Crispy Sweet Sticky Spicy Wings

Crispy Sweet Sticky Spicy Wings

We had a few friends in last night for sips and nibbles and I was in the mood for something spicy, so I came up with this very simple sweet spicy  glaze to toss with my crispy deep-fried wings. It was fantastic. Crispy, sticky and with great spicy heat; these were irresistible and I ate way too many of them. The heat comes from Chinese fresh ground chili paste, so it is very easy to adjust the heat to suit your taste. I think this recipe will become an entertaining favorite at our house.

3 pounds chicken wings, washed, trimmed and cut in pieces.

Mix together:

• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tsp Chinese five spice powder
• 4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp ground ginger

Dip the chicken wings into an egg wash made from

• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp milk

Dredge the egg washed wings in the flour mixture and drop them in a canola oil filled and preheated 350 degree F deep fryer for about 8-10 minutes depending upon the size of the wings until a medium golden brown. Drain on a wire rack placed on a cookie sheet. Hold in a 175 degree oven if making more than one batch.

Sweet and Spicy Glaze

In a small saucepan add

• 1 finely minced garlic clove
• 2 tsp olive oil

Saute over medium heat until the garlic is softened but not browned. Add:

• 2/3 cup honey
• 2 tsp Chinese crushed chili paste (or use chopped fresh chilies) (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Simmer for about 5-10 minutes. Pour over all the cooked wings in a large bowl and toss well to cover the wings in the glaze before serving. You can also just serve the glaze as a dipping sauce