Coconut Bread Pudding

Bread pudding is a classic comfort dish in the West, often enjoyed as dessert or even breakfast.  It’s also a smart way to use up leftover bread or milk.  While it may sound humble, bread pudding is surprisingly delicious and very easy to make.   Serve it warm with ice cream for dessert, or enjoy a slice with a small salad for a light lunch.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced bread (about ½-inch cubes)
• 2 ½ cups coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sugar format that
• ¼ cup chopped nuts (any kind you like)
• ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes

Directions:

1.    In a bowl, whisk the eggs, then add coconut milk and sugar.   Mix until smooth.

2.    Toast the coconut flakes: heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, stir the flakes until golden brown. (Or use store-bought toasted flakes.)

3.    In an 8 x 8” baking pan, layer the bread cubes, nuts, and toasted coconut.

4.    Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread.  Let it soak for 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.

5.    Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Enjoy your coconut bread pudding warm, plain or with a scoop of ice cream!

Quickly Chicken Hummus Pizza

In a world that moves at lightning speed, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always practical. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition.  I used to believe that a great meal had to be made entirely from scratch—but times have changed and so has the way we cook.  Thanks to the convenience of ready-made ingredients, even beginner cooks can whip up something delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly gourmet.

This recipe is my ode to the semi-homemade lifestyle: a fusion of store-bought ease and homemade flair.  The creamy hummus base adds a rich, savory twist to classic pizza, while the spiced chicken and melted cheese bring it all together.  It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to impress without the stress.  Whether you're a college student, a busy parent, or just someone who wants a satisfying meal without the fuss, this recipe is for you. The creamy hummus adds a Mediterranean twist, while the sautéed chicken and melted cheese bring comfort and richness.  It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. ground chicken
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup store-bought hummus
• 1 (18-inch) store-bought prebaked pizza crust
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and green onions

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a sauté pan, heat a little oil and cook the chicken, garlic, and onion until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions are soft.
3. Place the prebaked pizza crust on a baking sheet.  Spread hummus evenly over the surface.
4. Sprinkle half the cheese over the hummus, then layer on the 30^th of mixture.  The chicken mixture:  Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes, slice, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple tomato and feta mix for a refreshing side.
• Want a little heat?  Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
• For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
• Use ground beef instead of chicken

Homemade Pie Crust

This timeless pie crust recipe comes from a cherished church cookbook passed down by a sweet elderly lady.  It's wonderfully simple, budget-friendly, and made with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. Instead of traditional vegetable shortening, I opt for coconut oil for a subtle richness, and swap cream cheese with tangy sour cream for a lighter touch.  The dough is easy to prepare, freezes beautifully, and is perfect for not making in large batches—so you're always ready for pie season.

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (replacing cream cheese)
• ¼ cup coconut oil (instead of vegetable shortening)

Directions:

1.  In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

2.  Add the coconut oil and cut it into the flour mixture using a fork or knife until crumbly.

3.  Stir in the sour cream and gently mix until the dough begins to come together.

4.  Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

5.  When ready to use, roll out the dough and follow your favorite pie recipe.

Love in the Light of the Buddha’s Teachings

 In life, everyone experiences love in some form.  Some are lonely, some have found a companion, while others go through disappointment and heartbreak.  Whatever the circumstance, love always brings us lessons.  When seen in the light of the Buddha’s teachings, we recognize more clearly its nature of impermanence, letting go, compassion, and wisdom.

When we are lonely, we often wish for love to come quickly.  Yet love is like a butterfly—the more we chase, the further it flies; when we let it be, it may return.  The Buddha said in the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Discourse on Turning the Wheel of Dharma): “From conditions things arise, from conditions things cease.” Love too arises with causes and conditions; when the conditions end, it fades—there is no use in clinging.

When we have someone by our side, love does not make us perfect, but it helps us grow, to live more for others.  In Buddhism, this is the practice of compassion and understanding. As the Buddha taught: “True love is wishing happiness and well-being for all beings.”

