Healthy Buffalo Wings

Back in the day when I was "sort of cool" I used to hang out at Buffalo Wild Wings with my pseudo-boyfriend and his buddies.  I was so nervous about being judged that I wouldn't even order anything (because that isn't weird at all), and for some reason I somehow convinced myself that I didn't like hot wings.  I guess watching a bunch of pimply dudes inhale them isn't the greatest appetite stimulant...  Anyway, I would just sit there and listen to whatever manly stuff 15 year olds could think of to yammer on about. Major mistake, I should have spent that time making that skater-haired kid spend his allowance on plate after plate of wings.  I might have shared.

Now that I am old enough to realize the glory of wings, I am also old enough to realize that if I don't work out every day that I can't eat at BWW as much as I really want to.  That is why when I found myself curled up on the chairs that are oh-so conveniently located by the cookbook section at my bookstore I went crazy when I found this recipe in Ellie Krieger's latest and most desirable cookbook Comfort Food Fix.  I wanted to make it so badly that I took pictures of the recipe with my obsolete cell phone.  Keeping it classy!

This recipe doesn't include any deep-frying, and some of the fat is separated from the wings by boiling them.  In the end it definitely took longer than just dumping the wings in some hot oil, but the taste was just as good if not better, and it doesn't hurt that there was 0 guilt afterwards.  Apparently this method will save you ~500 calories compared to the traditional frying method- woohoo!

Recipe from Comfort Food Fix

• 2 lbs chicken wings- split at the joint
• 1/4 cup Frank's hot sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Set an oven rack on the second highest rack and preheat the broiler
Combine the hot sauce and lemon juice in a large bowl

Place the wings in a wide pot and cover with 2 inches of water- bring to a boil

Boil the wings uncovered for 10 minutes

Remove the wings with a slotted spoon and place on a broiling pan

Broil for 5 minutes- or until the skin browns- flip the wings and repeat
Remove the wings and place them in the hot sauce bowl- stir to thoroughly coat each wing with the sauce.
Return the wings to the broiling pan and broil for 1 additional minute to adhere the sauce to the chicken.
Serve with additional hot sauce.