Pot Stickers with soy-ginger sauce

Makes: 50-60

Time: 60 min

1 pound ground pork

1 cup finely chopped scallions

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 pound green cabbage,* finely chopped (use a food processor or blender)

1 1-pound package round dumpling wrappers (gyoza), 3 inches in diameter

Soy-Ginger Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the pork, scallions, soy sauce, olive oil and ginger. Mix well so that the flavors will penetrate the meat. Then add the cabbage and mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The filling will not taste right if you try to combine all the ingredients at once. Place 1 dumpling wrapper on a plate or a board. Place 1 scant tablespoon of pork mixture in the center. Moisten the edges of the wrapper with a little water, then fold them over the filling to form a half-moon shape then pinch the sides like a pie to seal. Or you can get a dough press and use that. (Recommended when you do a batch of 60 like this. They are inexpensive and so worth the trip to the kitchen store in your area). You can freeze (uncooked) what you dont use for up to 3 months. So you can make a big batch and just pull out what you want for dinner. (Freeze individually on baking sheets on waxed paper then place in bags. Its worth the extra effort.) To pan fry heat a nonstick pan with 1/3 c oil on a little hotter than med high heat. Place dumplings in pan (not touching) and brown one side for 3 or 4 min. Flip dumplings with chopsticks or tongs, put in 2 TBL water and cover with lid to steam dumplings. watch out it will splatter. Cook for 5 min or until browned. Use tongs to remove from the pan and place on paper towels to drain. You will have to to a few batches. Add oil as needed so they wont burn. Serve Hot with ginger sauce for dipping.

Soy-Ginger Sauce:

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon peeled, julienned gingerroot, soaked in ice water

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly and serve. This sauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Smoky Corn Chowder/Pan-Seared Dumpling Salad

I found a few great recipes in my Real Simple magazine a few weeks ago that we really enjoyed. Here's a great non-traditional combination for a soup & salad night.

Smoky Corn Chowder:

Serves: 4-6
Time: 25 minutes

8 oz sliced bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 lg sweet onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
2 10oz pkgs frozen corn
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cups half & half
4 scallions, trimmed & thinly sliced
salt & pepper

Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Spoon off and discard all but 2 tbsp of the drippings and return the pan to medium heat. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add the garlic, paprika, and red pepper and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in the corn, broth, and half & half. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer half the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to the pan, add 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir to combine. Divide the soup among individual bowls and top with the scallions and reserved bacon.

Pan-Seared Dumpling Salad:

Serves: 4

Time:25 min

2 tablespoons canola oil

12 frozen dumplings, pot stickers, or Japanese gyoza

2 shallots, thinly sliced

1 cup frozen shelled edamame

2 tablespoons grated ginger

2 bunches watercress, thick stems removed

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 tablespoons rice vinegar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

salt

Heat 1 tablespoon of the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the dumplings and cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add 3 tablespoons water and cook, covered, until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.Meanwhile, heat the remaining canola oil in another large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the edamame, ginger, and 2 tablespoons water. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until the edamame are heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the watercress and 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss until just wilted.Divide among individual bowls and top with the dumplings.Whisk the sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl and drizzle over each salad.