Buffalo Rising Online

May 19th 2007, 7:42am By Christa Glennie Seychew

Diane Notto-Hamric, Buffalo native and former cake decorator, has just released a cookbook with a Buffalo theme. “It’s a Wing Thing…Buffalo Style” is a compilation of original recipes devoted to the noble Buffalo chicken wing. Recipes are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner, each featuring the classic WNY flavor combination of chicken and wing sauce.

We’ve included an excerpt from the interview YUM conducted with the author, which can be found in its entirety in the May issue of BRM. Also, one of her many recipes can be found below. This one is for Chicken Wing Egg Rolls, which are a great addition to any snack selection- especially the one you offer up during a Sabres game.

BRM: How many of the recipes did you have to develop specifically for the book, or how many did you use in your own kitchen before you decided to assemble the book?

Notto-Hamric: We probably put together five or six recipes previous to the book. I think that’s when my husband and I came up with the idea to put together the rest of them for the cookbook. We had chicken wing appetizers and meals throughout the Sabres’ playoff games last year and all summer/fall long. We already have about 15 more for the next book. What I’d really like is for people to share/submit any ideas that they have on new recipes so that they can be a part of the next book. Of course they will be given the credit.

BRM: How many recipes are in the book?

Notto-Hamric: I have 125 “chicken wing” type recipes and 25 dessert recipes. The desserts don’t really have anything to do with chicken wings; I just wanted to put recipes in there that are quick and easy for people to make.

BRM: What is the oddest recipe- in your opinion or in the eyes of others?

Notto-Hamric: I would have to say chicken wing egg rolls.

BRM: The most popular?

Notto-Hamric: Definitely the chicken wing enchiladas.

BRM: Your personal favorite?

Notto-Hamric: Chicken wing pizza.

BRM: Where can people buy “It’s a Wing Thing…Buffalo Style”?

Notto-Hamric: We sell the book on our website www.buffalowingthing.com. It costs $20. It’s also available at Premier Gourmet on Delaware and at the Borders in Orchard Park where we’ll have a signing on June 9th. You will also see us all over this summer, including the Erie County Fair and the Hamburger Festival.

Chicken Wing Egg Rolls
Recipe from “It’s a Wing Thing…Buffalo Style” by Diane Notto-Hamric
1 pkg egg roll wrappers • 1 cup chicken breast, cooked & shredded • 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/4 cup chicken wing sauce • 1 egg, beaten • 2 cups oil, for frying • chicken wing sauce and/or blue cheese dressing for dipping (optional)

Mix chicken, carrots, celery, cheese and chicken wing sauce together in a medium size bowl. Take one wrapper and place a tablespoon of the mixture in the middle of it. Roll the wrapper according to directions on the package. Brush egg on the folds of the wrapper to help seal it. Do this for the remaining wrappers. Place each egg roll in the hot oil for approximately two minutes or until lightly golden brown. Transfer the egg rolls onto a paper towel lined plate to absorb the excess oil. Serve hot with blue cheese dressing or chicken wing sauce for dipping. Recipe makes approximately 8 egg rolls.

Photo by Christa Glennie Seychew