Boomerang Baked Buffalo Wings w/ Homemade 'Buttermilk' Ranch Dressing (GF) (DF)

If Quantas Airlines can sell $787 “boomerang” tickets to restless travelers (masks recommended) for a seven-hour sightseeing flight that leaves and returns to the same terminal, surely we can make the best of a tailgating party in our own home for the price of a few chicken wings ($9). Bake the wings in a toaster oven, serve in colorful cups with dressing on the side, then circle back around to the kitchen after the big game and celebrate everyone staying safe.

My Paleo Marin Rating: 4.8 Persimmons*

For the Buffalo Wings:

Ingredients:

2 pounds chicken party wings 

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/2 cup cayenne pepper sauce, preferably Franks RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

5 tablespoons butter

3 1/2 tablespoons honey

Optional Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, chives, cilantro or arugula

Directions:

If using a toaster oven, set a baking rack in a rimmed baking sheet. Spray the rack with a nonstick dairy-free cooking spray. If using a conventional oven, preheat the oven to 450º F. and prepare the rack and pan.

1. The dryer the wings, the crispier they will be. Pat dry each wing and place on a plate covered with paper towels. Let sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. If time permits, replace the paper towels and turn the wings over for another 30 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the baking powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Dry the wings one more time with paper towels and toss in the bowl to coat with the dry ingredients. Lay the wings on the sprayed baking rack so they do not touch.

3. Bake the wings for 30 minutes at 450º F. Use tongs to flip the wings over for another 15-20 minutes until very brown and crispy. Internal temperature of the wings should be at least 165º F.

4. While the wings are baking, set a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cayenne pepper sauce, butter and honey. Once the butter has fully melted, whisk it into a smooth sauce and set aside until the
wings are cooked through. 

5. Place the cooked wings into a large bowl, reheat the sauce and pour it over the wings. Stir to coat the wings. Wings can be served as is, or returned to the oven for about 4-5 minutes each side to blacken the sauce. Add optional toppings as desired.

For the Ranch Dressing

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream, Note: For non-dairy, preferably Forager Organic Dairy-free Sour Cream

1/2 cup buttermilk, Note: For non-dairy, use 1/2 cup almond milk minus 3 tablespoons, add 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, let sit 15 minutes

1/4 cup mayonnaise, Note: for non-dairy use Follow Your Heart Vegenaise Dressing

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Optional: 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill; few drops of Tabasco sauce

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk well. Taste and adjust seasonings. Chill. When ready to serve, prepare individual small bowls of dressing for dipping.

Recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer. Double the recipe for heartier portions.

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Buffalo Wing recipe adapted from A Spicy Perspective.

Ranch Dressing adapted from Once Upon a Chef.

For information on the Quantas Lockdown-Busting Boomerang Flight, see link here.

*My Paleo Marin Rating between 1-5 Persimmons

I try out these recipes so you don't have to (and modify them for Paleo where possible). The rating will reflect my opinion of the final result in terms of taste, ease of preparation, nutrition, and sometimes, cost.