24 minutes ago, Annie_H said:DH birthday yesterday, I picked up some dumplings from WholeFoods. Horrible. Big and fat and no flavor.
I'm always amazed when someone manages to mess up dumplings — they're so easy to get right! But so many supermarket ones are terrible.
24 minutes ago, Annie_H said:Red package is Dooubanjiang. Mung bean paste. Should have ordered but just saw it this morning when checking on delivery tracking.
In the grand eGullet tradition of enabling, I am obligated to point out that Mala Market sells that same (excellent) doubanjiang and a lot of other high quality versions of Sichuan ingredients.
I have been using their 10 year Baoning vinegar as a sort of finishing vinegar for a lot of Chinese dishes or dipping sauces lately and have been very impressed. (Expensive, but it's quite a big bottle.)
Their Sichuan peppercorns are notably better than the ones I've gotten from supermarkets as well — and it's the only place in the US I have ever seen caiziyou (unrefined rapeseed oil, traditionally used a lot in Sichuan).
A few things they sell are a bit ridiculously priced (like the zhacai and yacai) — I don't begrudge a small business the markup, but I can get those easily elsewhere.
All of this is making me want to cook more Sichuan food — think it will be on the menu this week! Might be time to finally set up the outdoor wok burner...
