Many of you have asked for the recipe for my chinese pork dumplings. The closest recipe I found to my ayi's was at Steamy Kitchen. Head over to Jaden Hair's blog and see what else she is cooking while you're at it. http://steamykitchen.com/5849-chinese-boiled-pork-dumplings.html
PS- I buy my wrappers from my local Chinese grocer.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
The First Dinner
I have to admit to something. As much as I tried to fight off the temptation, things just got too difficult for me to process. I felt myself slipping into the abyss, and after a while I just let go. For the better part of April and May, I had taken up residence in that space between caring too much and too little. Ambivalence became a panacea of sorts. I stopped caring about issues I had once concerned myself with and I convinced myself that I was making a good decision; that caring too much took my focus off what was important in life. Interestingly enough, withdrawing from media and political thought did not increase my involvement in those things that I held as important- community, family, and relationships in general.
I had scheduled the first Food For Thought dinner long ago. As the date approached I felt similarly ambivalent about the gathering. I looked forward to seeing the people and eating the food, but I was a bit hesitant about the conversation part of things. After all, I was tired and burned out. I had succumbed to this hopeless feeling that people don't really care, depth of conversation no longer exists unless you share ideology; and I wasn't even sure why I was doing this.
Doubt plagued me in ways I wasn't even conscious of... until now.
Meal
I lived in Shanghai China for close to 5 years. When my husband and I were initially contemplating the move I remember telling him that while I was willing to consider living there; I couldn't fathom having to eat Chinese food for any length of time. I had absolutely no idea how diverse, flavorful and amazing real Chinese food was; as my only exposure to the cuisine was through the rather bland and congealed imitation we commonly find in Chinese take out joints. As a foodie, I was quickly and easily seduced by the food of this strange new land. I have come to love and appreciate the perfectly balanced flavors of sweet, salt, and spice. It's only when I tuck into a Chinese meal that I feel truly home again. The food captured my imagination, my love and my loyalty. So what better way to kick off the first dinner party than with some of my favorite dishes.
I prepared a popular cold dish from Sichuan province simply known as "spicy cold noodles with chicken slivers". The name doesn't begin to capture the intensity and flavor of the dish. Garlic infused soy sauce, chili oil and sesame paste mingle with the tingling spice of the sichuan peppercorn. It's amazing; a true delight on the palate. This dish makes me want to be a better person.
For the main meal- I made traditional boiled pork dumplings. Dumplings are the comfort food of China. Every region has it's own style and every mama has her own way of making them. I've never had a bad one, and this recipe was from my ayi who would cook them for us weekly while we lived in Shanghai.
Cast
I put the initial casting call out on Facebook and decided to go with the first 6 people who responded. In total there were 6 of us. The first two people were a man and woman who own a store in Detroit. The next two were Detroiters; a man and a woman who live in the city, invest in the city and have a great desire to see Detroit rebuild. Then there was myself- a stay at home mom/ blogger, and my husband- an engineer.(The two others who were scheduled to join could not make it at the last minute, so we sadly had to absorb their portions.)
Topic
I decided to let this first dinner go without a firm topic. I wasn't sure how or if I would moderate and I really wanted to see how things would flow with minimal intervention. There was one main question; and beyond that- I let my guests set the tone for the evening.
The crux of my question (as it was so long ago I don't fully remember) was: "what prevents people from being able to converse in ways that are respectful- even when disagreeing"? The evenings discussion was quite interesting. While I had hoped in my own way for people to share insights about real tangible causes and therefore easy "cures"; I came away from that evening with an even greater realization.
The majority of the evenings conversation revolved around what I will call "community discussion". Each of us shared our own insights, thoughts and at times even frustrations with our current culture of friendship/ relationship/ community. People have a strong desire for community and it seems like I was not the only one who felt an immense lack. I've chalked most of it up to being a newer mother, home remodeling hell, and a host of other issues I have that are unique to my situation; but this made me realize that most people are not connecting with others in consistent and meaningful ways.
Perhaps this is a huge part of the problem. Have we as Americans become so busy and so tied to a sense of community through our technology that we have lost our ability to truly relate, share ideas, converse, disagree, and respectfully consider others? Could a greater focus on community be part of the solution? I hope to find out as we embark on more of these dinners in the New Year.
