I remember when I first started this blog many moons ago, Certain Someone asked me as he munched on one of my less blog worthy meals, why don’t I show recipes for wings. He liked the endless way I made wings. I thought wings were low brow and simplistic to be featured here, as who wouldn’t know how to make wings? With blogging I find I make the assumption everyone who reads Coco Cooks is a natural and willing cook. Some are and some aren’t. If you look around some of the most successful popular blogs keep it simple and approachable for the masses. As it is often the case it isn’t about the food so much, but the hype and persona behind the blog. I’m not one of those blogs. Yes I have simple recipes, but I also have some complicated challenging ones. I like to push myself. My blog, like my kitchen, is my laboratory.I would like to think you come here as a reader because you like my style overall in the kitchen and in life. I’ve been thinking a lot about the blogging world these past few weeks and have a lot of inward thoughts both positive and at times negative, on the multitude of players and ways that I won’t discuss too much publicly. But every now and then it’s good to reassess “Why I’m here” and why I put it the time and effort and money to share my ideas via blogging . I will say to borrow the words of someone I know , “it’s a splintered community”. I see a vibrant robust community that’s reflective of life, and that’s not always fair, just , even, or sane. The good , bad, and ugly, and questionable. Many rally to a worthy cause or event without hesitation and show great support and love. Some just as worthy causes or life events or tragedies in the community are overlooked with barely a ripple.I guess I feel a little guilty because some tragedies I find out about too late and feel helpless about,while others I see daily due to explosion of Social Media. But, I and others, can’t ignore the huge the huge elephant in the room.Those in my circle may know who and what I refer to. To address the elephant may be interpreted as bitter or full of snark , but it’s not my intention. I have seen some people shamed for saying what they feel because its goes against the popular current. I recognize we all approach and react to grief differently. I’m compassionate and feel for all . But I am observant to all that’s going on around me. It’s all about perception.
I blog as a medium because I love it, pure and simple. The perks and opportunities have been great and many doors have opened for me to meet great people and participate in some fun events. But I do it because cooking food and travel, more so than Blogging itself, is my passion and what drives and consumes me. It’s funny. My new co workers approach me each day to ask me what I cooked the day before. They look at me in that strange but appreciative interest that comes with someone who’s ardent .They love and respect my passion for food as well as my honesty. It’s nice to see a true honest passion without questionable motivations these days amidst dissent, divisions and uncertainty.
Last spring walking through the Naschsmarkt in Vienna, I discovered a shop that’s the inspiration for this dish. Kim’s Kocht Shop and Studio. They had a line of exquisite flavored salts and I purchased a Lemongrass Chili Salt there packaged nicely in small Weck containers. Sadly I used my last drop of the fantastic finishing salt. So with spice grinder in hand, I decide to make my own with a few variations. So here are some tasty easy wings, with an exotic twist influenced by my interests and passions, food, culture and travel. Enjoy it. I know I did. But most important, do what you love, show your love, and stay true.
- 1 stalk lemon grass
- ½ chunk of ginger peeled and sliced
- 2 dried Thai Chilies
- Coarse Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
- 2 lbs chicken wings , cut
- Oil suitable for frying ( pomace, vegetable,peanut, grape-seed, etc.)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dark Sesame Oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds ( to be toasted)
- 1-2 cloves garlic minced
- A few drops Fish Sauce
- Lime , quartered for garnish
- Take a spice grinder and add about 1 -2 tablespoons of the sliced stalk of lemongrass. Add the peeled ginger , and dried chilies and pulse until minced.
- Add enough salt to fill grinder( approx ½ cup or more). Pulse to blend.
- Store in jars to use as a finishing salt.
- In a small dry fry pan, toast the sesame seeds. Do not burn.
- In a small bowl mix the honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and fish sauce. Add the toasted sesame seeds.
- Put aside.
- Wash and dry your wings. Cut into pieces at the joint.
- Prepare your frying pan or deep fryer and fry the chicken ( plain) until golden and crispy at approx a steady temp of 350.
- When done and golden take out and drain on paper towels.
- Immediately sprinkle the Lemongrass Chili Ginger Salt onto the hot wings.
- Drizzle with the honey sesame sauce and serve extra on the side for dipping.
Those look so scrumptious! I particularly like the salt.
Cheers,
Rosa
Your blog is awesome(which I am sure is a reflection of you and your personality)always stay true to who you are,and you will never go wrong.I,as you,am very much up for a challenge in the kitchen(as well as in life)These wings look completely delicious,and “low brow”or not there was a story behind the making of the salt and the wings,it is not always just the food,but it is also the stories and processes behind the food that are just as important.I have select few blogs that I check regularly,and yours is always on the list……..CoCo Cooks ROCKS!!!thanks for sharing.
Thank You Tracey. You brought a smile to my face this Sunday Morning.
I know of what you speak and it’s been bothering me too. I feel for people who are suffering but it is widespread and to think otherwise is foolish. To see efforts for one while others are ignored…that has caused me pain thinking of how I would feel if I were in their shoes.
I love your honest voice as much as I love your creative cooking. What you do is challenging and creative and for some of us, that is simply what cooking is all about!
Thanks my friend 😉
These wings are look amazing and I can’t wait to try them. I had a conversation recently with another blogger friend about how “clique-ish” blogging can be. I also reminded myself of why I do it and that brought me back to reality. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, they are appreciated.
We will be in the seniors home and still be sharing all we have discovered and what’s new to us through our blogs as long as it is still fun!
Love the wings – wings are so often dismissed yet, along with any of the dark meat on a chicken, are my faves. So much flavour!
I think all any of us can do in life, let alone our blogs, is “to thine own self be true”. If you manage that, you’re doing well!
You are a woman of class, grace, and style. I adore your recipes, but I admire your honesty and how you’re “keepin’it real”…;)
You’ve captured why I enjoy blogging too. I think sometimes it’s so easy to get distracted about why we do it, but this post is a great reminder. I have often used the filter that I blog about what I get excited about making regardless of whether it seems high or low brow and hope my readers will get excited too.
Oh, the elephant. He’s a big guy, isn’t he? As long as we all stay true to our interests and respective purpose, blogging will remain a fun and rewarding means of connecting and sharing with others. Blogging and social media can be used for good and make a very large difference regarding community support, but…usually that support is based on popular motives. It’s too bad everything does not receive the same enthusiasm. As usual you’ve made good points and shared a delicious recipe.
Well said Courtney!
I enjoy your blog and hope you keep writing it for a while. x
Ummm lemongrass and ginger salt – I’m in love!!!!
These wings sound so good. Interesting twist with the lemongrass.