Wanton Lust for Wontons, Part One

Sorry this post was so long in coming!

I was just informed today that some of you have been visiting and disappointed that I haven't updated in generations. Well, lots has happened since my last post--I have many new pictures and stories (from Thanksgiving, from our potluck at work today, and just of me cooking and eating out) that I want to share.

First, I just wanted to comment on the news on all of the eating contests that occurred over Thanksgiving. Sonya Thomas won this year for "gobbling up" the most turkey in the fastest time! (Sorry for the ESPN-pun humor.) I am always amazed that the people who win those contests are generally rail-thin and--they're Asian! It's amusing to see the tiny 5'1" person beat the strapping lumberjacks who you'd imagine could out eat anyone. I guess that just disproves stereotypes for you.

I've seen Ms. Thomas before on a Food Network Special on Competitive Eating, and I found out that some people eat competitively for a living. They're professionals and are notorious in the niche "eating" circuit--almost comparable to World Champion Texas Hold 'Em Poker players. These "eaters" have to train and practice strenuously, just like an athlete must train for the Olympics, investing money and time.

Although I love eating and could do that for a living, I can attest that overeating can seriously damage your body. Competitive eaters are successful, because they deceive their bodies into believing that overeating and gorging is normal. I need to do that!

Okay, moving onto my main topic. . .

The sick bug has been making its rounds at my office at home. I was hit this last week with a scratchy throat, a terrible cough, an achy and lifeless back, an irritated and sniffing nose, and beastly "ill-men's" headaches. My Mama taught me that the best way to beat the sick bug, is by soothing and warm soups. I made some wonton soup yesterday, and it definitely helped me to "detoxify" my body, "Mama-style."

My parents always gave me the same foods when I was sick, and for some reason, when I eat those foods when my body is ailing, I feel much better. I remember drinking Lemon-Lime flavored Gatorade, eating hot bowls of Spaghetti-Os, and sipping fizzy 7-Up during my sick days. I also remember having the-world's-best-wonton-soup.

When I was sick, my parents would forgo the traditional pork filling, and opt for the "better for you when you're sick" chicken meat. People used to think that the curing effects of chicken soup was based on an old wives tale, but I have heard that there is actual medical evidence to buttress that claim.

In my own wontons, I splurged and added lean pork, shrimp, scallions, and ginger.

One bite into the bursting and juicy wonton dumplings, and I felt cured. A visit to Dr. Wonton, M.D. always does the trick.