Dumpling Diehard

I haven't posted in a bit, as I find it difficult to actually sit down and write while busy farming...fixing fence, lambing, calving, making cheese, building the new barn.....so sadly, writing on a casual farm blog hasn't been my highest priority especially too, given the sad state of affairs with the sheep dairy FDA mandate on new antibiotic test kits.....so my apologies to those who read my farm diary for lack of new info. That said, another excuse for me, haha, is that for the first time in Vermont winter, it seems,  it has actually been sunny for a few days in a row! So that means to get outside is of paramount importance. Hiking, taking in the chickadees' song, making sure we get our dose of Vitamin D from the sun!

Meals must quick and easy as well. Growing up in tropical climes, all things Asian are quick and much easier than one would think. Perhaps it is their inherent simple beauty on a plate- one would guess there's more to it than that! When I can't think of what to make for dinner, I grab some of our own ground pork, some won ton wrappers, veggies and some oil. I make this often for guests as well. Involving them as well as children is lots of fun too....Wait a minute. Yes, this can be healthy! I make both steamed and fried versions to round out the meal. Please note that these can obviously be made with just vegetables for vegetarians. As I have so many times before mentioned not being a 'measuring cook' unless I am baking here is the plan:

First I mix up a meat medley whatever suits my mood. This time it was 1 pound ground pork (could be ground turkey, ground chicken, chopped shrimp), grated fresh ginger, grated fresh garlic, chopped scallions, julienned carrots, minced button mushrooms and finely shredded napa cabbage. Add to it a tad of shoyu (soy sauce), dash of rice vinegar and you are ready to roll. Or 'push' as it were. I take one won ton wrapper and using said mixture load about a tablespoon on top 

then set it either on my palm or the counter and 'push' or smoosh it together. It's not technically correct with Asian cooks but I find it makes for just as tasty and fast! Certainly one wouldn't try this with a won ton to be fried. These, are only to be steamed. And as they sit in a steamer undisturbed, it works like a charm. 

As you fill the won ton wrappers, set aside on a clean plate after which you will refrigerate for approx 30 mins to set the dumplings. Below is a finished steamer!

For a fry-able version with the same internal ingredients, I use the won ton wrappers with a slightly different technique. Place won ton wrapper flat on your palm and fill with stuffing, then fold in half forming a triangle and using a bowl on the counter with plain water (yes that's how easy it is-no need for egg wash or egg whites) lightly dredge edges with water using index finger and fold. Voila! A pot sticker to rival any commercial version. 

And with local pasture raised and whey fed pork! I use any high heat type oil, canola, safflower or peanut. Use what you like depending on budget. Last night I used non-GMO canola oil. No need to deep fry, it can be accomplished in a skillet. Just fill to half the thickness of the won tons. Fry until golden and line up on a sheet pan to keep warm in a 200 degree oven to keep 'em comin'! Steam the others, make some Jasmine rice, and steamed Napa cabbage and you're all set for the night! My side dipping sauce is once again, improvised. I usually use fresh grated ginger, grated garlic, chopped scallion or two, dash red pepper flakes, shoyu, rice vinegar, dash mirin and splash sesame oil and top with a few sesame seeds on top. Mix this all together and you have a fantastic dipping sauce without preservatives or extra sodium. You can even use low sodium soy sauce or tamari if you like. It's all good! Just make it to taste. Ok so that's it folks. NOW, I gotta go tend to my barbecue pit-threw a couple slabs of ribs on for tonight's academy awards eve tv watching-I'm running behind what with kegging up the Belgian Ale I made last week. Too little time for hobbies!!!!!!!!! Spring's coming!