Banana Oatmeal Pancake Recipe

This banana oatmeal pancake offers a nutritious twist on the classic American breakfast favorite.  Using bananas and oatmeal as a base, this pancake is naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients like raisins and walnuts, making it perfect for a lighter, health-conscious breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana (or 2 small)
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/3 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 tsp chia seeds
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/3 cup raisins

Directions:

1.    In a blender, combine the banana, egg, oatmeal, and coconut milk.  Blend until smooth.

2.    Pour the batter into a mixing bowl and add the salt, baking powder, cinnamon, walnuts, raisins, and chia seeds.  Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.

3.    Heat a nonstick pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tsp of coconut oil for each pancake.

4.    Once the oil is hot, scoop the batter into the pan.  When bubbles start to form, flip the pancake and cook until both sides are golden brown.

5.    Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

 Enjoy your healthy banana oatmeal pancakes!

The Right Choice

In life, there have surely been many times when you and I had to face difficult choices.  These are moments when we must make important decisions, and any decision can bring a certain amount of pressure.  A decision can lead to happiness and success, but it can also result in failure and misfortune.  Sometimes, we make choices based on instinct – what people often refer to as a gut feeling; yet, there are times when we decide after careful thought and consideration.  Thus, the key is not about whether we decide based on emotion or logic, but the wisdom in choosing the most reasonable course of action given the situation.

On life’s journey, both you and I have had to make simple decisions as well as difficult ones.  To make the best choices, we often need a “guide.” However, the best guide for making decisions is none other than ourselves.  Still, it would be incomplete if we didn’t know how to share and listen to others, as sometimes an outside perspective can offer new insights.

To make wise decisions, the most important thing is to focus, think critically, analyze, and ask essential questions to find better solutions, rather than trying to search for a perfect one.  What is the issue you need to resolve?  What does it mean to you?  Do you truly understand its essence?  Additionally, you must anticipate the consequences that might arise from your decision.  And don’t forget to always trust your instincts.

Throughout life, we will make many large and small decisions, and all of them are important.  It’s necessary to seriously reflect on past decisions and actions to learn from them and gain experience for the present.  Finally, one crucial point to remember when making decisions is to listen to yourself, be honest, and trust in who you are.  What do you truly desire?  If you lack belief and genuine desire for something, everything will become unclear and difficult to achieve.  When you have faith in yourself, you will always be able to make sound and wise decisions.

Making the right choice involves a balance between logic and intuition while fostering confidence in yourself and learning from past experiences.

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If you’ve read to the end of this article, and you are currently living in the United States with citizenship, I urge you to make the right choice with your vote.  The United States can once again become a great power and a source of pride for immigrants like us, or power may remain solely in the hands of the government, much like the communist country we left behind.  You need to renew your belief in yourself, and that means you will always be able to make wise decisions.

Vegetarian Yaki Udon

Yaki Udon is a simple, delicious Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that’s easy to make at home.  Udon, thick wheat noodles often found in the freezer section of Japanese or Korean markets, provides the perfect base for this quick meal.  This vegetarian version uses mushrooms and baby bok choy, but you can add seafood or meat if desired.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of udon noodles
• 2 cups button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 baby bok choy, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup white onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Ingredients for the sauce:

• 1 tbsp vegan oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp mushroom bouillon powder
• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

1.    Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients and set aside.

2.    Cooking the udon: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to package instructions.  Drain and set aside.

3.    Stir-frying the vegetables: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.  Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until golden.  Add the white onions and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4.    Stir-frying the bok choy: In the same pan, add a little more oil and the minced garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add the bok choy and stir-fry until tender, about 2-3 minutes.

5.    Combining everything: Add the cooked udon noodles and the sauce to the pan.  Stir-fry until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce is absorbed.  Return the cooked mushrooms and onions to the pan and mix well.

6.    Serving: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Enjoy this flavorful, vegetarian yaki udon as a satisfying meal!

Potato and Tuna Salad

This potato and tuna salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a balance of protein and fiber.  By adding eggs, you get a creamy texture without relying too much on mayonnaise.

Ingredients:

• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 eggs, hard-boiled
• 6 oz. canned tuna (in water), drained
• 1 cup white onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions:

1.    Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.  Steam them for about 10 minutes, until they're soft but still hold their shape.

2.    Hard-boil the eggs and let them cool.  Once cooled, peel and roughly chop them.

3.    In a large mixing bowl, combine the steamed potatoes, chopped eggs, and drained tuna.

4.    Add the minced garlic, chopped olives, and diced white onions.

5.    Stir in the mayonnaise and olive oil.  Gently mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

6.    Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7.    Garnish with chopped green onions and refrigerate the salad for at least a couple of hours to let the flavors meld.

 This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This versatile Mexican sauce is perfect for dishes like enchiladas, red rice, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite meals.  While store-bought versions are convenient, making your own enchilada sauce is simple and yields a rich, authentic flavor.  Once prepared, this sauce can be stored in the fridge, making it a handy staple for quick meals.

