Three ballpark snack hits for a home game

Fix me some peanuts and Cracker Jack. Baseball season is here, whether it feels like it or not. Until you can make your way to Safeco Field and take in a game, set the mood at home. And what better way to set the mood than with food? How about beer and buffalo wings while you watch the Mariners take on the Texas Rangers at 7 tonight for the final game in their opening series.

Spice up some peanuts and let classic Cracker Jack inspire your big bowl of popcorn.

Buffalo-style wings

5pounds chicken wings

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1stick unsalted butter

112-ounce bottle Frank’s Red Hot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce

2tablespoons white vinegar

10-12 cups canola oil (or other high-heat vegetable oil)

Blue cheese dip and celery sticks, for serving (see note)

Buy large, fresh wings. Freezing causes tiny ice particles to form.

Cutting the wings is important. Using kitchen shears or a chef’s knife, cut off the tip, the pointy part with little meat. Discard or save for making stock. Spread and straighten the wing, which helps create space in the joint, where you cut the wing in two. If you prefer to buy your wings already separated, look for packages marked “party wings” to simplify prep.

Pat the wings dry with a paper towel, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and allow to sit at room temperature, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Season the wings with pepper.

In small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the hot sauce and vinegar. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees. Line a large plate with a thick layer of paper towels.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a very large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven. Fill with oil to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat over medium until the oil reaches 375 degrees.

Add wings without crowding pot (about 10 to 15 at a time) and stir once to keep from sticking together.

Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked wings to the paper towel-lined plate to drain, then transfer them to a large bowl.

Drizzle the wings with some of the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Transfer the coated wings to a clean baking sheet or large baking dish and place in the oven to keep warm.

Return the oil to 375 degrees, then repeat with remaining wings. If the sauce thickens between batches, reheat on stove.

Serve with blue cheese dip and celery sticks.

Makes 40 to 45 wings.

Chili lime roasted peanuts

2tablespoons peanut oil

2tablespoons lime juice

1/2teaspoon chili powder

1teaspoon cumin

1tablespoon sugar

2tablespoons kosher salt, divided

4cups roasted shelled peanuts (not salted)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt. Add the peanuts and toss well to coat.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the peanut to a rimmed baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Roast, stirring once, for about 8 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the peanuts with the remaining tablespoon of salt. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Caramel peanut popcorn

3-4 quarts popped corn (see note)

2cups roasted, salted, shelled peanuts

1stick butter

1/2cup brown sugar

1/2cup light corn syrup

2tablespoons molasses

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat a wooden or other large spoon with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine the popcorn and peanuts. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup and molasses. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reads 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.

Pour the syrup over the popcorn and peanuts, using the prepared spoon to toss the mixture until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Let the popcorn cool, then break into small chunks.

Makes 6 servings.

Note: The more popcorn you use, the thinner the caramel coating. For more candy coating and larger chunks, use 3 quarts. For a more even mixture, use 4 quarts.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Everett P. Fog, 15, in front of an Everett mural along Colby Avenue on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hello, Everett! No escape when your name is same as the town

Everett P. Fog, 15, sees and hears his first name wherever he goes. His middle name is also epic.

2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition (Provided by Nissan).
2025 Nissan Rogue has new Rock Creek edition

Enhanced outdoor capability is a boon for the more adventurous.

Futuristic Kona Limited Photo Provided By Hyundai Newsroom.
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited SUV Gets Roomier

All-Wheel Drive Option Add To All Trims

Children play and look up at a large whale figure hanging from the ceiling at the Imagine Children’s Museum (Olivia Vanni / The herald)
Fun for all ages: The best places for family adventures

From thrilling activities to relaxing outings, here’s where to make unforgettable family memories!

Jared Meads takes a breath after dunking in an ice bath in his back yard while his son Fallen, 5, reads off the water temperature on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Chill out: Dive into the cold plunge craze

Plungers say they get mental clarity and relief for ails in icy water in tubs, troughs and clubs.

Schack exhibit to highlight Camano Island watercolorists

“Four Decades of Friendship: John Ebner & John Ringen” will be on display Jan. 16 through Feb. 9.

XRT Trim Adds Rugged Features Designed For Light Off-Roading
Hyundai Introduces Smarter, More Capable Tucson Compact SUV For 2025

Innovative New Convenience And Safety Features Add Value

Sequoia photo provided by Toyota USA Newsroom
If Big Is Better, 2024 Toyota Sequoia Is Best

4WD Pro Hybrid With 3-Rows Elevates Full-Size

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser revives its roots

After a 3-year hiatus, the go-anywhere SUV returns with a more adventurous vibe.

Enjoy the wilderness in the CX-50. Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda CX-50 Adds Hybrid Capability to Turbo Options

Line-Up Receives More Robust List Of Standard Equipment

Practical And Functional bZ4X basks in sunshine. Photo provided by Toyota Newsroom.
2024 bZ4X Puts Toyota Twist On All-Electric SUV’s

Modern Styling, Tech & All-Wheel Drive Highlight

Photo provided by Mazda USA Newsroom
2025 Mazda3 Turbo Premium Plus Hatch Delivers Value

Plus Functionality of AWD And G-Vectoring

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.