Elle Simone Scott’s Favorite Recipe: Wings, Two Ways

My Favorite Recipe is a column where we ask America's Test Kitchen cooks, cast members, and luminaries about the recipes they can't stop cooking.

I’m enjoying getting to know my colleagues through their favorite recipes. It’s even better when dishes they particularly like are featured in their upcoming cookbook.

For Elle Simone Scott, America’s Test Kitchen TV cast member, food stylist, and executive editor, making food look good is what she does. But she believes flavor is just as important. Elle varies her diet in a way that shows her deep appreciation for the complexity of food and also how it affects her body. Her two favorite recipes reflect this perspective and are both included in her upcoming cookbook, Boards: Stylish Spreads for Casual Gatherings.

Hey Elle, what’s your favorite ATK recipe?

Elle Simone Scott: Definitely the Dakgangjeong (Korean Fried Chicken Wings). They are the crispiest, crunchiest wings and so, so good. They only take 10-15 minutes to crisp up. 

They’re best hot out of the fryer, and while your oil is heated, why not go all out and add in a batch of one of my other favorites, Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites? They also have an ultra-crunchy coating like the wings, but are a little more crumbly and brown. I love it.

I do love cauliflower. Why should someone at home try either or both of these wing recipes?  

ES: I’m a weekday vegan and a weekend carnivore—it’s kind of my thing. I think it’s a good balance. Some people who are interested in eating more vegan recipes might be intimidated by the thought of having to shop for certain ingredients. But this cauliflower recipe is very straightforward. Cauliflower is one of those easy transitional ingredients that you don't have to think about. And for this recipe, there aren’t a bunch of ingredients you have to source. It's kind of a no-brainer, really. 

Speaking of options, both of these recipes are featured in your upcoming cookbook, right?

ES: Yes, they’re both in Boards as part of the “Wings Board”—and they’re always a hit! You can toss them in the sauce or leave the sauce on the side for dipping, like we show in the book. Just pile the wings and bites on a large platter according to flavor and set out extra sauce. While I love them in the summer, they’re the sort of recipes you can eat anytime of year.

Looking for more of Elle’s favorites and shareable, finger foods? Start a free trial to access all these, plus our other home kitchen–tested, foolproof recipes.

• Beef Stroganoff for Two
• Steak Frites
• Dolmathes (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
• Vegan Baja-Style Cauliflower Tacos
• Best Baked Potatoes
• Mussels Escabeche