Asian Cuisine

Slow Cooked Char Siu Pork Roast

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
2 pounds boneless Boston butt pork roast, trimmed
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth

Combine first 8 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Place in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add pork to bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.

Place pork and marinade in an electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

Remove pork from slow cooker using a slotted spoon; place on a cutting board or work surface. Cover with aluminum foil; keep warm.

Add broth to sauce in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until sauce thickens. Shred pork with 2 forks; serve with sauce. Makes 8 servings

Longevity Noodles

Peanut Sauce:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh onion
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup soy milk
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Marinade:
1 tablespoon dry white wine
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into thin strips

Noodles:
8 ounces uncooked thin spaghetti
Cooking spray
1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed
1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup diagonally sliced green onions

To prepare sauce, heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, 1 teaspoon ginger, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in soy milk, peanut butter, and juice; cook 3 minutes or until peanut butter is completely melted, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool completely.

To prepare marinade, combine wine, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons ginger, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl. Add chicken; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes.

To prepare noodles, cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and rinse. Set aside.

Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sauté 2 minutes or until done. Add snow peas and carrot; sauté 4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in peanut sauce, salt, and black pepper. Add noodles; toss well. Sprinkle with green onions. Makes 8 servings

Lion's Head Meatballs in Spicy Coconut Sauce

Sauce:
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup soy milk
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced hot red chile pepper
1 tablespoon chopped green onions
2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce

Meatballs:
1 pound ground round or ground pork
1/3 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped water chestnuts
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced hot red chile pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

To prepare sauce, combine first 6 ingredients in a small bowl.

To prepare meatballs, combine ground pork and next 9 ingredients (pork through salt) in a large bowl, and shape mixture into 8 meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook 7 minutes, browning on all sides. Drain well.

Place sauce in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes. Garnish with basil and rind. Makes 8 servings

New Year's Dumpling Delight

Chili-Garlic Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons green onion, minced
1 hot red chile, minced

Dumplings:
10 ounce ground pork
3 1/2 cups shredded Napa (Chinese) cabbage
1 1/4 cups thinly sliced leek (about 1 large)
3/4 cup minced green onion
1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps (about 3 ounces)
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon sake (rice wine) or sherry
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
40 won ton wrappers
2 large carrots, thinly sliced

To prepare dipping sauce, combine first 7 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.

To prepare dumplings, combine pork and next 10 ingredients (pork through black pepper) in a large bowl.

Working with 1 won ton wrapper at a time (cover remaining wrappers with a damp towel to keep from drying), spoon about 2 teaspoons pork mixture into center of each wrapper. Moisten edges of wrapper with water; bring 2 opposite corners to center, pinching points to seal.

Bring remaining 2 corners to center, pinching points to seal. Pinch 4 edges together to seal. Place dumplings, seam sides up, on carrot slices (cover loosely with a damp towel to keep them from drying).

Arrange half of dumplings in a single layer in a bamboo or vegetable steamer. Steam dumplings, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove dumplings from steamer; place on a platter. Keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining dumplings. Serve with dipping sauce.

Note: If you don't have a steamer, use a heat-proof plate. Set it on top of a heat-proof bowl placed in the bottom of a pot filled with 2 inches of water. Cover and steam. Makes 8 servings

Orange-Ginger Shrimp Skewers

1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 minced hot red chile (optional)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 oranges, peeled, cut in half and quartered
Cooking spray

Combine first 9 ingredients in a bowl. Add shrimp; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 15 minutes. Remove shrimp from dish, reserving marinade. Thread shrimp and orange quarters alternately onto each of 8 (8-inch) skewers.

Heat large grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Cook skewers 4 minutes on each side or until done, basting with reserved marinade. Makes 8 servings

Shanghai Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce

1/2 pound unpeeled fresh shrimp
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 pound ground pork
1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and minced
1 (8-ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 green onions, diced
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (12-ounce) package spring roll wrappers
Vegetable oil
Sweet Chili Sauce
Lettuce leaves (optional)

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired; finely chop. Stir together shrimp, 1 egg, pork, and next 8 ingredients. Spoon 1 tablespoon mixture in center of each spring roll wrapper.

