JUNGLE RED SUPER BOWL BUFFALO WINGS

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Is everybody ready for NEXT Sunday? Got your chips and dips all planned for the big game? It's the...um... well, honestly, I have to admit I don't even know who's playing. It's the 49ers, right? Against somebody?  I guess you can tell we don't watch a lot of football at our house, but we do usually manage to watch the Superbowl, at least for the commercials.

HOWEVER, I do have a great Superbowl recipe to share. Courtesy of my friend (and regular Jungle Red commenter) Diane Hale, it's JUNGLE RED HOMEMADE SUPERBOWL BUFFALO WINGS. (Although it doesn't have to be for the Superbowl. You can eat them anytime.) 

I haven't been able to eat buffalo wings in a restaurant for years, because I don't tolerate MSG well and restaurant wing sauces and blue cheese dips are usually loaded with MSG, so I was thrilled when Diane gave me her recipe.  We made the wings on New Year's Eve, and they were so good we've already made them again.

I should add that these are NOT FRIED, but baked, so are as healthy as you are likely to get on Superbowl Sunday.

Here goes, according to Diane:

Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Cut the drummies and flappers apart, discard the tips. (If you buy Smart Chicken wings, they are already separated and trimmed.) This recipe makes enough sauce for two packages. Dry the wings well. (Diane brines hers, but I didn't get the instructions. Hopefully she will add in the comments.)

Mix:
½ C catsup
¼ C beer, preferably dark
1 tbsp. of Tiger Sauce (or equivalent hot sauce)
same amount of Tabasco
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp each Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce.  

Heat until bubbling, check for taste.
You may need to add a tbsp. or so of brown sugar.  As always, adjust for taste.  If using Tiger Sauce, you may want to start with a tsp., then work your way up.  

Line a roasting pan with foil. Coat the wings with the sauce, then place them on a rack in the roasting pan.  Cook for 30-40 minutes, until they're crispy, then toss once more in a large bowl with the sauce.  

Then put the wings back on the baking rack for another 10-15 minutes until they've darkened and started crisping again.

Reheat any remaining sauce to the boiling point, then serve the wings with a dipping bowl of sauce and a dipping bowl of blue cheese dressing (DEB: I use Marie's because it's MSG-free,) and plenty of really fresh carrot and celery sticks.

Enjoy, and may the... er.. best team win:-)

REDS and readers, tell us what you make for the Superbowl!