In Search of American Cuisine - New York

When someone mentions New York, the first image that comes to mind is New York City. And why not? It’s our nations largest city. It’s the financial capital of the world. Most of our ancestors passed through the city at one time when migrating to this country.

Because of this, the city has so many diverse cultures. As you pass through the city, it’s like taking a tour of the world, with different sections of the city representing different countries and cultures. Because of this, its one of the only places that you can find any type of authentic world food, and its readily available.

Because there are so many choices, like California, I will have to submit a number of choices for New York.

So lets step out of the city, and take a look at what the whole state has to offer.

It’s been a while (not that long!) since grade school and our exciting geography of the United States class. So here is a reminder of some of the fascinating facts about New York.

The first capital of the United States was New York City. In 1789 George Washington took his oath of office there.

Alexander Hamilton established the oldest running newspaper, “The New York Post”, on 1803.

There are numerous inventions that have come out of New York. Many have become commonplace in our country and the world including the first Steamboat. And yes, lets not forget toilet paper.

One of the most amazing facts is a great trivia answer. Did you know that Adirondack Park is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Olympic parks combined? Wow!!

When I was trying to decide which food would truly represent New York as far as American Cuisine is concerned, it was very difficult at first. So many choices! But then it hit me. There is one food that we have all had, and probably love. A food that is one of the most popular dishes in America that can be found in every state, yet originated in New York in the 1960’s in..

Buffalo, New York

Well that probably gave it way, but if you haven’t guessed yet, we’re of course talking about..

Buffalo Chicken Wings


OK, OK…Maybe not the most sophisticated dish, but no one can argue that fact its one of the most popular foods in America, and one of the best tasting. Whether in Restaurants, Parties or even Tailgating, it’s the one food you will always see served.

So where did this idea come from?

It’s pretty much agreed on, that this American staple was first prepared at The Anchor Bar, located in Buffalo New York. Whether it was created on the fly because of a late night visit by the owner’s son and his college friends, or because of a mistake in a food delivery, its believed they were first served on Oct. 3 1964.

There is another story of a man supposedly served chicken wings in a special “mambo” sauce at his restaurant in the mid 60’s. Because of the popularity of the wings, he named and registered his restaurant John Young’s Wings and Things at the courthouse before leaving in 1970.

I like many, give credit to The Anchor Bar.

Some people shy away from Buffalo Wings because they associate the words “Hot” with Wings. I like my wings with a little spice but I promise you, these are not over bearing. This recipe is so easy to adjust to your preference, that you can kick up the heat, or sweeten the chicken with out missing a step.

The original version of Buffalo Wings was served fried. Today many people love them served this way. In a small effort to make these a little healthier, this recipe calls for the chicken to be baked.

Up until a couple of years ago, I prepared Wings in a very simple way. I cooked the wings, and then just added the bottled wing sauce and served. They were great.

Then a friend turned me on to a little twist to prepare the sauce, and I’ve never gone back. Apparently this recipe has been around but I had never tried it. I’m sure you’ll love it as well.

Before the recipe, I wanted to make a couple of comments about the sauce. There are hundreds of versions of Wing Sauce on the market. In this recipe we use one of them. It might sound like a good idea to make your own sauce from scratch but it is so much work and takes so much time, for very little sauce.

If you have a favorite, feel free to use it, but I prefer Franks Red Hot. Don’t let the name fool you; it’s just a brand name. Like other brands, it comes in Hot, Medium and Mild.
I use Medium.

So lets get to it. This is so easy!

RECIPE


12 oz Bottle “Franks Red Hot” Wing Sauce
¼ Cup Brown Sugar
1 Stick Butter
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic (3 Cloves)
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
4 – 1lb Packages Chicken Drumetts (40)
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Ground Pepper


PREPARATION

Pre Heat Oven to 350 Degrees
Place all Chicken directly onto Lightly Greased Large Cookie Sheet.

Do not wash chicken. I do not use foil as the chicken will tend to stick and it’s easier to turn without the foil.

Season Chicken with Salt and Pepper and place in Oven

Pour all of Bottled Wing sauce into a small Sauce Pan.
Slice up whole stick of butter and place in Sauce Pan with Wing Sauce
Add Garlic to mixture
Add Brown Sugar to mixture

If you would like your sauce a little more sweet add a little more Brown Sugar. If you like it a little hotter add less.

Add Worcestershire Sauce to Mixture


Place pan on Low to Medium Heat. Stir frequently.
** Watch carefully as you do not want to burn

Bring to a low boil continuing to stir for 1 minute
Remove from Heat and cover

After 45 Minutes remove Chicken from Oven.
Turn Chicken and place back in Oven

Cook for another 45 minutes.
Remove Chicken from Oven.

With a spatula or large serving spoon, remove Chicken from Cookie sheet to a Large Mixing Bowl
Pour Sauce Mixture over Chicken and Toss
Let Stand for 5 Min
Heat oven to Broil
Place Sauced Chicken back onto Cookie Sheet and Place back in oven 3-5 Minutes
Remove Chicken from Oven and Place directly into Serving Dish.

Serve with Celery and your favorite Blue Cheese Dressing.


Enjoy!!

Be sure to vote your opinion of this recipe in the top left hand corner. Your comments are always welcome.

Next Week we will not be heading to a specific state as we need to mix in some vegetables. I'll have 4 great recipes for you as well as a couple of salads.