Life Would Not Be the Same… Without Chicken Wings

It was inevitable that I would have to mention chicken wings on this blog! No matter how it's prepared, cooked, where it’s from, or how it’s served, when it’s put on the table, I see nothing else.  I would take chicken wings to my bed if I could.

As a chicken wing connoisseur, I have had them every which way you can imagine. So, here is my ranking, in ascending order, of the top 5 best ways to enjoy the tasty treat:

#5 Japanese Curry Chicken Wings with Carrots, Onions, and Potatoes
-Moist and Tender meat

-Sweet with a thick creamy taste of curry power

-Carrots, onions, and potatoes that compliment the sauce, always served on a bed of white rice Recipe:http://japanesefood.about.com/od/curry/r/currychicken.htm

           

#4 Buffalo Wings

-Pungent spices to enjoy: Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Power, Black Pepper, and the most important ingredient, Hot Sauce

-Can be deep fried or baked

-Served with Celery and Ranch dressing

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/restaurant-style-buffalo-chicken-wings/detail.aspx    

#3 Church’s Chicken

-Southern U.S.-style deep fried chicken wings

-Deep fried to perfection with crispy skin and seasoned with spices

-Goes well with mashed potatoes and a fizzy coke

Website: http://www.churchs.com/index.html

#2 Drunken Chicken Wings 

-This dish is usually served cold

-I like the intricacy of this dish, using heat, ice and flavorful rice wine to get the chicken drunk

-A cooling appetizer before the meal

Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh22UKoAwHc&feature=related (Cantonese)

#1 Grandma’s Sweet Soy Sauce Chicken Wings with Rose Wine

I found this homemade recipe stored away in a tin can. Thanks Grandma, although we can no longer taste your cooking, the memories of it still lives on in our hearts.

Ingredients (4 serving)

•          8 Chicken Wings

•          4 Clove of Star Anise

•          2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

•          1 Small onion, peeled and chopped

•          Extra salt, and freshly ground black or white pepper, to taste

Marinade:

•                      1/3 cup soy sauce

•                      1/3 cup water

•                      3 tablespoons dark soy sauce

•                      4 tablespoons brown sugar

•                      3 1/2 tablespoons Chinese rose wine

•                      1 1/2 green onions, washed and finely chopped

•                      3 slices ginger

•                      2 crushed cloves garlic

Preparation:

•                      Place wings in a large mixing bowl, mix the marinade ingredients together.  Let sit overnight.

•                      In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken wings and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned, turning over once.

•                      Add onion, sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). At the same time brown the wings and cook the onions and star anise, bring the reserved marinade to boil in a small saucepan. Boil the marinade for 5 minutes.

•                      Add the marinade to the chicken.

•                      Season with salt and freshly ground black or white pepper

•                      Simmer, uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, adding water if needed.

•                      Serve

Post your comments to vote for your own favorite style of chicken wings! 

Bernice O. AKA "The Ultimate Eating Machine"