Indirect grilling
Makes 24 pieces, serving 8 as an appetizer
For the wings and marinade:
12 whole chicken wings (about 2 pounds)
2 cups of your favorite beer (preferably a dark one)
1 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce (a good brand is Mae Ploy, available in the ethnic section of larger supermarkets)
1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
You'll also need:
1-1/2 cups smoking wood chips or chunks
Directions:
Rinse the chicken wings under cold running water and blot dry with paper towels. Cut the tips off the wings and discard them. Cut each wing into 2 pieces through the joint. Place the wings in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and add the beer. Let the wings marinate for 12 to 24 hours; the longer they marinate, the more pronounced the beer flavor will be.
Place the salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, and celery seed in a small bowl and whisk together. Set the rub aside.
Drain the wings in a colander and blot them dry with paper towels; discard the beer. Place the wings in a mixing bowl. Add the rub and toss to coat the wings evenly. Add the olive oil and toss well to mix.
Setup the grill for indirect grilling and preheat to medium. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips or chunks in the smoker box and run the grill on high until you see smoke; then reduce the heat to medium. If using a charcoal grill, place a large drip pan in the center, preheat the grill to medium, then toss all of the wood chips or chunks on the coals.
When ready to cook, brush and oil the grate. Place the wings in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan and away from the heat, and cover the grill. Cook the wings, turning periodically, until the skin is golden brown and crisp, and the meat is cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking time, brush the wings with the Thai chili sauce and sizzle on both sides. To test for doneness, make a tiny cut in the thickest part of one of the larger wing halves. There should be no trace of red at the bone.
Transfer the wings to a clean shallow serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the wings, and serve at once. You'll want to provide plenty of napkins to your guests.
