My mother is completely adorable.
This is my favourite photo of her, but hopefully she won’t see this post, or I’ll be in trouble for posting a picture of her with grey hair…
Last weekend, she came over for lunch.
I made char siu bao (this recipe by Rasa Malaysia is brilliant)…
…and pig’s tail congee with homemade chilli oil…
…and potsticker dumplings. I normally make these with bought wrappers, but my friend Maree inspired me to try making the skins from scratch. They were a bit thick and wonky, but delicious…
Mum was very impressed and told me in Hokkien…”you can go and live in the mountains now”. My Chinese is basic at best, but I think the implied translation is…”you can go and live in the wild places now”. I’m pretty sure she wasn’t thinking of Leura.
She made us laugh so much – we’ve been baking our own bread for a decade, growing fruit and vegetables in the garden, collecting eggs from our backyard chooks, making yoghurt, muesli, preserves, chocolate and generally living as self-sufficient a lifestyle as possible. But in my gorgeous mother’s eyes, this was the turning point. Once we could make dumpling skins, then we could surely survive in the wilderness. I’m smiling just typing this.
If you’d like to make your own dumplings at home, it’s hard to beat this fabulous instructional video by the aptly named Dumpling Sisters. Maybe you can go and live in the wild places too! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Your mother is absolutely gorgeous. Even if you do go live in the wild places, please have internet so you can continue this marvelous blog.
What a beautiful photo of your mum. So much joy. xx
Just a most beautiful post Celia! x
How lovely your mother is! I must learn to live in the wild too.
I agree with an earlier comment. Your mom is gorgeous and you did her proud with your menu.
Gorgeous, beautiful and very funny- your mother is right.. You can survive anywhere now.
What a truly wonderful photo of your Mother, it captures the light of love for both family and life. How truly special.
I totally get your mum. Life isn’t worth living if you can’t have dim sum :) ..and I’ve got European parents lol
Adorable and delicious! 😋
Your mum looks so adorable! She looks like such a happy soul. I think I’ll get my husband to have a go at making the dumplings, they look delicious Celia.
Pig’s tail congee . . . ooh, have to try and make that! For three decades or so my first meal getting off the Qantas plane in Singapore was congee . . . then I was in time and rhythm!! Love your Mom’s photo . . .
Love this! Celebratory of the important things life – family, good food, living well and simply! Celia – you are an inspiration to us all. X
Your mum looks like she is having a hoot! Lovely shot. Must get some dumplings on the go, haven’t made any since New Zealand. That char siu bao looks delicious! Thank you for not having any eels to display! :)
How funny! At least you know what’s important in life.
It sounds like you have a beautiful relationship with your Mom. I miss mine terribly.
I’m impressed that you live so sustainably, in a city too. I’m sure your Mom has been very proud of you even before you mastered dumpling wrappers.
Love this! And I love the photo of your mother. I can see why it is your favourite. Tell her I dream of grey hair as beautiful as hers. Thus far I am afraid to see beyond the dyepot. 😱
Mo
Your beautiful mum! Right..I’m off to make dumpling wrappers and to live in wild places 😀
Well done getting that affirmation from your mum! (And she does look wonderful 😃)
Celia, like mother, like daughter. Your zest for life (and cooking) is a credit to your heritage. What a wonderful post! xo
Gorgeous photo of your mother:)
Completely adorable indeed! And what food…
Thank goodness you are now ready for the apocalypse! Mr Tiffin and I will be down later in the year so I hope we can share in your bounty. xxx
What fun your mother looks and sounds. Clearly this was your highest achievement and the most important for your survival in the wilds of Sydney:)
Absolutely adorable picture of your Mom. Great comment about the wilderness and I’m sure you’re quite ready ! Great post ! It reminded me of something my Mom would say
How lucky you are to have such a wonderful mother, she clearly thinks the world of you. The praise is well deserved. I admire how sustainable and joyful you have made your life.
Love that picture of your Mum! You GO, wild woman you haha
That is so cute Celia. I too giggled that that seemed to be the turning point of surviving in the wilderness!
Your mummy has such a lovely happy face!! Dumpling are life so I agree with your mum :)