A lesson in hot wings apprenticeship
There is a tradition in my family, one that has only been established over the last few years but will live on as legend even if the generations neglect to use it due to potentially hazardous effects. It is a summer delicacy of the hottest hot wings this side of hell, and I had finally been approved by the Master Chef to become his apprentice in terror.
The ingredients list is dead simple (pun not intended) – the only trick lies in the cornstarch. Of course, being a tradition, what great leader wouldn’t take pains to assure his love and legend results in the finest? A sauce that will mortify guests and procure enemies? To be sure, this was a recipe that must be carefully watched while at the same time allowing room for self governance.
All followed well until cornstarch time, the final thickening touch before a silent rest and generous application. ‘I like to do it this way,’ the Master so tactfully illustrated, ‘it’s not a science, but I like having extra just in case’. Immediately I think to myself, ‘this isn’t the way I’d do it’, but watch with a glossy eye imbued by nervous anticipation. Both parties assured to the execution of cornstarch, we go our separate ways – one to the shower, the other to the stove. Wooden spoon ready, I take the small porcelain dish of excess cornstarch and prepare to carefully stir the pièce de résistance. Pouring and stirring, waiting, and pourrrring – OH NO, it’s the whole bowl! It’s smooth beauty destroyed with an oatmeal consistency – expectations are dashed!! LIFE AS I KNOW IT IS FINISHED.
As anyone would do in the midst of a crisis, I looked for the nearest exit before finally assuming a temporary calm to figure out how best I could compromise. Should I put more water in there? More hot sauce, but will I risk erupting stomachs in ulcers? Before finalizing my plan of attack, I soon realized that (a) I should never have agreed to make something perfect, and (b) I should have communicated my own approach to cornstarch execution. Very similar to any design project, as well. With a variety of people invested comes a variety of hopes and dreams, and as much as one might document design goals, it’s terribly difficult to guarantee award winning design. Not only that, but if one person forgets to communicate something somewhere along the line, the project suffers even more. So what is a good recipe for non-disaster? Maybe it’s honesty, communication, trust – and perhaps a bit of mercy for the tough spots.
Thankfully we had all those at the crisis point, and our hot wings hardly suffered paired with hot mashed potatoes and a summer salad. A lesson learned and a step ahead, I can now say I am a successful, independent hot wing extraordinaire. Thanks Dad!
Download a recipe card and make your own hot wings!
Original recipe inspired by Jake’s Buffalo Wings.