Balsamic BBQ Wings & Twisted Pasta Salad

It's been awhile since I've posted a recipe (sorry about that y'all). I needed a vacay from my crazy-busy schedule, and now that I've had it I'm back on my grind (and back at the keyboard :D ). Although I've been awhile from posting recipes, I've still been busy in the Test Kitchen whipping up new recipes and trying new things out. Today's recipes are something that the hubby absolutely LOVED and I've made at least 5 times since its original conception date :D A little sweet, a little spicy and a some smokey kick behind it - these wings are delish and ADDICTIVE! Paired with my Twisted Pasta Salad tossed with Wishbone's gluten free salad dressing (a new found grocery favorite), makes you feel like summer time's already in full swing.

On another note, Udi's Gluten Free Foods is releasing their brand spanking new gluten free hot dog and hamburger buns next month (in addition to TWO new grain breads) just in time for grilling season. I'm SO excited about the new products (not only because I'm a Udi's Ambassador) but also because I've missed hamburgers and hot dogs on REAL buns! Finally someone has created just the thing for all my fellow Celiacs and gluten intolerables out there! Thank goodness! And of course you can pick it up when it hits shelves in May at your local grocery stores (i.e. Safeway, Fred Meyer's, Kroger's, Whole Foods). Another new love since my mini-technology vacay...Cream of Rice! A sister of the traditional Cream of Wheat, this is definitely a must have staple in any gluten free pantry. It's just as quick and easy to make as Cream of Wheat is, and the taste is EXACTLY the same. I've had it every morning since its arrival on my grocery store's shelf and it's the perfect warm-me-up breakfast. I mix it with a little nonfat milk, some Truvia and some blueberries and it's like having a bowl of blueberry muffins first thing in the morning! It's my new Heaven in a bowl :D

All this talk about food is making me hungry - so let me get to these recipes so I can get cracking back in the kitchen :D

Happy cooking and better eating y'all...

Balsamic BBQ Wings:
2 lbs chicken wings (washed and seperated)
Salt/Pepper

For Sauce:
1 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup gluten free ketchup (Try Organicville)
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp Montreal Seasoning (Try McCormick's)

*Preheat oven to 375 degrees*
- Season chicken wings with salt and pepper; arrange on broiler pan lined with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and stir until all the ingredients are incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer over medium heat until reduced by 1/3, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Baste chicken with half the sauce and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Flip and baste other side and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove and serve with pasta salad (recipe below)

Twisted Pasta Salad:
1 package Quinoa Veggie Curly Noodles
3/4 cup Wishbone's Raspberry Walnut Vinegarrette
2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
1/2 red bell pepper (finely chopped)
1/2 cup frozen broccoli (thawed)
1 jar marinated artichoke hearts (drained)

- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and mix with veggies, cheese and dressing.
- Chill for at least 3 hours before serving.