Here we are. We made it through another year. For those of you that are able to stay up past midnight, and for those of you who try, but simply snack until you can’t stay awake any longer, I’ve included a couple of recipes for appetizers to share with friends/guests or just to munch on with the kids until one of you falls asleep.
Restaurant Style Hot Wings
oil for deep frying
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup hot sauce
1 dash ground black pepper
1 dash garlic powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
10 chicken wings
Directions: Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F. The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep. Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and reserve for serving. In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes. Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve.
2 egg whites
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 cups oil for deep frying
Directions: Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a medium glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until they just hold a stiff peak. Fold in Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed. Form level teaspoons of batter into balls. Fry balls a few at a time, turning once until crisp and golden. Using a slotted spoon, remove puffs from oil and place onto paper towels to drain. These are so easy to make, and best served warm. I like to serve them with a little marinara sauce for dipping-or your favorite pasta sauce/pizza sauce.
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
24 pimento-stuffed green olives
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small mixing bowl, combine cheese and butter or margarine. Stir flour and cayenne pepper into the cheese and butter mixture. Blend well. Wrap a tablespoon of dough around each green olive. Arrange the wrapped olives on a cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. These are also best when served warm.
Happy New Year! I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you with any suggestions or recipes you like. I can be reached at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, PO Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
