2 pounds free range  chicken wings, not jointed

2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash for chicken or barbecue dry rub

2 tablespoons lard or other cooking fat

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups tomato sauce

3/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup tamari or gluten-free soy sauce

1 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Preparation

Melt the lard in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender, about 10 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce and red pepper flakes; bring just to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 20 minutes. Stir in the vinegar; season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Reserve about 3/4 of a cup for the chicken wings, and store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a later use.

While the sauce is simmering, prepare and heat your grill, depending on type – if using charcoal, make sure you have a bed of hot coals, covered in ash, spread evenly beneath the grate. Raise the grate to between 4 and 6 inches above the coals/heat.

Rinse the chicken wings and dry then with a paper towel. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle them with the seasoning mixture/dry rub, tossing them frequently to coat them evenly. Place then over the coals/heat and cover. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink near the bone. Baste with the barbecue sauce for the last 5 minutes.