2007 marks the Year of the Pig on the Chinese lunar calendar and that calls for lots of great food.
Back in 2600 BC, Chinese Emperor Huang Ti established the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac, based on the lunar calendar.
Those born in 1923, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 or 1995 are generally "pigs" in Chinese astrology, which relies on a 12-year cycle. This is a good sign, by the way. Other signs include rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep (ram or goat), monkey, rooster and dog.
Pigs are known for their sweet souls and tend to make friends for life. They are also highly-regarded individuals who are often very trusting. Unfortunately, the Pig often sees others as caring and honest when they are not and that opens the Pig to unscrupulous people.
No matter, Pigs are staunchly optimistic beings and frequently to do well in life because of this demeanor.
Pig people seem to shine as entertainers, politicians or social activists. Famous luminaries under this sign include David Bowie, Elton John, Kevin Spacey, Lucille Ball, Rachel Weisz, Ronald Reagan, Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mary J. Blige, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hillary Rodham Clinton, David Letterman, Magic Johnson and the current Dalai Lama.
For 2007, any recent setbacks or obstacles for pigs can be overcome, both professionally and personally.
As you might know, food is a crucial part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Dumplings are a big part of that and in honour of the pig, here is a Northern Chinese recipe that uses pork. For a South American twist, you can also seek out Mary Luz Meija's Crispy Brazilian Wontons.
Check out these other delicous Chinese New Year's dishes: steamed fish, fast noodles, whole chicken, stir-fried pea shoots and cashew cookies.
PORK DUMPLINGS
Ingredients:
- 2 green onions
- 3-5 Chinese black mushrooms
- A few leaves of Chinese cabbage (a.k.a. Napa cabbage)
- 1 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon cooking sherry or Chinese cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- salt and ground pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- 1 lb. lean ground pork
1 package prepared dumpling wrappers (available in Asian shops and specialty food stores)
Instructions:
- Chop the cabbage, scallions, black mushrooms and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add soy sauce, sherry, salt, pepper, pork and egg. Mix until smooth and well blended. At this point, I wash my hands and get my "natural mixers" in there to make sure it's all fused together.
- Place wrapper on clean surface and add filling by heaping teaspoonfuls into the center.
- Fold up the wrappers. Moisten inside edges with a little water, and press them together forming pleats to seal. Make sure they are well-sealed,
- At this point, you can choose to put the dumplings in a container and freeze them for future use or, you can boil them or steam them for a few minutes until done.
These dumplings are delicious with dipping or hot sauces.
Makes 4 dozen
OPTIONS: I like chopping up some shrimp or prawns to add a seafood flavour to the dumplings. Alternatively, you can also cut up some water chestnut for a crunchy, nutty taste. And, you can substitute ground chicken if you want.