Ingredients:

Spices:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano

Others:

• 1/4 cup grape seed oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 15 oz. tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt, black pepper, and sugar (to taste)
• A splash of vinegar (optional for balance)

Directions:

1.    In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer.  Stir in the flour and all the spices, cooking for about 3 minutes until fragrant.

2.    Slowly add the tomato sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine.  Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

3.    Adjust the seasoning with salt, a pinch of sugar, and a splash of vinegar if desired to balance the flavors.

4.    Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.

5.    Pour the cooled sauce into a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate.  It will keep well for several weeks and can be used whenever needed.

 

Enjoy your homemade enchilada sauce in a variety of recipes!

How to Cope with Feelings of Sadness and Boredom

 You may feel disheartened and exhausted when stuck in a job you dislike for a long time, when facing overwhelming financial burdens, or when personal relationships break down.  These feelings are signs of anxiety and stress that you should address as soon as possible.  Negative moods and fatigue can decrease your ability to concentrate, leading to reduced productivity.  In some cases, these feelings could also be indicators of depression, anxiety, or severe stress.  However, to determine whether you are suffering from these disorders, you need a diagnosis from a doctor or a mental health professional.  Nevertheless, there are some simple tips you can try to improve your situation.

 

Use of supplements

According to Dr. Priscilla S. from UCLA School of Medicine, nutrition plays a significant role in regulating mood.  She suggests that B vitamins and certain amino acids can help alleviate sadness and anxiety.  When feeling mentally down, you can take 1,000 to 3,000 mg of L-tyrosine in the morning on an empty stomach. About 30 minutes later, take a B-complex vitamin, especially B6, to help your body break down amino acids more effectively.

This method has shown positive results for people with moderate levels of sadness, but Dr. Priscilla advises that you consult your doctor before trying it.

Exercise

Many studies have shown that exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat feelings of sadness and anxiety.  A healthy body leads to a lighter spirit.  If you’re having a particularly low day, try engaging in a more intense physical activity, such as running a few kilometers or swimming several laps.  After exercising, take a shower and rest.  You’ll feel refreshed and more equipped to handle any challenges you’re facing.

 

Self- Therapy for the mind

Face and confront your sadness.

Analyze why you're feeling sad and anxious.  When you fully understand the issue, you’ll realize that these negative emotions will eventually pass, and brighter days are ahead.

Do something to pass the time:

• Engage in active tasks: When feeling down, engage in energetic activities such as walking, visiting friends, or reading a book. Avoid passive activities like watching TV.
• Do something you enjoy: Even if you don’t feel enthusiastic initially, pick an activity you usually like, such as painting, singing karaoke, or playing a game. Focus on it, and your interest will likely return.

• share your feelings: Talking to someone can help release your emotions.
• Cry to relieve sadness: Studies show that crying can help reduce emotional distress and leave you feeling lighter afterward.

• Avoid setting unrealistic goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with overly ambitious goals. Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps, or take a break when you're feeling overwhelmed.

• Treat yourself: Pamper yourself with a massage or a hot bath. Relaxing your body can ease mental stress and help you think more clearly.

• Do a tedious task to distract yourself: Simple, monotonous chores, such as pulling weeds or scrubbing tiles, can make your boredom fade away.

Things to avoid when feeling down

• Avoid going to casinos or shopping impulsively.
• Avoid lashing out and hurting others out of anger.
• Avoid binge eating or engaging in negative behaviors.

Tips:

Use your hands to massage your neck and shoulder muscles.  If possible, ask someone to massage your upper back, from your heart area up to your neck.  After a few minutes, you'll feel a noticeable reduction in your sadness.

This method is helpful in overcoming feelings of sadness and anxiety naturally and effectively.

Banana with Coconut Sauce:

Talking about dishes made from bananas, we cannot forget Banana with Coconut Sauce.  In Vietnam, chuối xiêm (Siamese banana) is often used when it’s not fully ripe to prepare this dish.  However, in other places like the U.S., it’s difficult to find chuối xiêm. In this recipe, I will use plantains, a banana commonly found in Mexican cuisine.  When plantains are just about ripe, they make an excellent substitute for chuối xiêm.

Although the dish is called "stir-fried banana," it’s not actually stir-fried.  The bananas are boiled until soft, then sliced thinly.  This step can be done the day before, as the bananas become more tender after cooling.  The coconut cream is cooked with tapioca pearls or sweet potato pearls depending on your preference. It shouldn't be too sweet, just a little salt added, and some roasted peanuts, making this a nutritious and satisfying snack.

Ingredients:

• 3 plantains (not fully ripe)
• 14 oz. coconut cream
• 1/4 cup tapioca pearls
• A few pandan leaves (optional)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1.    Preparing the plantains:

·         Clean the plantains, then boil them with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/4 cup sugar until they are cooked through.

·         Let the plantains cool, then slice them thinly.

2.    Preparing the tapioca pearls:

·         Soak the tapioca pearls in water for about 15 minutes to soften.

