Lotus Seed, Green Bean & Pumpkin Porridge

Start your day with a bowl of Nutritious Green Bean, Lotus Seed, and Pumpkin Porridge—a comforting, energy-boosting breakfast that's as practical as it is nourishing.  This slow-cooker porridge is perfect for busy mornings: prep the ingredients the night before and wake up to a warm, ready-to-enjoy meal.  For the best texture and flavor, cook the green beans and lotus seeds in an Instant Pot ahead of time.  With the sweetness of pumpkin, the heartiness of whole grains, and the soothing qualities of lotus seeds, this dish offers both balance and bliss in every spoonful.

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lotus seeds
• 1/2 cup green mung beans (with shells)
• 2 cups pumpkin (peeled and chopped)
• 3/4 cup mixed grains (sticky rice, brown rice, and quinoa)
• 1 tbsp fresh shredded ginger
• 6 cups water (or more, depending on your desired thickness)
• Salt to taste
• (Optional) Sugar, if you prefer a sweeter version

Directions:

Step 1: Cooking the Lotus Seeds & Mung Beans:

• Rinse lotus seeds and mung beans well.
• Please place them in an Instant Pot.  Add enough water to cover the beans and seeds.
• Pressure cook for 10 minutes.  Let the pressure release naturally.

Step 2: Preparing the Grains & Pumpkin:

• Rinse the sticky rice, brown rice, and quinoa thoroughly.
• In a slow cooker, add the chopped pumpkin, rinsed grains, shredded ginger, and cooked mung beans with their lotus seed broth.
• Add about 6 cups of cold water.

Step 3: Slow Cooking Overnight:

• Set the slow cooker on low heat and let it cook overnight.

Step 4: Finishing and Seasoning:

• In the morning, stir in the cooked lotus seeds (reserve them for texture).
• Add salt to taste.
• For a slightly sweet version, you can also stir in a bit of sugar.

 

✨ Serving Tip: Serve warm as a breakfast porridge.  Add a splash of coconut milk or a drizzle of honey for a twist!  A warm, wholesome breakfast made with nourishing grains, tender pumpkin, and the natural sweetness of lotus seeds is the healthy way to start a day.

Savory Eggplant and Egg Stir-Fry

Eggplant and egg—a simple yet nutritious pairing that delivers both flavor and nourishment.  While the familiar glossy, purple, teardrop-shaped eggplant is widely known, this versatile vegetable comes in a variety of colors and shapes.  A trip to your local farmers market might reveal oval, slim, or melon-shaped eggplants with vibrant white, green, pink, orange, or even striped skins.

For this recipe, I prefer Asian eggplant, a staple in many Asian cuisines. Often dubbed the "poor man's meat," this humble ingredient, combined with an egg, provides a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.  Beyond its culinary appeal, eggplant has long been valued in traditional medicine—Ayurvedic practitioners once used white eggplant to treat diabetes and its roots to ease asthma.  Whether for its history, health benefits, or deep, rich taste, this dish showcases eggplant's extraordinary versatility.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1 eggplants
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt, pepper, sugar, and soy sauce (to taste)
• Cooking oil for pan-frying
•  

Directions:

1.    Preparing the Eggplant:

2.    Wash the eggplants and cut them into thin strips.  Sprinkle with a bit of salt and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out any bitterness.  Then, squeeze out the excess moisture and set aside.

3.    Beating the Eggs:

4.    Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar.  Whisk well to combine.

5.    Sautéing Aromatics:

6.    Heat about two tablespoons of oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.  Add the garlic and diced onion.  Cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant and slightly softened.

7.    Cooking the Eggplant:

8.    Add the eggplant and red bell pepper to the pan.  Stir-fry until the eggplant is tender.  Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

9.    Adding the Eggs:

10.                       Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the cooked vegetables.  Cover the pan and let it cook on medium heat until the eggs are set.

11.                       Finishing and Serving:

12.                       Carefully flip the mixture to cook the other side for a brief moment.  Sprinkle with sliced green onions just before serving.  Serve warm as a light main course or side dish.

