Cilantro Pesto

• Pesto is one of the easiest ways to elevate everyday cooking.  A spoonful can brighten meatballs, add depth to grilled fish, or become a quick marinade for chicken or vegetables.  While store‑bought pesto is convenient, it can be pricey — and making your own at home is both economical and customizable.  With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a vibrant cilantro pesto that fits your family’s taste and budget.  Inserted through new it is Cooking isn’t difficult; it simply takes a little curiosity and the willingness to try recipes that bring joy to your table.

  Ingredients:

  2 bunches

  Fresh cilantro (Aldi is a great option)

  1/4 cup lemon juice

  1/2 cup roasted walnuts

  4 cloves of garlic.

  1 tsp salt

  1/4 tsp black pepper

  1 cup quality olive oil

  1/3 cup

  Grated Parmesan cheese

  Directions:

  Wash the cilantro thoroughly and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

  Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.

  Blend until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.

  Transfer the pesto to a glass jar with a tight‑fitting lid.

  Refrigerate and use within several days for best flavor.

   

  Quick Tips for Serving Pesto:

  • Toss with warm pasta for an instant sauce.  Add a splash of pasta water for creaminess.
  • Use as a marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp (15–30 minutes is enough).
  • Stir into salads by mixing pesto with lemon juice or olive oil.
  • Spread on toasted bread or sandwiches for extra flavor.
  • Mix into warm rice or quinoa to create a fragrant herb side dish.
  • Add a spoonful to soups like chicken soup or vegetable soup for depth.
  • Coat roasted vegetables right after they come out of the oven.
  • Drizzle over tacos or burrito bowls, especially fish or shrimp tacos.
  • Stir into scrambled eggs or omelets for a bright, herbal note.
  • Turn into a dip by mixing with yogurt or mayonnaise.

  Stir into scrambled eggs or omelets for a bright, herbal note.

Sweet Potato Muffins

I make these sweet potato muffins every fall—they’re soft, naturally sweet, and full of cozy flavor.  Adapted from a pumpkin muffin recipe, this version has a deeper, richer taste that sweet potatoes do beautifully. They’re also a wonderful way to use up leftover sweet potatoes.  You can easily customize them with nuts, dried fruits, or your favorite spices.

 Ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup coconut milk

1 large egg

1 cup self-rising flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/3 cup raisins

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  Grease a 6-cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.

Blending the wet ingredients:

In a blender, combine the mashed sweet potato, egg, sugar, olive oil, and coconut milk.  Blend until smooth.

Mixing the dry ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins.

Combining:

Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until just combined—do not overmix.

Filling the muffin cups:

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Baking:

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling:

Let the muffins cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations:

Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth

Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates

Use honey or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness

For a healthier twist, substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour

 

Soft, fragrant, and lightly nutty – these muffins are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy afternoon treat.

White Beans and Tuna Salad

This simple Spanish-inspired salad is one of my favorite quick meals—light, nourishing, and full of protein and fiber.  Most kitchens already have the essentials: a can of tuna and a can of white beans. Using high‑quality tuna packed in olive oil makes the flavors richer, but water‑packed tuna works too; you’ll just need a bit more olive oil to bring everything together.

It’s the perfect recipe for days when you don’t have much time but still want something wholesome.  It also pairs beautifully with a sandwich for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of tuna
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup black olives, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley or mint
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
• 1/4 cup good-quality olive oil

Directions:

1. Drain the tuna and place it in a large bowl.  Add the white beans and black olives, gently tossing to combine.

2. Add the red onion, parsley or mint, black pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice.  Mix lightly so the beans stay intact.

3. Adjust to taste: add more lemon juice for brightness, olive oil if dry, and salt as needed.

4. Adjust the seasoning:

o    Add more lemon juice for extra brightness.

o    If the salad seems dry, drizzle in extra olive oil until the texture is right.

o    Add salt to taste.

5. Refrigerate before serving to let the flavors meld.

 

Tips:

You can add cucumbers, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes.

Destiny or Choice?

Throughout history, many people have believed that a person’s destiny is predetermined and that we simply follow a path already laid out for us.  This raises a question that has long troubled humanity: Can destiny be changed?

What truly determines the course of our lives — our successes, failures, joys, and sorrows?  Are these shaped by external circumstances, or by a hidden force within us that we have yet to recognize?

In Eastern philosophy, human destiny is often explained through three elements: Heaven – Earth – Human (Thiên – Địa – Nhân).  These three factors are considered the foundation of one’s fate.  When we understand them correctly, our entire perspective on life begins to change.