Fold top corner of each wrapper over filling, tucking tip of corner under filling, and fold left and right corners over filling. Lightly brush remaining corner with remaining egg; tightly roll filled end toward remaining corner, and gently press to seal.

Pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches into a medium saucepan, and heat to 350°. Fry spring rolls, a few at a time, 6 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve spring rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce and over lettuce leaves, if desired. Makes 15 spring rolls

Fried Rice

1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
2 large eggs
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 large red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large sweet onion, diced
1/2 cup frozen sweet green peas, thawed
3 cups cooked rice
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce
4 green onions, sliced

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet or wok at medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add eggs; cook 1 minute on each side. Remove from skillet; chop and set aside.

Heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil in skillet or wok; add ham, and stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until golden. Add bell pepper and onion; stir-fry 5 minutes. Add peas and next 3 ingredients; stir-fry 3 to 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in reserved egg, and sprinkle with green onions. Makes 4 servings

Hot and Sour Soup

5 dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
5 dried wood ear mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
1 (32-ounce) carton vegetable broth
2 1/4 cups water, divided
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 to 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound reduced-fat firm or extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Chili oil (optional)

Place mushrooms in a medium bowl; cover with boiling water. Cover and let stand 10 minutes or until tender; drain. Thinly slice mushrooms; set aside.

Combine broth, 2 cups water, ginger, and garlic in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Add mushrooms. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Add vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and tofu; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes.

Combine remaining 1/4 cup water and cornstarch, stirring with a whisk. Stir cornstarch mixture into broth mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 minutes or until soup thickens slightly, stirring frequently.

Slowly pour egg whites into broth mixture in a steady stream, stirring constantly but gently with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat; stir in onions, cilantro, and sesame oil. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired. Makes 4 servings

Sushi-Rice Salad

Rice:
2 cups uncooked sushi rice
2 cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Dressing:
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 to 3/4 teaspoon prepared wasabi (Japanese horseradish; optional)

Remaining ingredients:
1 cup (2-inch) julienne-cut peeled English cucumber
1/4 cup minced red onion
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
1 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into 2-inch julienne strips

To prepare rice, rinse rice thoroughly in a sieve. Drain well. Bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; uncover and cool to room temperature.

To prepare dressing, combine vinegar and next 5 ingredients (vinegar through garlic) in a small bowl. Add wasabi, if desired. Combine cooled rice, dressing, cucumber, onion, and sesame seeds in a large bowl. Sprinkle evenly with nori. Makes 7 servings

Vietnamese Beef-Noodle Bowl

8 cups water
2 (14 1/4-ounce) cans fat-free beef broth
3 whole star anise (optional)
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
1 (1 1/2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger, sliced
4 ounces uncooked rice stick noodles or vermicelli
1 1/2 pounds boned sirloin steak, thinly sliced
2 1/2 tablespoons minced shallots
2 tablespoons sake (rice wine) or rice vinegar
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 cups fresh bean sprouts
1 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup minced green onions
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon thinly sliced red chile (optional)
6 lime wedges (optional)

Combine first 5 ingredients in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 30 minutes. Strain broth; discard solids. Return broth to pan.

Place rice noodles in a large bowl; cover with hot water. Let stand 15 minutes; drain. Cook noodles in boiling water 1 minute or until tender; drain.

Combine the beef, shallots, sake, and minced ginger in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and marinate in refrigerator 10 minutes. Add beef mixture to broth in pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook 3 minutes. Stir in bean sprouts and next 6 ingredients (bean sprouts through black pepper); cook 1 minute.

Place the noodles into each of 6 large bowls; top with broth mixture. Garnish with sliced chile and lime wedges, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Shang Kimchi

14 cups coarsely chopped napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
2 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek or Thai chile paste
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

Place cabbage and salt in a large bowl, tossing gently to combine. Weigh down cabbage with another bowl. Let stand at room temperature 3 hours, tossing occasionally.

Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain and squeeze dry. Combine cabbage, sesame seeds, and remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Makes 4 cups

Sichuan-Style Stir-Fried Chicken With Peanuts

Marinade:
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine or sake
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Stir-Frying Oil:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

Sauce:
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine or sake
1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or Worcestershire sauce
1 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
2 tablespoons minced green onions
1 1/2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 7 cloves)
1 teaspoon chile paste with garlic

Remaining Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups drained, sliced water chestnuts
1 cup (1/2-inch) sliced green onion tops
3/4 cup unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts
6 cups hot cooked long-grain rice

To prepare marinade, combine first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl; cover and chill 20 minutes. Heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mixture; stir-fry 4 minutes or until chicken is done. Remove from pan; set aside.