Love also has its challenges.  If we love without sincerity, or treat it as a game, our words can wound deeply. The Buddha taught about Right Speech in the Noble Eightfold Path: “Speak the truth, speak what is beneficial, speak at the right time.” In love, truthfulness is the foundation of lasting happiness.

For those who are married, love is not just sweet words, but presence and responsibility. It is not “It’s your fault,” but “I am sorry.” It is not control, but gratitude.  Marriage is a practice ground for patience and loving-kindness, the seeds that sustain happiness.

Harmony in love is not measured by years together, but by how we live for each other. In the Anguttara Nikaya (Numerical Discourses), the Buddha said: “When two live together, if they respect, love, and yield to one another, then both in this life and in future lives they will dwell in happiness.”

Love also brings suffering, especially when it ends.  But the Buddha taught in the Four Noble Truths: “This is suffering, this is its cause, this is its cessation, and this is the path leading to its cessation.”  The key is not to run from suffering, but to learn from it.  When we accept, we grow and move forward.

Some love with possessiveness.  But true love is not holding on, it is wishing for the other’s happiness—even if that happiness is not with us.  This is the practice of metta (loving-kindness), as in the Metta Sutta (Discourse on Loving-Kindness): “May all beings be happy, safe, and free from suffering.”

There are also those who love but dare not speak, carrying their pain in silence.  In love, honesty and courage are forms of mindfulness, bringing freedom to both oneself and the other, freeing us from illusions.

And when love is gone, we often want to cling.  But if a person is not right for us now, they will not suddenly become right in the future.  Letting go is essential, for holding on to what is not ours only causes more pain.  The Buddha taught in the Sutta on Impermanence: “All conditioned things are impermanent. When birth and death subside, there is peace.”

Ultimately, the most precious thing in love is not possession or control, but nurturing it with compassion and wisdom.  Then love becomes a beautiful path—one that brings joy, growth, and peace.

May each of you find a love that is true, mature, and enduring—a love not only to lean on, but also to walk together on the path of growth in the Dharma.

Rare Signs of a Special Soul

According to Carl Jung, among the millions of people on this planet, only the very few carry certain rare signs. If you recognize these signs in yourself, you may belong to that exceptional group—people who are different, profound, and hard to come by.

They are not loud or showy.  They think differently, feel differently, and live differently.  Their souls seem to touch a depth that most of us cannot reach. And their presence often leaves a lasting impression on others.

Carl Jung—the master of analytical psychology—once compared these personalities to “torches in the dark.”  They may be solitary, yet they are also guides.  They are few, but precisely because of that scarcity, they are treasures of humanity. So, do you carry these special signs within yourself?

1. Choosing morality over personal gain

When faced with difficulties, most people weigh risks and personal benefits.  But rare souls look beyond material gain, considering ethical values and the impact on their inner being. They only make choices when those align with their conscience.

2. Thinking deeply and asking uncommon questions

You often ponder things that few people care about, sometimes feeling lonely because no one seems to share your questions.  But this is not a weakness—it is the gift Jung called “seeing through the veil of illusion.”  It allows you to become a light for others.

3. Daring to say what others don’t

In crowds, you may feel uncomfortable, even alienated within your own family.  Yet your courage to speak the truth, even when others stay silent, is a mark of rare strength—though it may cause you to be seen as “eccentric.”

4. Being a source of support for others

You naturally empathize with the sorrow of others, willingly listen, and offer unconditional help.  This rare gift acts like an “antenna” that picks up emotional signals, allowing you to live with compassion and help heal those around you.

5. Feeling like you don’t belong anywhere

Since childhood, you may have carried thoughts far beyond your age, drawn to questions “not meant for children.”  This sense of difference can make you feel isolated, unable to blend into noisy conversations.  Yet this very difference shapes you into one of the rare souls in adulthood.

