Soy Sauce Chicken Wings

I've lived in Georgia for 15 years - Why am I just now finding out about a fantastic little winery in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains? 🍷At the risk of overcrowding this secluded vineyard and against my better judgment that wants me to keep this hidden gem to myself - I'm going to let you in on this little known secret oasis that I just discovered. 🤫

Crane Creek Winery is perfectly incorporated into the Chattahoochee National Forest on the border of Georgia and North Carolina.  Don't let the remoteness of it's location discourage you from visiting though.  It's tucked away in the tiny town of Young Harris.  Less than a 2 1/2 hour drive from Atlanta, Chattanooga and Knoxville - it's well worth making the scenic drive to the winery - trust me.  It's beautiful location and serene setting is what makes this little vineyard so charming.  ⛰

Did I mention that Crane Creek is dog friendly? 🐶Even our less than energetic pooch, enjoyed exploring the vineyard and strolling through the endless rows of grape vines.  Who wouldn't love a walk through the beautiful landscape and then a nap on the lawn overlooking this amazing view?  😂 

Let me start by saying - I am by no means a wine connoisseur.  Most days, I prefer a dry red but I'll try just about any wine at least once.  I'm not an expert on wine drinking and I'm even less of an expert on wine buying. 😅I rarely get it right when it comes to pairing the right wine with foods. 

​Sooooo, we asked the advice of the very helpful salesman when it came to choosing a bottle of wine to enjoy with our picnic lunch at Crane Creek.  He suggested a bottle of Vidal Blanc and I have to say - we were not disappointed.  It was the perfect wine for a warm, August afternoon in the Smoky Mountains.  

I know, I know.  A winery endorsement is a strange way to go on a blog post about chicken wings.  Wings and beer - that's more of an acceptable pairing. 🍺 But what happens if you don't like beer?  Surely those of use who prefer wine over beer don't have to give up on wings altogether though.  This wine enthusiast wants to know - What wine do you pair with beautifully golden baked chicken wings?  

This recipe for chicken wings may sound super time consuming but most of the time is "hands-off."  You can prepare the marinade for these wings well in advance and let them sit in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours.  When they come out of the frig - pop them on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven for an hour and voila - perfectly sweet and salty chicken wings - To enjoy with a beer or a nice glass of wine.  😅

Soy Sauce Chicken Wings
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup canola oil
1/4 cup brown sugar
12 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 pounds chicken wings
2 scallions, sliced thin

Combine soy, oil, sugar, garlic and cayenne in 1 gallon ziploc bag.

Add wings to marinade.  Seal and refrigerate 2-6 hours.

Arrange wings on greased, foil lined baking sheet, fatty side up.

Bake 1 hour, 5 minutes at 350 or until well browned.

Transfer to platter.  Sprinkle with scallions.  Serve.

​Football season is right around the corner and whether your team is playing or not - you need to keep this recipe in your back pocket.  It is a perfect, Saturday afternoon - sit down to watch the game kind of food.  Enjoy!

​Ciao!

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