Homemade Pad Thai Sauce (Balanced, Flexible & Make-Ahead)

You Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved street foods.  A good Pad Thai is all about balance — sweet, salty, and sour working together in harmony.  In reality, this balance varies from region to region, and even from vendor to vendor.  That’s what makes Pad Thai so personal.

The good news?  Pad Thai is surprisingly easy to recreate at home, especially if you prepare the sauce in advance.  Once the sauce is ready, cooking Pad Thai takes only minutes.  

Ingredients:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup fish sauce

16 oz. tamarind juice (unsweetened, strained if needed)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a saucepan.

Heat over medium heat, stirring gently, until the sugar fully dissolves.

Add more sugar if the sauce is too sour

Add more fish sauce if it lacks depth or saltiness

Let the sauce cool completely.

Transfer to a clean glass jar, cover, and store in the refrigerator.

 

Notes

Tamarind varies in acidity depending on brand and concentration, so tasting is essential.

This sauce keeps well in the fridge for several weeks.

For a vegetarian version, substitute soy sauce or tamari for fish sauce.

👉 For each serving of Pad Thai, use ¼–⅓ cup sauce, plus 1–2 tablespoons water to loosen it during stir-frying.

Pad Thai sauce, followed by a simple, clear Pad Thai noodles recipe for two people, just like street Pad Thai should be.

Pad Thai Noodles for 2 People

This recipe is quick, flexible, and easy to to what you have on hand.

Ingredients:

6–7 oz. dried flat rice noodles

2 eggs

6 oz. protein of choice:

Shrimp

Chicken

Firm tofu (vegetarian option)

1½ cups bean sprouts

2–3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

1 small shallot, minced

¼–⅓ cup prepared Pad Thai sauce

1–2 tbsp water

2 tbsp neutral oil (or less, if preferred)

 

For serving (optional but recommended):

Crushed roasted peanuts

Lime wedges

Chili flakes

Extra bean sprouts or garlic chives

 

Directions:

Soaking the noodles:

Soak dried rice noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes until pliable but not mushy.  Drain and set aside.

 

Preparing the wok or pan:

Heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add garlic and shallots and stir briefly until fragrant.

 

Cooking the protein:

Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu.  Stir-fry until just cooked through. Push everything to one side of the pan.

 

Scrambling the eggs:

Crack eggs into the empty side of the pan. Gently scramble, then mix with the protein.

 

Adding noodles & sauce:

Add drained noodles, Pad Thai sauce, and water.  Toss quickly to coat everything evenly.

 

Finishing the dish:

Add bean sprouts and green onions.  Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until noodles are tender and glossy.

 

Tasting & adjusting:

Add more sauce, lime juice, or chili flakes as desired.

Serve immediately

Top with crushed peanuts and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Looking at Daily Habits to Understand Our Own Longevity

Longevity is not determined solely by genetics.  The way we eat, move, rest, manage stress, and nurture relationships each day quietly adds to, or subtracts from, our personal lifespan.

According to many medical statistics, certain habits may seem small, yet when practiced consistently over time, they can extend or shorten life by several years, sometimes even decades.  Reflecting on these habits is also a way for each of us to consciously adjust our lifestyle in a healthier direction.

This one

People who eat less meat and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables may extend their lifespan by about five years.  If they also limit high-fat foods such as butter, cream, refined flour, and fried foods, they may gain an additional three years.

Experts often recommend the Mediterranean diet, which includes fish, olive oil, vegetables, fruits, small amounts of red meat, and dairy products—as one of the most ideal eating patterns.  This diet not only provides balanced nutrition but is also rich in antioxidants, benefiting cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and the aging process.

In contrast, being overweight is a significant risk factor.  Exceeding a healthy body weight by about 10 kilograms according to BMI standards may reduce lifespan by up to ten years, mainly due to a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Physical Activity and Daily Lifestyle Habits

Regular exercise is one of the most effective “medicines” for extending life.  Exercising at least three times a week, for 15–30 minutes  per session, may add up to seven years to one’s lifespan.  A simple and widely accessible form of exercise is brisk walking.

