Vietnamese Vegetarian Mushroom Cakes

 Vietnamese Vegetarian Mushroom Cakes are a delightful treat then bring together the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the rich traditions of the Vietnamese cuisine. These cakes are a testament to the versatility of mushrooms, which can be transformed into a dish that's both nutritious and satisfying. The process of making these cakes is a culinary adventure in itself, starting with the selection of mushrooms—each variety bringing its own unique texture and flavor to the dish. Whether you choose shiitake for their meaty texture, oyster mushrooms for their delicate flavor, or cremini for their robust taste, the result is always a patty that's packed with umami and nutrients.

The cakes are typically pan-fried until they achieve a golden-brown crust, which gives way to a tender and juicy interior. This textural contrast is one of the many reasons why these cakes are so beloved. They can be served as a main dish, accompanied by a side of steamed rice and a tangy dipping sauce, or as an appetizer, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

The beauty of Vietnamese Vegetarian Mushroom Cakes lies not only in their taste but also in their representation of Vietnamese culinary philosophy, which emphasizes balance and mindfulness in every dish. The balance of flavors and textures in these cakes is a reflection of the yin and yang, an essential element of the Vietnamese culture. Moreover, the use of mushrooms and other plant-based ingredients showcases the Vietnamese approach to vegetarian cooking, which is to create dishes that are as nourishing as they are flavorful.

 

Ingredients:

 

Mushrooms 5 oz. each:

 Oyster mushrooms

• Shiitake mushrooms
• King oyster mushrooms
• Vegetables and herbs:
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped white onions
• Seasonings and spices:
• 3 tsp vegetarian seasoning powder (or vegetable bouillon)
• 2/3 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• A pinch of black pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Binding agents:
• 4 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour

For frying

·          

• 1 cup vegetable oil
•  

Directions:

 

1.    Prepare the mushrooms:

·         Clean the mushrooms by removing their stems.

·         Soak the mushrooms in a diluted saltwater solution to clean them thoroughly.

·         Rinse the mushrooms well with fresh water and drain them.

2.    Chop the ingredients:

·         Cut the mushrooms into small dices.

·         Chop the carrots, white onions, and cilantro.

3.    Mix the ingredients:

·         In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced mushrooms, chopped white onions, carrots, and cilantro.

·         Add the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, vegetarian seasoning powder, salt, and white pepper to the mixture.

·         Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

·         Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the mushrooms to absorb the flavors.

4.    Form the patties:

·         Take a small amount of the mushroom mixture and shape it into a flat patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

5.    Fry the patties:

·         Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

·         Once the oil is hot, add the mushroom patties.

·         Fry each patty until it turns golden brown and crispy on both sides.

·         Remove the fried mushroom patties from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving:

·          

• Serve the mushroom patties hot and crispy as a light meal or an appetizer.

Tip::

·          

• Serving suggestions:
• Serve with a side of sweet chili sauce or a light soy sauce dip.
• Garnish with additional chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor and presentation.

·          

• Storage:
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
•  

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Vietnamese Fried Mushroom cake!

Broken Dreams

Our lives are a series of wishful thinking – illusions and false expectations. But unfortunately, often we don't realize that we have those things in our heads. In general, dreaming is very fun, but when life doesn't turn out like a dream, people are often dumbfounded and don't understand. Reality is extremely interesting, but when we compare dreams and reality, everything suddenly becomes lame. That is the big reason why we are unhappy with ourselves, with others, and even with this life.

Broken dreams are often the result of unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves, others, and life. This article's very detailed analysis of common delusions and how they affect our emotions and behavior.

Illusions that most of us often encounter:

1-Perfect figure

Fantasy: Daydreaming that one day you will have the perfect body like a model or celebrity.

Reality: Each person has a different constitution and physical condition, achieving such an ideal physique depends not only on effort but also on genetic factors and circumstances.

2-Ideal lover

Fantasy: Wanting a perfect lover, always romantic, unconditionally loving and willing to take care of and protect you.

