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I called this an appetizer in the post title today but honestly, I could eat these delicious little delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner! We had a fun and memorable dinner with our dear friends, Joel and Karen, a few months ago. Having lived in Japan for a number of years, the meal was quite authentically Asian in every aspect; from the greeting at the door (in kimonos!) to the ikebana (traditional Japanese flower arranging) to the incredibly delicious five course dinner. Karen and Joel served three separate appetizers (oh my!) and although they all were wonderful, these Crab Rangoons were just the creme de la creme! Well, I thought they were Crab Rangoons...................... but I'll let Karen tell you the rest of the story...................
This delicious, crowd pleasing recipe brings back a variety of memories for me. I got it from a friend some 25 years ago in Florida. My friend, a true Southern girl, shared this recipe for Cotton Blossoms she received from her aunt in Alabama. I think the name reflects the recipe’s Southern roots. If you look at the shape you will see they are like an unopened blossom with the “cotton” filling soon to burst forth with the first bite.
After falling in love with this recipe I was blessed to spend three years living in Japan. What we call Japanese food here in the States is very different from what you get in the local Japanese restaurant. While in Japan I tried soooo many strange foods, some good, many not so good. Even pizza might be topped with octopus and corn or perhaps something even more strange.
Upon returning stateside I wanted to entertain in Japanese style with the plethora of dishes I had bought. However, my friends had not acquired a palate for the authentic Japanese recipes I had gathered. I needed to find some American (or “gaijin” as the Japanese would call us) friendly recipes to serve. After visiting a Chinese buffet I realized that the Crab Rangoons they were serving were similar to my old Cotton Blossom recipe.
I now serve these often with my other “gaijin” friendly items and call them Crab Rangoons so friends will recognize them, but they will always be Cotton Blossoms to me. They can certainly be incorporated with any menu as an appetizer. One taste of these Cotton Blossoms and you will never eat Crab Rangoons from the buffet again!
The tricky part to this recipe is the frying process. You must stay with them while cooking and flip them over quickly so that it browns on both sides. Take them out as soon as they start to color. If you leave them too long they will burst open and loose that delicious filling. The tasty filling and dipping sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days so only wrap and fry what you need and enjoy the rest another time.
Cotton Blossoms / Crab Rangoons
1 small can white crab meat
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
8 ounce cream cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 package wonton wrappers
Mix first four ingredients until creamy. Use 1-2 teaspoons of mix per wrappers to taste. Put mixture in the center of a wrapper and moisten all four edges with water. Bring all four corners up to the center to meet. Seal with your fingers at the top and all edges. Deep fry.
I use a deep fryer but you can also use a deep frying pan. Peanut oil works the best for frying because it will tolerate high temperatures without smoking but anything you like is fine. Use an oil temperature of 350 degrees.
Apricot Dipping Sauce
1 - 10 ounce jar of apricot preserves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
⅓ cup butter
Mix and heat.
PRINTABLE RECIPE
Anonymous says
Sounds fantstic!! I think I'm ready to try the crab rangoon thing again. A word to the wise: My one and only trial making these (not this recipe), I used whipped cream cheese thinking it was light and airy like a rangoon and the crab was much easier to mix in. They came out of the fry pan looking perfect, all nice and puffy! I was so proud until I bit into one! Where's the cheese?! It evaporated!! They were stuffed when I put them in the fry pan and there was just a residue left inside a nice fluffy pillow afterwards!! I'm glad I can laugh at myself!!
Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says
These look divine! I learned to make fried wontons about 30 years ago, and I am interested in the folding method of yours. I'll have to try it to see if it helps the filling to stay in better.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
What fun - and they look delicious - i also love the idea of the apricot dipping sauce - delish
Mary
Sabrina says
these look fantastic! I love the apricot dipping sauce!!!!
Sandra says
These look so crispy and yummy and the presentation is very pretty.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
How fabulous! Mouthwatering delicious for sure.
Terri says
I have always wondered how to make these before. I've had "crab rangoon" in chinese restaurants before, but none of them looked this good and so artfully prepared! I'm sure the dipping sauce makes it a "melt in your mouth" experience! Thanks for sharing. Hungy in Arkansas...Terri
Terri says
I've had "crab rangoon" at chinese restaurants before.....but none of them looked this good and artfully prepared! I'm sure the sauce adds to the whole "melt in your mouth" experience, as well. Thanks for sharing this. I always wondered how to make this. Terri (hungry in Arkansas!)
The Café Sucré Farine says
Hi Kelly! Happy Anniversary wishes to you today! What a wonderful thing to celebrate, 15 years! Hope you both enjoy these yummy treats!
Kelly says
Oh, these look so yummy... apricot jams/sauces/jellies are my husband's favourite. Today is our 15th year wedding anniversary, so I'm tucking this recipe away to surprise him... we'll both love it! Thanks ladies.