I had scheduled the first Food For Thought dinner long ago. As the date approached I felt similarly ambivalent about the gathering. I looked forward to seeing the people and eating the food, but I was a bit hesitant about the conversation part of things. After all, I was tired and burned out. I had succumbed to this hopeless feeling that people don't really care, depth of conversation no longer exists unless you share ideology; and I wasn't even sure why I was doing this.
Doubt plagued me in ways I wasn't even conscious of... until now.
Meal
I lived in Shanghai China for close to 5 years. When my husband and I were initially contemplating the move I remember telling him that while I was willing to consider living there; I couldn't fathom having to eat Chinese food for any length of time. I had absolutely no idea how diverse, flavorful and amazing real Chinese food was; as my only exposure to the cuisine was through the rather bland and congealed imitation we commonly find in Chinese take out joints. As a foodie, I was quickly and easily seduced by the food of this strange new land. I have come to love and appreciate the perfectly balanced flavors of sweet, salt, and spice. It's only when I tuck into a Chinese meal that I feel truly home again. The food captured my imagination, my love and my loyalty. So what better way to kick off the first dinner party than with some of my favorite dishes.
I prepared a popular cold dish from Sichuan province simply known as "spicy cold noodles with chicken slivers". The name doesn't begin to capture the intensity and flavor of the dish. Garlic infused soy sauce, chili oil and sesame paste mingle with the tingling spice of the sichuan peppercorn. It's amazing; a true delight on the palate. This dish makes me want to be a better person.
For the main meal- I made traditional boiled pork dumplings. Dumplings are the comfort food of China. Every region has it's own style and every mama has her own way of making them. I've never had a bad one, and this recipe was from my ayi who would cook them for us weekly while we lived in Shanghai.
Cast
I put the initial casting call out on Facebook and decided to go with the first 6 people who responded. In total there were 6 of us. The first two people were a man and woman who own a store in Detroit. The next two were Detroiters; a man and a woman who live in the city, invest in the city and have a great desire to see Detroit rebuild. Then there was myself- a stay at home mom/ blogger, and my husband- an engineer.(The two others who were scheduled to join could not make it at the last minute, so we sadly had to absorb their portions.)
Topic
I decided to let this first dinner go without a firm topic. I wasn't sure how or if I would moderate and I really wanted to see how things would flow with minimal intervention. There was one main question; and beyond that- I let my guests set the tone for the evening.
The crux of my question (as it was so long ago I don't fully remember) was: "what prevents people from being able to converse in ways that are respectful- even when disagreeing"? The evenings discussion was quite interesting. While I had hoped in my own way for people to share insights about real tangible causes and therefore easy "cures"; I came away from that evening with an even greater realization.
The majority of the evenings conversation revolved around what I will call "community discussion". Each of us shared our own insights, thoughts and at times even frustrations with our current culture of friendship/ relationship/ community. People have a strong desire for community and it seems like I was not the only one who felt an immense lack. I've chalked most of it up to being a newer mother, home remodeling hell, and a host of other issues I have that are unique to my situation; but this made me realize that most people are not connecting with others in consistent and meaningful ways.
Perhaps this is a huge part of the problem. Have we as Americans become so busy and so tied to a sense of community through our technology that we have lost our ability to truly relate, share ideas, converse, disagree, and respectfully consider others? Could a greater focus on community be part of the solution? I hope to find out as we embark on more of these dinners in the New Year.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
I Blame Them
Oh how I wish these damned elections were over. I have gone through periods of political exhaustion over the past few months; but none have been this low. Friday night, while scrolling away (okay, running away) from one of the many news stations promising the biggest and baddest election coverage ever- I landed unknowingly on a form of mental entrapment called Duck Dynasty. I sat there stupefied, mesmerized and flat out amused as I watched this group of unkempt bearded men and their beautiful wives live their lives for all to see.
Look- I'm a mother of two very active toddlers and my time is incredibly limited. I rarely make it to the shower let alone this blog anymore. Instead of utilizing my rare free time educating and improving my mental state- I spent my time watching a show about a family who made millions on a duck calling device and now seem to spend their days getting into hillbilly trouble.
