Fried Chicken Wings with Onions

Fried Chicken Wings with Onions

If you love crispy fried or grilled chicken wings but want a dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice, this Vietnamese-style Fried Chicken Wings with Onions is an excellent choice.  Combining the savory flavors of East Asian cuisine with ingredients familiar to Western kitchens, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with rich, irresistible flavor.  Tender chicken wings are marinated in a fragrant blend of seasonings, then pan-fried until golden brown and finished with aromatic onions, garlic, ginger, and scallions.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

6 chicken wings (about 8 wing pieces)

Aromatics:

1 small piece of ginger, finely chopped

1 shallot, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1–2 chilies, finely chopped (optional)

2 scallions, chopped

Marinade ingredients:

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine or rose wine

1 tablespoon soy sauce

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon honey or sugar

1 teaspoon chicken seasoning powder (or chicken bouillon powder)

Directions:

Preparing and Marinating the chicken:

Wash the chicken wings and pat them dry.  In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, rice wine, chicken seasoning powder, honey (or sugar), salt, and pepper.  Add the chicken wings and toss well to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Preparing the aromatics:

Place the ginger, shallot, garlic, chilies, and scallions in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely minced.

Frying the chicken wings:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add a small amount of oil.  Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken wings.  Fry gently, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Adding the aromatics:

When the wings are nearly done, add the minced ginger, garlic, shallot, chilies, and scallions to the pan.  Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.  Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving:

Transfer the chicken wings to a serving plate and enjoy them hot with steamed rice.  For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Serving Tip:

The combination of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors makes this dish especially satisfying with jasmine rice.  The onions and herbs create a fragrant finish that elevates simple fried chicken wings into a comforting family-style meal.

Blueberry Cottage Cheese Cake

 Blueberries have always been one of my favorite ingredients – whether in muffins or sprinkled over a warm bowl of oatmeal in the morning.  Recently, I discovered that cottage cheese is one of the best protein sources for someone like me, a vegan working to rebuild muscle after age sixty.  That inspired me to experiment in the kitchen.  I first tried combining cottage cheese with almond flour to make a quick bread, and the result was surprisingly delicious.

From that success came the idea for this recipe: a blueberry cottage cheese cake that’s lightly sweet, tender, and perfect for anyone who loves a wholesome treat.  And now, I’m excited to share it with you.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/3 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup cottage cheese
• ¼ cup coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Other items:

• 1 tbsp flour (for coating blueberries)
• 1 tsp vegetable shortening (for greasing pan)
• 1 round cake pan

Directions:

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

2. Grease the cake pan with shortening, dust lightly with flour, and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, half of the sugar, cinnamon, and blueberries.  Mix gently so the berries are evenly coated.

4. In a blender, add all the wet ingredients along with the remaining sugar.  Blend until smooth.

5. Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – do not overmix.

6. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan.

7. Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.

Cottage Cheese Almond Bread

This high‑protein, low‑carbohydrate bread combines creamy cottage cheese with almond flour to create a soft, fluffy, gluten‑free loaf.  Rich in healthy fats and naturally satisfying, it’s ideal for keto, low‑carb, or mindful‑eating lifestyles.  The result is a golden, tender bread with a delicate almond flavor that keeps you full longer.  Toast a slice and top it with butter, avocado, or a spoonful of strawberry jam for a nourishing breakfast that won’t weigh you down.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup almond flour
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

1.  Preheating the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mold.

2.  Blending the batter: In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and olive oil.  Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick.

3.  Preparing the loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared pan.  Smooth the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

4.  Baking: Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5.  Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.  Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

 

Korean Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Korean Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean Rice Cakes)

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most beloved street foods.  These chewy rice cakes are simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce that is slightly sweet, savory, and mildly spicy.  Traditional versions often include fish cakes, but this homemade recipe uses Spam for a hearty twist.  

You can also add boiled eggs or keep it vegetarian if you prefer.

Despite the bright red sauce, the dish is not overly spicy unless you increase the chili flakes or add fresh chilies.

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

1 lb Korean rice cakes (tteok)

1 cup chicken stock

1 tbsp butter

6 oz. Spam, cut into thin strips

2 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths

Sauce ingredients:

2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tsp sugar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp chicken powder or bouillon

1 tsp minced garlic

1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

1/4 cup chicken stock

Garnish:

while downtown 1 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp sesame seeds

Extra sliced green onions

Directions:

Cooking the Spam:

Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.  Add the Spam strips and lightly fry until slightly golden.

