Traveling is such an exciting experience for anyone. However, some mistakes can put a damper on it by causing inconveniences. So, we have collated some pointers from frequent fliers who may have some tips and tricks in mind to avoid these mistakes. Read on to make your travel easier!
Carrying Heavy Shoes:
Shoes tend to take up the most space in suitcases or any bags. They’re not only heavy but also quite large. So, experts suggest saving room (and weight) in your bags by wearing the bulkiest shoes during the journey. Or, if you want to save the trouble, invest in long-lasting and lighter shoes.
Depending on a Paper Luggage Tag:
Usually, the tags that are put onto the luggage at check-in fall off easily. Even if they don’t, they cannot be used to track your luggage if some other passenger mistakenly picks it up and takes it with them. So, putting a tracking device will help track your bags instantly in case you lose them.
Putting Important Items in Check-in Baggage:
Usually, passengers put their essentials like medicines, earplugs, and other such items in the check-in baggage. This leaves them panicking, especially on longer flights, in times of need. So, flight attendants suggest making a list of all your essentials while packing so you can remember to carry them with you.
Carrying Oversized Hand Baggage:
Experienced flight attendants suggest that even though you can board your flight with oversized baggage with some help from the gate attendant, it is generally better to carry properly fitting luggage. This is especially important as some airlines can charge you a massive bill in case of extra weight or larger size. So ensure to invest in a standard-sized carry-on.
Traveling With Soft Baggage:
Generally, it is advisable to carry hardshell plastic suitcases or such luggage, as they are simply more convenient. This is because they are lighter, less vulnerable to liquid damage, and look nicer. Some of these hard-sided luggage items also have a built-in front pocket for better access to your essentials.
Not Taking a Collapsible Bag:
Most people tend to shop on their trips, be it for work or for leisure. This sometimes poses the problem of carrying an extra bag with you in hand baggage, thereby potentially causing an issue. So, flight attendants advise carrying an extra bag and keeping some space in your luggage so that any extra items you have from shopping can be conveniently carried with you on your journey.
Prepare Pan-Fried Lamb and Mushroom Dumplings at Home
Dumplings are always satiating, and when filled with tender lamb and earthy mushroom filling, they’re even more delicious. While the aromatic 13-spice powder adds a fragrant peppery flavor to the filling, the pan-fried bottoms of the wrappers provide a light crunch. Here’s the recipe for these hearty pan-fried lamb mushroom dumplings with dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
Dumpling Filling
● Ground lamb, 8 ounces
● Large egg, beaten, 1
● Fresh scallions or Chinese chives, chopped, 1 cup
● Mixed fresh mushrooms, chopped, ¾ cup
● Yellow onion, finely chopped, ½ cup
● Fresh ginger, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons
● Lower-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
● Toasted sesame oil, 2 tablespoons
● Mirin, 1 tablespoon
● 13-spice powder, 1 tablespoon
● Fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon
● Black pepper, 1 teaspoon
Dipping Sauce
● Lower-sodium soy sauce, ¼ cup
● Pure maple syrup, 1 tablespoon
● Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon
● Asian chile-garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon
● Toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon
● Fresh cilantro, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon
● Scallions, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon
● Peeled fresh ginger, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon
Additional
● Refrigerated fresh 3-inch round dumpling wrappers, 1 package
● Extra-virgin olive oil, 4 teaspoons and more if needed, divided
● Water, 1 cup, divided
● Black or white sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon, divided
Method:
● Combine all dumpling filling ingredients in a large bowl. Gently mix everything to make a cohesive mixture. Set it aside.
● Take water in a small bowl to use as ‘glue’ for the dumplings. Set out the dumpling wrappers and cover them with a damp kitchen towel.
● Dip a finger in water and moisten the edge of 1 dumpling wrapper. Then place about one tablespoon of dumpling filling in the center of the wrapper.
● Pleat the wrapper edge and give the dumpling any shape you like. Pinch the top edges together to seal it firmly. Repeat the fill and seal process for all.
● Place a large skillet on the stove and drizzle one teaspoon of olive oil. Spread the oil evenly in a thin layer using a paper towel.
● Arrange 10-12 dumplings in the skillet, flat side down, without touching each other.
● Cook them over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes without turning them over. The bottoms should start to turn firm and brown.
● Add ¼ cup water and immediately cover the skillet. Steam the dumplings for 4-5 minutes until the wrapper seals are no longer dry and visibly softened.
● Uncover the skillet and add more oil if the skillet is dry and the dumplings start to stick.
● Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the dumpling bottoms are crispy and golden brown.
● Transfer the cooked dumplings to serving plates and sprinkle sesame.
● Repeat the process in batches and wipe the skillet clean in between.
● Meanwhile, stir together the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve and enjoy.