Instructions: 1. Cut Chinese cabbage stems diagonally in 2-inch sections. Stir cornstarch into milk to dissolve.

2. Heat chicken fat. Add Chinese cabbage and stir-fry 2 minutes.

3. Add salt and stock and bring to a boil. Then cook, covered, over medium heat until cabbage is softened (4 to 5 minutes).

4. Gradually stir in cornstarch mixture over low heat (the milk should not boil). Then simmer, covered, 3 to 5 minutes more, stirring once or twice.

5. Mince smoked ham. Sprinkle cabbage with pepper and ham. Serve hot.

NOTE: Unlike other Chinese vegetables, this one is better overcooked than undercooked. Although milk is not often used, its presence here enhances the vegetables sweetness, freshness and delicacy. VARIATIONS:

1. For the Chinese cabbage, substitute Chinese lettuce, cut in 2-inch cubes or in strips 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long.

2. For the fresh milk, substitute 1/2 cup evaporated milk.

3. For the chicken fat, substitute oil or lard.

4. In step 3, add to the chicken fat 6 dried shrimp (soaked). Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes; then add cabbage.

5. Omit the smoked ham. Garnish the cabbage instead with 4 fresh mushrooms, diced and stir-fried separately until cooked through.

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