Coca‑Cola Chicken

Some recipes feel like little kitchen secrets—simple ingredients that transform into something glossy, savory, and deeply comforting.  Coca‑Cola chicken is one of those dishes.  With a can of Coke, a few everyday seasonings, and the gentle sweetness of apple and onion, you can create a beautiful Asian‑style chicken dish that tastes like home. But it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, flexible enough to adjust to your family’s taste, and delicious with a bowl of warm steamed rice.

Ingredients:

Chicken ingredients:

• 3 boneless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper
• Your preferred spices

Aromatics:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup sliced white onion
• 1 small apple, cored and sliced

Sauce ingredients:

• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp chicken powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 12 oz. can of Coca‑Cola

Garnish ingredients:

• Chopped green onion
• Chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Wash and pat the chicken dry.

2. Mix the cornstarch with salt and pepper, then dredge the chicken on both sides.

3. In a bowl, combine the Coke, oyster sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, and chicken powder.

4. Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan.  Place the chicken skin‑side down and cook for about 2 minutes per side.  Remove and set aside.

5. In the same pan, add the onions and garlic.  Stir until fragrant.

6. Add the sliced apple, then return the chicken to the pan.

7. Pour in the sauce mixture.  Cover, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

8. For the last 5 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to thicken the sauce.  Adjust seasoning to suit your family’s taste.

9. Sprinkle with chopped green onion and cilantro.

10.                  Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve with steamed rice.

Easy Carrot Sour Cream Cake

Moist, simple, and blender-friendly — perfect for breakfast or dessert

Carrot cake is one of those comforting recipes that works at any time of day.

With moderate sugar, it feels like a wholesome breakfast; with cream cheese frosting, it easily becomes a dessert.

This version is especially convenient: the wet ingredients are blended in one step, making the batter smooth and quick to prepare.  The sour cream keeps the cake tender and moist, while carrots add natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

1¼ cups all-purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

⅛ tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Wet ingredients:

2 eggs

½–¾ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

⅓ cup vegetable oil

⅓ cup sour cream

¼ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins:

1 cup finely shredded carrot

½ cup chopped roasted walnuts

For the pan:

1 tsp softened butter

1 tbsp flour

Directions:

Preheating the oven:

Set oven to 350°F (175°C).  Grease the pan with butter and lightly dust with flour.

Mixing dry ingredients:

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Set aside.

Blending wet ingredients:

In a blender, combine eggs, brown sugar, sour cream, oil, milk, and vanilla.  Blend until smooth.

Combining batter:

Pour the blended mixture into the dry ingredients.

Add cinnamon and mix gently until just combined.

Fold in shredded carrots and walnuts.

 Baking:

Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cooling:

Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Easy Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Recommended):

You may use store-bought frosting, but homemade takes only a few minutes.

Ingredients

4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Steps:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

Add powdered sugar gradually.

Mix in vanilla and salt until creamy.

Spread over the cooled cake.

Notes:

For a lighter breakfast version: use ½ cup sugar and skip frosting.

For dessert: frost generously and chill 20 minutes before serving.

The flavor improves the next day as the cake becomes even more moist.

Enjoy a soft, warmly spiced cake that’s simple enough for everyday baking.

How to Stop at the Right Time

Today, amid the noise and rush of life, let us pause for a moment to reflect on a question that almost all of us have asked ourselves at some point:

How do we make the right decisions?
How do we know we are choosing correctly among the countless crossroads of life?

Life is, in essence, a continuous series of choices. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we fall asleep at night, we are constantly deciding: to speak or remain silent, to act or to stop, to let go or to hold on.  Some decisions are as small as grains of sand, others as large as mountains.  Yet whether small or great, each one quietly shapes the course of our lives.

So what serves as our compass, guiding us away from future regret?

To find the answer, let us return to the ancient wisdom of the Buddha.  In the Ambalatthika-Rahulovada Sutta (Advice to Rahula), the Buddha taught his son, Rahula, a profound lesson about self-reflection through a simple image: a mirror.

The Buddha asked Rahula,
“Rahula, what is a mirror used for?”

Rahula replied,
“Venerable Sir, a mirror is used for reflection—to see oneself.”

This seemingly simple answer was elevated by the Buddha into a principle for living.  He taught that just as we use a mirror to clearly see our face, before performing any action—whether through body, speech, or thought—we must reflect upon it carefully. We must examine it thoroughly before acting.

This is the first key: self-reflection.

We often act out of impulse or emotional reaction, forgetting to “look into the mirror” before taking a step. Instead of rushing forward, we need to learn to pause—just one mindful pause.

Ask yourself:

• Will this action harm me?
• Will it cost me my inner peace or integrity?

