FAMILY
Traveling with my Family
A Memorable Family Travel Trip
Traveling with my family is always an adventure filled with unforgettable experiences. One of our most memorable trips was to the beautiful areas of China. This trip was special not only because of the stunning destinations we visited but also because of the quality time we spent together.
Exploring China
We first spent a few days in Tai 'An, where there was a gorgeous mountain scenic area that my mother used to go to every day. This really made me connect with her more and appreciate time spent with family. We also ate dinner and got to know a lot of my relatives. We then traveled to Wuhan by train, and when we arrived, spent some days at where my father used to live. I met even more relatives, and ate a lot of traditional Chinese food, which was delicious. After that, my mom and my brother headed to a more rural part of China since he had a competition, while me and my father went to Beijing. I met up with my friend, and my dad got to meet his old friends. We spent a lot of time exploring Beijing, enjoying the food, and getting to know each other better.
Cooking with my Granma
The process of combining ingredients, shaping each dumpling, and cooking them is both therapeutic and fulfilling. It’s a time when I can reflect on the traditions passed down through my family and feel connected to my heritage. It allows me to spend more time with my family, and also enjoy the food that we made ourselves.
As well as preparing our stuffing, we sometimes will also make the dumpling wrappers. It's a fun bonding experience with my grandma, after preparing the meal, we get to enjoy our hard-earned meal.
How I Make Dumplings
Making dumplings is a process that combines both creativity and culinary skills. It also brings back fond memories of cooking with my family, especially during holidays and special gatherings. Here’s how I make them:
Ingredients
-
Dumpling wrappers
-
Ground pork or chicken
-
Chopped cabbage
-
Minced garlic
-
Grated ginger
-
Chopped green onions
-
Soy sauce
-
Sesame oil
-
Salt and pepper
Preparation
-
Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground meat with chopped cabbage, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green onions. I add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil, and then season the mixture with salt and pepper. Using my hands, I mix everything thoroughly until well combined. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to get the right balance of flavors in the filling, a skill that has been passed down through generations.
-
Assemble the Dumplings: I take a dumpling wrapper and place a small spoonful of the filling in the center. To seal the dumpling, I wet the edges of the wrapper with a little water. Then, I fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to form a crescent shape. For a more decorative look, I pleat the edges by making small folds along the seam. As a child, I used to sit at the kitchen table with my siblings, racing to see who could make the most perfectly shaped dumplings.
-
Cooking the Dumplings: There are several ways to cook dumplings: boiling, steaming, or pan-frying. My favorite method is pan-frying, which gives the dumplings a crispy bottom.
-
Pan-Frying: I heat a bit of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I place the dumplings in the skillet, making sure they are not touching each other. I let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Then, I add a splash of water to the skillet and quickly cover it with a lid. The steam helps to cook the dumplings through. After about 5 minutes, I remove the lid and let any remaining water evaporate. This method reminds me of the first time I successfully made dumplings on my own, a moment of pride and accomplishment.
-
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are cooked, I transfer them to a serving plate. I like to serve them with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of chili oil. Sharing these dumplings with friends and family always brings a sense of togetherness and joy.
Making dumplings is not just about the food it's about the experience and the memories created along the way. Whether I'm making them for a family dinner or a special occasion, they are always a hit and a reminder of the cherished times spent in the kitchen with loved ones.