From the kitchens of Amy & JJ

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ROOT BEER CHICKEN WINGS

This recipe is a winner when it comes to game day! For those who don’t like the idea of using a grill in the winter, you can do the same thing using an oven and stove top. 

Heat up the grill and grab a cast iron pan. Throw the pan on the grill so you have the pan on one side and the hot rack on the other. If using an oven and stove top, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the following ingredients and set in the fridge for an hour

Chicken wings 20 – 30 pieces

1 1/2 C ketchup

1 20 oz Bottle of Root Beer (I suggest barqs)

3 T Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 t Onion powder

1 T of minced garlic

Half a lemon (juiced)

Combine the following and then marinade the wings for an hour in the fridge

1/4 C olive oil

Half an Orange (hand juiced – zest the peel a bit too)

1 T of ginger (zested)

1 T fine salt

1 T finely ground black pepper

1/2 t vanilla extract

Spray grill non-stick compound on the area you will sear the wings. Next, cook the wings over high heat for about 3 minutes per side. In the oven, pleace wings on a cookie sheet and let them bake for 10 minutes. While cooking the wings, pour the root beer mixture into a cast iron skillet (which should be piping hot by now). It should be bubbling a bit by the time the wings are ready. KEEP STIRRING. Don’t allow it to burn.

Add the wings to the root beer mixture bath. Mix them around as they cook. Simmer those little beauties for 12 minutes. Same instructions if using a stovetop. While you are waiting, clean the grates on the opposite side of the grill. Get them ready for the big finish.

Finish the wings by putting them on the hot grates. Act quickly so you can manage an even cook of the wings. Crisp up the outside. Feel free to coat the wings in a second round of the sauce if you like sticky, saucy wings. If using the oven, place the wings back on a baking sheet under the broiler for 5 minutes, or until the wings look glazed.

Serve to your guests. A sweet BBQ sauce for dipping has been my guests favorite – but you do what you like. Wings are best when you get’em just the way you like’em.