Sometimes we believe we are doing something good or making a sacrifice, yet in truth we may be slowly eroding our own well-being.  A wise decision is never built upon the destruction of one’s own inner peace.

Then widen the mirror to include others:

• Will these words hurt someone?
• Will this action take away another person’s joy or sense of safety?
• Will it cause suffering for both me and others?

Reflection is not superficial thinking; it is looking deeply into the nature of an action.  Is it skillful or unskillful? Wholesome or unwholesome? The seed you plant today—will it grow into the fruits of peace and happiness, or into the thorns of regret and distress?

If, after careful reflection, you recognize that an action carries the seeds of suffering—for yourself, for others, or for both—the Buddha advises: firmly refrain from doing it.  No matter how strong the desire may be in that moment, we must have the courage to stop. For that path leads toward unrest.

On the other hand, if the mirror of conscience reflects clarity and goodness; if the action brings benefit and peace to yourself and others; if it arises from kindness and wisdom—then carry it out wholeheartedly and sincerely.

Knowing when to stop is not weakness; it is wisdom.
Knowing when to act is not impulsiveness; it is mindfulness.

When we learn to look into the mirror of our own heart before making decisions, we will no longer feel lost at life’s crossroads.  Our direction will not be dictated by fleeting emotions but will be guided by awareness and compassion.

And that is the path to living without having to look back in regret.

Braised Tofu with Eggs (Vietnamese Style)

Bench chemists Braised tofu with eggs is a comforting, everyday Vietnamese dish that’s simple, nourishing, and deeply flavorful.  Chicken, duck, or quail eggs all work beautifully.  If you’re not vegetarian, pork belly or chicken can be added for extra richness.  This dish is perfect for meal prep—braise a big batch, freeze portions, and you’ll always have a satisfying meal ready.  Serve it with vegetable soup, boiled greens, or a quick stir-fry for a balanced plate.

Ingredients:

16 oz. firm tofu

6 chicken eggs (or duck/quail eggs)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 shallot, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

Soy sauce (or fish sauce if not vegetarian)

Sugar

Mushroom seasoning powder

12 oz. fresh coconut water

Cooking oil (for frying tofu)

Chopped scallions (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Preparing the ingredients:

Tofu: Rinse the tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 × 2 inches), and fry in oil until golden on all sides.  Set aside.

Eggs: Boil the eggs for 5–7 minutes for slightly firm yolks (longer if you prefer fully set).  Peel and set aside.

Aromatics: Finely chop the garlic and shallot.

Step 1: Sauté tofu and eggs:

Heat a little oil in a pot or deep pan over medium heat.  Add the shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Add the fried tofu and gently stir so it absorbs the aromatics. Then add the eggs and toss lightly to coat everything with flavor.

Step 2: Season and braise:

Season with soy sauce, a little sugar, pepper, and mushroom seasoning powder. (If you’re not vegetarian, fish sauce can replace soy sauce.)

Pour in the coconut water to create a lightly sweet, rich braising liquid.  Stir well and let everything simmer for 5–10 minutes so the tofu and eggs absorb the seasoning.

Add a little water if needed to ensure there’s enough liquid for braising. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.

For a thicker sauce, uncover the pot near the end and let the liquid reduce until only a small amount of glossy sauce remains. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Finish with chopped scallions for aroma.  The remaining coconut-rich sauce is perfect for dipping boiled or fresh vegetables.

This dish is simple, flexible, and ideal for meal prep—classic Vietnamese comfort food that tastes even better the next day. 

Steamed Chicken in a Rice Cooker

 A rice cooker isn’t just for rice—it’s a surprisingly great tool for making quick, flavorful meals.  Steaming chicken in a rice cooker helps the meat stay tender, juicy, and naturally sweet, without the risk of overcooking.  Unlike stovetop boiling, there’s no need to constantly adjust the heat.  Just set it and let the cooker do the work.

Ingredients:

Chicken

2–3 chicken thighs

For cleaning

Cooking wine (or white wine)

Ginger, finely chopped

Marinade

Salt

Pepper

Sugar

Chicken seasoning powder

A small pinch of five-spice powder

(Use equal parts of salt, pepper, and sugar)

For steaming

1 stalk lemongrass, lightly smashed

1–2 shallots, sliced

A few lime leaves

¼ cup water

Directions:

Cleaning the chicken:

Finely chop the ginger and mix it with about 100 ml of white wine.  Pour this mixture over the washed chicken and rub it evenly over the skin and meat.  This helps remove any strong odor and adds fragrance.  Rinse the chicken again with clean water and let it drain well.

Preparing the marinade:

Finely chop one shallot and mix it with salt, pepper, sugar, chicken seasoning powder, and a small pinch of five-spice powder.