To prepare sauce, combine broth and next 6 ingredients (broth through 1 teaspoon sesame oil); stir well with a whisk. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in pan. Add 2 tablespoons green onions, ginger, garlic, and chile paste, and stir-fry for 15 seconds. Add broth mixture, and cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly.

Stir in cooked chicken, water chestnuts, sliced onion tops, and peanuts; cook for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Serve over rice. Makes 6 servings

Oriental Flank Steak

1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (1 1/4-pounds) flank steak
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

Combine soy sauce, sugar, and garlic cloves. Place flank steak on a broiler pan; broil 8 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness, basting occasionally with soy sauce mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and cut diagonally across the grain into thin slices. Makes 5 servings

Sweet Black Pepper Fish

1/2 cup water, divided
3 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
3 tablespoons minced peeled fresh lemongrass
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup coarsely chopped green onions
4 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Combine 1/4 cup water, sugar, and fish sauce in a large nonstick skillet; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add lemongrass, garlic, and pepper. Cook 1 1/2 minutes or until slightly reduced.

Add 1/4 cup water, onions, and fish, and cook over medium-high heat 7 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, turning once. Sprinkle with cilantro. Makes 4 servings

Sweet Coconut Tapioca Soup with Bananas

2 cups water
1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup uncooked granulated tapioca
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large ripe bananas, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Bring water and coconut milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in sugar, tapioca, and salt. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Stir in bananas. Remove from heat; cover, and let stand 15 minutes. Serve warm, or chill 3 hours. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Makes 4 servings

Asian Chicken Stock

1 gallon water
2 cups chopped leek (about 3 leeks)
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger (about 4 ounces)
1 1/2 cups chopped celery
3 tablespoons Thai fish sauce (such as Three Crabs)
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
10 chicken wings (about 2 1/2 pounds)
8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 1/2 pounds)
2 bunches cilantro, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 medium Vidalia or other sweet onion, peeled and quartered

Combine all ingredients in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 hours. Strain broth through a cheesecloth-lined colander into a bowl; discard solids. Makes about 2 1/2 quarts

Garlic and Ginger Rice

2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups Asian Chicken Stock
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Place rice in a colander in a bowl. Cover rice with water; stir rice until water turns white. Lift colander; drain liquid in bowl. Repeat procedure twice. Drain.

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in Asian Chicken Stock; bring to a boil.

Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, and stir in cilantro. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Makes 8 servings

Yang Chow Fried Rice

2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
4 large eggs, lightly beaten and divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
Dash of salt
1 3/4 cups thinly sliced green onions, divided
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups cooked short-grain rice, chilled
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (10-ounce) package frozen green peas, thawed
3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of eggs; swirl to coat bottom of pan evenly. Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon pepper and dash of salt; cook 3 minutes or until egg is done. Remove egg from pan; thinly slice, and set aside.

Wipe pan clean with a paper towel. Heat remaining 4 teaspoons oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup onions, ginger, and garlic; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add remaining eggs and rice; stir-fry 3 minutes.

Stir in half of egg strips, remaining 3/4 cup onions, remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper, soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and peas; cook 30 seconds, stirring well to combine. Top with remaining egg strips and cilantro. Makes 6 servings

Pork and Plantains

1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
2 tablespoons peanut oil
3/4 cup sliced green onions
2 tablespoons minced peeled fresh ginger
1 teaspoon Szechuan or pink peppercorns, crushed
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced
3 plantains, quartered lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch-thick pieces (about 3 cups)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup white rum
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cut pork into 2 x 1/4-inch-wide strips. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onions, ginger, peppercorns, and chile; stir-fry 30 seconds. Add pork; stir-fry 1 minute. Add plantains; stir-fry 30 seconds. Stir in broth, soy sauce, rum, and sugar; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, or until plantains soften.