I blame major media outlets, the left wing media, the tea party, and all politicians for my poor Friday night television decision.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Meme, Cliche and The Pervasiveness of Lazy Thinking
I love to eat, I love to cook, and most importantly- I love to feed people. My ideal holiday always involves seeking out the "local fare" and consuming it. Food is a form of comfort, but also a reflection of the people who create it and the region it is birthed from. I love people, and few things are more enjoyable to me than a good long meal involving well reasoned discussion. I value diversity, passion, respect, and honesty. I am passionate about a host of issues- human sex trafficking and racism being at the top. I have an unhealthy attraction to political debate and an equally unrealistic hope that intellectual honesty will prevail. As such- I can be easily exhausted.
The recent increase in political rhetoric has me feeling weary. I am particularly disturbed by the use of meme and cliche in social media these days. It seems like people see something they like; and without much thought or research they post it to their FB or comment about it on twitter. Passersby see it- some like it; some shake their heads and mutter an offensive judgement against the poster; the more emotional consider unfriending or unfollowing said individual; but more often than not, most of us just move along with our day and rarely give it another thought. Either way, this constant barrage of meme and cliche works its way into our psyche; and dare I say- plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives.
All of this matters- why? Because we are allowing greater forces than our intellect, personal experience, and solid factual information to form our general ideas about people and situations. Much of this formation is causing anger, outrage, and division.
In our current political climate it seems that one is either right or wrong, good or bad, brilliant or stupid, enlightened or backwards. Nobody seems to ask questions anymore and so many things are assumed. If you support Obama- you must be some tree hugging hippie who feels a tremendous amount of guilt, or worse- you're lazy, envious and want to see the country taken over by communists. If you support Romney- you must be some backwards ignorant religious person who hates women, diversity and the poor. I won't even address those of us who don't fall into one of the major parties- because we are just a bunch of rebels without a cause.
What has happened to curiosity?
Why don't we ask questions anymore?
What are we afraid of?
I'm going to get a little personal here, but when was the last time you asked someone (with a genuine desire to actually hear from them) why they think the way they do?
How often do we wonder what another persons life experience has been and ponder how that has shaped the way they see the world? More often than not, from the moment we find out that a person is of a certain religious or political ideology- we place them in a box and filter everything they say through the assumptions that tend to accompany their particular box.
I find it both amusing and troubling that people who get to know me and trust me as a somewhat thoughtful and "open-minded" person find it absolutely strange that I have conservative views in some areas of life and politics. It's equally troubling when those who think of me as a conservative thinker are surprised or troubled by the liberal views that I hold.
I hear people talk about how fatigued they are with politics and division, but I see few people attempting to make changes. We all know that change is difficult. It requires a great deal of patience. More than anything- it requires a curiosity about people and their experiences and a willingness to listen and learn.
Those who are exhausted to the point of complete disdain for anything political find it impossible to get away from the subject. So why do we keep trying to put our fingers in our ears and swear off all things political? Perhaps we shouldn't try to run away from something that is so woven into the fabric of our lives. Perhaps we should change the way we see people, judge ideas, and approach conversation.
The recent increase in political rhetoric has me feeling weary. I am particularly disturbed by the use of meme and cliche in social media these days. It seems like people see something they like; and without much thought or research they post it to their FB or comment about it on twitter. Passersby see it- some like it; some shake their heads and mutter an offensive judgement against the poster; the more emotional consider unfriending or unfollowing said individual; but more often than not, most of us just move along with our day and rarely give it another thought. Either way, this constant barrage of meme and cliche works its way into our psyche; and dare I say- plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives.
All of this matters- why? Because we are allowing greater forces than our intellect, personal experience, and solid factual information to form our general ideas about people and situations. Much of this formation is causing anger, outrage, and division.
In our current political climate it seems that one is either right or wrong, good or bad, brilliant or stupid, enlightened or backwards. Nobody seems to ask questions anymore and so many things are assumed. If you support Obama- you must be some tree hugging hippie who feels a tremendous amount of guilt, or worse- you're lazy, envious and want to see the country taken over by communists. If you support Romney- you must be some backwards ignorant religious person who hates women, diversity and the poor. I won't even address those of us who don't fall into one of the major parties- because we are just a bunch of rebels without a cause.
