Tequila Marinated Wings w/ Blue Cheese Dip

Ingredients ~

1-1/2 lbs chicken wings
1/3 cup tequila
1/3 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar (or agave nectar)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon jalapeño pepper sauce
2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
Vegetable oil

Preparation ~

Trim the wing tips and discard, then separate the wings into two pieces, cutting through the joint. Combine the tequila and lime juice in a glass measure. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Whisk in the olive oil, jalapeño pepper sauce and garlic. Place the chicken wings in a shallow dish or heavy zip-top bag and cover with the marinade. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, turning once.

Heat about 1/8-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the wings and cook, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes.

Transfer to a plate, add a little more oil and repeat with the remaining wings. Wipe out the pan and add the leftover marinade. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened to a glaze consistency (for safety reasons, cook for a minimum of 5 minutes).

Return the wings to the pan, turn to coat with glaze and serve with Tangy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce.

Makes 18 to 20 pieces

Tangy Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Ingredients ~

1/2 clove garlic, very finely chopped
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon jalapeño pepper sauce