RichPB (richlife)
TVWBB Wizard
The big day is tomorrow, July 29. Searching on this topic, I was struck by how many folks in the past expressed regret that they had no chicken wings to prepare. Well, this is your chance to get ready. Frankly, I missed all past National Chicken Wing Days (ignorance is NOT bliss), so this is as big a deal for me as any other grill/smoke day.
So what are you cooking? I was thinking about chicken wings.
I've been trying for years to produce really good, crispy skin chicken wings and welcome any suggestions as, while I've definitely getting better results, I still am not satisfied. My best recent attempts all have a preliminary good sprinkling of baking soda on the wings while drying in the fridge for a couple of hours. I'm going to repeat that, but add a new twist -- this time I'll try brining the wings (did that before with ok results -- just don't over brine, these are small items and can absorb too much salt). I want to add my Cajun spice to the brine along with a teaspoon (I think) of baking soda. After the brine, again sprinkle with baking soda and dry. I love smoked chicken wings, so they will get about an hour or maybe a little more on the WSM, then finish with 5 - 10 minutes (or more, depending) on the upper grate of the grill. I want the wings crisp, not burned. I'll finish by tossing with some type of sauce to be determined. (My best successes have come with adding flavor with sauce after grilling, not by trying add a rub during grilling.)
So again, what are you cooking? (And no, I DON'T think thighs or turkey qualifies -- but to each their own.) And, please, any suggestions will be duly considered.
Finally, yesterday I noted for the first time (after years of buying them) that the label on the Costco Party Wings (plain flats and drumettes) actually says cook to 180* for safety. Now, I've noticed that my wings always get to 180* or beyond without any negative effects (unless it get too high -- then dry), but interesting to see that high temp notice.
BTW, I know that to get really crispy wings they can be fried -- but that's not the point, is it. It's like those who told me you can't do Bloomin' Onions on a grill. I never got the ideal, but they sure were good after a few tries. But that's another topic...
So what are you cooking? I was thinking about chicken wings.
I've been trying for years to produce really good, crispy skin chicken wings and welcome any suggestions as, while I've definitely getting better results, I still am not satisfied. My best recent attempts all have a preliminary good sprinkling of baking soda on the wings while drying in the fridge for a couple of hours. I'm going to repeat that, but add a new twist -- this time I'll try brining the wings (did that before with ok results -- just don't over brine, these are small items and can absorb too much salt). I want to add my Cajun spice to the brine along with a teaspoon (I think) of baking soda. After the brine, again sprinkle with baking soda and dry. I love smoked chicken wings, so they will get about an hour or maybe a little more on the WSM, then finish with 5 - 10 minutes (or more, depending) on the upper grate of the grill. I want the wings crisp, not burned. I'll finish by tossing with some type of sauce to be determined. (My best successes have come with adding flavor with sauce after grilling, not by trying add a rub during grilling.)So again, what are you cooking? (And no, I DON'T think thighs or turkey qualifies -- but to each their own.) And, please, any suggestions will be duly considered.
Finally, yesterday I noted for the first time (after years of buying them) that the label on the Costco Party Wings (plain flats and drumettes) actually says cook to 180* for safety. Now, I've noticed that my wings always get to 180* or beyond without any negative effects (unless it get too high -- then dry), but interesting to see that high temp notice.
BTW, I know that to get really crispy wings they can be fried -- but that's not the point, is it. It's like those who told me you can't do Bloomin' Onions on a grill. I never got the ideal, but they sure were good after a few tries. But that's another topic...
