Our best memories are full of flavors, aromas, and textures that bring them to mind again and again.

The scent of vanilla takes us back to the cakes baked by grandma on a Saturday afternoon.  Smoky flavors remind us of the meat roasted by dad on a spring Sunday. The coffee steam when we enter a specialty house takes us to the mornings when mom prepared her own before leaving for work.

Cooking is more than the sum of foods and nutrients. It is also enjoyment and shared moments with family and friends; and if there is a dish that both kids and grownups enjoy the same, that is American-style chicken wings.

That’s why this recipe was created back in 1964 in an American bar by Teressa Bellissimo, a mother who wanted to treat her son.

It’s the perfect meal to share while we watch a movie with the little ones or play some games with friends. It will take you back to the best moments of your childhood.

American-style chicken wings

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• black pepper (to taste)
• 6 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon tabasco sauce
• olive oil (for frying).

Accompaniment:

• 2 carrots
• celery stalks
• blue cheese sauce.

Preparation

The marinade:

It is the star of this recipe. To get the best results, you must sift the flour, mix it with the spices and spread it over the clean wings (having previously discarded the tip). Let them rest in the fridge for at least two hours.

The sauce:

Melt the butter over low heat and add the Tabasco sauce. Mix all and set aside at room temperature until ready to serve.

Plating:

When the sauce is ready to use, fry the wings in hot oil until golden brown and place them on paper towels.

Put them in a bowl and add the sauce. Serve single portions.

The accompaniment

Some carrot and celery sticks and a serving of blue cheese sauce match this dish perfectly. But, if you prefer, a tomato-based sauce would also be a good option.

You could order them from a fast food chain, but you would be missing out on those moments that will never come back: cooking with your family and immersing yourself in aromas that a few years later will become cherished memories.