Cooking the Rice Cakes:

Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add the rice cakes and simmer, stirring occasionally, until they soften and most of the liquid has reduced.

Making the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the gochujang, ketchup, sugar, soy sauce, chicken powder, minced garlic, chili flakes, and 1/4 cup chicken stock.  Mix well.

Combining Everything:

Pour the sauce into the pan with the rice cakes.  Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.

Finishing the Dish:

Add the butter and green onions.  Continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice cakes are fully tender and the sauce becomes thick and glossy.

Enhancing the Flavor:

Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 2–4 minutes to deepen the flavor and further thicken the sauce.

Garnishing and Serving:

Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions, then toss quickly before serving.

 

Serve warm and enjoy!

 

Optional Add-Ins:

Fish cakes

Hard-boiled eggs

Mozzarella cheese

Ramen noodles

Cabbage or onions

Vegetarian Fried Rice

Vegetarian fried rice is one of those dishes that’s simple, comforting, and always satisfying.  It’s perfect for vegetarian days, for anyone wanting a lighter meal, or simply for those who enjoy a colorful, nutritious plate of food.  Whatever the reason, this fried rice brings together flavor, texture, and beautiful colors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups leftover rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, corn, green beans)
• 1/2 cup diced white onion
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Seasonings: soy sauce, sugar, mushroom seasoning powder, pepper, vegetarian oyster sauce
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions:

1. Bring a small saucepan of water to boiling.  Add the frozen vegetables and cook for about 7 minutes.  Drain well.

2. Beat the eggs with a splash of vinegar and water until smooth.

3. Heat a pan with a little cooking oil.  Pour in the eggs and let them set slightly.  Use chopsticks to gently push the eggs to one side of the pan.

4. Add a bit more oil to the empty side.  Add the shallots and garlic, sauté until fragrant, then add the leftover rice.  Stir well to combine the rice with the eggs.

5. Add the cooked vegetables and seasonings.  Stir-fry everything together for about 5 more minutes, adjusting the flavors to your taste.

6. Transfer to a plate and garnish with chopped cilantro.

A simple, colorful, and nourishing vegetarian fried rice – perfect for any day you want something quick and wholesome.

Easy Almond Chinese Cookies

A simple, homey treat with a touch of elegance

There’s something comforting about the kind of cookies that don’t ask much from you — no fancy tools, no complicated steps, just a bowl, a spoon, and a quiet afternoon in the kitchen.  These almond Chinese cookies remind me of the snacks we used to make at home: the kind you whip up while chatting with family, with the warm smell of butter drifting through the house.

The original recipe uses only all‑purpose flour, but I like adding almond flour.  It softens the wheat flavor, gives the cookies a gentle nuttiness, and makes them feel just a little more special—like something you’d serve with tea when a friend drops by unexpectedly.

They’re simple, light, and wonderfully nostalgic.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1/2 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions:

1. Whisking the wet ingredients:

2.  In a mixing bowl, combine the egg, melted butter, and sugar.  Beat until smooth and slightly fluffy.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients:

4.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.

5. Bringing the dough together:

6.  Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture.  Add the sliced almonds and fold gently until everything comes together.

7. Preparing the baking sheet:

8.  Line a baking tray with parchment paper.  Use a small spoon or ice cream scoop to portion the dough into even mounds.

9. Baking:

10.                  Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.

11.                  Cooling:

12.                   Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool.  They’ll firm up slightly as they rest.

Avocado Flatbread

If you're looking to explore healthier eating — something lower in carbs, naturally nutritious, and satisfying — this simple avocado flatbread is worth trying.  I first came across this recipe on TikTok, and after making it at home,  I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and easy it was.  Best of all, it only requires a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste

Optional:

• Shredded cheese for extra flavor

Directions:

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

2.                        In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.

3.                        Add the egg, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.  Mix well until fully combined.

4.                        Line a baking tray or sheet pan with parchment paper.

5.                        Divide the avocado mixture into two portions and spread each portion thinly into a flatbread shape on the parchment paper.

6.                        Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the flatbread is firm.

7.                        If desired, sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking.

This avocado flatbread is delicious on its own or topped with eggs, fresh vegetables, smoked salmon, or grilled chicken for a light and healthy meal.