Oral hygiene is another factor that is often overlooked.  Brushing teeth two to three times a day and having regular dental checkups may help extend lifespan by two years.  Poor oral hygiene not only affects digestion but also allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Alcohol, Tea, and Coffee – Moderation Matters

Moderate alcohol consumption—1–2 drinks per day for women and up to 3 for men—may increase lifespan by about three years and provide some benefits for heart and brain health.  However, excessive drinking—more than four alcoholic drinks or three beers per day—can reduce lifespan by six years, increasing the risk of cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and mental disorders.

Between tea and coffee, tea, especially green tea, is considered more beneficial due to its high antioxidant content.  Replacing coffee with tea may add three years to lifespan, while drinking more than three cups of coffee per day may negatively affect heart health if not well controlled.

Hidden Factors That Shorten Life

Smoking is one of the most dangerous enemies of longevity. Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke can prevent the loss of at least twenty years of life.  Statistics show that half of all smokers die before the age of 65.

Excessive sun exposure without protection may also shorten lifespan by about four years, due to the risk of skin cancer and damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.  Sunlight itself is not harmful, but it should be approached properly and at appropriate times.

Mental Well-being and Relationships – Keys to a Long Life

Chronic stress accelerates aging.  Learning to manage stress through exercise, relaxation, meditation, yoga, or psychological therapies may add seven years to lifespan.  Many people who live beyond 100 share a common trait: the ability to remain emotionally stable in the face of life’s changes.

Finally, family and social connections play an essential role.  Living close to loved ones or maintaining strong family ties may extend lifespan by five years.  Loneliness is a major contributor to premature aging, while healthy social relationships help people feel supported, valued, and more at ease when facing illness or old age.

Conclusion

Longevity is not entirely beyond our control.  Every daily habit—from what we eat, how we walk, how we drink a cup of tea, to how we cultivate inner calm and stay connected with family—forms a small brick in building both the length and quality of life.

Living long is not merely about adding years to life, but about living mindfully, moderately, and with meaningful connection.

    

Instant Pot Chicken Feet (Dim Sum–Style, Lighter Version)

Chicken feet are a beloved dim sum classic, prized for their tender, gelatinous texture and deeply savory flavor.  While some people enjoy them purely for taste, chicken feet also offer notable nutritional benefits when eaten mindfully.

Rich in collagen, chicken feet may help support skin elasticity, joint health, and bone strength.  They’re also believed to aid digestion, improve circulation, and support blood sugar balance.  Structurally, chicken feet are mostly skin, cartilage, tendons, and bone—yet they pack a surprising amount of protein and beneficial nutrients.

That said, chicken feet are also high in calories and fat, so moderation is key.  Instead of eating them purely for indulgence, it’s best to enjoy them as part of a balanced meal, avoiding pairing them with other heavy or high-calorie dishes.

At dim sum restaurants, chicken feet are traditionally deep-fried before braising, which significantly increases the calorie count and makes the process impractical for home kitchens.  To enjoy this dish in a lighter, more nourishing way, this recipe uses an Instant Pot, skipping deep-frying altogether while still delivering rich flavor and tender results.

Ingredients

1 pack chicken feet (Walmart or similar)

Seasonings ingredients:

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 slice ginger, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoons seasoning powder

1 teaspoon annatto oil

1 teaspoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon chili sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

 1/4 cup water

1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges

Directions:

Preparing the chicken feet:

and drain well.

Sautéing aromatics:

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté.  Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil.  Sauté ginger and garlic for about 5 minutes until fragrant.

Building flavor:

Add the chicken feet and sauté for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add all seasonings except the water, and mix well so the chicken feet are evenly coated.

Pressure cooking:

Add enough water to just cover the chicken feet.  Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes, then allow a natural release.

Finishing and Serving:

Open the lid, gently stir, and serve warm.

Serving Notes:

Best enjoyed with steamed vegetables or light greens

Avoid pairing with other rich or oily dishes

Great as an occasional dim sum treat rather than a frequent indulgence

This Instant Pot version keeps the soul of traditional dim sum chicken feet while making it lighter, simpler, and more home-friendly—perfect for enjoying without guilt.

Cilantro Pesto

Traditional pesto is an Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and salt.  It pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled meats, or even as a pizza base.  However, pine nuts can be quite expensive. For a more affordable and Asian-inspired twist, this version uses fresh cilantro along with a mix of nuts and seeds.

This cilantro pesto is fragrant, vibrant, and just as versatile as classic pesto—perhaps even more so.  It’s easy to make, nutritious, and full of bold flavor.  Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times.