Reality: A love relationship requires effort and understanding from both sides. No one is perfect and every relationship has ups and downs.

3-Good habits and self-discipline

Delusion: Believing that you can easily form good habits without any failure.

Reality: Forming good habits takes time and effort. Failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process.

4-Expectations of others

Delusion: Wanting others to always be polite, never angry, always helpful.

Reality: Each person has their own personality and circumstances. No one can completely meet the expectations of others.

5-Perfect life

Fantasy: Dreaming about a life without difficulties, always full of joy and advantages.

Reality: Life always has challenges and changes. Difficulties help us grow and become stronger.

The impact of these illusions:

Dissatisfaction with ourselves: When we do not achieve unrealistic expectations, we easily feel disappointed, self-blame, and dissatisfied with ourselves.

Disappointment with others: When others do not meet our expectations, we easily feel disappointed, frustrated and even angry.

Dissatisfaction with life: When life does not go as expected, we easily fall into a state of depression, feeling that life is unfair and meaningless.

 

How to let go of the unthinkable:

 

1-Recognize and admit illusions

Be clear about your unrealistic expectations. Admit that you are daydreaming and that it is causing your dissatisfaction.

2-Look straight at reality

Accept and appreciate what you have. Understand that life, although not perfect, still has its own values ​​and joys.

3-Practice letting go

Every time you feel frustrated or stressed, write down the unrealistic expectations that are causing that feeling. Read it again and realize that you don't need these dreams to be happy.

4-Practice gratitude

Regularly remind yourself of the good things in life. Gratitude helps us focus on present values ​​instead of daydreaming about unrealistic things.

Conclusion:

To achieve satisfaction, we need to learn to let go of illusions and face reality. This does not mean giving up on all dreams but recognizing the value of the present and the good things around us. When we look at life clearly, not through the lens of unrealistic desires, we will see that each moment has its own value. Journaling your thoughts when you feel frustrated or stressed is a good way to become aware of them and slowly let them go. Over time, we will learn to accept and love life for what it brings, without the need for impossible dreams. In fact, true satisfaction and happiness come from accepting and appreciating current life, letting go of illusions and living authentically, when we look at reality and find beauty in the simple and natural things of life.

Help is a Compassion and Mutual Healing

When I was 18, I went to England to study at university, still grappling with the familiar pain of being an orphan. One day, while heading to the market, I saw an old man struggling with a stick and a bag of apples, the apples spilling out onto the ground. I rushed over to help, picking up each apple and putting them back into the bag.

“Thank you, girl. You’re very kind!” he said, smiling at me with bright, gentle eyes.

“Can I walk with you?” I asked. “I’m afraid the apples might fall out again.”

And that’s how my friendship with Mr. Burns began. He had a warm smile that reminded me of my father. I carried the bag of apples while Mr. Burns leaned on his cane, dragging each step with difficulty. When we arrived at his house, I placed the bag on the table and made tea. I asked if I could visit him again sometime. The next day, I returned and helped him make tea. I told him about my life as an orphan, living with relatives, and studying abroad to become independent. He showed me two photos on the table – his aunt Mary and his daughter Alice, both of whom had died in an accident six years ago.

I visited Mr. Burns twice a week, always on the same days. Each time I arrived, I found him sitting in a big chair with his cane beside him. Seeing me always made him happy. Though I believed I was bringing joy to a lonely old man, in reality, I was the happiest one. It was simply wonderful to share and have someone listen to my confessions.

After two months, I decided to visit Mr. Burns on a different day than usual, without calling ahead, thinking it would be a special surprise. I saw him in his garden, walking, bending down, and looking up easily, without his cane! Was this the same Mr. Burns who always leaned heavily on his cane? He suddenly looked up and saw me. Clearly noticing my confusion and surprise, he waved me over.

“Come, my dear, let me make you some tea today,” Mr. Burns said, leading me into the house.

“I thought…” I began.