To understand this more clearly, let us start with the two elements that are most familiar and easiest to recognize: Human and Earth.

Human — the inner factor

Human (Nhân) refers to who we are internally: our personality, health, behavior, habits, and the way we respond to life.

From our daily routines and lifestyle to our patterns of thinking and decision-making, all of these form the inner core of who we are.  This is the first foundation influencing our life’s direction.

Earth — the external environment

If Human represents the inner world, then Earth (Địa) represents everything surrounding us: our environment, work, relationships, social position, home, family, friends, and reputation.

In other words, Earth is the overall context in which we live — the opportunities and challenges that life places before us.

Heaven — the most mysterious element

Once we understand Human as the self and Earth as circumstance, the remaining element is Heaven (Thiên) — often viewed as the most mysterious and important factor.

Many people associate “Heaven” with God or a supernatural power capable of controlling destiny.  But is this truly the original meaning?

If we trace the word back to ancient Eastern characters carved on oracle bones, we find that the symbol for “Heaven” resembles a human head.  This suggests a different interpretation:

Heaven is not fate imposed from above, but the way humans think — the habits of the mind.

When this becomes clear, everything changes

If Heaven represents our patterns of thought, then the key to changing destiny lies within our own hands.

Imagine life as a triangle:

At the top is Heaven — our way of thinking.

At the two lower corners are Human (who we are) and Earth (our environment).

 

From the top of the triangle, our thinking influences both our character and our circumstances.  Destiny, therefore, is not a fixed road, but a path formed by the repeated patterns of thought we carry every day.

 

For example:

If a person constantly believes they are inadequate or destined to fail — that is Heaven.  Over time, they act timidly and lack confidence — that is Human.  As a result, they miss opportunities for growth or advancement — that is Earth.

Simply changing one’s thinking plants new seeds that gradually transform both the self and one’s circumstances.

A Buddhist perspective: The mind as the root

This idea resonates strongly with an important teaching in Buddhist philosophy: the mind is the root of experience.

The mind functions like a lens through which we perceive the world.  The external world may not change much, but our experience of it depends on the state of our mind.

This does not mean thoughts can magically alter physical reality.  Rather, it means:

What we experience in life is shaped by the condition of our mind.

For example:

If we view the workplace as a battlefield of competition, we naturally become defensive, which in turn creates tension in the environment.

If we see it as a place for cooperation and shared growth, we become more open — and that openness gradually influences the atmosphere around us.

The world itself may remain the same, yet our inner experience becomes entirely different.

So what is destiny?

Perhaps destiny is neither completely predetermined nor entirely random.

Destiny is the result of how we think, how we act, and how we relate to our circumstances each day.

When the mind changes, actions change.

When actions change, circumstances begin to change.

Destiny, then, is not something we must submit to – it is something we are quietly creating, moment by moment.

Quick Steamed Eggs for Breakfast

If you’re vegetarian, eggs are among the most nutritious and convenient foods you can add to your diet.  They’re versatile, affordable, and ideal for quick breakfast options. ²On busy mornings, even a simple egg can provide sustained energy and high-quality protein to start your day.

About 60% of an egg’s protein is in the egg white, while the yolk contains the rest of the protein, along with healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — making eggs a balanced and nourishing food.

Here’s a simple, comforting quick steamed egg recipe you can make in just minutes.

 

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

 

Directions:

1. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil.

2. In a shallow, heatproof dish (about 2 inches deep), add the soy sauce and chopped green onion.

3. Crack the eggs directly into the dish.

4. Carefully cover the dish with a lid or foil to keep water droplets from dripping onto the eggs during steaming.

5. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.

6. Steam longer if you prefer firmer yolks.

Serve warm and enjoy a quick, nourishing breakfast.

Why Steamed Eggs Are a Healthy Choice:

• High-quality protein: helps keep you full longer, and stabilizes blood sugar.

• Brain-supporting nutrients: egg yolks contain choline, which is important for memory and nervous system health.

• Rich in vitamins: including vitamins A, D, B12, and folate.

• Easy to digest, steaming cooks eggs gently, making them soft and light on the stomach.

• Low-oil cooking method, no frying needed, reducing unnecessary fats.

This makes steamed eggs perfect for students, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a balanced vegetarian breakfast.

