Bo Pe (Chinese) Recipe

1. 1

   Sift the flour, sugar and salt together in a large bowl and hollow out the center.

2. 2

   Pour the yeast that has been dissolved in the hot water into the hollow.

3. 3

   Add in the melted shortening and mix well together.

4. 4

   Knead lightly on a floured board till the dough is smooth and elastic.

5. 5

   Then place in a greased bowl, cover with a sheet of waxed paper and set to rise at room temperature about 3 hrs.

6. 6

   Oil your hands and the board with salad oil and divide the dough into 24 small workable portions.

7. 7

   Press out with the hands and then roll with rolling pin till each piece is about 4 inches in diameter.

8. 8

   Drop large Tbsp.

9. 9

   of filling (recipe follows) onto each piece of dough, then draw up the edges around the filling and make into a ball.

10. 10

    Press the edges together and turn so the seams are underneath.

11. 11

    Let rise till doubled.

12. 12

    These can be baked or possibly fried or possibly steamed on a rack.

13. 13

    However you choose to cook them, they are delicious.

14. 14

    Bake at 400 degrees 20 min or possibly fry in a deep fat at 375 degrees or possibly steam over boiling water for 30 min.

15. 15

    SWEET FILLING: 1 package pitted dates 1/3 c. pecans or possibly almonds 1/3 c. orange marmalade Rind of 1 lemon grated

16. 16

    MEAT FILLING: 1/2 lb lean grnd beef or possibly pork 1/4 lb minced mushroom stems (Stuff caps later) 2 large ribs celery chopped salt and pepper to taste

17. 17

    MAKE YOUR OWN: Try making your own fillings using these approximate proportions, with bits of meat and vegetables you have on hand.

18. 18

    Prunes, apricots and raisins for the sweet ones.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.