Chinese Dumplings

January 29th was Chinese New Year -- welcome to the Year of the Dog! In celebration of the occasion, I purchased a copy of Bryanna Clark Grogan's Authentic Chinese Cuisine. I picked two recipes she said were good cold or at room temperature: tofu Char Sui with rice, and Chili Green Beans (chili flakes left out for shmoo). On the side are steamed dumplings filled with sweet red bean paste, purchased frozen at the Asian market and resteamed at home, and Chinese Gooseberries, aka kiwi fruit!
Verdict: Shmoo ate absolutely everything and I only got through half of mine, which made me realize that he's an even better eater than I am! Or at least a faster one... The dumpling was the first big hit with its sweet filling, then the green beans made his eyes light up. "Are these beans teriyaki? No wonder they taste so good!" The deep-fried tofu Char Sui was my favorite. 5 stars.
P.S. Since it is the Year of the Dog, perhaps we can all do something to help dogs this year! Maybe this will be the year to open our homes to a shelter dog (ahem, hint to my husband...), or send our support to organizations that encourage us not to eat them, wear them, or experiment on them. Woof!