Dumpling Fest!
Back by Her Side:
Barely coming off the jetlag and I find out this week is “Duan Wu Jie” Festival (or Dumpling Festival, or Dragon Boat Festival), in real world terms to me that means Felicia’s Mom wanted to know if I wanted to spend the day making dumplings to give out to everyones friends. Of course I said “Yes.”, for the sheer fun of cooking stuff and for the chance to get a day away from wedding planning *smirk*.
Felicia‘s Mom and best friend, Bee Ping, laid out an assortment of fillings while I went outside to light the stove with my “Cock Brand Fire Starter“, when we were all set we grabbed our leaves and started stuffing and tying. Fold, stuff, tie, then mine falls apart. Fold, stuff, tie, then mine falls apart again. Even Arthur (Felicia’s Dad) got in on the festive fun. I notice Felicia is having a similar difficult time, along with her mother and Bee Ping who have only done this a couple of times themselves in the past. After a few more tries we decide to call up Felicia’s grandmother who has been making dumplings since she was 18 (61 years ago). Grandma starts to give advice but finally gives up and has Felicia and I come pick her up to come help.
We rushed off on a cross-country trip (Singapore is REALLY small) to pick up our dumpling savior and Grandpa who comes along because he is inseparable from his wife.
Mama quickly showed us how it was done, though even with her instruction I still lacked the finger dexterity to do it right. Eventually I was able to tie one so it didn’t fall apart but Mama just laughed and called it “Ang moh zhong.” (white man’s dumpling). I gave up and left the pros to teach Felicia how to do it, so she could make me dumplings the rest of my life.
We did eat these tasty dumplings a bit later, but unfortunately I forgot to take pictures then…
Facebook Comments:
SO difficult!! thank goodness we had Grandma the Dumpling Grand Master
Ha, cock brand fire starters and white man’s dumplings. Good times!
Happy Birthday Rob !! May 28 in Singapore.
The big Three-O ! Have a great day of celebration. Cock starters and dumpling trainee. I’m sure you will have a good time. See you soon.
so when am i getting a homecooked meal by both of you?? (to make the deal fair, i’ll bring dessert!)
[...] My mother and her best friend had attempted to make them last year, when Rob and I also took part with VERY limited success. We were such epic fails that I actually had to drive across Singapore and back to get my grandma, the grandmaster of making dumplings (she has been making them for 60 years!), to come help us subdue the defiant dumplings. Read all about our misadventures on Rob’s blog by clicking here. [...]