a deep-fry thermometer
- For the wings: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line 1 large or 2 small rimmed baking sheets with foil.
- Whisk together the flour, cayenne and salt in a large bowl.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Working in 3 batches, dredge the wings in the flour mixture and fry until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes per batch. Transfer the wings with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined plate. (Make sure the oil returns to the proper temperature before frying each batch.)
- Combine the butter, hot sauce and lemon juice in a large bowl. Toss the fried wings in the hot sauce mixture; transfer the wings and sauce to the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake, flipping the wings occasionally, until they are crispy and have absorbed most of the sauce, about 35 minutes.
- For the blue cheese dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, half-and-half, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, Worcestershire and 1/4 cup of the blue cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Gently stir in the remaining 1/4 cup blue cheese and season with pepper to taste. Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. (Makes about 2 1/2 cups dressing.)
- Transfer the wings to a serving platter and serve with the blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks.