 

Tips for serving:

Pairing with Steamed Rice:

This dish goes wonderfully with jasmine or brown rice.  The mild, fluffy rice balances the savory, umami flavors.

Topping with Fresh Herbs:

Add chopped cilantro, Thai basil, or mint just before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Adding a Drizzle of Sauce:

A drizzle of chili oil, hoisin sauce, or even a bit more soy sauce can add depth and a hint of spice.

Serving in Lettuce Cups:

For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the mixture into romaine or butter lettuce leaves.

Making it a Meal:

Serve alongside a small bowl of miso soup or a cucumber salad with vinegar for a complete, refreshing meal.

For a Crunchy Touch:

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or crispy shallots for texture.

Serving Warm or at Room Temp:

This dish is great hot but also tastes delicious at room temperature—perfect for a lunchbox or potluck.

Chicken Tenderloin with Creamy Herb Sauce

While I enjoy experimenting with milk as a lighter alternative, nothing quite matches the richness of heavy cream in this sauce. The indulgent texture and depth of flavor make it worth the extra calories—besides, a little exercise can always balance things out!"

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb chicken tenderloin
• 1/4 cup diced carrot
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Dried herbs of your choice (e.g. thyme, oregano, basil)

Directions:

1.    Heat the butter and olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

2.    Add the minced garlic and shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

3.    Stir in the diced carrots and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

4.    Add the chicken tenderloins and cook until lightly browned on both sides.  Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.

5.    In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and scrape up any bits stuck to the pan.  Stir in the heavy cream and your chosen dried herbs.

6.    Simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens, about 2–3 minutes.

7.    Return the chicken to the pan.  Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

8.    Season with salt and pepper to taste.

 

Serve warm with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Don’t Overthink the Future

Throughout life, whether you're in your 20s full of dreams or already in your 80s with a wealth of experience, time always slips by quickly.  Time waits for no one.  When we are young, we often live with ambitions and goals oriented toward the future.  That’s not wrong—humans are naturally inclined to live for what lies ahead.  We study, work, save, and wait for a "tomorrow" when we'll finally be free to do what we love.

But have you ever wondered whether that day will ever arrive?

The Modern Illness: Postponing Happiness

We often comfort ourselves by saying, "Just hold on a little longer, and I'll be able to rest and enjoy life.” However, life is unpredictable.  Plans for the future can fall apart in an instant due to illness, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances.  When that happens, dreams that once felt close suddenly slip out of reach.

I have a friend who loves writing.  He worked hard his entire life, hoping to retire and live in a wooden cabin in the forest, where Hemingway once lived, to find inspiration for his novels.  But just as he approached retirement, he was diagnosed with a serious illness.  His health deteriorated, and he no longer had the strength or clarity of mind to write.  His lifelong dream never even had a chance to begin.

This is a common tragedy: many people avoid living in the present, always dreaming of a distant future that may never arrive.

Marcus Aurelius—Roman Emperor and philosopher—wrote in his Meditations while ruling over the greatest empire of his time:

"The remaining time is short."

He didn't write this in despair but to remind himself of the precious and fleeting nature of the present moment.  Just like in the teachings of the Buddha, life is impermanent—nothing lasts forever.  Living in harmony with nature and embracing the present is the path to true inner peace.

The Present Is All You Truly Have

We often think of "here" as just a temporary stop, while "there"—some ideal future—is the real place worth living. But Marcus Aurelius emphasized:

"There is no difference between here and there."

Where you are right now—this very moment you're breathing—is life itself.  Don’t let your life pass by while your mind is stuck in the future.  Ask yourself:

"Am I truly living this moment, or am I letting it slip by unnoticed?"

Happiness isn't found at the end of the road; it lies in each step you take along the way.  Life doesn't wait until you're "free" or "stable" to begin.  Live as if today is the only day you have—because, in truth, it is.

"Tomorrow may never come, but today is right here."

So, why not live fully in the present?

