Braised Tofu in Soy Sauce

Tofu is a staple source of protein in many vegetarian diets. While it may seem bland on its own, tofu has an amazing ability to absorb flavors when prepared properly.  With the right ingredients and cooking technique, it can become deeply savory, satisfying, and comforting.

This braised tofu recipe is rich, aromatic, and well-balanced—perfect even for those who usually think tofu is boring.  Serve it with hot rice for a simple yet nourishing meal.

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Ingredients:

Tofu ingredients:

• 16 oz. firm tofu
• Water for boiling
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt

Braising Sauce ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)

Aromatics & Other ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 2 green onions, chopped

Garnish:

• Chopped basil or cilantro

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Directions:

1.   Preparing the tofu:
Cut the tofu into slices about ½ inch thick and 2 inches long.  Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the salt and dark soy sauce, then gently add the tofu.  Boil for about 10 minutes to remove excess moisture and help the tofu absorb flavor.  Drain and set aside.

2.   Making the sauce:
In a small bowl, combine all the braising sauce ingredients.  Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch completely.

3.   Sautéing the aromatics:
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the cooking oil.  Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.  For extra heat, you may add sliced fresh chilies at this stage.

4.   Braising the tofu:
Pour the sauce into the pan and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the tofu and green onions.  Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu evenly.

5.   Finishing and serving:
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped basil or cilantro.  Serve hot with steamed rice.

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Tips:

• For a fully vegetarian version, replace oyster sauce with mushroom oyster sauce.
• Let the tofu simmer a little longer for deeper flavor absorption.
• This dish pairs beautifully with plain rice or brown rice for a balanced meal.

Simple, hearty, and full of flavor—this braised tofu dish proves that plant-based cooking can be deeply satisfying. 

Steamed Sponge Cake (Easy One-Bowl Method)

Steamed sponge cake is a classic dessert in many East Asian cuisines.  Traditional recipes often involve separating egg yolks and whites, carefully whipping egg whites, and baking to achieve a light, airy texture—techniques that usually require some experience.

I’m not a professional baker, so I prefer recipes that are simple, quick, and reliable, yet still produce a soft and fluffy cake.  This version uses a Vitamix (or any high-speed blender) to beat the eggs and a steaming method instead of baking, making it almost foolproof and perfect for home cooks.

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Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup oil
• ½ cup milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• Grease and flour a 5” x 5” round or square cake pan

Optional: raisins or other dried fruits

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Directions:

1.   Preparing the steamer:
Bring water to a rolling boil and keep it ready while you prepare the batter.

2.   Blending the wet ingredients:
Add all ingredients except the flour to the Vitamix.  Blend on the Smoothie or Ice Cream setting until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3.   Folding in the flour:
Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl.  Add the self-rising flour and gently whisk until smooth and lump-free.

4.   Steaming the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.  Place the pan into the steamer, cover, and steam over medium heat for 50 minutes.

5.   Checking for doneness:
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake.  If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

6.   Cooling and Serving:
Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Tips & Variations:

• You can fold in raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries before steaming.
• For extra aroma, add a little orange or lemon zest.
• Keep the steamer lid wrapped with a cloth to prevent water droplets from dripping onto the cake.

This steamed sponge cake is soft, moist, and lightly sweet, perfect as an afternoon snack or a gentle dessert with tea.

You also can use this method and then bake in the preheated oven for 350 degrees.

 

Chicken Taquitos (Crispy Mexican-Style)

Chicken taquitos are a beloved street-style dish in Mexican cuisine, known for their crisp exterior and savory, well-seasoned filling.  Traditionally, taquitos are made with chicken breast simmered gently with aromatics, such as onion, cumin, and other spices, then shredded and lightly sautéed before being rolled into corn tortillas and fried until golden.

For busy home cooking, this version uses store-bought grilled chicken, which delivers great flavor and saves time. To keep the seasoning bold and balanced, Picante sauce is used—it already carries the warmth of garlic and chili with just the right level of heat.  The result is a dish that feels authentic in taste, yet simple enough to prepare on a weeknight.

