From show 13
The wonton, translated "swallowing clouds", originated in China. Wonton dough is made from flour and water and shaped into thin 2-inch squares. This dough can be folded in various ways before cooking and it is often filled with ingredients such as meats, cheese, and vegetables. Wontons can be cooked by steaming, boiling, or frying in hot oil.
Packaged wonton dough squares may be found in the produce or frozen food
section of your grocery store and more commonly in Asian markets.
Shaping the Wonton "Bonnets"
- Place a teaspoon of cream cheese (plain or flavored) in the middle
of the flat dough. Lightly touch your fingertips into a bowl of water and
gently moisten the edges of the square.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a rectangle and lightly
press the edges to seal. Before completely sealing, "burp" the dough by
gently pushing out the excess air.
- Grasp each side of the folded middle with
the thumb and forefinger of each hand and pull the edges down and
together.
- Press and secure one end on top of the other using a dab of water in between the sections to form a seal. The rectangle shape will fold over the filling to form a "bonnet".
Cooking
Wonton bonnets are usually deep fried until crispy and golden in peanut oil heated to 350 degrees in the traditional Chinese cooking pan, the wok.- Test the readiness of the oil by dipping in a chopstick. When tiny bubbles cluster around the chopstick and rise to the surface,
the oil is hot enough for frying.
- The wonton can be placed in the oil and taken out with tongs or a
common wok tool, the long handled woven wire spatula.
Note: Children should be carefully supervised around the wok to avoid small oil splashes while an adult does the frying.
- When the "bonnets" are done, place them on a paper towel to drain and cool.
Serving
As an appetizer, wonton are eaten plain or are often dipped in a sweet and sour sauce. When filled with sweet cream cheese, sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve as a dessert.Important note: Adult supervision and participation is required for this activity.
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