Second variation:

Vietnamese-Style Steamed Eggs (Trứng Hấp)

This version offers a gentle Vietnamese home-style flavor.  Vietnamese steamed eggs are soft, savory, and comforting — often enjoyed as a light breakfast or simple family meal served with warm rice.

The texture is silky and custard-like, closer to a savory egg pudding than a firm steamed egg.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup warm water or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or light fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 green onion, finely chopped

• Pinch of white pepper (optional)

Directions:

1. Gently beat the eggs in a bowl without creating too many bubbles.

2. Add warm water or broth and mix well for a smoother texture.

3. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.

4. Strain the mixture through a sieve (optional but recommended for extra smooth eggs).

5. Pour into a heatproof bowl and cover loosely with foil or a lid.

6. Steam over low heat for 8–10 minutes until the eggs set into a soft custard.

 

Serving Suggestions (Vietnamese Style):

• Serve with hot jasmine rice.

• Top with fried shallots or extra scallions.

• Add sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost in the egg white, while the yolk contains the remaining protein along with healthy fats, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — making eggs a well-balanced and nourishing food.

 

Here’s a simple and comforting quick steamed egg recipe you can prepare in just minutes.

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Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 green onion, finely chopped

---

Directions:

1. Fill a steamer pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil.

2. In a shallow heatproof dish (about 2 inches deep), add the soy sauce and chopped green onion.

3. Crack the eggs directly into the dish.

4. Carefully cover the dish with a lid or foil to prevent water droplets from dripping onto the eggs during steaming.

5. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the egg whites are set.

6. Steam longer if you prefer firmer yolks.

Serve warm and enjoy a quick, nourishing breakfast.

Why Steamed Eggs Are a Healthy Choice:

• High-quality protein: Helps keep you full longer and stabilizes blood sugar.
• Brain-supporting nutrients: Egg yolks contain choline, important for memory and nervous system health.
• Rich in vitamins: Includes vitamins A, D, B12, and folate.
• Easy to digest: Steaming cooks eggs gently, making them soft and light on the stomach.
• Low oil cooking method: No frying needed, reducing unnecessary fats.

This makes steamed eggs ideal for students, busy professionals, or anyone looking for a balanced vegetarian breakfast.

 

Second variation

 Vietnamese-Style Steamed Eggs (Trứng Hấp):

This variation brings a gentle Vietnamese home-style flavor to the dish. Vietnamese steamed eggs are soft, savory, and comforting — often enjoyed as a light breakfast or simple family meal served with warm rice.

The texture is silky and custard-like, closer to a savory egg pudding than a firm steamed egg.

---

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup warm water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or light fish sauce (optional for non-vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• Pinch of white pepper (optional)

---

Directions:

1. Beat the eggs gently in a bowl without creating too many bubbles.

2. Add warm water or broth and mix well for a smoother texture.

3. Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper.

4. Strain the mixture through a sieve (optional but recommended for extra smooth eggs).

5. Pour into a heatproof bowl and cover loosely with foil or a lid.

6. Steam over low heat for 8–10 minutes until the eggs set into a soft custard.

---

Serving Suggestions (Vietnamese Style):

• Serve with hot jasmine rice.
• Top with fried shallots or extra scallions.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian protein boost.

Should We Tell the Whole Truth?

We are taught that we must always be honest in every situation.  Yet after going through enough hardships and failures, we begin to realize that the problem is not a lack of intelligence or being too sincere.  Many troubles begin simply with a careless sentence spoken in anger, or a personal confession shared with someone unworthy of trust.

At first glance, words are just words.  But once spoken, they are like an arrow released from a bow — they cannot return.  And sometimes, that very arrow turns back toward the one who fired it. In life, we see countless stories like this:

• opportunities lost because of an unrestrained remark,
• friendships broken by excessive bluntness,
• positions lost because we said something others were not ready to hear.

When we are young, we are taught that telling the truth is integrity.  That is not wrong.  But the ancients viewed life more deeply.  They did not deny the value of truth; they simply understood that truth spoken at the wrong time can become a disaster.  Therefore, telling the whole truth is not necessarily wisdom.  The wisdom of experience lies in knowing when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to keep part of the truth within — not to deceive, but to protect oneself and preserve harmony.

In Chinese history during the Warring States period, one man who clearly understood this was Sima Yi.  He lived in a royal court where every word could become evidence for accusation.  A single careless remark could cost an entire family their lives.  Throughout his lifetime, he witnessed many courageous and upright individuals lose their lives not because they were wrong, but because they spoke at the wrong moment.  Thus, he believed that a wise person should not reveal the whole truth.  This was not dishonesty; rather, it was the ancient lesson that speech must align with timing, circumstance, and human nature.

