Solving Problems
(Scroll down to "The Playlist" and hit play before reading... works better that way!)
We ain't up to nothing... we're just sitting here solving all the problems of the world.
This one's dedicated to my old pal Ian. Seems that every time we get together we have a little Porch Pondering session. The only problem is that afterwards we can't really remember what we talked about. Reminds me of one of my favorite quotes by Hemingway... "Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut." I guess that's just the way it goes.
So, with all of that said, we figured we give you something to ponder on. This week we're fixing up some Smoky Wings, Front Porch Lemonade and some tunes to help you think about... well you know, all the important stuff that needs taking care of.
Conversation covers just about everything... The Pots Are On!
The Plate...
Smoky Crispy Wings/Maple Butter Hot Sauce
Ok, we're going to show how to make wings that are both smoky & crispy. Easy to do and man what a crowd pleaser. These are great for parties, tailgating or porch pondering.
What you need...
2 lbs wings
1/2 cup kosher salt
2 quarts water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 sick butter
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup wood chips (we like applewood)
What you do...
Mix together the salt, sugar and water in a large bowl.
Add the chicken in the brine and place in the fridge for at least a couple hours.
Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry and brush with 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
Set up your grill for indirect heat with a smoker box filled with the wood chips.
Grill at 275 for about an hour.
Remove the chicken from the grill.
Mix together the corn starch and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
Brush the chicken all over.
Put the chicken back on the grill and cook direct, turning, until the skin is crispy.
Melt the butter, hot sauce and maple syrup in a small pot. Whisk until it is mixed.
Take the chicken off the grill, plate and pour the Maple/Hot sauce over the chicken.
Chop up a little parsley and sprinkle on the chicken (if you want to get fancy).
The Playlist...
Porch Pondering
So, all things considered what should we talk about? Well, just turn on this playlist and something will come to you. Hell, even if it's just talking about your front porch you'd be surprised some off the observations you'll come up with.
The Mix...
Front Porch Lemonade
What you need...
1 1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup boiling water
1 tbsp grated fresh lemon zest
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 12 lemons)
4 1/2 cups cold water
4 oz bourbon
8-10 mint leaves
What you do...
Simmer the sugar and boiling water until dissolved.
Muddle mint leaves in a large pitcher.
Mix in all of the other ingredients.
Serve over ice with a garnish of mint.
One option would be to add a little ginger ale to the mix.
Be careful in that rocker.
I Hear What You're Saying...
Wait... What Was That Middle Part Again!
Please... Day Drink Responsibly
&
Keep On Cookin'!
