Each New Year's Eve my entire family came together to make dumplings for the celebration. Over time this evolved into a time honored and cherished family tradition. Making dumplings in those days was complicated work. The process required making dough, preparing fillings, rolling out wraps, and assembling the finished dumplings. All preparation was done by hand. We did not have food processors, dough machines, or other modern conveniences. You may think this is a lot of work but I have only fond memories of the time.

My brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins all participated in our New Year's Eve dumpling making tradition. My mom always served as the leader and organizer. She would prepare the dough, wash the vegetables, and carefully check all the other ingredients and spices. My aunts and uncles would chop vegetables, prepare meats and carefully hand roll each dumpling wrap. During this preparation time all the family talked together, laughed and joked, and generally had a grand time. Sometimes the children were a little mischievous. When the adults were not watching we would take a few wraps and fill them with candies, salt, or hot peppers. We called these "good luck dumplings" and tried hard to make them look exactly like those made by the adults. In the evening we would all sit down to a big meal which included my favorite, Chinese Dumplings.

When I was old enough my mother passed down to me her recipe and techniques for making tasty traditional Chinese dumplings. Today I would like to share that with you. I hope you enjoy these healthy, tasty treats. Perhaps they can become part of your own family's tradition on Chinese New Year.

Traditional Chinese Dumplings

Serves 6 people: