Dumplings!

In keeping with Tonya's posts about food I figured I would share my most recent experience in the world of Chinese cooking. 

I'm trying ya'll. My boy loves his Chinese food, but I'm a little too steeped in American ways and not nearly patient enough. These Chinese cooks spend forever on their food! But every so often I can give it a whirl.

This

 

took an entire two days to make.

Two days! But it was worth it when I saw the look on my boy's face as these were steaming away. 

Dumpling Dough

Two cups of flour to 1 1/2 cups of water

(I added a bit more flour as it seemed tacky to me)

So mix it with your hands. Yep your hands.

Let it sit for two hours.

Knead it.

Let it sit for two hours...again.

Knead it...again.

Let it sit overnight.

Dude, I warned you...two whole days.

The next day you roll it out at thin as possible and cut it into round circles

about six inches in diameter.

Dumpling Filling

You can add and choose your own fillings but this is what I used.

I cooked the pork a day in advance.

I put the pork into the steamer with green onions on the side for flavor. 

(Forgive me, I was out of leeks)

I then chopped very finely an onion and more green onions.

*You must drain as much water from the onions or vegetables as possible*

Wrap them in cheesecloth and twist until water drips out of the cloth

Mix ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil in with the veggies.

Shred the pork very finely or grind it in a processor.

Now, take those blessed little circles of dough that you currently want to scream at and 

place a scoop of the meat mixture slightly off center, wet the edges of the circle.

Pinch from both the left side and right side into the middle.

Fold the left and right side to form an "envelope" shape with the dough.

Don't worry, you are almost finished now.

If you would like to steam them then place a paper towel in the bottom of the steamer.

Wait for it to fill with steam and add your precious little dumplings in until they are nearly transparent.

5-10 minutes and DONE.

Phew. You did it.

Now...find a maid to clean up the mess cause, Sister, "Ain't nobody got time for that."

Groves Family/New Experiences

Well, hello! Thanks for stopping by! No new family this week so the Groves will be here through next weekend! Go watch their video and give while you're there.  {link on the right side of the blog} They are adopting from India and are grateful for your support!

I'm in Korea enjoying new friends, new food and lots of sightseeing! What's your favorite Korean dish? 

 

Are you an adventurous eater?? My husband and older son are while my youngest son and I are "slightly less than adventurous"!  New things are exciting though, right? What's your favorite "new food" that you've tried?

     

                         ~Tonya

 

Groves Family!

I hope you're having a good week! Have you given to our family of the week yet?  They're adopting a sweet little girl from India! She will be joining her mom and dad and brother, Aiden.

Hear from the Groves...

           "God has turned our hearts toward India. We learned about a beautiful country with a cultural preference for boys. Often times this preference leads to baby girls being abandoned and even killed because of their gender. This reality gave us a burden for the plight of girls and women in India. As we thought more about this reality our hearts were softened toward specials needs children. Many of these young girls are already unwanted due to their gender then add on a disability of some sort. Our hearts were broken and we said yes to a little girl we have yet to meet. We anxiously await the day when we will see the face of our daughter for the first time. We continue to trust God to provide all we need to bring her home."  

Thanks for supporting each other! 

Time to Meet the Groves Family!

Hey, how are you? I'm glad you visited our blog today.  If this is your first time here, I'll tell you what we do:  We feature a family for 1 week, we all give $1, we all share this blog page on our own Facebook walls, or Twitter, or our blogs.  And we tell others about it.  And then they come and give their $1.....you get it!  The more we share, the better. Will you also come back next week and support that family, too? $1 every week would be $52 for a whole year.  Not a lot to you, but it means a lot to them!

I'm happy to introduce you to our family of the week. The Groves family, Johnathan and Kristen, are adopting a little girl from India.  They have one son, Aiden, who just turned 3.    The Groves are waiting on their referral.  Visit their blog to learn more about them, but first, watch their video.
          



Are you ready to give your $1??   Share this blog page and let's show the Groves family our support! Give your dollars through the link on the side (for $5 and up)  or by sending your donation to hopingforhaddie@gmail.com, their paypal account.  Thanks!
Have a great week!!

   

An Awesome Update!

Look who broke $200!! Thanks, friends!   Still 2 more days on the blog!

And there's this from Ashley Haden.............. 

  " My original goal was simply to raise funds to buy 31 nets to cover babies in one orphanage...and you guys blew that away! You bought 86 nets for babies and children and 12 wind up/solar lanterns (upgraded from flashlights because these are larger and will light an entire room) for orphanages. And as if that wasn't enough, several generous folks sent unearmarked donations that purchased 3 first aid kits, many sets of new underpants and 20 plastic zippered mattress covers (mattresses often have mold growth due to soiling/lack of access to diapers) for 2 orphanages. I'm blown away by your generosity and HUGE hearts. I'm eager to share photos of all that you have done for these children. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!!"

     Do good.  Be rich in good deeds. Be generous and willing to share.  I Timothy 6:18

But you already know that.

Bujnosek Family AND An Additional Opportunity!

Thanks for supporting the Bujnosek family this week.  They're SOOOO close to $200! Can you help bump them up a bit?  They are traveling NEXT month!!

There's also another project you may be interested in.  We were contacted by Ashley Haden, a past G1S1Africa mama, in the middle of her 2nd adoption from Africa. This is what she wrote:

 

"There are 31 babies that need mosquito protection nets in this orphanage! My lofty goal is that perhaps we can provide each child with a net for their crib/sleeping space. This will reduce their chance of being bitten by a disease carrying mosquito at night by up to 90%! The nets I am purchasing are World Health Organization endorsed and insecticide treated (necessary for full protection) and cost $13/net. I will order them personally, receive them at my house and ensure they are delivered to the orphanage. If we end up with more net donations then we need I will use any excess to order wind-up (no batteries required) flashlights (Cost is $10 for 2 flashlights on amazon.com). There are very frequent power outages and the "mamas" that care for the children are finding it very difficult to feed bottles and care for sick babies in the middle of the night with no power. Thanks for helping these babies!"

Okay, I know you're already on board and ready to donate.  Get on your paypal and send a gift (remember, by choosing "sending $ to fam/friends"  you can avoid the fees)  Send your gift to: 

                AHHSTL@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Let's go ahead and buy all 31 babies a net. It can truly save their lives.

Thanks so much!

Not Alone {LINK}

Remember our friend Camille? She graciously wrote a blog post for us a few weeks ago and today, she is featured at the Created For Care site!

"Last week, I sat at the kitchen table in front of the computer, eagerly awaiting 11 p.m. when Created for Care 2014 tickets would go on sale. I wanted those tickets more than a 14-year-old Belieber wants front row center. 

Last year was my first C4C; I was on the waiting list and got tickets at the last minute. I know now that God intended for me to be there.

God. That guy is a master of timing."............read more at Created For Care.  I know you'll enjoy it!