Wor Wonton Soup

Wor Wonton Soup

Wor Wonton Soup served in a shallow black bowl on a bamboo mat with a broken fortune cookie in the background.

Wor Wonton Soup

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You’ll want to skip the takeout when you can make flavour-packed Wor Wonton Soup at home. It’s incredibly easy and quick once all the components are ready. I prefer to make homemade wontons and pork for this recipe because both are just so much better than store-bought in my opinion. I’ve included links for both, so I encourage you to be adventurous and try both. For this soup, I’ve chosen to use broccoli and carrots for my vegetables, however, feel free to sub in baby bok choy, water chestnuts, snow peas or baby corn to suit your liking.

Prepped pork wontons, pork char sui, shrimp and vegetables ready for Wor Wonton Soup.

The biggest trick to Wor Wonton Soup is the timing. I’ve dabbled with several different timing arrangements and found that the vegetables will cook in the same time it takes the wontons to cook. Therefore, adding them to the simmering broth at the same time is essential. Overcooking either is undesirable, to say the least. The same can be said for the shrimp and pork too. The shrimp will cook in no more than 2 minutes and the pork only needs to be warmed as it’s already cooked. So be sure to stick around the pot, the whole process takes only 4-5 minutes, so it’s not the time to do even the quickest of choirs.

Wor Wonton Soup served in a shallow black bowl on a bamboo mat with a broken fortune cookie in the background.

I’ve included links for the Pork Char Siu and Pork Wontons. The extra pork can be tightly wrapped in a sealable bag and frozen for up to two months. The wontons can also be frozen in a single layer and then placed in a sealable container for up to a month. Extra wontons are easily cooked in a little broth, deep-fried or pan-fried. Trust me, they will not go to waste!! This is a wonderful soup that eats like a meal and it’s easier than you might think. Enjoy!

Pork Char Siu

Crispy Wontons

Wor Wonton Soup served in a shallow black bowl on a bamboo mat with a broken fortune cookie in the background.
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Wor Wonton Soup

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 1/2-2 cups large bite-size broccoli pieces
  • 1 large carrot, thinly sliced on a diagonal
  • 16 each pork wontons see note
  • 12 large shrimp, deveined and tail removed
  • 6 ounces Chinese BBQ pork (Pork Char Siu), thinly sliced see note
  • 2 tbsp green onion, thinly sliced on a diagonal
  • as needed sesame oil

Instructions

  • In a large pot heat broth and soy sauce to a gentle simmer. Add broccoli, carrots and pork wontons and maintain a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until wontons are cooked and vegetables are just tender. Add shrimp and sliced pork when about 2 minutes of cooking time remains.
  • Divide soup into shallow bowls and garnish with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Notes

-The prep time noted does not include the time to make the wontons or pork char siu if making either from scratch.
-You can use store-bought wontons and pork char siu, however homemade is so much better and I've included a link to both in the post above.

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I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Super Moist Carrot Cake

Super Moist Carrot Cake

Super Moist Carrot Cake

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There’s nothing that I don’t like about this cake, so I can easily say “hello autumn” with enthusiasm. Super moist, lightly spiced, textured with coconut and smothered with a dreamy cream cheese frosting. Super Moist Carrot Cake is a winner every time, feeds a small crowd and freezes exceptionally well.

Super Moist Carrot Cake just out of the oven in a silver baking pan and icing in the background.

Did I mention it’s also quick and easy with minimal mess, other than shredded carrot that seems to get everywhere LOL! It’s the perfect fall cake that turns the humble carrot into the most delicious dessert. It’s a nostalgic recipe for me, being slightly adapted from a gifted cookbook when I was only 17 years old and graduating from high school. It’s a treasured book, missing its cover, yellowed and ratty. But every time I thumb through it, I’m taken back to a simpler time, high school friends and big dreams. Thank you Simone and Marlene for this simple yet wonderful book that I still love 31 years later. Proving that great recipes are timeless.

Super Moist Carrot Cake in a 9"x13" pan with cream cheese icing and decorated with piped carrots.
A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin with a pan of cake in the background.
A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.

