Classic Chinese Wontons

Mix the pork, scallions, mushrooms, ginger, sesame oil, cilantro, soy sauce, and pepper.

Spoon a teaspoon of the pork mixture into the center of a wrapper. Brush the edges lightly with egg, fold the wrapper in half, and crimp the edges to seal. Transfer to a cornstarch-dusted baking sheet.

Fill a large saucepan about onefourth full of water and bring to a boil. Line a steamer with lettuce and add the wontons. Place the steamer on a rack so it sits above the water. Cover and steam the dumplings for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Serve at once.

Variation Wonton Soup Instead of steaming the wontons, cook them in a rich chicken broth, along with such vegetables as sliced bok choy, baby corn, or chopped Chinese broccoli. Simmer 10 minutes or until wontons are cooked.