Ingredients:

2 bunches fresh cilantro

1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, or any nuts you like)

4 garlic cloves

1 cup olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

A small pinch of sugar (optional, to balance the flavors)

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix.

Blend using the spice or sauce setting until smooth and well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Storage:

Transfer the pesto to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.  Store in the refrigerator and use within 5–7 days.

 

 Vegan, Oil-Reduced Cilantro Pesto 

Ingredients:

• 2 bunches fresh cilantro (stems included, washed well)
• 1 cup mixed roasted nuts and seeds
  (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, or almonds work beautifully)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (just enough for richness)
• ½–¾ cup water or unsweetened plant milk (to help blend)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A small pinch of sugar (optional, to balance bitterness)
• Optional: a squeeze of lime or lemon for brightness

Directions:

1.    Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor.

2.    Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

3.    Taste and adjust seasoning.

Storage:

Transfer to a clean glass jar, cover, and refrigerate.
This lighter pesto keeps well for 5–7 days.

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How to Use This Cilantro Pesto:

This sauce is incredibly versatile.  Here are a few easy, everyday ways to enjoy it:

• Noodles: Toss with rice noodles, ramen, or spaghetti.  Add steamed veggies or mushrooms for a quick meal.
• Tofu: Spoon over baked or pan-seared tofu for an instant flavor upgrade.
• Rice bowls: Drizzle over jasmine rice or into the pasta, and  then top with roasted vegetables, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Bánh mì: Spread a thin layer on toasted baguette under the note place of mayo—add pickled carrots, cucumber, tofu, and herbs.
• Dip or spread: Use as a dip for raw veggies or spread on toast and wraps.

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Simple ingredients. Lighter oil. Big flavor.
This cilantro pesto proves that plant-based cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—just fresh, mindful, and delicious.

Chicken and Potato Stir-Fry (Vietnamese Style)

This is a very familiar home-style dish in many Vietnamese families.  We often joke about whether it should be called chicken and potato stir-fry or potato and chicken stir-fry.  The name usually reflects the household situation—when there’s more chicken, chicken comes first; when potatoes take the lead, potatoes come first.

Traditionally, wealthier families might use beef instead of chicken.  Today, especially for Vietnamese families living in Western countries where food is more accessible, chicken has become a popular choice.  It’s nutritious, lower in fat, and still very flavorful—so it remains my preferred protein for this dish.

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Ingredients:

• ½ lb. chicken breast
• ½ lb. potatoes
• 1 white onion
• 2 green onions
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Chicken Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cooking wine
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar

Stir-Fry Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp chicken seasoning powder
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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·       Directions:

1.  Preparing the chicken:
Rinse the chicken breast and cut into bite-sized pieces (about ½ inch).  In a bowl, marinate the chicken with all the chicken marinade ingredients.  Mix well and let marinate for 30 minutes.

2.  Preparing the vegetables:

o    Peel and wash the potatoes, then cut into ½-inch cubes.  Soak them in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes to prevent browning and help them crisp up later.

o    Peel the onion and cut it into wedges.

o    Chop the green onions and set aside.

3.  Frying the potatoes:
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry.  Heat a small amount of oil in a pan and fry the potatoes until golden brown.  Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

4.  Mixing the stir-fry sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine all the stir-fry sauce ingredients and stir until well mixed.

5.  Cooking the chicken:
Heat a little oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.  Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 6–7 minutes, until the chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.

6.  Combining and finishing:
Pour in half of the stir-fry sauce and mix gently.  Add the fried potatoes and onion wedges, stirring carefully so the potatoes don’t break apart.  Add the remaining sauce, lower the heat, and let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.

7.  Serving:
Turn off the heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice.

No-Knead Liquid Dough Pizza (Quick & Easy)

 Pizza is a beloved Western dish, especially in the Italian cuisine.  While traditional pizza dough can be time-consuming, this no-knead liquid dough pizza is perfect for busy days.  It requires no kneading and no long proofing, yet still delivers a crispy base and soft interior.  This viral recipe from TikTok and YouTube is simple, fast, and made with everyday ingredients—ideal for a quick homemade meal.

