PLATES ACROSS THE STATES by Rocky Durham, Chef-at-Large

BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS

4 to 5 pounds chicken wings

Salt and pepper

4 cups vegetable oil

4 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons Tabasco sauce

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Blue cheese dressing

Celery sticks

1. Season wings with salt and pepper.

2. Heat oil to 400 degrees in a deep fryer or deep 12-inch skillet.

3. Add half of the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown (about 4 minutes). Then drain on paper towels. Repeat with the second half.

4. In a separate pan, melt the butter, add hot sauce and vinegar.

5. Toss the wings in a bowl with the sauce.

6. Serve with a good bottled blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

7. Sing the Star Spangled Banner!

Serves five to six.

@EDITRULE:

Rocky Durham is an internationally acclaimed chef and television personality who is the featured chef for the newly released video ?Savour Santa Fe.? Visit Rocky?s Web site at www.rockydurham.com.