Chinese Meat Pies or Xian Bing are street food in China. These Chinese pork stuffed pancakes are great for a hand held breakfast or lunch on the go!
A birthday cake this isn't; but a cake this is, none the less. Imagine a traditional Chinese pork stuffed pancake or Xian Bing as they are known in China.
It seems fitting that on the day my children are turning 26, there must be some way to celebrate.
Yes, I know we will soon be lighting candles together or perhaps setting off fireworks, but it is still hard for me to let this day go without recognizing this momentous occasion.
Each year I tell myself I can't possibly be getting any older and then THEY have a birthday.
Reflecting over the years lets me remember how far we've come; how far they've come; how they truly have become more than what we had imagined, 26 years ago today.
Venturing into parenthood was not something we took lightly.
It took us 8 ½ years to become pregnant and at the time we were even exploring adopting.
I was already 10 weeks along before I knew; so you might say I was feeling funny.
Not being able to buckle my ski boots was the first indication that led me to schedule an appointment with the doctor.
I know that sounds totally crazy, but I really could not believe that I would actually be pregnant.
It took us awhile to come up with names. We even went to Hawaii as our "last" vacation to calmly discuss this. I guess now that's called a "babymoon".
Coming up with four names is no easy task and not knowing their sex before they were born, made this quite challenging.
In Jewish tradition it is common to use names of those that have died. It is traditional to have a Hebrew or Yiddish name and a common name.
This meant we kind of had to come up with 8 names; but who's counting? I actually recently found the name list that we worked on in Hawaii!
How I found that I truly do not know, as I still can't find their birth announcement, which means I better add this to the list of chores for winter!
We quickly ruled out Hannah Leah, which sounded a bit to Hawaiian to us when we got home.
Noah reminded me of a ship and I get seasick. Manservant really wanted Satchel and Paige, but there was no connection except of course to the great Satchel Paige.
It's a good thing we didn't name Zoe Whitney because that's what her good friend is named and Alex sure doesn't seem like a Zachary, but then Clay was on there also.
Max was a possibility and so was Joshua, along with Sasha and Tillie and Kali. I laugh at these now.
Truth is I have learned that one grows into a name. In the end I think Zoe's great grandmothers would be proud of who she has become.
Zoe Bryn was named after her great grandma Fanny on my mother's side. And though I would have named her Fanny, someone else objected.
My Grandma Fanny whose Yiddish name was Faigele, translates to little bird. Zoe's Hebrew name is Zipporah, which also means little bird.
Zoe did remind me of a little bird when she was born, as she was constantly eating!
Now though I see other traits that remind me of my grandma. My Grandma Fanny was independent. She was loving. She told it like it is. Nothing slipped by her.
She worked as a dietician, when women didn't traditionally work. Fanny would be proud of what Zoe has become and Zoe even has her blue eyes. Well, I like to think they came from her.
Alex was named after my Grandpa Alex, on my father's side. Just as I adored my Fanny, I adored my Papa, too.
My Papa Alex came from a shtetel in Lithuania in 1938, with his wife and three young kids in tow.
They arrived in August and within a month after he left, his entire village was wiped out.
My Papa had courage and good timing. He wasn't afraid of hard work, and I don't think he ever looked back; though he always seemed wistful.
Everyone liked my Papa and he had a twinkle in his eye, just like my Alex.
He was an educated man, loved to eat my Bubby and Ilse's cooking, and he always brought mini Hershey's chocolate bars when he stopped over Sundays to see his grandchildren.
My Papa would love Alex. And he would adore Zoe.
I could tell more, because I haven't even gotten to their middle names, but some things are for keeping.
At least until next year when I reflect again and remember all that they've become and imagine all that they will still be.
So far they've made me incredibly proud that I'm part of this wondrous journey.
On their birthday, I thank them for reminding me of those that I loved and those that loved me. What memories I had.
What memories I will have. Today I say Happy Birthday to my two totally incredible kids, with such incredible names, that remind me each and every day that life is for living.