Combine water and cornstarch, stirring well with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture to pork mixture, stirring well; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Makes 6 servings

Hand-Hacked Pot Stickers

1 cup chopped napa (Chinese) cabbage
1 cup chopped spinach
1/4 cup minced green onions
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon dark sesame oil
Dash of white pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 pound lean ground pork
1/4 pound peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped
24 round wonton wrappers or gyoza skins
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
2 cups chicken broth, divided
Green onion strips (optional)

Combine first 10 ingredients in a bowl. Working with 1 wonton wrapper at a time (cover the remaining wrappers with a damp towel to prevent drying), spoon about 1 heaping teaspoon filling into the center of each wrapper.

Moisten edges of wrapper with water. Fold in half, pinching the edges together to seal. Holding the sealed edges of the pot sticker between the thumb and first two fingers of each hand, form 3 to 4 pleats along the seal. Place dumpling, seam side up, on a platter. Repeat with remaining filling and wrappers to form 24 pot stickers.

Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil in a large nonstick skillet. Arrange 12 pot stickers, seam sides up, in pan, and cook for 30 seconds or until browned. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to pan; cover and cook 5 minutes.

Uncover and cook about 1 minute or until liquid evaporates. Remove the pot stickers from pan; cover and keep warm. Repeat procedure with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil, 12 pot stickers, and 1 cup of broth. Garnish with green onion strips, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Chicken and Pork Egg Rolls

1 medium head cabbage, shredded
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) bamboo shoots, drained and chopped
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
5 green onions, chopped
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons canola oil
2-1/4 cups diced cooked chicken breasts
2 cups diced cooked pork
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 packages (16 ounces each) egg roll wrappers
1 egg, lightly beaten
Additional oil for deep-fat frying

Sauce:
1-1/2 cups unsweetened pineapple juice
3/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

In a large nonstick wok, stir-fry the cabbage, celery, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, onions and garlic in oil until crisp-tender. Stir in the chicken, pork, broth, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until heated through.

Position an egg roll wrapper with one point toward you. Place about 1/4 cup meat mixture in the center. Fold bottom corner over filling; fold sides toward center over filling. Roll toward the remaining point. Moisten top corner with beaten egg; press to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry egg rolls, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

In a saucepan, combine the first five sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into boiling mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve warm with egg rolls. Makes about 3 dozen.

Wonton Kisses

24 milk chocolate kisses
24 wonton wrappers
Oil for frying
Confectioners' sugar

Place a chocolate kiss in the center of a wonton wrapper. (Keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.) Moisten edges with water; fold opposite corners together over candy kiss and press to seal. Repeat.

In an electric skillet, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Fry wontons for 2-1/2 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Makes 2 dozen.

Chai Rice Pudding

8 cups milk
1 cup uncooked basmati rice
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

In a heavy saucepan, combine the milk, rice, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat; stir in the spices. Serve warm or chilled. Refrigerate leftovers. Makes 10 servings.

Egg Drop Soup

5 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup sliced fresh spinach
2 green onions, sliced

In a large saucepan, bring the broth and sugar to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low. Drizzle beaten egg into hot broth. Remove from the heat; stir in spinach and onions. Makes 4 servings.

Chinese-Style Stove-Top Pot Roast with Noodles

4 teaspoons peanut oil, divided
1 (2 1/2-pound) sirloin tip roast, trimmed
1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 cups beef broth
1/2 cup dry sherry
1/4 cup thinly sliced peeled fresh ginger
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, crushed
3 star anise
2 cups sliced shiitake mushroom caps
2 cups (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot (about 2 large)
4 baby bok choy, halved lengthwise (about 1 3/4 pounds)
12 ounces fresh uncooked Chinese egg noodles
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sprinkle roast evenly with five-spice powder and salt. Add meat to pan; cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Add broth and next 6 ingredients (through star anise) to pan; bring to a simmer. Cover, reduced heat, and simmer 3 1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat from pan. Cover and keep warm.

Strain cooking liquid through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and carrot to pan; sauté 5 minutes. Add bok choy and 4 cups reserved cooking liquid to pan. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until bok choy is tender.

Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Divide noodles evenly among 8 bowls. Shred the meat with 2 forks; arrange 3 ounces meat over each serving. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons vegetable mixture and 1/2 cup broth. Place 1 bok choy half on each serving; sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons green onions. Makes 8 servings