The fest will also include a taste test, the "Lord of the Wings" eating contest, live music, prizes, and all the wings you can eat. WingFest raises money for charity. This year, the beneficiairy is Chicago Neighbors United (http://chicnu.org/), a community-based organization that provides educational scholarships to inner city youth.
The event is sold out, but the organizers as well as ABC7's Hungry Hound Steve Dolinsky (link: http://stevedolinsky.com/?p=7208) are giving away tickets online.
If you cannot make it, you can still prepare award-winning wings at home. Ryan Kikkert, executive chef at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, joined us in our ABC7 studio kitchen to show us how to make grilled Cajun wings. Also, WingFest organizer Matt Kubinski told us about the event.
Grilled Cajun Wings
Ingredients:
2 tblsps Olive Oil
1 dz Chicken Wings
Cajun Rub:
2 tblsps Paprika
1 tblsp Salt
1 tblsp Black Pepper
2 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tsps Onion Powder
2 tsps Cayenne
1 tsp Dried Thyme
1 tsp Dried Oregano
Directions:
Toss chicken wings in olive oil, then coat evenly with cajun rub.
Grill chicken wing over medium flame for 10 to 12 minutes (until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees) turning frequently.
Creole Sauce:
1 tblsp Butter
1 tblsp Olive Oil
1 Onion
2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
½ cup Green Peppers (Chopped)
½ cup Celery (Chopped)
1 tsp Creole Seasoning
½ tsp Paprika (Ground)
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 dash Black Pepper (Ground)
¼ tsp Salt
14 oz Diced Tomatoes
1 tblsp Tomato Paste
½ cup Chicken Broth
1 Bay Leaf
1 tsp Sugar
Directions:
Heat butter & oil in a sauce pan over medium heat.
Saute onions, peppers, celery and garlic 3-4 minutes.
Stir in seasonings, bay leaf, and tomato paste until incorporated.
Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire.
Simmer 5-6 minutes.
13th Annual Chicago WingFest
Sunday, February 26
1 p.m.
Bailey Auditorium
1340 W. Washington
Chicago
(link: www.WingFest.net)
