Hot-As-You-Like Asian Chicken Wings

FOR THE WINGS

Step 1: Remove wing tips from chicken wings and save for stock. Cut wings in half at the elbow joint, creating two pieces per wing.

Step 2: Place wings, mint, gingerroot, garlic, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and vegetable oil in a self-sealing plastic bag, and mix evenly to coat wings. Squeeze out air and seal bag, Let marinate, refrigerated, for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake wings on a rack in a shallow baking pan until completely cooked, 30 minutes.

FOR THE SAUCE

Step 4: Put vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sugar and the 2 teaspoons of soy sauce in a small, 1 quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and continue to simmer briskly until sauce is reduced to 1/3 cup. Remove from heat. Reserve. At this point you may whisk in hot chili oil to taste, adding as you go to your favorite heat.

Step 5: Remove cooked wings from oven. Using tongs, place in a medium bowl. Add all the reserved sauce and toss repeatedly with rubber spatulas to coat wings.

Step 6: Place wings back on baking rack. Return to oven. Let bake until glaze sets but does not burn, about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Remove from oven. Serve with plenty of napkins and cold beer.