Melt 5 tablespoons of the butter with 2 teaspoons of the Tabasco sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour into a small shallow bowl or pie plate, and let cool slightly. Put the chicken wings into a large bowl and coat well with 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Add the butter/Tabasco mixture and work in well with your hands until chicken is completely coated and seasonings are well distributed. (Make sure the chicken wings are at room temperature; otherwise, the seasoning mixture will congeal and you'll have a mess of gunk that won't stick well to the chicken.) Set aside to marinate (for up to 30 minutes, covered) and heat the oil. Heat the oil in a large heavy skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Add the chicken wings, fitting in as many as there is room for in a single layer. Fry until crisp and golden brown, about 8 to 12 minutes, turning several times. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining wings. Meanwhile, make a sauce to finish the wings by melting the remaining butter and adding the remaining Tabasco and seasoning mix. Dip the cooked wings into the finishing sauce and place on a serving platter. Serve with the Blue Cheese Dressing and celery sticks, if desired. Blue Cheese Dressing: --------------------- 2 eggs 1 tblsp fresh lemon juice 1 tblsp apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup chopped onions 1/4 cup chopped celery 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp white pepper 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp minced fresh garlic 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 2 cups vegetable oil 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese Instructions: ------------- Put everything but the oil and blue cheese into a blender or food processor and process for 15 to 20 seconds. Continue to process, adding the oil slowly in a thin stream. When oil has been added, process for an additional 45 seconds, or until well thickened. Add the cheese and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. |