PRACTICING CONTENTMENT WITH THE PRESENT MOMENT

The concept of "being content with the present" can carry different meanings for different people.  For one person, it might mean enjoying good food, leisure, and comfort.  For another, it may be the peace found in spiritual life.  Since everyone must answer the question, "What makes me feel truly content?" for themselves, there is no universal definition.

Everyone does, in fact, have unique situations, tastes, and outlooks on life.  A person who decides to follow the monastic path, for instance, might declare, "I live only to practice the Dharma." Others might find fulfillment in taking care of their loved ones, going after a career, or just leading a peaceful life.

According to Buddhist teaching, these variations in inclinations and preferences are the outcome of habitual karma, also known as vāsanā karma, which refers to the routines we follow on a daily basis and ultimately mold our personalities and fates.  Doing good things on a regular basis helps establish a healthy mindset as a habit.  However, if we engage in destructive behaviors like addiction, gambling, or rage, we are generating bad karma for ourselves.  Karma is therefore nothing to be afraid of; rather, it is just the inevitable result of the decisions we make every day.  Your life will unavoidably be full of suspicion and instability if you live in constant doubt, think negatively, and have no faith in anyone.

The Buddha instructs us to develop virtue and earn merit for both this life and future ones.  It is possible to die without regrets if one lives with compassion and makes selfless sacrifices for those they love.  We cannot take our wealth with us when we pass away, no matter how much we accumulate.  But love and good deeds will leave a lasting impression on others.  Even if we are never repaid, we can take pride in having lived a life of depth and meaning.

In contrast, those who live only for themselves, indifferent to others, may struggle to earn respect or affection throughout their lives.  Life is impermanent and fragile—at its core, it is a process of survival.  Yet, instead of sharing, many people compete, hoard, and create conflict, leading to disasters such as war and suffering. Being born as a human is a rare and precious opportunity in the cycle of rebirth.  We should treasure this life and use it to cultivate compassion and sharing so that together, we can overcome the hardships of existence.

Buddhism emphasizes harmony, known as Sangha, the community of living together in peace and understanding.  When people unite in kindness and solidarity, society moves toward a more positive direction. And because life is uncertain we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so we should avoid unnecessary conflicts and disputes.  Feeling “enough” is a profound inner state that isn’t easy to attain in a world full of competition and comparison.

Only when your body and mind are healthy and in balance can you truly bring happiness to yourself and those you love.  Being content with what you have does not mean giving up on progress—it means living with appreciation for the present while continuing to strive for a better future.

Ask yourself this: isn’t a good night’s sleep to start the new day more valuable than long, restless nights filled with envy and anxiety over what you don’t yet have?  When you learn to be content, you give yourself the permission to be happy.

In the end, practicing contentment with the present is not just a lifestyle choice – it is a path that leads to inner peace, a profound form of happiness that no material possession can replace.

Apple Cinnamon Bread

A warm, fragrant Apple Cinnamon bread is one of those comforting treats that fills your whole house with a fantastic scent while baking.  For a delicious loaf, using fresh apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, works beautifully.  You can also add some chopped nuts or pecans, which always go well with apples and cinnamon.  For this recipe, I prefer to use baking powder instead of yeast to make it a quick bread, saving time.

For the finishing touch, add a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of vanilla.  The key to making this bread special is using fresh, crisp apples and making sure your cinnamon is fresh and fragrant.

 

Ingredients::

Ingredients For the batter:

2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

Ingredients For the filling:

2 Apples peeled, cored, and diced

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon powder

Glaze ingredients:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla

Equipment:

9” x 5” loaf pan

 

Directions:

 

1.    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  Grease and flour a 9” x 5” loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2.    Preparing the filling: In a small bowl, mix the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.  Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

3.    Making the batter:

·         In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined.

·         In another bowl, beat the melted butter with sugar until well combined.

·         Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

·         Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk until well combined and smooth.

·         Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.

4.    Assembling the loaf:

·         Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

·         Spoon half of the apple filling evenly over the batter.

·         Repeat with the remaining batter and apple mixture, gently swirling with a knife for a marbled effect if desired.

5.    Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

6.    Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7.    Making the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.  Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

8.    Serve and enjoy! This apple loaf is delicious, warm or at room temperature.