I’ve been in China for nearly a month and on the job in Feicheng, Shandong Province, for two weeks. Truly the highlight of my trip is our dinner at a Feicheng colleague’s home, which I understand is a rare privilege. Before sitting down to the indescribably delicious meal that his wife and sister prepared, we had fun making dumplings (the kind that are boiled, not fried).
Here I am (the white American in the middle) with our colleague’s sister (on left) and his wife. They gave me the embroidered cloth that is on my shoulder. They said it’s to protect my clothing, but I think it’s too pretty for that purpose and I’ll wear it on a special occasion. You can see some of the son’s awards on the wall above the homework desk.
The dough is twisted into a thin rope while the filling (made of chives, mushrooms, tofu and other ingredients) is prepared.
The rope of dough is chopped into small pieces.
The small chunks get coated with flour.
Then the chunks are shaped into thin circles.
Teaching the Americans how to stuff the dumplings
My American colleague stuffing the dumpling
My American colleague in the background with finished dumplings waiting to be boiled. Several of these round trays of dumplings were prepared.
My American friend’s dumplings…. I can’t show you mine because I put the camera down when my hands were covered in dough. Mine were slightly (only slightly) better.
This is what the dumplings should look like.
You can see the plates of finished dumplings with the other delicious dishes. The women waited until we were finished before sitting down to eat.
Isn’t their Chinese food so much better and different than the Chinese food in the US? Looks like you had a fabulous time xoxox
You are right; the Chinese food in the US should hang its head in shame. The food in Feicheng is the best Chinese food I’ve had — granted I’ve limited experience, but I have found no rival. This evening with this wonderful family was a treat.
Sounds like a wonderful meal Mona! With a cooking lesson too!
It was … and a lot of fun too.
This is awesome! Glad you enjoyed it and also shared it. Very interesting to see and know what they do.
As I was pinching the sides of the dumpling together, I was reminded of making turnovers under my mother’s tutelage when I was a kid
Glad to know that you’re having a good time on your trip there. I took a dumpling making class in Yangshuo once and another in Beijing. It requires a lot of practice. My boyfriend’s mom makes the best ones!
Amazing Ramona! How kind of them to invite you home with them and to teach you how to make the dumplings! I hope that you get time to do all that you want while you are in China.
Ann, this year it’s been mostly work, but that’s OK, because I was brought here to work. I truly appreciate having this one evening to relax with a delightful family. ~Ramona
This must have been an amazing experience. And I’m sure the food was delicious.
It was…on both counts. Amazing and delicious.
Looks like a wonderful experience, and as always the pics are great. Have fun in China!
Thank you very much. The evening was delightful.
hiya mona I dont know what happened but I,ve been mising ll your posts I,m going to have fun catching up now
ps Ive changed my blog name a few times since you left 
Thank you for the compliment … and I look forward to seeing more of you!
Delicious and beautiful! Your post just reconfirms for me that food and culture sharing can bring people together. Thanks for posting!
YES! To share friendship, food, conversation …. what could be better?
Oh my goodness! That looks like so much fun! I can’t wait to go there someday
Have a fun and safe trip and I can’t wait to see more soon!
Learning, smiling, eating delicious food with good company– I am happy for you. Continued happy travels!
~ Lily
The travels were educational … and now I am thankful to be HOME!