Marinating the chicken:

Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, focusing especially on the skin.  Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the flavors can penetrate.

Setting up the rice cooker:

Add ¼ cup of water to the rice cooker pot.  Line the bottom with lemongrass, sliced shallots, and lime leaves to create a fragrant base.

Steaming the chicken:

Place the marinated chicken on top of the aromatics. Close the lid and turn the rice cooker to Cook mode.

Checking for doneness:

After about 25 minutes, open the lid and use chopsticks to poke into the thickest part of the chicken.  If no pink liquid comes out, the chicken is cooked.  Close the lid and let it rest in the cooker for another 10 minutes before serving.

Steaming chicken in a rice cooker gives you juicy, tender meat with almost no effort—and no risk of overcooking.

Tips:

This dish really shines with the right Vietnamese dipping sauce. Here are two classic Vietnamese-style sauces that pair beautifully with steamed chicken. Both are simple and very “home kitchen” friendly.

1. Ginger Fish Sauce (Nước Mắm Gừng) – Classic & Comforting

This is the most traditional dipping sauce for steamed or boiled chicken in Vietnam, which is warm, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp fish sauce

1–1½ tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

1 tsp fresh lime or calamansi juice

1–2 tsp finely grated ginger

1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients well until the sugar dissolves.  Taste and adjust—it should be savory, slightly sweet, gently sour, and fragrant with ginger.

Best for:

Plain steamed chicken, chicken rice, or chicken served with herbs and rice.

2. Lime–Pepper Salt Dip (Muối Tiêu Chanh) – Bright & Bold

This is especially popular in Southern Vietnam and works beautifully with juicy chicken thighs.

Ingredients:

1 tsp salt

½ tsp ground black pepper

½ tsp sugar

Fresh lime juice (to taste)

Optional: chopped chili or a pinch of chili powder

Directions:

Mix salt, pepper, and sugar first, then squeeze in lime juice little by little until you get a thick, punchy dipping sauce.

Best for:

Rich, tender chicken—especially when served hot straight from the rice cooker.

·      Serving Tip (Very Vietnamese):

Serve the chicken chopped into bite-size pieces with:

Fresh herbs (Vietnamese coriander, mint, or basil)

Sliced cucumber or pickled vegetables

Steamed rice or rice cooker chicken rice

In Vietnamese cooking, the dipping sauce isn’t a side—it’s where the soul of the dish lives.

Stir‑Fried Pig Heart with Onions

 

In many East Asian kitchens, nothing from an animal is wasted—every part has its purpose and its own quiet beauty.  For me, the heart is the one I enjoy most. Yesterday, after donating blood, this dish came to mind immediately.  Pig heart is rich in iron, gentle on the stomach, and cooks quickly – perfect when your body needs rest and nourishment.

Stir‑fried pig heart with onions is simple, comforting, and ready in minutes.  The key is not to overcook it; a quick stir‑fry keeps the heart tender and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 pork heart
• 1 onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 sprig of green onion and cilantro (for garnish)
• Cooking oil

Stir‑fry sauce ingredients:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp chicken seasoning powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp water

Directions:

1. Rinse the pork heart with diluted salt water and vinegar to remove any remaining blood.  Slice thinly.

2. Peel the onion and cut into wedges.

3. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

4. Heat a pan with a little oil.  Add the onion and garlic; stir‑fry until fragrant.

5. Add the sliced heart and stir‑fry on high heat for 5–7 minutes, just until the meat firms up but stays tender.

6. Pour in the sauce and adjust seasoning to your taste.  Let it simmer briefly so the heart absorbs the flavors.

7. Finish with chopped green onion and cilantro.

Serve hot with steamed rice for a nourishing, iron‑rich meal—especially comforting after giving blood.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast (or Thighs)

In times when groceries feel more expensive than ever, stretching each ingredient matters.  A slow cooker becomes a quiet helper in the kitchen—saving time and money while turning simple ingredients into nourishing meals.  This basic slow‑cooked chicken is one of those recipes every family can rely on.  It’s affordable, hands‑off, and incredibly versatile.

Make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready for salads, soups, sandwiches, or even a quick quiche filling.

Ingredients:

• 5 bone‑in, skin‑on chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp seasoning of your choice
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Rinse the chicken with a mixture of vinegar and salt.  Soak for 1 hour to help draw out any blood from the bones.

2. Place the chicken in a 4‑quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning.

3. Pour in the water, cover, and cook on Low for about 5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. Remove the chicken and let it cool.

5. Save the cooking liquid—it makes a wonderful base for soup or broth.  Remove the skin and bones to create even more flavorful stock.

6. Use the cooked meat for chicken salad, quiche filling, sandwiches, or a comforting chicken soup.