Pressed Into Action for Dumplings

Folding, filling and sealing dumplings by hand can take a long time. That’s why we used a dumpling press for the Spot Stickers recipe--it made our work easy.

A dumpling press is a hard-plastic gadget that looks a bit like a set of false teeth with handles. Cookware stores sell them for about $5.

To use one, you open the press flat, lay a dumpling wrapper on it, place the filling in the center and lightly moisten the edges of the wrapper with water (use a brush or your finger). Then close and press to seal but not too tight--you don’t want the filling to run out or the dumpling to be squashed. Open the press and lift out your perfectly pleated dumpling. You’ll be able to make quite a few in a short time.

And this is a gadget with more than one use: It can also turn out ravioli, empanadas and small pastries.