Hot Chicken Wings

I think there must be a law in the South about serving chicken wings at a tailgate party.

Oil for frying

2 pounds chicken wings

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

cup butter, melted

3 tablespoons hot sauce of your choice

Celery sticks for dipping

Blue cheese dressing

Pour the oil into a Dutch oven or large pot and bring to 350 degrees over high heat. Remove and discard the wing tip and separate each wing into 2 pieces. In a medium bowl combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Coat the drumettes and wings with the flour mixture. Fry each batch in a single layer for 10 minutes, being careful not to crowd the pan. Remove to a platter and keep warm while frying the remaining drumettes and wings. In a small bowl mix the butter and hot sauce together and pour over the cooked pieces. Toss to coat each piece evenly. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.