Ingredients:

Dough ingredients:

• 1 cup bread flour
• 2/3 cup warm water
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt

Seasoning ingredients:

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Toppings ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (or pepperoni, salami, or ham)
• 1 cup shredded mixed cheese
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Other ingredients

• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/3 cup pizza sauce

Directions:

1.  Making the batter is one:
In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, oil, and Italian seasoning.  Add the flour and stir until smooth. The batter will be loose and pourable—this is normal.

2.  Preparing the pan:
Brush a pizza pan with oil and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.

3.  Resting the dough:
Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.  Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

4.  Preheating the oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

5.  Par-baking the crust:
Spoon pizza sauce evenly over the rested dough. Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the bottom to set and lightly crisp.

6.  Adding toppings:
Remove from the oven.  Top evenly with chicken, red onion, and shredded cheese.

7.  Final baking:
Return to the oven and bake for another 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is fully melted and lightly browned.

8.  Resting & Serving:
Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes, then slice and enjoy.

Tips:

• Use any seasoning you like (garlic powder, chili flakes, or dried basil work well).
• Swap pizza sauce for pesto, BBQ sauce, or white sauce for variety.
• This dough works great in a cast-iron pan for extra crispiness.

adjustments to make your liquid dough pizza either vegetarian or dairy-free, while keeping it just as easy and delicious.

Vegetarian Liquid Dough Pizza

Ingredients (Changes Only)

Toppings:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or mixed cheese

Optional Add-Ins:

• Black olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Spinach or arugula (add after baking)

Directions (Same Method):

Follow the original instructions exactly.
After the first bake with sauce, top the pizza with vegetables and cheese, then return to the oven until golden and bubbly.

💡 Tip: Sauté mushrooms lightly before topping to prevent excess moisture.

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🥬 Dairy-Free / Vegan Liquid Dough Pizza

Ingredients (Change this one Only)

Dough

• Use neutral vegetable oil (olive or avocado oil works well)

Toppings

• 1 cup mushrooms or zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced with warm going to depend
• 1/2 cup bell peppers
• 1/2 cup dairy-free cheese (optional)
  (or skip cheese entirely)

Flavor Boost (Highly Recommended)

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil drizzle
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Chili flakes (optional)

Directions (Adjusted)

1.  Prepare and rest the liquid dough as instructed.

2.  Spread pizza sauce over the dough and par-bake for 15 minutes.

3.  Remove from oven and add vegetables.

4.  Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle nutritional yeast if using.

5.  Bake for another 12–15 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the vegetables are tender.

💡 Tip: For extra richness without cheese, finish with fresh basil or a light drizzle of chili oil after baking.

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Simple Sauce Alternatives (Vegetarian & Dairy-Free)

• Pesto (dairy-free if using basil + olive oil only)
• Tomato paste + olive oil + garlic
• Roasted red pepper sauce
• Hummus (thin slightly with olive oil)

The Old Days – Where Happiness Once Was

Life today is far more abundant than it used to be.  Our homes are solid, food is plentiful, and conveniences surround even the smallest daily routines.  Yet in the midst of such comfort, people often lose touch with something very delicate.  Why is it that the more we have, the harder it seems to reach happiness?

Perhaps it is because true happiness visited my life very early on — during its poorest days.  That feeling of being fully alive in each moment still returns from time to time, not to make me sad, but to remind me that happiness once existed — quietly, gently, yet very real.  Real enough for me to understand why abundance does not always lead us closer to happiness, and why we must learn to cherish the present moment more deeply.

My life story is long, but today I want to share a chapter from the time I lived in Vi Thủy, Vietnam with my mother and siblings.  Every day, my mother worked as a hired laborer, while I — still very young — had already grown accustomed to caring for my younger brothers and sisters in her place.  We lived crowded together under one roof — though calling it a “house” hardly felt accurate.  It was more like a small hut, but it held all the warmth our family had at that time.

The most innocent joy of my younger brother — who was only five years old then — was following me to the makeshift latrines built over the river.  People raised fish using human waste, and those fish seemed remarkably “clever.”   At the sound of footsteps or the sight of a shadow crossing the bridge, they would gather below, as if knowing a small offering was coming.  My brother laughed out loud, teasing the fish.  That clear, carefree laughter lit up a childhood filled with shortages.  In that moment, perhaps poverty was no longer poverty — only life responding to life.

