Yen's Little Kitchen

Happy tummy, happy heart. This is totally true. Good meals that satisfy your tummy can light up your heart and cheer up your day. It doesn’t matter if it fulls your stomach or not. The point is it satisfies you.

I like to cook. I never think that I will master in cooking one day. Even though I am not there yet, but I am able to cook something that make people happy.

I learn cooking from my dearest husband. I regret that I did not pick up the skill from my dearest mummy and granny. To me, mummy’s cooking is always the best.

People said “no two women in one kitchen”. This is true. Different people have different ways of preparing meal. If your dare to put them into one kitchen, you will hear arguments.

Will you share your recipes? Will you share your secret ingredients? I like to share mine. I promised my friend to post her a recipe on dumpling and here it is.

Ingredients:

Pork - Minced
Cabbage - Minced
Shrimps - Minced
Cilantro - Minced
Dried mushroom - Soak and cut into small pieces
Chinese chives - Cut into small pieces

** I don’t have an exact measurement. You can adjust the portion according to your own preference.

(Note: E.g. more porks if you like your dumpling to be meatier. More shrimps if you are a shrimp lover. I like mine with more minced cabbages, to add crunchier).

Seasoning:

Salt - Adjust according to your own preference
Pepper - Adjust according to your own preference
Sesame oil - Just a touch
Corn flour - Just a touch

** In a large bowl, add all the ingredients and seasoning, mix well to combine.

The wraps:

Dumpling wraps - a package or two

** Apply some beaten eggs or water around the potsticker skin, take about 1/2 tbsp of filling and fold into a half moon shape. Secure the edge by pressing it tightly.

(Note: I used Wing Hing Panda brand potsticker wraps. http://www.winghing.com/foodservice/wraps.php)

Soup:

Any of your favorite soup.

** E.g. vegetable soup, anchovies soup, chicken soup, beef soup, etc.

(Note: For time saving, I use Swanson's Chicken Broth. Dilutes it with equal portion of water. Add salt to taste. Add some fried shallots for aroma).

Sauces:

Dumpling Sauce - I used Weichuan Dumpling Sauce
http://www.weichuanusa.com/a_product_cs_sauces.htm
Sambal Oelek - I use Huy Fong Sambal Oelek
http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/index.htm

** mix two sauces to form a heavenly taste.

Steps to preparing dumpling:

Boil a big pot of water, bring to a boil, and throw in your dumplings. Make sure you have enough water to cover the dumplings. At least 1-2 inches above your dumplings.