Won Ton Wrappers: The World's Most Versatile Food

I recently discovered a new passion of cooking with won ton wrappers. These little squares made from flour, eggs, salt, and water can be steamed, boiled, broiled, baked, pan-fried, and deep fried into an unlimited number of culinary delights.

Won ton wrappers are the perfect choice for one-bite appetizers. They can be turned into savory, sweet, tangy, or salty snacks simply by changing a few ingredients. I find using store-bought won tons to be easier than making homemade because it can be challenging to make them thin enough.

My passion for these delicate squares developed while catering a wedding. The bride and groom wanted their entire meal presented as finger foods. While researching recipes I discovered many used won ton wrappers as the vessel for holding everything from salsas to marinated meats.

In my never-ending quest to develop unique recipes I began experimenting in the kitchen. One of my favorite foods is deep-fried cheese-stuffed won tons from China; our local Chinese restaurant. In attempt to recreate their recipe, I used a new cooking crème product from Philly Cream Cheese.

I placed a dollop of crème in the center; folded each wrapper in a triangle shape; and pulled the ends together. A dip in the deep fryer for less than 2 minutes yielded a very tasty won ton that didn't require tipping the driver or paying delivery charges.

My next experiment was chocolate and bacon won tons. I had been watching a food program about the many ways to prepare bacon which included a segment about chocolate dipped bacon. I pan-fried 3 slices of bacon and broke them into four pieces. Next, I added one chocolate candy disk; a product used for candy-making, but chocolate chips or shavings would work just as well.

When attempting to wrap the won tons in the same fashion as the cheese-stuffed version, the bacon edges cut through the wrappers. The solution was a simple fix and involved folding the wrappers into the shape of mini eggrolls. This experiment was prepared two ways. The first involved deep-frying, while the second method was oven baked.

Both cooking methods yielded tasty appetizers, but the deep fried version was a little better. If you've never tried chocolate bacon you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Try spicing it up by adding a tiny pinch of freshly ground chili powder or sweeten up by sprinkling with confectioner's sugar or a drizzle of honey.

Creating baked won ton cups is a super easy process that provides endless possibilities. Wrappers are positioned in mini or regular sized muffin tins. The trick to positioning is gather ends into the shape of a triangle and gently fold the center into the tin so that each edge slightly protrudes over the top.

Bake wrappers in a 400-degree oven for 5 to 6 minutes, or until edges are golden brown. It's best to transfer to a baking rack as soon as they are removed from the oven. They don't take long to cool down and fillings can be added immediately or when ready for use. Store unfilled won ton cups in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Lastly, won ton wrappers make great homemade tortilla chips. In less than 10 minutes, you can have a freshly baked batch of chips that rival anything purchased in a bag. Simply cut squares in half diagonally to create a triangle shape. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet; lightly brush with olive oil or use cooking spray; and bake at 400 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes, or until light golden brown. Afterward, sprinkle with sea salt and serve with your favorite salsa or chip dip.

Won ton wrappers are a low-calorie, low-fat, and low-cholesterol food. However, if deep-fried or when adding chocolate covered bacon they aren't very healthy, but ever so good. Experiment with this fun food and let your creative juices fly.

Sources:
Philly Cream Cheese Cooking Creme
About.com Homemade Chinese Won Ton Wrappers Recipe
Baked Won Ton Cups