Crackling wings tossed in honey butter, celery on the side and blue cheese standing by for rescue: Sauce Martin’s Carolina Reaper hot sauce opens on flowers and tropical fruit before an intense, lingering heat, so add it drop by drop.

Serves 4 · 15 min + 50 min baking

  1. Toss 2 lb (900 g) of chicken wings with 1 tbsp of baking powder and 1 tsp of salt, then spread them on a rack set over a baking sheet.
  2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, turning halfway, until crisp and cooked through (165°F/74°C).
  3. Meanwhile, melt 4 tbsp (60 g) of butter with 1 tbsp of honey and stir in 3 to 5 drops of Carolina Reaper hot sauce, tasting carefully.
  4. Toss the hot wings in the sauce and serve with celery sticks and a cooling blue cheese dip.

The star of this recipe: Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce, by Sauce Martin.

— Clipperton