---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.02

     Title: CHINESE-GINGER-MEATBALL AND WATERCRESS SOUP
Categories: Chinese, Soups
     Yield: 6 servings

     8 oz Water chestnuts
     1 lb Finely ground lean pork
 4 1/2 ts Peeled and minced fresh
          -ginger
          Ground white pepper, to
          -taste
 1 1/2 ts Soy sauce
 2 1/8 ts Cornstarch
          Salt to taste

 Serve as the first course of a traditional Chinese
 dinner or alone as a light nutritious supper.

 MEATBALLS:

 Finely chop 12 of the water chestnuts.  Reserve the
 remaining ones for garnish.  Combine the pork, ginger,
 chopped water chestnuts, soy sauce, cornstarch, salt
 and pepper.  Mix well and form into balls 3/4 inch in
 diameter.  These may be made in advance and frozen.
 Be sure to thaw completely in refrigerator before
 poaching.

 SOUP: 5 cups Vegetable Stock 5 cups Chicken stock Salt
 Freshly ground black pepper 2 bunches watercress,
 chopped 3 green onions, finely chopped Bring the
 vegetable stock and chicken stock to a simmer in a
 large pot. Put a fourth of the meatballs in the broth
 and poach until they rise to the top. Remove and keep
 warm.  Repeat with the remaining meatballs. About 20
 minutes prior to serving, return stock to a boil and
 add the meatballs. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes (Note:
 Meatballs will be slightly pink in the center even
 after the second cooking.) Season with salt and black
 pepper to taste.  Turn heat to medium low.  Add the
 watercress and green onions. Cook, uncovered, for a
 few minutes until watercress is slightly wilted and
 bright green in color.  Add the remaining water
 chestnuts and cook for 1 minute so that they remain
 crisp. Serve immediately.

 From California Heritage.

 Posted by Sylvia Mease. Courtesy of Fred Peters.

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