My object is my great grandmother’s chicken and dumplings recipe. The dumplings are long and thinner like noodles, and the chicken is shredded. All together in a bowl, the chicken and dumplings are steamy, flavorful, and filling. The dumplings originated in Germany, and were infused into American culture when German immigrants came overseas. German dumplings were traditionally created as a cheaper alternative to filled dumplings for those who didn’t have a lot of money. However, the chicken part of the dish was added in America. The combining of the two separate cultures helps open up a sort of middle ground for us to learn more about each other and our traditions. One thing about the chicken and dumplings recipe is that, in a way, it was one of my great grandmother’s identities. I never got to try any dumplings that she made herself, and after researching them and interviewing my family, I feel like I missed out on them. Gathering knowledge about my Omie has allowed me to learn more about her and how life used to be for my ancestors. For instance, she used chickens that she raised and butchered herself, and the dumplings were made from scratch. Every time she made the dish, it was always to bring our family together, even if it was something as small as a dinner at the table. This seemingly insignificant recipe has managed to connect generations of my family together, and I hope that the tradition lives on for many more generations to come.

– Evie Itz

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more