Snack: Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey

Health benefits of Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings halved at joint, or wingettes
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup bottled hot sauce, such as Frank's
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Nonstick spray, for greasing
Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce, for serving, recipe follows
Celery sticks, for serving

Instructions

Place the chicken wings in large resealable bag in a shallow baking dish.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and remove from the heat. Stir in the honey, hot sauce, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper. Let cool completely and pour over the chicken wings. Seal the bag and let marinate at room temperature 25 to 30 minutes. Drain and discard the marinade.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large sheet tray with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Bake the chicken on the sheet tray, flipping once halfway through cooking, 35 minutes.
Serve alongside the Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce and celery sticks.
Combine the blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and Worcestershire sauce together in mixing bowl or food processor and mix until combined. Season with salt and pepper.