What a charming cookbook! I took my time and savored each and every recipe in Let’s Make Dumplings (Ten Speed Press, 2021) by Hugh Amano and Sarah Becan. The subtitle of this book is “A Comic Book Cookbook,” but there is nothing comical about the step by step instructions and authentic recipes in this book. It might look like manga or anime or a graphic novel, but it is a serious study of dumplings from all over the world, mostly concentrating on Asia.
Both authors are based in Chicago, and I think I need to get to Chicago soon and try out some of the places they mention in their bios. I especially loved the last sentence in Sarah Becan’s bio, “…she would be very happy to do nothing but draw food all day.” Indeed. The illustrations in this book are delightful, including her drawings of Chef Hugh Amano and herself on every page as they make the dishes they are describing.
My younger daughter and I made dumplings once, yes just once. It was a lot of work, every surface of the kitchen was used, and nearly every dish, pot, pan, and utensil I own was dirty by the time we finished. They were delicious but I haven’t tried it again. Now with this clear and concise guide from an Asian chef, I think I just might have to give it another go!
This was a five-star read for me!
Michelle Blanchard Ardillo 
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