Dim Sum Sunday - Mama Mia

Cruising through the aisles of the local grocery store I see more and more evidence that adults find preparing food time consuming and strenuous. Vegetables in steam ready bags complete with garlic, carrots shaved down to nuggets, more and more meals in a box or bag, microwave ready and flavor deficient. I grew up in a home where the best meals took time and effort. You could taste those efforts in every bite. My mother was the oldest of 8 children growing up on a family farm. Cooking for my brother and me must have seemed like a piece of cake. She not only taught me how to cook but to also love food. My Mother loves the adventure of trying new cuisines. Thai food on a rice barge in Bangkok, sushi where ever she can find it, Spanish food in Adams Morgan in DC, are all memories held down on our internal life map by push pin flags of food. Today, in honor of Mother's Day, I give her one of her favorites, Dim Sum.Dim Sum is a Chinese cuisine which involve several light dishes either steamed or fried and accompanied by hot tea. The portions are small and are easily shared among several diners. Dim Sum in Kansas City means one place, Bo Ling's.The dishes are brought to the table by carts piled high with steam baskets. Your difficult task is to pick from over 80 different plates of dumplings, vegetables, steamed buns or seafood dishes. If you have a hard time making quick decisions, take a long time to study a menu, or order like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, Dim Sum is probably not for you. My mother and I have no such problem. Some of our favorites?Ham soi gok for one. A crispy glutinous puff dumpling with little bits of shrimp and ham hidden inside. The puff is just a little sweet to contrast with the savory contents. But be warned, it loses it's appeal when it gets cold.The baked Roasted Pork Bun is a local favorite of this BBQ mad town. Chinese roast pork nestled in a soft bun.
Of course there are also specials and new dishes to try. This is a roll of shrimp paste wrapped with sheet of seaweed, the ends capped with sesame seeds and deep fried. I hope this one makes the permanent menu because it's very good.Did you save room for dessert? Egg Custard Tart or Steamed Sweet Creams buns perhaps? Get your favorite early from the dessert cart because there's no guarantee your favorite will be still be there once the cart finally comes back around to your table.

Whatever your mom likes, make sure she enjoys her favorite for Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day Mom.