Dennis Prescott

I’ve lived for many years under this food rule – Simple is best. Homemade bread, margarita pizza, a perfectly ripe peach, strawberries in July, wine & cheese…not everything needs to be as complicated as we seemingly make it sometimes.

In the world of simple & delicious, pub grub (cooked right) ranks high on my list. Nachos. Cheese fries. And wings. Man. They’re like potato chips for me. Or 30 Rock re-runs.

I. Just. Can’t. Stop.

So crazy addictive.

These wings couldn’t be easier. And couldn’t be more delicious. Perfect combo. Spicy & sweet Frank’s Hot Sauce and bacon tossed in maple syrup. So. Freaking. Good. And there’s something extremely satisfying about making pub food at home. Date night, done right.

Give this one a go.

Maple Bacon Chicken Wings 

3lbs chicken wings (wings & drums separated)

2 cups flour

2 cups buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2/3 cup melted butter

1 cup Frank’s Red Hot

5 pieces of bacon

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/4 cup green onions

Canola oil, for frying

To serve, 2 or 3 diced jalapeños, crumbled blue cheese, and more of your fav sauces.

Canola oil for frying

Place your wings in a large bowl, and cover cover them with 2 cups of buttermilk. Cover and set in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight).

Heat 3 inches of canola oil in a high sided dutch oven to 350 degrees. At the same time, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, and your salt & garlic powder. Toss the marinated wings in your flour, getting them completely coated. Working in batches, fry your wings for 5 minutes, until browned, but not cooked through.

Combine your melted butter and hot sauce, and whisk well. Toss the wings in 4 – 5 tablespoons of the sauce, getting them covered, but not dripping with sauce.

Bake your wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 30-35 minutes, turning half way through.

While your wings are cooking, cut your bacon into 1/2 inch strips with a pair of scissors. Place in a cold pan, and heat to medium. Cook until nice and crispy, about 6 minutes. Drain your bacon bits, reserving your bacon fat. Toss the bacon in your maple syrup, place in a bowl and set aside. Mix 1 tablespoon of bacon fat into your remaining wing sauce.

When your wings are cooked through, and nice and crispy, toss with few more tablespoons of sauce. Top with your green onions and bacon, and serve with jalapeños…and as many sauces as you can handle.

Also, probably a good idea to have a cold one hanging around for this comfort party.