Preparation

In Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, Dream (Morpheus) rules over a realm where anything is possible and nothing is quite what it seems. These dumplings embody that dreamy quality—savory on the outside with a sweet, floral surprise inside, existing in that hazy space between categories.

Instructions

1. Make the filling by combining diced plums, honey, lavender, cornstarch, lemon zest, cardamom, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Let macerate for 15 minutes.
2. Place a gyoza wrapper on a clean surface. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center.
3. Dip your finger in water and run it around the edge of the wrapper. Fold in half to create a half-moon shape, pleating one side 4-5 times while pressing edges firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Place dumplings flat-side down in the pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottoms are golden brown.
6. Carefully add ½ cup water to the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Steam for 4-5 minutes until wrappers become translucent.
7. Remove lid and let any remaining water evaporate while dumplings crisp up again, about 1 minute.
8. For the yogurt sauce, whisk together Greek yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
9. Serve dumplings warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by the sweet yogurt sauce for dipping.

These are best served immediately while the contrast between crispy bottom and tender top is most pronounced. Serves 4-6 as a dessert or mysterious in-between-meals treat. Like dreams themselves, they exist in multiple states at once.