Passion for Food: From Cravings to Creations

Food is not just sustenance; it's a journey that takes me from one mood to another. Nearly every morning, my first thought revolves around the tantalizing question, "What am I going to eat today?" I owe much of my culinary prowess to my mother. Growing up in a single-parent household, I quickly learned the art of cooking to satisfy my ever-present cravings.

For the past six months, I've called a small city just outside Austin, Texas, my home. While this vibrant Texan community has its charms, finding a nearby pizza spot or ordering out can be a challenge. Coming from Toronto and having spent two years in Jersey, I had grown accustomed to convenience. But now, without a car at my disposal, the only option is to don the chef's hat and cook up a storm to appease my ever-discerning palate.

This past w

Cravings to creations

weekend marked a "Bread & Butter" episode, a culinary journey that began with the exquisite flavors of butter chicken and naan and carried through to a sumptuous Saturday. The grand finale of this weekend's delight was a batch of delectable potato dumplings, are the ideal snack for a serene Sunday movie night.

If you seek a savory, flavorful treat with a texture reminiscent of pizza dough, look no further. Even though this was my inaugural attempt at crafting these delectable dumplings, they turned out absolutely perfect. Now, let's dive into the recipe:

Potato Dumplings:

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes

• 1 1/2 cups of cornstarch or potato starch (you may substitute some flour if a full cup of starch is unavailable, as I did with a combination of cornstarch and flour)

• Soy sauce

• Vegetable oil

• Garlic

• Green onions

• Chili powder

• Chili flakes

• Chili paste

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are tender and easily mashed. After boiling, drain and let them cool for a short while.

2. Once they've cooled, peel the potatoes and proceed to mash them until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.

3. Gradually add the cornstarch (or the combination of potato starch and flour) to the mashed potatoes until you achieve a dough-like consistency. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

4. Roll the dough into small balls, and then proceed to press each ball with a glass bottle to create an inner circle within the dumpling.

5. In a separate pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Add the dumplings and cook them until they float to the surface, typically taking just a few minutes. Remove them from the pot using a slotted spoon.

6. In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil, and add minced garlic, chopped green onions, and the chili ingredients of your choice (chili powder, chili flakes, chili paste) to craft a delectable, flavor-packed sauce. Adjust the level of spiciness to match your preferences.

7. Toss the cooked dumplings in the sauce, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

8. Serve your delectable potato dumplings with the savory sauce. Savor the flavors and enjoy your homemade culinary creation.

These potato dumplings are remarkably versatile, and you can customize the sauce and seasonings to match your distinctive taste. This recipe captures the essence of my food journey, from cravings to kitchen creations, and I hope it brings a burst of flavor to your Texan culinary adventure.