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Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded grilled chicken
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese (Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a Mexican blend)
• 1 1/2 cups Picante sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 corn tortillas 6x6 inches
• Oil for frying

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Directions:

1.  Preparing the filling:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and Pi like inch and 30 of the guard is explicit cante sauce.  Stir well and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.  Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

2.  Assembling the taquitos:
Warm the tortillas briefly so they are pliable.  Place a small amount of chicken filling and a sprinkle of cheese along one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly into a thin cylinder.

3.  Frying until crispy:
Heat enough oil in a pan to shallow fry. Place the taquitos seam-side down and fry in batches, turning as needed, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.

4.  Draining and Serving:
Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.  Serve hot.

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Serving Suggestions:

Serve chicken taquitos with:

• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lime

Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, these chicken taquitos are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or casual family meal.

Cinnamon–Chocolate Fruit Coffee Cake

There’s something deeply comforting about a house filled with the scent of cinnamon, especially on a cold winter day. Coffee cake has a way of creating that warmth instantly bringing back memories of the simplecakes our grandmothers baked with just a handful of ingredients.

Today, cake mixes make baking quicker and more convenient.  They’re reliable, perfectly measured, and save time on sifting flour or balancing leavening agents.  With a few thoughtful additions, though, a simple boxed mix can be transformed into a cake that tastes rich, nostalgic, and truly homemade.

This cinnamon-chocolate fruit coffee cake is moist, fragrant, and gently sweet—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

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·       Ingredients:

• 1 package white cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 package vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• ¾ cup chopped dried fruit (raisins, apricots, or cherries)
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• Vegetable oil and flour, for greasing the pan
• 9” x 13” cake pan

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Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center.  Lightly oil and flour the cake pan.

2.  In a small bowl, combine the chopped dried fruit, chocolate chips, and cinnamon.  Set aside.

3.  In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, sugar, and vanilla pudding mix until evenly combined.

4.  In a blender (such as a Vitamix), blend the eggs, sour cream, and vegetable oil until smooth.

5.  Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.

6.  Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.  Sprinkle the fruit and chocolate mixture evenly over the batter.

7.  Gently pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it to fully cover the fruit layer.

8.  Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9.  Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Baked Salmon with Cottage Cheese (High-Protein & Easy)

Cottage cheese packs more protein per serving than Greek yogurt or eggs, making it a true protein powerhouse.  It’s also rich in nutrients that support bone health, red blood cell production, digestion, and weight management.  Thanks to its probiotic content, cottage cheese may help support gut health, while its high protein level is especially beneficial for maintaining and building muscle.      

Paired with salmon—an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids—this baked dish becomes a simple yet nourishing meal.  It comes together quickly, requires minimal prep, and is perfect for busy days when you still want something wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. salmon fillet, cut into cubes
• 2 large button mushrooms, sliced
• ¼ cup white onion, diced
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ¼ cup mozzarella cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A little oil for cooking

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.  Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.

3.  Sauté the onion and mushrooms for about 5 minutes, until softened.

4.  Add the salmon cubes, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.  Cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the salmon is lightly cooked.

5.  In a 9 x 5” baking dish, add the cottage cheese.  Stir in the cooked salmon and mushroom mixture until well combined.

6.  Sprinkle mozzarella (or your preferred cheese) evenly over the top.

7.  Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Serving Ideas:

• Enjoy as is for a light, protein-rich meal
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad
• Spoon over cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling dish

Simple, comforting, and nutrient-rich—this baked salmon with cottage cheese is an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Easy & Healthy Baked Oatmeal Breakfast

Oatmeal is a classic Western breakfast staple.  You’ll find it everywhere—from muffins and cakes to breakfast buffets in hotels across America.  I love oatmeal not only for its comforting taste, but also because it’s an easy way to add fiber and nutrients to your day without feeling heavy or guilty.

This baked oatmeal is simple to prepare and versatile.  You can enjoy it as a warm breakfast, a quick snack, or even a light dessert.  It’s naturally sweetened with fruit and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oatmeal
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, figs, etc.)
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 apple, shredded
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.  In a 9” x 6” baking dish, combine the oatmeal, dried fruit, mashed banana, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

3.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and coconut milk.  Pour the mixture into the baking dish and stir gently.

