A New Plan

After my rambling last night I had an idea. I am going to let Dragon create a meal. I am going to sit down with dh and figure out what kind of budget we can give him. I am thinking $10. We will let him look through the grocery ads and plan according to what is on sale. We will discuss his ideas and help if needed. I am going to do my best to step back and let him do this. I will also let him know that if he wants to create something of his creation he must have a shopping list and plan ahead(ie not tell me after we have gone grocery shopping). But I am also going to make sure that he understands that if you want to cook and create in the kitchen you must be help clean it.

Thank you for listening to me ramble last night.

Apple Delight

While we were stuck in the house for a few days, Dragon came up with his own yummy snack. Move your mouse over the pictures to get the directions. :) Enjoy!

Since I love to cook...

I have created a new blog... Summer Fae's Kitchen.

I am going to try and post some family favorites and our weekly menu. I hope that you stop by.

Pan-Seared Black Bean Dumplings

This is one of our favorite dishes. We make them or a variation of them every week. I got this from a recipe group on yahoo. She got it from Marilu Henner's Cookbook. I added my notes in parenthesis.

Pan-Seared Black Bean Dumplings


1 cup canned or cooked, drained and mashed black beans
1/2 teaspoon ponzu sauce or fresh lime juice (I use lemon juice)
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons trimmed and thinly sliced scallions (I used onions)
1 tablespoon chili garlic paste (I don't use this because of kids)
1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
12 tablespoons round wonton wrappers (I buy these from my local oriental market)
1 tablespoon tamari soy sauce

In a mixing bowl, blend all the ingredients together except for the wonton wrappers.
Lay out the wrappers on a flat clean surface. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of mixture in the center of each skin. Brush a light coating of water around the edges of the skins and fold over to form a half moon. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. Seal tightly with your fingers or use a fork to pinch the ends together. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a nonstick skillet with canola oil spray, set over medium heat, and cook 6 dumplings at a time. Brown each side 2 to 3 minutes. Finish cooking on a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes to warm the centers.
Makes 4 servings 12 dumplings.

My Variations...

~Mini egg rolls(another inspiration from the same group). I shred 1/4 of a cabbage, 2 large carrots, and finely chopped onion. Mix everything with some sesame oil, soy sauce, pepper & garlic. Then I cook the mixture real quick. The I continue as above.
~Peppers, I just use peppers instead of beans
~Taco Dumplings: Use refried beans, onions,and spices.