The Ultimate Hot Chicken Wings

Makes 6-8 appetizer servings

Ingredients:

20 whole chicken wings, washed well and patted dry
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 recipe Ultimate Sauce, recipe follows
Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce, recipe follows, for serving

Directions:

Separate the chicken wings into drummettes and wings, discarding the wing tip joint. Place chicken wings and drummettes into a large, zip-top plastic bag or large brown paper bag. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Add the seasoned flour to the plastic bag and toss to coat well.

Pour the chicken pieces and excess flour onto a baking sheet and spread evenly. Allow the chicken to sit on the floured baking sheet to dry out for about 1 hour.

Preheat fryer or a large stockpot filled halfway with vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.

Add chicken to hot oil and fry until cooked through and crispy, about 10 to 13 minutes.

Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with half of Ultimate Sauce. Toss to coat well. Serve hot with the remaining Ultimate Sauce and Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce.

Ultimate Sauce:
1 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot original cayenne pepper sauce)
1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and set aside until ready to use.

Yield: about 2 cups

Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce:
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Serve immediately or store, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 week before serving.

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups