Dear Dumplings

To my darling dumplings,

You are my long distance loves, who wait patiently for me in China Towns all over the world.

You are my patient loves, who tastes delicious even when you are the last one on the plate and you are already cold.

You are my little loves, in many many bites, in many different varieties, in many shapes and sizes.

I dream about you at meal times, my loves, and all other foods pale in comparison to your translucent pockets of filled goodness.

I cannot visit Melbourne or Sydney without scheduling in time for you. All my friends long ago realised that if they wanted to see me at meal times, you would have to come to. Some even pretend to like you, so as not to hurt our feelings.

I don't care my darling dumplings, that you are plump and juicy, and obviously way over the healthy weight range for a little snack.

I remember the time I found you, playing hide and seek from me in the freezer section of Wing and Co in Sandy Bay, with a coy smile, and a tiny chorus of "pick me! pick me!"

I have realised that I can't live without you, life is nothing if I do not have you dumplings, waiting for me and only me.

Now I have you hiding in the freezer at home, right in the back under the frozen peas so no one except for me will ever find you, and I can consume you in secret, behind closed doors, whenever I long for your succulent goodness.

And you my darling dumplings, will be forever mine. Even when I am old and gray and have no teeth, I will still long for you, and you will whisper in my ear "Shanghai...Shanghai."

Love always,

Maggie