In human society, words are like the wind. Sometimes they are gentle, like a cool breeze in:

• a timely encouragement can warm someone’s heart,
• a sincere compliment can ease another’s exhaustion.

Yet the same wind, when it changes direction, can become a storm.

Criticism offered at the wrong moment easily turns into humiliation.
A seemingly harmless comment may leave a lasting scar in someone’s heart.

As words pass from one person to another, they often become distorted.  Emotions, assumptions, and gaps in memory cause stories to lose their original truth as they spread.

That is why the ancients said:

“Words touch only the surface; intention lies at the depth.”

A wise person does not quickly believe what is merely told.  Even the Buddha taught not to accept his words blindly pay, but to investigate, observe, and contemplate for oneself — to understand what is trustworthy and how much trust it deserves.

When we reveal the whole truth, we also open the doors of our inner world. In politics or business, this means allowing others to see what we want and what we think, making it easier for them to counter us.  Therefore, speaking less is not a lack of honesty; it is a form of self-protection — an essential skill in a complex world.

In everyday life, this is even more evident.  There are arguments where speaking everything in our heart instantly creates distance.  There are relationships where excessive openness leads to cracks and misunderstandings.  Wise people do not speak more truth than necessary; they speak accurately, sufficiently, and at the right time.  A well-timed sentence can save a relationship; a well-spoken word can dissolve conflict.

All of us want to shine, to be recognized, to prove our abilities — this is natural.  But with experience, we learn that shining too early is not always fortunate.  The taller a tree grows, the more wind it faces; a small tree in the forest attracts little attention.  Only when it becomes strong enough does it rise and stand firm.  Human beings are the same: when we shine before gaining strength, we attract jealousy and resentment and may become targets of those in power.

People can lie, embellish, or justify their actions. But one thing cannot be hidden — results. A person may speak beautifully and boast of talent, but if years pass without creating real value, the truth will reveal itself.

Honesty is a virtue.  Wisdom lies in how truth is used.  Not telling the whole truth is not deception.  Sometimes it is understanding human nature, protecting relationships, and safeguarding oneself.

A wise person is not one who speaks more or speaks less,
but one who knows which words should be spoken, when they should be spoken, and what should remain in silence.

So let rumors pass like the wind.  The only thing truly worth investing in is one’s own effort: do what should be done, say what should be said, and remain silent when necessary.  When we can uphold these three things, we can stand firmly and succeed in any environment.

Thiên Lan

Chicken and Potato Stir‑Fry

Chicken and potato stir‑fry is a simple, delicious, and budget‑friendly dish you can make right in your kitchen.  ‘s You can easily substitute chicken with other meats or seafood and add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.

Instead of deep‑frying the potatoes, a quick pan‑fry keeps the dish lighter while still preserving their creamy texture.  Though this dish may be new to some, the combination of tender chicken, soft potatoes, and savory sauce creates a comforting, irresistible flavor.

Here’s how to make this flavorful and family‑friendly stir‑fry.

Ingredients:

Protein & Vegetables:

• 3 chicken breasts, sliced into 2‑inch strips
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into 2‑inch strips
• 1 tomato, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 cup bell pepper, cut into bite‑sized pieces
• 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 white onion cut into wedges
• 2 green onions, cut into 3 cm pieces

Chicken Marinade ingredients:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Chicken seasoning powder

Sauce ingredients:

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Directions:

1.                        Preparing the sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

2.                        Marinating the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and chicken seasoning powder.  Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3.                        Coating the chicken: Lightly dust the marinated chicken with cornstarch.

4.                        Pan‑frying the chicken: Heat a little oil in a pan.  Add the chicken and fry until lightly golden.  Remove and set aside.

5.                        Cooking the potatoes: In the same pan, fry the potatoes until golden and slightly crispy.

6.                        Combining ingredients: Add the chicken back into the pan.  Add onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.  Stir‑fry for a few minutes.

7.                        Adding the sauce: Pour in the prepared sauce and toss well so everything is evenly coated.

8.                        Finishing: Turn off the heat and add the sliced green onions Mix gently.

Serving & Notes:

The finished dish has beautiful color, creamy potatoes, tender chicken, and a rich, savory sauce.  Serve hot with steamed white rice for the best flavor.

Wishing you success and a delicious meal with this chicken and potato stir‑fry!