I first became obsessed with chicken wings during my Freshman year at University; AKA “Frosh” year here in Canada. I would order them and scarf them down with a vengeance.  In a you blinked/you missed them kinda fashion. I was unstoppable. The spicier the sauce, the better… Although I did go through an intense honey garlic phase… hmm..

I lived in a old, illustrious dorm called Tatham Hall; which was home to mostly Music and Arts students. I was the business school misfit nestled in between said group. I am not complaining; they were really fun and easy to befriend. But I would make the short trek and visit my other friends at Founders College “E House” daily and enjoyed ALL the greasy eats at the Cock ‘N Bull pub right below their residence offered. An order of chicken wings and fries was dinner 2-3 times a week; and my friends were equally into it. So basically, the situation was hopeless.

My “freshman 10” (as in ten pounds) quickly became a freshman 20 situation (and snowballing); as I reached for fried and sodium laden foods 80% of the time. Looking back; it baffles me how I didn’t gain more than that to be truly honest. I must have the metabolism of a 12 year-old.

Fast forward a decade later and eating clean, nourishing foods is not eve a diet, or second thought- but part of a permanent lifestyle change. But from time to time; I DO think about those chicken wings and THAT spicy feeling. Nostalgia brought about this much healthier version and I’ve been wanting to make these for a while!

Say helloooo to cauliflower wings! They’re pretty darn satisfying and made with all good things. Coated in your choice of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil and roasted + broiled to crisp-up ever so perfectly in your oven. I like to coat them in olive oil and season them with all the dry spices; right before they go in for a first round of baking. Once they’ve softened a bit, I like to toss them into my favorite red hot sauce before throwing them back into the oven for the final touches and that much-needed CRISP FACTOR! 😉

You can enjoy these with:

• a plate of crudités along with your favorite dairy-free ranch dip
• a fresh bowl of guacamole (they taste great when dipped in guac, but then again: what doesn’t?)
• a big side of lemony greens or massaged kale

So let’s get to them, you’ll love! They’re completely gluten-free and paleo IF you omit the GF bread crumb piece.