·         Add the coconut cream to a pot along with 1/2 cup of water.  Add the soaked tapioca pearls and cook on low heat.  Once the tapioca pearls have expanded and turned transparent, add 1/2 tsp of salt and the sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

3.    Combining the banana with the coconut sauce:

·         While the coconut sauce is cooking, slice the cooled plantains and add them to the sauce.  Simmer for another 5 minutes.

4.    Presentation:

·         Arrange the sliced bananas on a plate, pour the coconut sauce over them, and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts.

·         You can adjust the sweetness of the coconut sauce to your liking.  The sweetness of the bananas, the richness of the coconut cream, and the crunch of the roasted peanuts create a simple, yet delightful and comforting dish.

This snack is not only delicious but also nutritious, perfect for enjoying with family or as a dessert.  Feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your taste!

Master Hsing Yun's Classic Quotations

Master Xingyun (Shi Xingyun 1927-2023), commonly known as Li Guoshen, was born on the 22nd of the seventh lunar month, originally from Jiangdu, Jiangsu, and is the forty-eighth generation descendant of Linji Authentic.  An internationally renowned Buddhist master, the founder of Fo Guang Shan, and the president of the International Fo Guang Association World Association.  In 1967, Fo Guang Shan was founded, and the first, second and third abbots of Fo Guang Shan Temple were based on the promotion of "Human Buddhism".  He has successively established more than 200 dojos around the world; founded nine art galleries, twenty-six libraries, publishing houses, twelve bookstores, more than fifty Chinese schools, and sixteen Buddhist jungle colleges; he has written 110 More than a variety of Buddhist writings have been translated into more than ten languages ​​including English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Korean, Thai, and Portuguese. Great!  Master Hsing Yun's Classic Quotations:

 　1. The greatest sorrow in life is that you have no hope for the future; the worst habit in life is that you have no plan for your work. 　

　2. When a mountain climber is on a cliff, what he needs urgently is a small ivy tree; a motivated person is in a dangerous life, and what he needs urgently is a kind guide. 　

　3. The serious illness in life is not in uselessness, but in ignorance; the success of career is not in academic qualifications, but in academic ability. 　

　4. "Learning to suffer" can cultivate morality, "people and me intermingle" can be compassionate; "of course" can be at ease, and "enjoyment is good" can be always happy. 　

　5. Make friends with no hatred as freedom, be a person with no delusion as coolness, use your heart as a pure land with no signs, and practice with no gain as nirvana. 　

　6. People's ability can be increased through hard work, and people's knowledge can be improved with humility. 

 　7. People's health mainly depends on physical and mental health, not bravery and strength; people's longevity mainly refers to the extension of wisdom life, not longevity. 

 　8. You must be joyful when you hear the sermons in class, you must be receptive when you give instructions, you must be brave when you do things, and you must be respectful when dealing with others. 

 　9. Everything has pros and cons.  As long as you know how to balance and look at the big picture, dead stones and rotten wood can also be used as medicine; everyone has strengths and weaknesses, as long as you know how to use people and take their strengths, broken copper and rotten iron can also be turned into steel. 　

  10. There is no distinction between high and low when working, no distinction between high and low when serving, no distinction between young and old when studying, and no realm of sage and ordinary when practicing Taoism. 

  11. Don't eat too much, don't talk too much, don't go too far, don't do too much. Duty, take care of the present; overdo it, lose the future. 　

 12. Not arrogantly seeking is a life of contentment, not speculating is the character of duty, not scheming is an honest life, not being selfish is a purified body and mind. 

 13. Don't worry about others but don't care about yourself, you should worry about yourself and don't care about others. 

 14. Those who don't want to change can't be trained; those who don't want to be kind can't be saved. 　

15. Without saying goodbye to small waters, the ocean can be achieved; without accumulating small goodness, there is no way to achieve perfection. 　

16. Unwilling to reason is stubborn, unable to reason is a fool, daring to reason is a slave, refusing to reason is ignorance. 　

17. With good thoughts in your heart, every day is a good day; the neighbors are harmonious, and there is a pure land everywhere. 　

18. Water enters the mud, although it is clear and turbid; people enter evil, although it is righteous and evil. 　

19. The nature of water is from high to low, so it should be guided according to the situation, and it is the rule of dredging; the nature of human beings is obtained, so they should like to give and give, as the way to bond. 

 20. The teeth are hard and easy to destroy, so the sages are precious and soft; the blades are sharp and quick to destroy, so the sages are precious; the dragon is rare, so the sages are precious; the sea is immeasurable, so the sages are precious. 

 21. Thinking should be internationalized, life should be disciplined, language should be classicized, and learning should be modernized.

22. Giving can plant one and reap ten. Keeping precepts can purify the three karma. Endure humiliation can benefit from others. 　

23. To ridicule people with words is the big end of taking disaster; to measure and tolerate people, to gather blessings; to use power to break people, to recruit special people; to moralize people, to gain reputation. 　

24. If you take things as possessions, you will not be greedy; if you take busyness as pleasure, you will not suffer; if you take diligence as wealth, you will not be poor; if you take patience as strength, you will not be afraid. 　

25. To study and read: read to be a person, read a little bit of reason, read a little bit of fate, and read a heart.