Author: Coompelled to Cook, slightly adapted from the book “Let’s Break Bread Together” circa 1989?

A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.
Super Moist Carrot Cake
Print Recipe
    Servings Prep Time
    9x13 pan 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    45-50 minutes
    Servings Prep Time
    9x13 pan 30 minutes
    Cook Time
    45-50 minutes
    A piece of Super Moist Carrot Cake on a small white plate resting on an orange napkin.
    Super Moist Carrot Cake
    Print Recipe
      Servings Prep Time
      9x13 pan 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      45-50 minutes
      Servings Prep Time
      9x13 pan 30 minutes
      Cook Time
      45-50 minutes
      Instructions
      Cake
      1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9"x13" pan with non-stick spray.
      2. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
      3. In a large bowl whisk together oil and sugar. Add eggs one at a time whisking well to fully combine after each. Stir in orange juice and vanilla.
      4. Whisk in half of the dry ingredients followed by half the milk. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, whisking only until just combined. Stir in carrots, pineapple and coconut. Pour into prepared pan and bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
      5. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, spread evenly with cream cheese icing. Cut into 20-24 pieces and serve.
      Cream Cheese Icing
      1. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and beat until fully combined and fluffy. Add vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until just combined and smooth. Spread onto cooled cake.
      Recipe Notes

      -Cake freezes well without icing for up to a month if well wrapped.

      -Cake freezes well if iced and cut into squares, stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

      -Recipe makes for a thick layer of icing.  Icing freezes well on its own in an airtight container for up to a month.

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      I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
      Roasted Vegetable Soup

      Roasted Vegetable Soup

      Roasted Vegetable Soup served in a black bowl with crusty bread.

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      Get cozy with a warming bowl of Roasted Vegetable Soup.  This soup is perfect for your fall/winter line up with its earthy yet slightly sweet flavour.  It’s a wonderful blend of carrots, parsnips, apple and curry. 

      A sheet pan lined with roasted vegetable in preparation for Roasted Vegetable Soup.
      A large red dutch oven filled with cooked vegetables and beans, ready to be pureed for Roasted Vegetable Soup.

      This Roasted Vegetable Soup blends up beautifully with cannellini beans and a splash of cream gives it a silky richness.  A well-blended soup comes from using quality ingredients, cooking everything until soft enough to blend, and finally, using a good quality blender makes a big difference.

      For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and substitute the cream for coconut milk.  The result is just as delicious, enjoy!

      Roasted Vegetable Soup
      Print Recipe
        Servings Prep Time
        8 cups 30 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        80 minutes 15 minutes
        Servings Prep Time
        8 cups 30 minutes
        Cook Time Passive Time
        80 minutes 15 minutes
        Roasted Vegetable Soup
        Print Recipe
          Servings Prep Time
          8 cups 30 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          80 minutes 15 minutes
          Servings Prep Time
          8 cups 30 minutes
          Cook Time Passive Time
          80 minutes 15 minutes
          Ingredients
          Servings: cups
          Instructions
          1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
          2. Toss parsnips, carrots, apple and garlic with 1 tbsp oil. Spread out on a large baking tray in a single layer. Roast for 40 minutes flipping once after 20 minutes.
          3. Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp of oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute until starting to soften, about 5-7 minutes (don't brown).
          4. To the pot add the roasted vegetables, chicken broth, beans, curry paste, and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook on low for 30-40 minutes until everything is good and soft.
          5. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly 10-15 minutes. Puree mixture in a blender until smooth and silky. Return to pot and warm on low if needed. Stir in cream and white pepper. Adjust consistency to your liking with additional broth and season to taste with salt.
          Recipe Notes

          -letting the soup cool slightly before blending is not necessary, however, I find it a little safer than blending the scalding hot soup.

          -the amount of salt needed will be dependent on the saltiness of your broth.

          -makes about 8 cups of soup depending on your desired consistency.

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          I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
          Wasabi Slaw

          Wasabi Slaw

          A small metal tub filled with Wasabi Slaw is resting on a checkered white and green kitchen towel.

