Healthy family: potstickers

Makes about 60 dumplings.

Note: The technique for making these little packages does not take intricate handwork. Anyone can do these, which allows the entire family to get in on the action. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1 lb. ground pork

• 1/4 c. minced green onions

• 1 (5 oz.) can of water chestnuts, minced

• 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp. soy sauce

• 2 tsp. sugar

• 60 wonton wrappers, thawed if frozen

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for greasing cookie sheet

Directions

In a large bowl, use your hands to combine the pork, green onions, water chestnuts, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce and sugar.

Place the bowl of filling, the wonton wrappers, a saucer with the beaten egg and a pastry brush on a clean work surface. Have a lightly oiled cookie sheet nearby to hold the dumplings.

Place a scant tablespoon of the filling in the center of each wonton. Brush the beaten egg around the edges of the wrapper. Gather up the corners of the wrapper and pinch them together around the top. Make sure all the edges are sealed. Continue to make the dumplings until the filling is used up. Space them on a large cookie sheet, making sure they don't touch each other.

In a large sauté pan with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Place the dumplings in the pan so they aren't touching and sauté until they are nicely browned on the bottom. Add 1/2 cup water to the pan and steam the dumplings covered for about 3 minutes, or until pork is cooked through. Repeat the process with the remaining dumplings.

To make ahead: The filling can be made 8 hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator. The dumplings can be assembled up to one month ahead. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from the freezer, adding another few minutes to the cooking time.

Nutrition information per 6 dumplings with sauce:

Calories272Fat10 gSodium430 mg Carbohydrates32 gSaturated fat3 gCalcium22 mg

Protein13 gCholesterol51 mgDietary fiber2 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 2 bread/starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.

Note: The sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and kept covered in refrigerator. From Meredith Deeds.

• 1/4 c. seasoned rice vinegar

• 1/3 c. light soy sauce

• 2 tbsp. minced green onions

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil

Directions