“I know what you’re thinking, my dear. The first time we met at the market, my knee did hurt. I bumped it into a door…”

“But… when did you start walking normally again?” I asked, bewildered.

“The next day,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

“But why…?” I was still confused.

“The second time you visited, I realized you were sad and lonely, and you needed someone to lean on. But I feared you might not come back if you knew I was healthy.”

“And the stick?” I asked.

“Ah, a good stick! I often use it to block the fence doors.”

Mr. Burns had pretended to be in need to help me feel useful and strong. It was his way of healing a young and sensitive girl like me.

 This touching narrative encapsulates the unexpected friendship between a young woman and an elderly man, highlighting themes of empathy, compassion, and mutual healing. This story beautifully illustrates how human connections can heal and transform lives, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of compassion and support.

Blessings and Virtues

 Each person's existence, happiness, and success in the world all originate from virtue. The more blessings one possesses, the more complete their material life, the more comfortable their spirit, and the higher their position compared to others. Blessings function like a protective shield, a superpower that brings luck. When challenges arise, virtue exerts its power, neutralizing disasters and bringing peace.

Blessings are divided into two parts: Blessings and Virtues.

• Blessings stem from the living habits and actions of one's ancestors. Grandparents, parents, and forbearers create blessings and pass them on to their descendants, which is why we say people "enjoy happiness" passed down through generations.
• Virtue results from each person's daily actions and behaviors, accumulating to pass blessings on to future generations. Virtue is actively created by individuals, hence the phrase "accumulate virtue."

The concept is that the blessings influence a person's life up until around the age of 30, while virtues shape their life from 30 onwards and affect the lives of their descendants. The age of 30 is significant, marking maturity and a time when individuals must take responsibility for their lives and are no longer primarily influenced by their family's past.

Those born into virtuous families, with kind parents and grandparents, often have many blessings and experience considerable luck before reaching this age of maturity. After 30, however, their fate is more heavily influenced by their own virtues. If they live kindly and honestly, the rest of their life will be successful and peaceful. If not, they must pay for their actions, known as karma. Excessive negative karma can even be passed on to the next generation. This explains why some dishonest individuals may still find success in life. If they do not accumulate virtue, their blessings will eventually dissipate, leaving only karma and ensuing disasters.

For those who feel they lack blessings, virtue remains a path to salvation. While blessings cannot multiply or be created anew since they are set from birth, virtue has no such limits. The more good deeds you perform and the more honest you live, the more virtue you accumulate.

Half of life is determined by fate, but the other half is within our control. The divine principle of loving life means that no-one’s way of life is destroyed by higher powers; we are the ones who push ourselves into the abyss. Blessings and virtues represent a form of spiritual power that protects each person. Individuals often surpass others not merely through talent but through a lifestyle that fosters blessings and virtues, garnering respect from others. Wealth and status cannot be taken with us after death, but blessings or karma will be inherited by future generations.

Blessings diminish when karma surfaces, and karma is resolved through the accumulation of blessings. Each person holds a precious sword, determining whether it is used to create happiness or karma. Everything we do impacts not only ourselves but also many others. Parents who love their children should focus on living virtuously rather than merely leaving material wealth, setting a positive example for their children to follow. The quality of the second half of life is determined by our actions. We cannot choose how we begin, but we can certainly choose how we end.

Easy Rotisserie Chicken Taquitos

Taquitos are a popular Mexican snack that can be quickly made, especially using leftover rotisserie chicken.  For a quick and tasty treat, taquitos are a fantastic choice. Start by shredding some leftover rotisserie chicken. Then, add your favorite Mexican spices—think cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix in some shredded cheese for that gooey goodness. Grab a few corn tortillas, warm them slightly to make them pliable, and then roll them tightly around the chicken mixture. Secure with a toothpick if necessary. Fry the taquitos in a pan with hot oil until they're crispy and golden brown, or for a healthier option, bake them in the oven until they're crisp. Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping, and you've got a delicious snack that's sure to be a hit!

