Cook Chinese Dumplings by (Chinese) Lantern Light!

We welcome author Sherry Ellis this month!

I’m happy to announce the release of my newest book, Bubba and Squirt’s Big Dig to China. It's fiction based on my research about China. 

When Bubba and Squirt accidentally arrive in China, they discover they are in a pit with the Terracotta Warriors. These statues were first discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging for a well. The warriors were buried with the first Emperor of China, Ch’in Shi Huang-ti. Their purpose was to help him rule another empire in the afterlife. It is believed that there are more than 8,000 soldiers. No two are the same.

Ch’in Shi Huang-ti was a ruthless emperor, but he was an important figure in Chinese history. Some of his accomplishments included . . .

    . beginning construction of the Great Wall of China

    . standardizing Chinese units of measurements and currency

     . unifying Chinese script

Throughout my story, Bubba and Squirt experience Chinese culture. They enjoy eating Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi. You can buy them in Chinese restaurants or from grocery stores. Here’s the recipe if you would like to try making them at home.  

 Another cool thing you can do is make Chinese paper lanterns. Here’s how:

Materials:

Colored construction paper

Pencil and eraser

Ruler

Scissors

Stapler/tape

Small battery operated candle

What to do:

1.     Cut a strip of paper ½ inch wide from the short end.

2.     Fold the remaining paper in half lengthwise.

3.     With your pencil, mark a line ½ inch from the open edge.

4.     Mark ½ inch marks along this line.

5.     Cut the lines from the folded edge through both layers.

6.     Open paper and roll to form a cylinder.

7.     Tape or staple the edges at the top, middle, and bottom

8.     Add the handle. And the candle!

Steps in Pictures:

Step1

Step 2

Steps 3 and 4

Step 5

Step 6

Steps 7 and  9

Light your candle and enjoy those dumplings!

Sherry Ellis is an award-winning author and professional musician who plays and teaches the violin, viola, and piano. When she is not writing or engaged in musical activities, she can be found doing household chores, hiking, or exploring the world. Ellis, her husband,and their two children live in Atlanta, Georgia.