I've had this sort of conversation about 'shortcuts' a lot. Before we were empty nesters we made bread in a breadmaker often, at least once a week. For challah we pull it out before it bakes to braid it and bake in the oven. "Purists" will go on & on about how they love the feel of kneading bread and would never use a breadmaker, but very few of them would make fresh bread every week!

Dumplings are similar, a fun rainy day project, but also great to pull out of the freezer whenever you're feeling the need. Sauce is also critical: soy, vinegar, simple syrup, microplaned garlic & ginger, and sesame oil.