Superbowl 2014: Sticky Wings, Broccoli Salad, and Guacamole

For this year's Superbowl Party, I decided to make Chicken Wings (they were on sale at the store).  This slow-cooked version finished under the broiler kept the chicken nice and moist with a deliously sweet and gooey sauce that was finger-lickin' good.  Really superb.    The broccoli salad tasted healthy and fresh, thanks to the blanching technique.  Jeremy didn't like the raisins, but I liked the little bite of sweetness with the salty bacon and walnuts in the salad.  This guacamole recipe is a keeper too.  Mmmm, guac.

Sticky Wings
from Slow Cooker Revolution
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
3-4 pounds whole chicken wings, wingtips discarded and wings split
salt and pepper
For basting sauce:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Directions:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to slow cooker.  Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Cayenne, and add to slow cooker, tossing to coat chicken.  Cook until chicken is tender, about 4 hours on low.

Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking pan and coat with vegetable spray.   Transfer chicken to rack; discard accumulated liquid in slow cooker.

Combine ingredients for the basting sauce and brush chicken with half the mixture.  Broil until lightly charred, about 10 minutes.  Flip chicken over, brush with remaining sauce, and broil on second side 5-10 minutes.  Serve with extra napkins. :)

*****

Broccoli Salad
Recipe adapted from Cooking for Two-2013
Serves 2-4

Ingredients:
1 head broccoli, florets cut (~10 oz)
2 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1/4 cup light Miracle Whip (or mayo)
1/2 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries
3 tablespoons toasted chopped walnuts
1/2 cup shredded cabbage 
1/2 small shallot, minced

Directions:
To blanch broccoli (which helps reduce woodiness and eliminates need for sugar): Boil water in a medium pot; add broccoli and cook for 1 minute.  Drain and immediately place broccoli in a large bowl of ice and water to cool, about 2 minutes.  Drain again and spin dry.

In a large bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, vinegar, salt, and pepper.  Add the broccoli and all the other ingredients and toss to combine.

****

Guacamole

Ingredients:
3 ripe Haas Avocados
1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh Cilantro leaves

Directions:
Mash the avocado, lime juice, and salt together in a medium bowl.  Add everything except for the tomatoes and mix to combine.  Gently fold in the tomatoes.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.