Sweet-and-Spicy Chipotle Chicken Wings

Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1  (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2  tablespoons  butter
• 1/2  cup  honey
• 1/4  cup  chipotle-flavored hot sauce
• 1  tablespoon  grated lime rind (about 3 limes)
• 3  tablespoons  fresh lime juice
• 1/4  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 4  to 5 pounds chicken wings
• 1  tablespoon  salt
• 1  teaspoon  pepper
• 1  cup  all-purpose flour
• Peanut or vegetable oil

Preparation

Heat tomato sauce and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts. Stir in honey and next 4 ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 5 minutes. Set tomato sauce mixture aside.

Cut off wingtips, and discard. Cut wings in half at joint, if desired.

Sprinkle wings evenly with salt and pepper; dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven; heat oil to 375°.

Fry wings, in 3 batches, 8 minutes per batch or until golden and crispy. Remove wings from oil using a slotted spoon; drain on layers of paper towels. (Allow oil to return to 375° before adding next batch of wings.)

Place wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with tomato sauce mixture, tossing well to coat. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.