_________________________________________________________________________________
On that note, as I wipe away tears...I felt compelled to make a Chinese pancake; a xian bing, a Chinese pork stuffed pancake...as if you don't know!
It may not be birthday cake, but it can hold a candle. It seemed kind of fitting, given our upcoming journey.
Though we are choosing not to go to Xi'an-home of the Terracotta Warriors-we are choosing to take the road less traveled. In my family, that sure seems to be the path.
More to eat and more birthdays:
Chocolate Lava Cake for your birthday
Blueberry Pancakes on the day of your birthday
Chocolate Fudge Cake and an 81st Birthday
Don't forget to pin and share!
Recipe
Xi’an Style Pork Stuffed Chinese Pancakes
- Prep Time: 30 Minutes
- Cook Time: 6 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This street food from China is a wonderful hand held snack. Perfect for grabbing on the go!
Ingredients
2 ¼ c flour
¾ c water
½ t salt
Filling:
1 c ground pork or your favorite ground meat
½ t 5 spice powder
1 T soy sauce
Pinch of sugar
¼ t salt
1 c finely chopped green cabbage
½ c chopped cilantro
2 scallions finely chopped
¼ t garlic powder
1 t sesame oil
Pinch of white pepper
Sesame Seeds
About ½ c Oil for frying
Instructions
Make dough: Combine flour, water and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until it forms a ball. I do this by hand. Knead for 5 minutes. Set aside and cover with a damp paper towel.
Filling:
In a small bowl combine pork, 5 spice powder, soy sauce, sugar and salt. Mix well.
In another small bowl combine cabbage, cilantro, scallions, garlic powder, sesame oil and white pepper.
Now your dough is ready to be shaped. I did this by shaping the dough into a cigar shape. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Keep in bowl, covered by the damp cloth until ready to use.
On an oiled wooden cutting board, shape each piece of dough. I do this one at a time. Roll into a thin rectangle, about 4 inches wide. Lightly brush oil on the rectangle and then smear ⅛ of the pork mixture over it. Take 2 T of the cabbage mixture and place this at one end of the rectangle. Roll away from you to form a coiled cigar shape. (Like a jellyroll) Now stand this cigar on one end and smash it down with the other to form a round or flattened pancake, about ¾″ thick with a diameter of about 4 inches. Sprinkle one side with sesame seeds. Set aside and finish the rest of them.
Now pour oil into a large heavy skillet. I used my cast iron. Heat over medium high heat until oil reaches about 300 degrees. Place pancakes into the pan. I was able to fry 4 at a time. Fry for about three minutes until the bottom is golden and then flip and fry about three minutes more. Drain on paper towels and serve warm. I like these dipped in a mixture of soy sauce and chili paste!
Notes
From Woks of Life
Summer says
These pancakes look so yummy ♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
ChgoJohn says
This was a beautiful post, Abbe, and wonderful tribute to Zoe and Alex on their birthday. Loved, too, the bit of family history you shared. Thank you. I am fascinated by the tales of others' roots. We are all standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.
I hope they had a fantastic birthday and am sure the year ahead will be even better. 🙂
Juliana says
Oh Abbe...this is such a sweet post...Happy 26th birthday to both of them.
The Chinese pancakes look great...as I have never tried making them...thanks for sharing the recipe.
Hope you are enjoying your week 🙂
Balvinder Ubi says
This is just a beautiful tribute to your children and you are one proud parent!Happy 26th birthday to both of them!these stuffed pancakes sound lovely to commemorate their birthday!
Biz says
I loved this! Isn't it crazy how fast our kids grow up. Hannah will be 25 on her next birthday, and some days I feel like I am still 25! Your kids were worth the wait, that's for sure! You should be a proud Momma! 😀
Beth says
What a beautiful post! I remember spending so much time thinking and talking about what we'd name our children. Of course, now I can't imagine them with any other names. Happy 26th birthday to both of them.