Around three o’clock every morning, I was often startled awake by the sounds of butchers slaughtering pigs for the early market.  The heart-rending cries of those innocent animals planted a deep unease in me from a young age.  That sound followed me throughout my childhood, and as I grew older, I found that I could no longer eat meat without conscience.  Not out of aversion, but because I had once heard so clearly the pain of life being taken away.

The days of heavy rain remain unforgettable memories. Rainwater fell directly into the pan of morning glory greens I stir-fried over a stove fueled by dry straw my mother had gathered.  Our meal consisted of that single dish — garlic-fried vegetables — seasoned only with salt instead of the rare drops of fish sauce.  Yet we ate slowly, peacefully.  I did not feel deprived.  I only knew that I had food to eat and was sitting beside my mother and siblings.  That was enough to turn a simple meal into a warm memory that has stayed with me ever since.

My second younger brother worked as a babysitter for a well-off family in the area to earn a little extra money to help our mother.  Those days passed quietly — simple, exhausting, without major events or complaints.  We were simply living, one day at a time.  Looking back now, I do not see suffering.  I only see that I walked a certain path earlier than others — a path of responsibility and wordless love.

Now that my mother has passed away, my heart is filled with gratitude for her — for allowing me to walk with her through those distant places, for letting me grow up in responsibility and love, and for teaching me how to care for others from such a young age.

Life shifted quickly when my mother reconnected with my father, who had emigrated to the United States in 1975. Our family returned to Saigon, living on my father’s financial support.  My mother’s burdens were eased then.  She often went to the temple, praying quietly — not for wealth, but simply for the day our family could be together again.

As for me, without a Saigon household registration, life remained difficult and uncertain.  As a young girl, there were times I lowered my head in shame because I did not own a single proper outfit.  My only close friend would lend me her clothes whenever there was a neighborhood gathering.  I worked all kinds of jobs to support myself and never touched the small allowance my father sent — knowing my mother needed it more to care for my siblings.

Eventually, my mother’s prayers came true.  In July 1984, we were reunited with my father in the United States.  I left Saigon without regret — perhaps because years of living in fear, treated as an enemy simply due to our Southern family background, had exhausted me deeply.

At that time, I had someone I loved.  I hesitated, wondering whether I should stay behind and leave later, as my older siblings had done after marrying and securing their own passports.  But I was too young to decide my own fate.  We parted with a promise to wait.  And then, as impermanence would have it, two years later he married — as the eldest son, bound by responsibility. I understood.  I let go quietly, offering silent wishes for his happiness.   I saw that our connection had fulfilled its role in my life.  All plans closed gently, without drama.

Looking back at the footprints along the stream of impermanence, I clearly see the Buddha’s teaching: all things arise from conditions; when conditions are sufficient, they come together; when conditions fade, they separate. Nothing is wrong, nothing is lost — each person simply continues along their own path.

Life in America opened a new chapter — extremely difficult in the early days as I had to relearn English just to find work, filled with challenges and many lonely months.  Yet it was also where I came to understand Buddhism more deeply — the meaning of letting go, and how to walk without resisting the flow of life.

But those are stories for another time.  If conditions allow, I will share them later — not to complain, but to look back and smile at all that has passed through my life.

Thiên Lan

Inspired by reading a passage written by an older sister, which brought back memories of my childhood years in Huế, Vietnam.

One‑Skillet Chicken Thighs

One‑Skillet Chicken Thighs

A quick, flavorful 30‑minute dinner

If you’re craving a homemade meal without spending  hours in the kitchen, this one‑skillet chicken thigh recipe is a lifesaver.  It’s simple, fast, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy days or beginner cooks.  Each chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, and you can customize the seasoning to match your family’s taste using pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite store‑bought blend.

Ingredients:

• 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup store‑bought seasoning of your choice not to adopt
• (I used a garlic butter blend)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Serve with hot rice, bread, or cooked pasta

Directions:

1.    Seasoning the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and place them in a bowl.  Add your chosen seasoning and mix until evenly coated.

2.    Searing the chicken: Heat a cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high heat.  Add the olive oil, then place the seasoned chicken in the pan.  Cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3.    Building the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened.

4.    Simmering: Return the chicken to the skillet.  Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.  Bring to a gentle boil, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5.    Finishing: Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.  Stir in the lemon juice, turn off the heat, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tip:

For extra flavor and texture, add sliced mushrooms or olives while sautéing the onions.