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          What’s your favourite summer slaw? I’m partial to a classic creamy coleslaw, so I immediately fell in love with Wasabi Slaw. It has all the creaminess of a mayonnaise-based dressing and the crunch of cool, crisp cabbage but it is set apart by the addition of wasabi. The earthy heat melds with the creamy dressing and gives just the right amount of punch. My perfect punchy heat may be different than yours, so add a little wasabi or add a lot.

          For a crisp coleslaw, mix the dressing in advance but don’t add it to the cabbage until ready to serve. Keeping all ingredients cold before and after mixing will also help maintain a wonderful crunch. Enjoy!

           

          Fresh cabbage, green onion, wasabi and grated carrots are being prepped for Wasabi Slaw.
          A small metal tub filled with Wasabi Slaw is resting on a checkered white and green kitchen towel.

          A small metal tub filled with Wasabi Slaw is resting on a checkered white and green kitchen towel.
          Wasabi Slaw
          Print Recipe
            Servings Prep Time
            6 cups 30 minutes
            Passive Time
            10 minutes
            Servings Prep Time
            6 cups 30 minutes
            Passive Time
            10 minutes
            A small metal tub filled with Wasabi Slaw is resting on a checkered white and green kitchen towel.
            Wasabi Slaw
            Print Recipe
              Servings Prep Time
              6 cups 30 minutes
              Passive Time
              10 minutes
              Servings Prep Time
              6 cups 30 minutes
              Passive Time
              10 minutes
              Ingredients
              Servings: cups
              Instructions
              1. In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, wasabi, vinegar, salt and pepper. Allow the dressing to sit refrigerated for at least 10 minutes or until ready to use to allow sugar to completely dissolve.
              2. In a large bowl toss together cabbage, carrots and green onion.
              3. Stir in dressing and serve immediately for a crisp coleslaw. .
              Recipe Notes

              The coleslaw with soften as it sits so it is best served immediately after adding dressing. It can be made a couple of hours ahead and tossed before serving if needed.

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              Affiliate Disclosure

              I may receive compensation for purchases made through this site, at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
              Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips

              Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips

              With food feasting holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, I find myself thinking about side dishes and how having plenty of options makes meal planning easier.  Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips is one of my personal favourites, as it’s not only delicious but simple and a good pairing most anything.

              Don’t let the parsnips fool you either, they’re wonderful in combination with the carrots and the honey helps to bring out their natural sweetness and highlights their earthy flavour. Additionally, these amazing Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips hold up well both in texture and colour for serving, giving you time to breathe as you rush to get everything on the table.

              Recipe source for Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips:  Compelled To Cook

              Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips
              Print Recipe
                Servings Prep Time
                6-8 people 25 minutes
                Cook Time
                8-10 minutes
                Servings Prep Time
                6-8 people 25 minutes
                Cook Time
                8-10 minutes
                Honey Garlic Carrots and Parsnips
                Print Recipe
                  Servings Prep Time
                  6-8 people 25 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  8-10 minutes
                  Servings Prep Time
                  6-8 people 25 minutes
                  Cook Time
                  8-10 minutes
                  Ingredients
                  Servings: people
                  Instructions
                  1. Peel and trim carrots and parsnips. Cut into 2" lengths and then slice a small amount from one side to allow the piece to sit flat. Slice a small amount off remaining 3 sides to square up the piece (see note). Cut into 1/4" slices and then cut each slice into 1/4" batons.
                  2. Heat butter in a medium skillet until foamy, add garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring once or twice. Add in carrots and parsnips, stir to coat with butter and garlic. Add water, cover and cook over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
                  3. Remove cover and increase heat to high to evaporate any left over water and allow the vegetables to finish cooking, about 3-4 minutes ( they will start to caramelize slightly).
                  4. Once they are cooked to your liking, remove from heat and stir in honey, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
                  Recipe Notes

                  -if using salted butter, adjust additional salt to taste.

                  -the 2" sections do not need to be perfectly square as that much trimming creates a lot of waste. What is important, is to make sure they are similar in size for even cooking.