Wolfgang Puck’s Chicken Pot Stickers

Bonnie: I looked forward to taste-testing Wolfgang Puck’s new line of all-natural appetizers. Wearing my food editor hat, I’ve met Wolf many times and had the privilege of him cooking especially for our editors’ group. I’ve never had a bad meal when Wolf was in the kitchen.

(Sshh… I think I’d lose my foodie status to admit that I’ve never been to the original Spago!)

Anyway… one evening with friends visiting, we opened a bottle of vino and taste-tested his entire line of “chef-inspired” appetizers and complementary dipping sauces. All four appetizers contain fresh all-natural ingredients with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. I’m sad to say only one — Chicken Potstickers — rose to celebrity status.

The other three include: Arancini — Italian risotto balls with a fresh tomato-basil-garlic sauce, Mu Shu Pork Spring Rolls — spring rolls with a garlic-chili ponzu dipping sauce, and Classic Shrimp Cakes with a creamy Dijon-citrus sauce. These three are just okay, not something I’d serve to guests. That is, unless they were in my kitchen for a testing session.

Back to the Chicken Potstickers. These Chinese-style chicken-and-vegetable dumplings are paired with a flavorful garlic ponzu dipping sauce. Although the package provides microwave directions, don’t. For these to be flavorful, follow the pan-seared instructions of placing them in hot oil, adding water or stock (I prefer the stock!), covering and cooking. Then, plate and serve to your guests along with the sauce.

Bryan: Who’s better than Wolfgang Puck? Forget the over saturation of an Emeril or a Rachel Ray (no offense), this man is absolutely iconic! With commercial enterprises ranging from Home Shopping Network lines of cookware to his famous Beverly Hills dining establishment Spago, Wolfgang is a true foodie presence.

Though we have seen bits and pieces of it in home offerings before, Chef Puck is now introducing a line of all-natural gourmet appetizers, integrating gourmet flavors into everyday entertaining. These new bite-sized tidbites provide a welcome addition to his famous gourmet frozen pizzas. These appetizers are inspired by dishes from Wolfgang’s most well-known restaurants, including Spago and Chinois. The four unique appetizers include only all-natural ingredients and are each paired with a distinctive, flavorful dipping sauce.

As Bonnie has pointed out, the Mu Shu Pork Spring Rolls, Italian Risotto Balls and Classic Shrimp Cakes are all good, but unfortunately not standouts. Chicken Potstickers, on the other hand, were crisp and powerful, the garlic dipping sauce an irresistible accompaniment. The package of 12 disappeared quickly in front of only my eyes!

If you didn’t already know, Wolfgang Puck opened his first restaurant, Spago, in 1982. He is now one of the most influential chefs in North America, with an empire that includes a growing number of fine dining and casual restaurants, catering venues, cookbooks and products. He remains dedicated to flavor (and all-natural ingredients), and continues to win praise from a variety of sources in the foodie world… His pizza places are also among the few welcome sights I come across in the oft-traveled world of airports. Thank you again Mr. Puck for another great creation!

Eric: Who doesn’t love finger-food? I imagine that for most people, the best part of any social event (aside from the gossip) is the anticipation of what there will be to eat, and finger foods (i.e. food that requires no manners to eat) are usually the highlight.

As a banquet manager and assistant food and beverage manager, I’ve coordinated, and have been guest at, more events than I can count. One of my favorite games to play at any event is “find the healthy finger food,” and rarely do I win. If it’s not crudités, then it’s either deep-fried or baked, and usually filled with something creamy, cheesy or indeterminable.

I understand that for the majority of people hosting their own event, it’s easier to buy pre-made finger food than prepare their own; and I, for one, agree with the idea. The challenge in not preparing your own food is finding finger food that doesn’t have a list of ingredients longer than your guest list.