6. Courageously defending the truth

In an environment full of deceit, where many strive only to move ahead, you remain steadfast in protecting what is right—even if it means being hurt or rejected by the majority. This is the mark of a brave heart.

7. Having convictions, living by conscience

You trust your own reasoning and act in ways you will not regret.  This is done not rigidity, but integrity grounded in conscience. You cannot lie to yourself just to satisfy the crowd.

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Conclusion

If you find one or more of these signs within yourself, congratulations—you are a rare soul. Treasure and cultivate these qualities, even if it means walking alone at times is when remember: you are a “torch” shining for truth and justice, and you will never betray your own conscience just to hide or please the masses.

Vietnamese Tuna Salad: A Fusion of Freshness and Flavor

That that This Vietnamese Tuna Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic dish, where bold Southeast Asian flavors meet the simplicity of Western comfort food.  Packed with protein-rich tuna, fresh herbs, and a zesty dressing made from fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, it’s a refreshing and nutritious meal that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.  The roasted rice powder adds a subtle nuttiness and crunch, while mint, cilantro, and green onions bring brightness and depth.  Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side, this East-meets-West creation delivers a delicious balance of tang, umami, and freshness in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of tuna (drained)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp roasted rice powder (see recipe below)
• Herbs: 1 cup mixed mint, cilantro, and green onions, chopped

Dressing ingredients:

• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp sugar

Directions:

1. Making the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until well combined.  Adjust to taste—add more lime for sourness, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.
2. Assembling the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, dressing, sliced onion, roasted rice powder, and chopped herbs. Toss gently until evenly coated.
3. Serving: Plate the salad and serve with fresh lettuce leaves on the side.

How to Make Roasted Rice Powder:

1. For this recipe, use 2 tbsp sweet (glutinous) rice.  To make a larger batch, toast ½ cup sweet rice and store it for later use.
2. In a nonstick pan, add the sweet rice along with three kaffir lime leaves.  Toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the rice turns golden brown.
3. Remove and discard the kaffir lime leaves.  Let the toasted rice cool completely.
4. Grind the cooled rice in a small food processor until it becomes a fine powder.
5. Store the roasted rice powder in a glass jar with a tight lid—it will keep for several months.

How to make roasted rice powder:

For this recipe, use 2 tbsp of sweet rice. However, you can use 1/2 cup sweet rice to make a larger batch for later use.

In a nonstick pan, add sweet rice with three kiefer lime leaves.  Turn the heat to medium and toast the rice until golden brown.  Discard the kiefer lime.  Let it cool

Place the cool roasted rice in a small food processor and blend it into powder.

Keep the roasted rice powder in a glass jar with a lid, and you can keep it for months.

Cheese Sables: A Golden Bite of Nostalgia and Charm

There’s something quietly elegant about a Cheese Sable—crisp, buttery, and infused with the kind of savory warmth that makes you pause mid-bite and smile.  These golden biscuits aren’t just snacks; they’re little invitations to slow down, pour a drink, and savor the moment.  I first discovered this recipe tucked inside the well-worn pages of an old cookbook called Good Eating, and it’s been a quiet favorite ever since.

With just a handful of humble ingredients—flour, butter, cheese, and a touch of sour cream—these sables come together effortlessly, yet taste like something you’d find at a cozy French café or a well-set holiday table.  Whether you’re hosting friends, prepping a lunch spread, or simply treating yourself, they’re the kind of bite-sized joy that turns any occasion into something special.

Ready to bake a little comfort into your day?  Let’s begin.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ⅓ cups mixed cheese (shredded)
• 1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions:

1.     In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and shredded cheese.

2.     Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.  Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

3.     Stir in the sour cream and mix until a soft dough forms.  Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4.     Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the chilled dough into a thin sheet.  Using a 2½-inch cookie cutter, cut out crackers until all the dough is used.

5.     Place the cut-out crackers onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.  Sprinkle each with sesame seeds, pressing them lightly so they stick.

6.     Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

7.     Allow to cool slightly before serving.  Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

 

Chef’s Tip: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs to the dough.