Saving a Marriage – When Two People Still Choose to Walk Together

Is your relationship struggling?

Do arguments repeat themselves, silence grow longer, or love slowly fades into the distance?

Many couples who once loved deeply pass through seasons like this.  And the question that often arises is: Why is it so hard to maintain a relationship?

In Eastern cultures, marriage has traditionally been shaped by family arrangements.  In Western societies, it is more often based on personal choice and romantic love.  Each approach has its strengths and limitations. Yet regardless of how a marriage begins, what matters most is this: Is the relationship being nurtured so that both partners can grow and thrive together?

Love Is Not Only About Feeling — It Is About Giving

Being in a relationship is not just about love; it is about learning how to give.  It requires considering the other person’s emotions, needs, and boundaries. This is often where relationships begin to fracture.

We unconsciously prioritize our own happiness and perspectives.  The way we see our partner is shaped by our culture, our family background, and what we were or were not taught growing up.  Some people never learned how to listen because no one listened to them.  Others struggle to respect emotions because they were never taught how to do so.

Adding to this, men and women often process emotions and respond to situations very differently.  Without understanding these differences, small misunderstandings can quietly grow into deep emotional distance.

Why Do So Many Relationships Slowly Fall Apart?

Most problems do not begin with the other person — they begin within themself.

We tend to put ourselves first.  Even when we help others, it is sometimes because it makes us feel good or because we believe we should.  When one or both partners prioritize personal gain over shared well-being, emotional connection gradually weakens.

Some people become consumed by their careers, their children, or their private worlds, leaving little space for their spouse.  Others seek emotional fulfillment elsewhere.  Some carry hidden secrets — addictions, financial issues, or unspoken fears.  Even when we tell ourselves, “It’s not a big deal,” secrecy quietly damages trust and intimacy.

When care and respect diminish, the other partner may respond with withdrawal, anger, or emotional retaliation.  Over time, emotional wounds accumulate, and the longer they remain unattended, the harder they are to heal.

Prevention Is Better Than Repair.

This is especially true in marriage.

A relationship does not exist solely to serve individual happiness.  Marriage is an exchange — giving and receiving. And the truth is, most of us prefer receiving.

Giving is not limited to gifts or flowers.  Sometimes it means lowering our ego, being willing to apologize, listening without defending, and stepping back to preserve mutual respect.

Selfishness is deeply human. Yet humans are also capable of creating profoundly loving relationships — partnerships where both people genuinely care for and consider one another.

If your marriage is struggling and you still hope it can grow into something healthier, it may be time to ask yourself:

What truly matters in my life?

Your answer will shape how you love and how you live with your partner.

Principles for Nurturing a Healthy Relationship

Don’t Think Only of Yourself

Try placing yourself in your partner’s position.  What do they need?   What do they long for? Ask — and truly listen — rather than imposing your own expectations.

Respect Your Partner

Respect is not just spoken; it is demonstrated through attitude.  When disagreements arise, are you willing to honor a perspective different from your own?

Marriage Is a Conscious Choice

Emotions rise and fall, but commitment is what keeps two people together. Remain faithful to your choice, even when temptation appears.

Don’t Nurture Resentment

Bitterness deepens distance.  If reconciliation is your wish, learn to gradually let go of resentment.

Create Joy Together

Make time for shared experiences you both enjoy.  Positive moments can breathe life back into a tired relationship.

Offer Praise and Recognition

Sincere appreciation has powerful healing effects.  People receive love differently — through words, time, actions, gifts, or physical closeness.  Learn your partner’s love language.

Cultivate Gratitude

List the qualities and moments you value in your partner and in your relationship.  Silently acknowledge one small but genuine reason for gratitude each day.

 

Like he'd gone through one sentence for tomorrow

Secrets are poison to marriage.  Truth, even when difficult, is healthier than prolonged silence.

Care and Presence

No relationship is perfect — only imperfect people learning how to love.  Being together is not just physical proximity, but emotional presence in each other’s inner lives.

A Gentle Intention for Tomorrow

I do not promise never to hurt you —

but I promise to be more mindful before I speak.

I do not promise to always understand you —

but I promise to listen more deeply and react less.

I do not promise marriage without pain —

but I promise not to cause unnecessary suffering.