The Elusive Dumpling Night.

We've been talking with our friends, Jim and Sue, about sharing a hands on cooking night at their place for well over a year and last night we finally made it happen; all of our talk about dumplings finally yielded some actual dumplings! I whipped up a bunch of fillings and sauces, packed up some pretty plates and six of us wrapped, plated, and served an impressive array of Asian delights in the Gill's gorgeous kitchen.

*if I could steal one thing from Jim and Sue's house it would be this cast iron skillet. It is a well loved and seriously dependable kitchen companion.
Wild Mushroom Spring Roll with Soy Mint Dipping Sauce and Chili Garlic Paste

Delicate Scallop Dumplings in Lemon Ginger Broth with Snow Peas, Cabbage, Sriracha, Sesame and Scallion
Fresh Basil and Spinach Boiled Dumplings with Red Pepper Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette, Frizzled Leeks and Crispy Basil

Steamed Shrimp (only) Smack Down Dumpling with Sweet and Spicy Sauce, Golden Garlic and Pea Shoots

Curried Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind Chutney and Cucumber Mint Raita

Nothing was out of place on our menu and I thought it was pretty hard to select a favorite dish of the night, but if I had to pick one I'd say the soup was a total flavor revelation to me. Honestly though, I think any one of the offerings could have taken top honors!

Thanks, fellow dumpling makers, for the cocktails, flowers, little red book, laughter, and occasional F-bomb. Every night should be as fun-filled and delicious as the elusive dumpling night!All hail the humble dumpling!