Family dumplings

Preparing food can be a pleasure, so I learnt.

My sister and I, from time to time, get together to make Gyoza (Japanese dumplings), some destined for the freezer and some to eat fresh, with whomever shares our table. 

After coveting their more-ishness in restaurants for many years, I was over the moon to discover a good recipe for it.  The recipe, I learnt from my brother, who dictated it as I watched him prepare it, pestering him for quantities that don't formally exist, more intuitive estimates and portions - get a taste for it, change it, flavours are malleable.  He in turn had learnt it watching someone before him.  I had to work fast to get it written down (apologies for the handwriting); I get an idea of what it must be like to be an apprentice in his kitchen.

In Italy, traditionally girls with their mother and grandmother would set time aside to wrap gnocchi (dumplings) for a large Sunday lunch - they call them parcels of love.  The act of folding and repetition, wrapping each individually to be enjoyed and shared amongst many, really is an exercise of great affection.

Some destined for the freezer.

Some destined for the plate.

 

(Missing from the bottom is Japanese Rice vinegar to be combined in the dipping sauce) 

This was the best video I found to demonstrate wrapping on youtube: youtube.com/gyoza wrapping

NB  When packing to store in the freezer, put cling film between each layer of gyoza, to prevent them all sticking together.

Enjoy preparing these and enjoy Eating them even more!

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For French Lovers

Terriors
5 William IV Street
London

  © The London Foodie

There are few places, you can dine a five hour stretch in London without the maître d' applying polite pressure and without heaving through crowds on a Friday evening.  But this is a small subterranean corner of gallic charm in our old city, where devouring delicacies and lightly unwrapping over their indigenous wines, while time is forgotten is the calling.

Everybody is relaxed and laughing, and fully absorbed within their own company. Just as good for a gathering on one of the large tables, or two seaters for daters, and drop-in winers and diners sat at their zinc bar, within view of their busy kitchen and back and forth exchanges between bar staff, full of knowledge and recommendations with their guests.  A group of 30's professionals with coiffed hair and sparkling smiles, standing around a barrel perusing the wine list and enjoying an extended tasting session, having fun with vintage and maker; as most can be ordered by the glass - making it perfect for trying a range from their cellar.

As soon as your fingers melt into the aged leather bound 50 pages of wine selected - mostly from French winemakers and the staff have muttered from the menu and teased you with tasters at their suggestion - you could be in any corner of France.  Your eyes widen over the small but choice food menu, with small plates like pork & pistachio terrine, duck rillette, snails garlic and parsley on toasted bread, perfect portions while drinking.  Or perhaps select  from their 5 or so seasonal Plats du jour.  All their wines and foods are sourced with careful consideration for provenance - simple and effective principle you really appreciate as a diner.

© The London Foodie

I went there on a fantastic recommendation by The London Foodie - a trusted guide for London Dining!  www.thelondonfoodie.co.uk