A Spicy Surprise

After the long, hot tennis tournament up in Nashua, New Hampshire, as it could be predicted, I was dying of fatigue and hunger. My tennis friend, Kasey, and I decided that after our hard work of consistent ball hitting that we should treat ourselves to a hefty meal. We settled for the closest restaurant around, The 99. This was no disappointment though, since The 99 has some of the best Buffalo Chicken wings around. We were finally seated and when we saw those crispy wings of spicy buffalo chicken snaking there way through the crowd in the waitress’s hands, we couldn’t stand the wait any longer. By the time she got to us we were nearly bouncing off the seat with hunger and need for the soft cooked meat. Though the line was long, our growling stomachs behaved themselves since those spicy wings are definitely worth the wait. 

Now, I’m not saying that The 99 is the only place to get a decent plate of Boneless Buffalo wings because it’s not. In my opinion, the justifiably better tasting Buffalo wings would be from Casey’s Crossing right here in Holliston. They are uniquely fuller of flavor with not only the spicy-sauce taste but there is also an explosion of sweetness in them that is completely unexpected yet delightful. The outside coating of Casey’s wings is never too soggy and perfectly crisp. They aren’t too drenched in sauce either. As do most other Buffalo Chicken meals ordered, they come with a side of celery and blue cheese. The name is really a misnomer since the cheese isn’t blue, but it is called this since it is made of blue colored mold. Don’t let this make you cringe, because this mold isn’t like the typical mold you find infested all over bread, it is the edible kind. This cheese sauce is meant for dipping the Buffalo wings in, since it neutralizes the spiciness a little, allowing the meal to be eaten without the feeling of a conflagration blazing within your mouth. Though some may see this as a negative, I find it rather satisfying that after the meal, I am so full to the core that I don’t have any more room for dessert. For me, I don’t need any more unnecessary calories after a very enjoyable meal. 

While at the Cheesecake factory a while back, I had meant to order Boneless Buffalo wings, however, I had forgotten to ask for boneless wings. To my disappointment, a big bowl of bone filled meat arrived at my table some time later. Now, I am not saying that non-boneless Buffalo wings are unsatisfying; they are just not my preference of Buffalo. They are too messy too eat since you have to chew all around the bone, getting greasy sauce all over your hands and face. Also, since the bone takes up most of the wing, in the end you have eaten barely any chicken. I suggest not ordering this if you are on a first date and trying to make a great impression. You will go home sauce-covered and dumped. Consequently, the choice of boneless Buffalo wings is a much more clean and tasty idea. 

Though restaurant ordered wings are better, here is a recipe for the Boneless Buffalo wings. Blue cheese can be bought at most grocery markets. Enjoy!

Boneless Buffalo wings

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt 
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
1/4 teaspoon paprika 
1 egg 
1 cup milk 
2 chicken breast fillets 
4-6 cups vegetable oil 
1/4 cup hot sauce (Crystal or Frank's Louisiana) 
1 tablespoon margarine 

Directions:
1. Combine flour, salt, peppers and paprika in a medium bowl.
2. In another small bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
3. Slice each chicken breast into 6 pieces.
4. Preheat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees.
5. One or two at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then into the breading blend; then repeat the process so that each piece of chicken is double-coated.
6. When all chicken pieces have been breaded, arrange them on a plate and chill for 15 minutes.
7. When the chicken is done resting, drop each piece into the hot oil and fry for 5-6 minutes or until each piece is browned.
8. As chicken fries, combine the hot sauce and margarine in a small bowl.
9. Microwave sauce for 20-30 seconds or just until the margarine is melted, then stir to combine.
10. You can also use a small saucepan for this step.
11. Just combine the hot sauce and margarine in the saucepan over low heat and stir until margarine is melted and ingredients are blended.
12. When chicken pieces are done frying, remove them to a plate lined with a couple paper towels.
13. Place the chicken pieces into a covered container such as a large jar with a lid.
14. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the container, cover, and then shake gently until each piece of chicken is coated with sauce.
15. Pour the chicken onto a plate and serve the dish with bleu cheese dressing and sliced celery on the side.

Thanks to Dayla from http://www.recipezaar.com/Chilis-Boneless-Buffalo-Wings-Copycat-52064 for providing this recipe. ]

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