4.  Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes so the oats can absorb the liquid.

5.  Add the baking powder and mix thoroughly.

6.  Sprinkle the shredded apple evenly over the top.

7.  Bake for 35 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and lightly golden on top.

8.  Let cool slightly before serving.

Serving Tips:

• Enjoy warm on own, or with a spoon of yogurt.
• Add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat for busy mornings.

Simple, nourishing, and comforting, this baked oatmeal is an easy way to start your day on a healthy note.

The Journey Back to Oneself and the Path Toward Awakening

If you are reading these lines, perhaps you and I share the same quiet longing: the wish to return to ourselves, to understand who we truly are, and—somewhere deep within—to sense a path leading toward awakening.  I call this a spiritual journey.

When people hear the word spirituality, many immediately associate it with a specific religion, complete with doctrines, rituals, and rules to follow.  But for me, spirituality does not necessarily mean religion.  Rather, it is an inner direction, a way of living and practicing that helps us cultivate compassion and wisdom.  It closely reflects the spirit of the Dalai Lama’s well-known saying: “My religion is kindness.”

In simple terms, spiritual practice is the training of the mind and awareness, so that we may gradually understand suffering, transform it, and touch genuine happiness.  From a Buddhist perspective, this path is not based on blind belief, but on direct experience and personal practice.

Spiritual practice can take many forms: meditation, mindfulness in daily life, yoga, prayer, or simply learning to pause and observe oneself.  Whatever form it takes, its essence revolves around four fundamental qualities:

• Mindfulness: Living fully in the present moment, clearly aware of what is happening in our body and mind, without judgment or avoidance.
• Compassion: Cultivating kindness and empathy, learning to care for ourselves and for others, and wishing to alleviate suffering for all beings.
• Wisdom: Seeing deeply into the true nature of reality—impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
• Ethical living: Leading a life that does not harm ourselves or others, creating a stable and peaceful foundation for the mind.

Ironically, in an age where science and technology have reached unprecedented heights, human beings often feel more lost and distressed than ever.  We become swept away by the glitter and noise of society, forgetting to turn inward and reconnect with ourselves.

There is a story that may sound humorous at first, yet carries profound meaning:

A man works diligently every day as a rickshaw driver. Someone asks him:
“Why do you drive a rickshaw?”
“To earn money.”
“Why earn money?”
“To eat.”
“Why eat?”
“To live.”
“And after living, what do you do?”
“I drive the rickshaw again.”

This cycle repeats endlessly.  If we never pause to ask, “What am I truly living for?”, our entire life may pass within such a loop, until the very end.

From a practical perspective, spiritual practice offers many tangible benefits in modern life.  One of the most evident is the reduction of stress and anxiety.  Meditation and contemplative practices have been scientifically shown to calm the nervous system, stabilize heart rate and blood pressure, and help us return to a state of inner ease.

More importantly, spiritual practice enhances self-awareness.  By understanding our thoughts, emotions, and habitual reactions, we gradually learn to accept ourselves instead of constantly fighting or judging who we are.  From this acceptance, inner peace and self-compassion naturally arise.

Meditation and mindfulness also strengthen concentration.  As the mind is trained to stay with the breath or a chosen object of awareness, it becomes less scattered and less dominated by restless thinking.  This clarity not only improves work performance but also helps us make wiser decisions and respond more creatively to life’s challenges.

Another fruit of spiritual practice is the development of compassion and healthier relationships.  When we understand our own suffering, we become more capable of understanding the suffering of others.  Instead of reacting with judgment or resistance, we learn to listen and empathize.  As a result, our relationships grow more genuine, stable, and meaningful.

Ultimately, perhaps the greatest gift of a spiritual journey is the discovery of meaning and purpose in life.  This meaning is not something to be found outside ourselves, but something revealed from within.  When we live with awareness and clarity—knowing where we are going and why—even life’s uncertainties and difficulties no longer leave us without refuge.

The journey back to oneself is quiet and unassuming.  It does not seek attention or recognition.  It begins very simply: with a mindful breath, a moment of stillness, and a sincere question asked inwardly.  And perhaps, that is the very first doorway on the path toward awakening.