What has happened to curiosity?
Why don't we ask questions anymore?
What are we afraid of?
I'm going to get a little personal here, but when was the last time you asked someone (with a genuine desire to actually hear from them) why they think the way they do?
How often do we wonder what another persons life experience has been and ponder how that has shaped the way they see the world? More often than not, from the moment we find out that a person is of a certain religious or political ideology- we place them in a box and filter everything they say through the assumptions that tend to accompany their particular box.
I find it both amusing and troubling that people who get to know me and trust me as a somewhat thoughtful and "open-minded" person find it absolutely strange that I have conservative views in some areas of life and politics. It's equally troubling when those who think of me as a conservative thinker are surprised or troubled by the liberal views that I hold.
I hear people talk about how fatigued they are with politics and division, but I see few people attempting to make changes. We all know that change is difficult. It requires a great deal of patience. More than anything- it requires a curiosity about people and their experiences and a willingness to listen and learn.
Those who are exhausted to the point of complete disdain for anything political find it impossible to get away from the subject. So why do we keep trying to put our fingers in our ears and swear off all things political? Perhaps we shouldn't try to run away from something that is so woven into the fabric of our lives. Perhaps we should change the way we see people, judge ideas, and approach conversation.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Beginning
I'm one person living in a small suburb of Detroit Michigan; a wife, a mother, and a citizen of a truly small, yet brilliantly beautiful and diverse world. At the moment, I have little more than a desire to see change and some crazy idea to bring people together around two things I'm passionate about: food and politics.
I lived in China for close to 5 years and upon my repatriation into the US, I noticed an increased tension and division in this country. People appeared to be less capable of respectful debate, and far less inclined to share their ideas freely. I spent a while in observation and gave a great deal of thought to how living in a foreign country had changed the way I perceived the world around me. I wanted to take time and consider the possibility that it was my own perception and not America that had changed so much. Ten months and many conversations later, I have come to the conclusion that America has indeed changed. For a variety of reasons- we have become a country of assumptions, judgement, cynicism, self protectionism, and deep division.
From the moment I started encountering these issues, I was met by a strong desire to be a part of changing them. Almost immediately, I envisioned playing host to dinners and discussions in my home. A great meal shared can be a powerful unifying force, so why not?
Over the next few weeks, months or if I'm fortunate, perhaps years- I will be host to groups of people who enjoy some or all of the following: good food, gathering with others, and sharing ideas. My hope is that I will be able to provide an environment in which people can enjoy gathering for meals and respectful dialogue.
I realize that I'm not going to change the world; I may not even change my neighborhood, but I hope to be a part of something that I am passionate about; something that can bring people into a place of greater understanding for one another and the world around them. If nothing else, I hope to enjoy some really good food.
I lived in China for close to 5 years and upon my repatriation into the US, I noticed an increased tension and division in this country. People appeared to be less capable of respectful debate, and far less inclined to share their ideas freely. I spent a while in observation and gave a great deal of thought to how living in a foreign country had changed the way I perceived the world around me. I wanted to take time and consider the possibility that it was my own perception and not America that had changed so much. Ten months and many conversations later, I have come to the conclusion that America has indeed changed. For a variety of reasons- we have become a country of assumptions, judgement, cynicism, self protectionism, and deep division.
From the moment I started encountering these issues, I was met by a strong desire to be a part of changing them. Almost immediately, I envisioned playing host to dinners and discussions in my home. A great meal shared can be a powerful unifying force, so why not?
Over the next few weeks, months or if I'm fortunate, perhaps years- I will be host to groups of people who enjoy some or all of the following: good food, gathering with others, and sharing ideas. My hope is that I will be able to provide an environment in which people can enjoy gathering for meals and respectful dialogue.
I realize that I'm not going to change the world; I may not even change my neighborhood, but I hope to be a part of something that I am passionate about; something that can bring people into a place of greater understanding for one another and the world around them. If nothing else, I hope to enjoy some really good food.
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