 

Ingredients:

 

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 cups Mexican blend cheese (or your choice)
• 1 cup salsa
• Salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to taste
• 20 pieces of 5-inch tortillas

Directions:

 1.    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2.    In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, cheese, and salsa. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.

3.    Take each tortilla and fill with about 2 tablespoons of the filling. Roll up the tortilla tightly.

4.    Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and brush each of them generously with oil.

5.    Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

6.    Serve with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and extra salsa on the side.

Enjoy your delicious and easy rotisserie chicken taquitos!

Easy Red Bean Ice Cream

Yesterday I posted the red bean paste recipe. In light of this, I would like to share a simple ice cream recipe with you today that uses red bean paste. There is no need for an ice cream machine. For a healthier version of this dessert, dates can be added for sweetness instead of sugar or condensed milk.

Ingredients:

 

• 1/2 cup red bean paste (recipe posted on 6/09/22)
• 1/3 cup dates
• 1 cup cold whipped cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

 

Directions:

 

1.   Soak the dates in warm water for 20 minutes or until soft. Drain the dates and blend in a food processor until smooth.

2.   Place the red bean paste, whipped cream, vanilla, and blended dates in a medium bowl. Use a handheld mixer to whip until smooth.

3.   Scoop the ice cream mixture into a container with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

 

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make red bean ice cream!

Seeking Peace and Harmony

In today's world, everyone is looking for peace and harmony. The worries and sorrows of life often torment us, and we tend to dump these sufferings on others, especially those living with us, such as our spouses and children. This sadness infects the surrounding air, affecting those around us, and making them feel sad and miserable just like us. I believe this is not a wise way to live.

The search for peace and harmony is an important personal journey where each of us must face our own challenges and afflictions. To live peacefully, we need to develop acceptance and a deep understanding of the nature of suffering and happiness. When we realize that happiness does not depend on external circumstances but on how we react to them, we begin to control our emotions and thoughts. The practice of meditation and mindfulness can help us observe and release our afflictions, thereby creating a mental space for peace and harmony to flourish.

We must understand that we should live in peace with ourselves and with others. Humans are social creatures, forming societies and communicating with each other. To escape suffering, we must know the fundamental cause and origin of suffering. Upon investigating, it becomes clear that whenever there are afflictions and impurities in our mind, we become unhappy. Afflictions in the mind, an evil mental impurity, cannot coexist with peace and harmony. It's like an evil thought driving away good thoughts, and the same applies to suffering, sadness, and happiness. It's all up to our minds.

One way to solve this problem is to arrange life so that nothing unexpected happens and everything goes according to our wishes. But this is impossible. No one can achieve all their wishes without anything going wrong. Things will continue to happen contrary to our desires. Therefore, the questions are: How do we stop reacting blindly to dissatisfaction? How do we stop creating stress and maintain peace and harmony?

In India, as in other countries, the saints of the past studied the problem of human suffering to find a solution. When something unpleasant happens and we react with anger, fear, or other impurities, we can immediately focus on something else. For example, standing up and getting a glass of water to drink can help subside anger. Or we can start counting one, two, three, four, or repeat a sentence, mantra, or the name of a deity that we worship. This helps change our mind's direction, making us less troubled and calming our anger.

This solution is useful and always effective at a cognitive level. However, by shifting our attention, we push the afflictions deep into the unconscious, and they multiply. On the surface, there seems to be peace and harmony, but deep down there is a dormant volcano that may erupt violently at any time.

We must look straight at the problem. Whenever trouble arises in your mind, just observe it and face it. As soon as we start observing and finding the cause of our afflictions, their intensity will immediately decrease and gradually disappear.

This solution is very effective because it avoids extremes: neither repression nor indulgence. Burying the affliction deep in the unconscious will not eliminate it, and letting it fester through unwholesome actions or words will only create more trouble. By practicing this method, I am sure we will eliminate our afflictions and cultivate true peace and harmony