Sippity Sup says
As sweet (and savory) as my heart can handle. XOGREG
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
Aw, happy birthday to your son and daughter, Abbe! I can tell how much you love them ♥ The Chinese pancakes look delicious and I love Woks of Life too!
nicole says
Happy birthday to those lovely two! Those delicious pancakes look and sound worthy of the occasion!
Unknown says
LUV Y"ALL - A E A & Z. HOPE WE CAN ALL GET TOGETHER SOON.
M,A % PA
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Paw! Glad you could figure out how to comment. Hopefully you will do it again! And I hope it will be soon! We miss your visits!
technology capitalists says
Thankfully, we haven't aged a bit...at least in my mind as I look at the picture and think about the Hawaiian baby-naming vacation (which likely would be a great travel service). The time flew by...and, then again, didn't. So many perfect memories.
During an ancient cemetery tour, I learned the Egyptians carved a prayer on burial sites and objects: Speak my name and I will live again. Your story reminded me of this and the special significance of our kid's names. Hopefully, you can find time for the middle names as no one ever gets where Gibson came from!
So Mazel Tov to us what a journey it's been.
Abbe Odenwalder says
And Gibson was a very special name. Hopefully there will be many more birthdays so I can write many more stories that you can comment on! It's been a journey!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
They may not be a birthday cake but they certainly do sound like delicious little cakes. Love the story about your children…I hope they enjoyed their special day.
Abbe Odenwalder says
So sweet Karen! Thank you!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Happy Birthday to Zoe and Alex! What a lovely tribute to your children and what a beautiful post. Love reading about your children. These stuffed pancakes look absoluelty delicious. Have a lovely time!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Anu! I love writing about my kids, too!
Holly says
Beautifully written, Abbe! The love comes through in your writing and I really enjoyed reading this post about your children. Happy Birthday to them both and well done to you for continuing to be the wonderful mother of two!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Holly. One never stops being a mother!
Marcie Flavor the Moments says
Time really does fly -- my boys are 14 and 13 already! Hope your children had a great birthday and these pancakes look delicious!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh Marcie. Get ready to run! These years go very fast!
Odie says
Thank you Mom! looks tasty!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Your 1st comment on my blog? To what do I owe this visit? I will do it all over again!Love you Alex Odie San China Boy!
Tricia Buice says
What a beautiful story and please pass along my birthday wishes for them both! Love these little pancakes - they sound awesome!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Tricia! I'm sure if they read this, they will see!
Kitchen Riffs says
Happy Birthday to Zoe and Alex! Great story -- naming kids is a challenge! Wonderful looking pancake, too -- sounds unbelievably good. Thanks!
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is a good one John! Amazing how kids become their names!
La Table De Nana says
Aww..how much doe we love our children?:)♥And then their children..I watched a cute movie w/ Paul Rudd..about his job as a caregiver..you might like it:)
Happy birthday to your lovely children..and the pancakes..first time I have seen these..they look tasty!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Will have to look that movie up! Thanks Monique!
Tania | My Kitchen Stories says
Oh its hard to believe so many years pass between the time they are born and when you reflect like this. babies seem to be only a minute past. They are adorable then and now. happy pancake day x
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Tania! So true!
Angie Schneider says
Happy Birthday to your babies, Abbe. I certainly would prefer those stuffed pancakes to any traditional birthday cake. They look great!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Always will be my babies Angie! Well...I do love cake!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
These look absolutely delicious. I like the sound of this filling too!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Lorraine!
Liz Berg says
I love this tribute to your wonderful children! Laughing at your memories of choosing names--it was hard enough figuring out one at a time. I can't believe Tom will be 30 this year---thank goodness we're both still so youthful 😉
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well said, Liz!
Lavender and Lime (http://tandysinclair.com) says
You would not believe it if I told you my cousin named his child Hannah Leah! Thank you for sharing such touching stories about your grandparents. My middle name is for my great grandmother and my Hebrew name is Ahuva. People are amazed when I tell them Jewish children have at least two names. Birthday blessings for your children 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Unbelievable! I know an Ahuva who is also a great cook. Thanks for your blessings Tandy. I always hope to get back to SAF. Maybe one day we will meet.