Chinese Envy

My Jewish grandparents ate Chinese food on Brighton Beach Avenue every night. I always say I have Chinese envy. I lived in Chinatown briefly in high school. My friend Lisa Chune taught me how to cook Chinese food. She grew up learning how to cook from her parents who ran a Chinese restaurant in Queens.

I love the fast and simple vegetable-heavy meals. They are friendly! Last night I made spicy garlic Chinese broccoli with almonds and bites of chicken for Bill. The only thing missing was water chestnuts.

Lisa taught me how to make dumplings years ago when she visited us. I showed her how to make bread and yogurt.