Dumpling Party 

Matt Mancuso  

I’ll find any excuse to make dumplings.

I really don't know what it is about them, maybe because they're a cousin to the ravioli, but something about these meat filled purses really speak to me. Since moving to NYC, my dumpling consumption has probably gone up about 140%. Chinatown isn't a far ride and I can get 15 of these bad boys, pan-fried, for $3.75. Not to mention the gift I bear, given from god himself, to stuff unruly and grotesque amounts of dumplings down my gullet all at once, thanks dude. I get lost in a trance watching the old Asian grandmothers stuff and fold these things; I can sit there all day. Hundreds and thousands of hours put into this art makes these ladies masters of their craft. Now I have not spent my childhood in a dumpling house (if only) so I cannot make these guys by the armload. My solution? Host a dinner party; call up your friends tell ‘em bring the sake, find someone’s living room or rooftop, and have everyone pitch in. 

We’ll start our party prep by making some fillings. I love the traditional pork and chive but we'll also do a shrimp and chicken.

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