Ever wonder what this cute little dumpling is and why I use it as my logo?

This is not just any dumpling but Siopao that my Lola would cook for me. It is one of my favorite Filipino foods and my logo shows how I represent my Filipino heritage. It’s something I enjoy and want to share with all of you!

From my Lola,

Here is the Siopao recipe from the cookbook.   My recipe is revised and almost double of this recipe.

love you,

ma

Siopao Recipe

Outer Bread:

4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour                    

4 tbsps. sugar

3 tsps. yeast                                                

1/4 c. vegetable shortening

1 1/2 c.  lukewarm water

Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water,   add sugar and 2 1/2 cups flour to make a soft sponge.   Beat thoroughly with wooden spoon.  Set aside to rise until double in bulk ( 30)min.),  add remaining flour and the shortening too sponge and mix well.  Turn onto slightly greased board and knead  until smooth.  Divide dough into 24 to 36 depending on desired size.  Form into balls.   Flatten one ball of dough with the heel of the hand and put filling in the center.   Gather the edges together and seal.   Lay Siopao on square piece of paper ( sealed side under) and set aside to rise for 20 to 30 minutes.

Filling:

1/2 kilo pork ,cut into small pcs.  or ground coarsely            

1/2 cup water 

2 onions quartered                                    

2 tsps. sugar

1/4 c. soy sauce    

1 Tbsp. Oyster Sauce

Mix together soy sauce, Oyster Sauce, water, sugar, salt, onions and pork.  Cook over low fire until tender.  Remove pork from sauce.  Use to fill Siopao. Steam for 30 minutes or until done.