Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Precious Pork Potstickers

These potstickers are like dumplings but more awesome!! The recipe will make
 30 potstickers but I made about 60!Enjoy!


Sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt:
2 ½ C napa cabbage; thinly sliced
            Let cabbage sit with salt for 15 minutes.
 Squeeze cabbage tightly in your fist to remove all excess liquid.
Add:
8 oz ground pork (or chicken, if you prefer)
¼ C chicken broth
1 T soy sauce
1 T cornstarch
1 T scallions; minced
2 tsp fresh ginger; minced
½ tsp ground white pepper
            Combine thoroughly.
Fill, Brown and Steam:
30 potsticker wrappers OR wonton wrappers cut into circles
 (you will need a 3 ½ “ cutter: a clean empty tuna can or 
some such is just right)
3 T vegetable or peanut oil; divided
2/3 C water; divided
Fill each round wrapper with about a teaspoon of filling. 
Brush edges of wrapper with fingertip(s) dipped in water,
 then fold in half around filling and seal tightly, making sure
 no air is trapped inside potsticker. 
Set seam side up and gently press down to create a flat surface.
 Crimp edges and place on a parchment lined baking sheet; 
cover to keep from drying out while you assemble remaining
 potstickers.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat until hot; add 1 ½ T oil,
 swirling to coat pan bottom. Add half the potstickers, seam side up,
 and cook until bottoms are golden brown, 3-4 minutes.
Add 1/3 C water to pan, cover, reduce heat to medium low, 
and cook until water has evaporated, 5-6 minutes.
Remove potstickers and keep warm. 
Wipe out the pan with a paper towel and repeat 
process with remaining potstickers.
Serve with hot & sour sauce…recipe follows. 
Opt: you can toss the potstickers with sauce or dip
Hot & Sour Chili Sauce:         Combine & set aside
3 T soy sauce or Tamari                      2 tsp hot chili oil  
                                      Opt: 2 tsp
fresh cilantro; minced
2 T seasoned rice vinegar                   1 tsp garlic; minced
2 T sweet chili sauce                          ½ tsp fresh ginger; minced

Monday, January 2, 2012

Festive Peppermint Meringue

I got this recipe from the website Bon Appetit . They are very good and festive if you are having a party. So I hope you enjoy.



Ingredients

  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 12 drops red food coloring



Preparation

  • Preheat overn to 200°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt on medium-high speed until white and foamy, about 1 minute. With mixer running, gradually add suger in 3 additions beating for 2 minutes between each addition. Beat until firm peaks form, about 2 minutes longer. Add powdered sugar and peppermint extract; beat to blend, about 1 minute.
  • Dot coloring over surface of meringue; do not stir (the coloring will form swirls when piped). Spoon meringue into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2" tip. (See Prep School; alternatively, spoon into a plastic freezer bag, then cut 1/2" off 1 corner.) Twist top; pipe 1" rounds onto prepared sheet, spacing 1" apart.
  • Bake meringues until dry, about 2 1/2 hours. Let cool completely, about 1 hour (meringues will crisp as they cool). DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature between sheets of parchment or waxed paper.