It’s apple season here in France—honestly, they’re the only in really few fresh fruits around. So, I tried a new recipe: grilled pork with mustard and apples. The tangy mustard and sweet caramelized apples were such a great combo, and it reminded me of your comforting dishes, just with a French twist.
Cooking this made me think of you and how much I’ve learned from your love of food. Thanks for always inspiring me in the kitchen!
I just have to tell you about a dish I tried making recently—Grilled Butternut Squash with Creamy Coconut Sauce. It turned out so much better than I expected! The squash was perfectly caramelized, and the coconut sauce with corn, thyme, and crispy chorizo brought everything together beautifully. I can’t believe I pulled it off—it felt like a little celebration of flavors. You would’ve loved it, and I kept thinking about how much your cooking inspires me to try new things. Miss you and your kitchen magic every day!
Do you remember how much I used to hate bitter melon when I was little? I would always complain about its taste and try to sneak it onto someone else’s plate. I couldn’t understand why you kept making dishes with it, saying it was good for me. Back then, “bitter” was the last thing I wanted on my plate. But now, I find myself craving that bitter-sweet flavor. There’s something so comforting and grounding about it. Your khổ qua xào trứng with that touch of spice and savory richness from the fish sauce has become one of my favorite dishes. It’s funny how tastes change with time, isn’t it? Thank you for teaching me to appreciate it—I finally get it now. Miss you and your cooking so much! Love,
I just wanted to tell you how much I miss your cooking, especially the quick and comforting dishes you always made for me. I’ve been thinking about your cà tím nướng mỡ hành—it’s such a signature of yours! The smoky eggplant, the rich scallion oil, and that perfect tangy, garlicky dipping sauce… I can still taste it. You made it look so easy and fast, yet it was always so full of flavor. I’ve started making it for my dinner routine now, and while it’s not quite your version, it brings me comfort every time. It feels like a little piece of home, even on my busiest days. Missing you and your kitchen magic,
Thank you so much for all your cooking tips! You always told me that the best way to learn is to really observe in the kitchen, and you were so right. I made Bún mắm nêm cá nướng the other day, and it turned out so delicious! But of course, it’s still not quite at your level—there’s always that special touch you have. 😋 Can’t wait to pick up even more tips from you next time! Love you lots.
I’ve been missing you so much lately, especially those times we used to sit down together and enjoy a bowl of bánh canh chả cá. The craving hit me hard, so I decided to try making it myself. It didn’t turn out as delicious as yours, of course (I’m definitely missing that special touch you add!), but it helped fill that homesick feeling just a little bit. I can’t wait for the day we can cook and eat together again. Until then, I’ll keep practicing and thinking of you with every bite!
I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, especially when I’m trying to figure out what to cook after a long day at work. I’ve started getting creative with some quick recipes to save time during the week—you know, something fast and tasty for when I come home late. Honestly, it’s made me appreciate even more how you used to do it all—working 8 hours a day, taking care of us, and still whipping up the best meals ever. You’re seriously a super hero, and I don’t know how you made it look so easy!
I’m trying to channel a bit of your magic, but I’ve got a long way to go. Thanks for always being such an amazing inspiration. I’m so lucky to have learned from you. Miss you lots and sending big hugs!
Summer’s here, and I’ve been getting all nostalgic about your amazing Vietnamese grilled meat skewers. I got inspired and decided to whip up a little twist on your recipe! I made a mix with a fresh side salad and, of course, some super yummy peanut butter sauce to go with it. It turned out so good!
Every bite made me think of you and how awesome your cooking is. You always make everything taste like home and happiness. Thanks for inspiring me to get creative in the kitchen! Sending you big hugs!
Mom, I think my comfort food are always the food I remember the flavor and have memory with you and grandma. And one big part in that is veggie food. As Grandma was a vegetarian, we always have great veggie meal with her. And I really really love the curry in 100% veggie version, with rice or bread, it is the best of the best. Sometimes I cook a big fat pan to treat my stomach. Thanks Mom, for all of that. Love you!
People ask why I write all this in English, but they don’t know that you are my first English teacher, haha. You taught your 4-year-old girl her first vocabulary words, and I’ll never forget that. Thank you, Mom!! You’re always the best.
Till now, I still love bún thịt nướng, the “grilled meat vermicelli,” in all the different versions you made for us. On those hot, high-tempered days, it was always a relief to have a meal like that—mixing fresh herbs, vermicelli, and some perfectly grilled meat. The flavors were light, refreshing, and yet so satisfying, and it’s such an easy dish to prepare, but somehow, it always felt special when you made it.
Thank you for all the meals, the lessons, and the love you’ve given me over the years. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me. You’ve shaped me in more ways than I can count, and I’m proud to be your daughter.
