Photo credit: Saveur.com

Even the most committed diet and exercise devotees need to let loose once in a while.

I’m a firm believer in playing couch potato during football games; it’s perfect opportunity to make the most of your rest and recovery day.

But there is a difference between watching the linemen…and eating like one, which is why these wings are a perfect addition to your next game-day gathering.

Not only does the recipe come from my mom, a born-and-bred Buffalonian, but it’s a healthier take on the authentic recipe (i.e. crispy, delicious and not at all fried).

Betty’s Baked Buffalo Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 package chicken wings
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Frank’s Hot Sauce
• Celery, cleaned and cut into sticks
• Your favorite low-fat blue cheese dressing

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Remove chicken wings from package; cut off wing tips and separate drumette and double-bone pieces at the joint.
3. Bake wings on a foil-lined cookie sheet until skin is crispy on the outside and meat is no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes (turn the wings over halfway so they cook evenly).
4. Mix butter, vinegar and Frank’s Hot Sauce in a large bowl, adding wings and tossing gently until completely coated.
5. Place wings on a second foil-lined cookie sheet, and bake again at 275 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until nice and crisp.
6. Serve with celery sticks and low-fat blue cheese dressing dip while cheering on your team!