Considering my mother’s educational background in early childhood development and her experience as a preschool teacher, it’s no surprise that her approach to parenting was imaginative and inventive. From engaging in book readings all day long to creating artwork using paper plates and salad spinners, she always found unique ways to keep us entertained. Whenever we complained of being bored, she would simply remind us that “smart girls never get bored,” a wise tactic that usually did the trick.
Mom’s Inventive Take On Chicken And Dumplings
Her creativity extended to the kitchen, where she managed to turn our pickiest eater into a fan of family dinners. One of her standout culinary creations was a playful twist on the classic chicken and dumplings dish, requiring just a single clever adjustment.
While following the traditional chicken and dumplings recipe, she would deviate from the norm when it came to crafting the dumplings. Instead of cutting the dough into conventional strips, she would opt for a cookie cutter to shape the dough into adorable duck forms. These little duckling-shaped dumplings would then be gently submerged into the creamy broth and cooked until they puffed up perfectly. And just like that, our beloved family dish—chicken and ducklings—was born.
How It Won Over Everyone
Chicken and ducklings quickly became a household favorite. The sight of cute little chicks bobbing in our soup brought a sense of whimsy and joy to our mealtime, and we eagerly devoured every spoonful. Though we were typically discouraged from playing with our food, this clever twist allowed us to have some lighthearted fun while eating. Undoubtedly, the introduction of chicken and ducklings was a dinner solution that required no negotiations with the little ones seated at her table.
