Holiday Dumplings

Preparation

1. In a bowl, combine the crushed saltines with the egg and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add the ground pork, all but 2 tbsp of the onion, and the salt and spices. Mix vigorously for about 1 minute until thoroughly combined.
2. On a work surface, lay out 6 wonton wrappers at a time. Drop about 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the mixture in the centre of each wrapper. Moisten the edges with water, then fold the edges up around the filling, creating a purse shape, without sealing the dumpling closed. Set aside on a tray and repeat with the remaining wonton wrappers.
3. In a large non-stick skillet, place half of the dumplings at a time, open side up. Make sure they’re not touching each other. Add about 1/4 inch (1 cm) of water and 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the oil to the pan. Cover and bring to a boil. Cook the dumplings for 8 minutes. Remove the cover and continue cooking for 3 minutes or until the filling is cooked through, the water has completely evaporated and the bottoms of the dumplings start to brown. Set aside on a serving dish.
4. Meanwhile, in a bowl of cold water, soak the reserved onion with 1 tbsp (15 ml) of the lemon juice for 5 minutes. Drain.
5. Add the remaining lemon juice, the parsley and the cranberries to the bowl of drained onions. Mix well. When ready to serve, top the dumplings with the onion garnish.