Nene's TCM-inspired chicken balls with Kabocha Congee
Mindful cooking is at my core. The harmonious, nourishing properties of the ingredients used and the cooking method show how much LOVE you’ve given to the food—and to those consuming it.
Just like what the father of medicine once said:
Being with my senior parents for these past couple of months, what with all the test results from Western Medicine practitioners, I lovingly chose to give them an alternative in dealing with their ailments. Although I’d tried this about a decade ago (not just with them but also with other kin, nephews, and nieces), it seemed that my approach back then was not ideal.
Now, it still ain’t peachy—my senior parents are pickier than ever—but at least this time around, I continuously spread LOVE through #mindfulcooking with a renewed mindset and attitude. As mentioned, it’s a pickle every time I serve them food I’ve especially prepared. They know and appreciate the effort and mindfulness that go into it, but still, they often end up craving highly seasoned dishes. Habits ain’t that easy to change after all, or as we say in Filipino: “eto yung nakasanayang lasa eh!”
Before, I took it personally when they didn’t finish their servings. Now, I hold on to this mindset: “I am doing my part and my intentions are clear and pure. How you accept my gift is up to you. I love you, and one of my love languages is mindful cooking.”
With this shift in perspective, it’s definitely easier to keep spreading LOVE through mindfully crafted dishes and recipes.
ground chicken breast
Healing with Mindful Ingredients
Food, when thoughtfully prepared, goes beyond mere sustenance. It becomes a vessel of care, a tangible form of energy transfer from cook to eater. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), every ingredient carries its own “energetic property”—warming, cooling, nourishing, or harmonizing. Combining these qualities mindfully allows the dish to serve not just the palate, but also the body’s inner balance.
Chicken Breast
Neutral to warming. Strengthens Spleen & Stomach Qi, supports digestion, and provides lean nourishment.
Kabocha Squash
Sweet & warming. Tonifies Qi, supports digestion, and is gentle on the stomach.
Leeks or Spring Onions
Pungent & warming. Moves Qi, dispels cold, and adds balance.
Red Onion
Warming. Supports circulation and enhances digestive fire.
Ginger Root
Warm & pungent. Harmonizes the stomach, aids digestion, and warms the body.
Himalayan Salt
Cooling. In moderation, regulates fluids and grounds the flavors.
Tapioca Starch
Neutral. Adds texture and makes the dish easier to chew and digest.
This TCM-inspired Chicken Balls recipe is mindfully crafted for Nene and prepared with so much love and healing energy (if I say so myself. LOL).
With Love from My Kitchen to Yours
Cooking with mindfulness is more than just preparing food—it’s creating a nourishing experience that cares for both body and soul. Each ingredient in this dish carries its own healing energy, and when combined, they form a harmony that supports balance, comfort, and vitality.
And let’s be real—it’s not always perfect. Sometimes my parents still prefer the “nakasanayang lasa” of heavily seasoned dishes. But that’s okay. Cooking with love is never wasted. Each meal is a quiet offering, a way of saying: “I see you. I honor you. I want you well.”
For me, these TCM-inspired recipes are my way of saying “I love you”—a quiet offering of care, healing, and warmth on a plate.
May this Chicken Balls recipe inspire you to explore mindful cooking in your own kitchen, and may every bite remind you that food is truly love made edible. I can’t wait to drool over your version of Nene’s Chicken Balls on IG @amreyskitchen 💛 #amreyskitchen #amapolism #tcmcooking #cookingforseniors
Remember, sharing is loving. Let’s keep spreading LOVE with Amrey’s Kitchen™ mindfully crafted recipes and creations!
Stay healthy and nourished, lovelies! ✨ #mettalove
Add comment
Comments