Hands-On Cooking Class

Yay I'm back in LA Teaching a Hands-On Cooking Class Jan 26th Thursday 7-8:30pm at Cisco Pasadena Hosted by Whole Foods Market Pasadena. I will be sharing Healthy On The Go Recipes. Cooking Class will be held at Cisco Home Pasadena 474 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena CA 91105 hosted by Whole Foods Market. This will be a hands on cooking class, tasting included, space is limited to 25 guests. Cooking Station, Ingredients, Knives will be provided. No experience necessary, meet new friends. RSVP TODAY! Feel Free to Bring Your Own Wine

SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVP HERE

$10 OFF Discount Code: "CHARLESCHENTV"

Radiant Skin Juice

Want RADIANT beautiful skin? Try this epic JUICE it will have your skin GLOWING inside out! See below the benefits of TURMERIC, and why it's healthy for your SKIN.

Ingredients:

• 3 Carrots ( Beta Carotene)

• 1 Small Turmeric (Anti-Fungal)

• 1/2 Ginger (Anti-Inflammatory)

• 1 Lemon (Alkaline)

• 3 Orange (Vitamin C)

Directions:

JUICE & ENJOY!

Benefits of Turmeric

Ultimate Quinoa Burger

I grew up eating burgers, unfortunately they were the golden arches. But since then I have created the Ultimate Quinoa Burger that is packed filled with plant based protein, and veggies! I use sweet potatoes, quinoa and flax! See recipe below

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked quinoa

• 2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons water

• 1 cup destemmed and finely chopped kale

• 1/2 cup quinoa flour

• 1/2 cup cubed butternut squash or sweet potato 

• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds

• 2 tablespoons finely diced onion

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon runny tahini paste

• 1 1/2 teaspoons herb de provence mix

• 1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste

• pinch of cayenne pepper ginger powder & cumin to taste

BASIL AVOCADO CREAM SAUCE

• 1/2 Avocado

• 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

• 3/4 Cup Fresh Basil

• 2 Tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• 1 Tablesppon of White Miso

• Pinch of Salt & Cayenne 

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Mix the ground flax and water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes or so to thicken.

• Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl, including the flax mixture and the 1.5 cups cooked quinoa. Stir well until the mixture comes together. Don't forget the flour because it helps bind the patties.

• Shape mixture into 1/4-cup patties with wet hands. Pack tightly so they hold together better. Place on baking sheet.

• Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip cakes, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden and firm.

• Cool for 5 minutes on the sheet and then enjoy!

Turmeric Chia Pudding

Perfect Pre and Post Workout Meal! Feel satiated by Chia seeds and reap the benefits of anti-inflammatory Turmeric. This is a coconut milk base that keeps it super creamy and delicious

Almond Chia Cookies

I had to urge to bake almond cookies for my friends so I decided to try a new recipe! Instead of using regular sweetner such as maple syrup I wanted to sweeten these with date paste! It turned out amazing, not to sweet and still nice and crunchy on the outside and cheewy on the inside YUMMY!

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups Almond Flour ( Grinded Up Raw Almonds)

• 1 Cup Coconut Water

• 1/2 Cup Pitted Meedjol Dates (Soaked)

• 1 Tsp Cinnamon Powder

• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

• 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds

• Pinch of Sea Salt 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend coconut water with pitted dates to create date paste, add in almond flour, chia seeds, seasoning, and create a nice dough. Preheat oven at 400 and bake for 15 mins! I topped mine with almond & coconut, feel free to use what you have! SHARE THIS RECIPE IF YOU ENJOYED! #NOMNOM I Recommend making more because these will run out quick ;)

Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

I like to start my mornings with warm lemon water, this helps to flush out the body of toxins and alkalize our body after a night of detoxification. Not only is it super high in vitamin c, it can also help build up our immune system. A tip I also do during the colder seasons is to add some cayenne pepper to help break down mucus in the body. Also if you are worried about your teeth being sensitive you may also drink your lemon water with a straw to protect your teeth. I recommend half a lemon to two cups of water. Have you tried this? 

BBQ Black Bean Artichoke Tacos

I LOVE me a good HEARTY Taco! Especially when its filled with the GOOD stuff! This is a unique combination of BBQ FLAVORS and fried Artichokes! :) YUMMY just typing this out! eheheh

BBQ Black Bean Artichoke

• 2 14-ounce cans of artichoke hearts (half canned or fresh steamed and drained)

• 1/2 cup of black beans

• 1 tablespoon herb de provence

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce 

• 6 small gluten free tortillas

Make BBQ Slaw according to the recipe and set aside in the fridge. Next, your pan/grill to high . Drain artichokes and place into a large bowl. Add the dry rub, vinegar, and olive oil. Toss to coat. Grill artichokes for 6 minutes on both sides or until well-marked by the grill grates. Toss with the BBQ sauce & cooked black beans. Serve on tortillas with plenty of BBQ slaw. Makes 6 tacos. (Serves 2 to 4 people.)

BBQ Mango Salsa Slaw

• 2 cups shredded purple cabbage (1/2 of a small cabbage)
• 1 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste)
• 1/2 cup Shredded Carrots
• 1/2 cup Mango Salsa 
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1/2 Avocado diced
• 2 Tablespoon of Liquid Aminos
• Sea salt to taste
• Cilantro ( Optional)
• Top with Hemp Seeds

Toss cabbage, tahini, carrots, mango salsa and BBQ Sauce until well incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Makes about 2 1/2 cups.)

Coconut Basil Sour Cream

• 1/2 cup of coconut yogurt (unsweetend) 

• 1 whole lime juice 

• pinch of sea salt

• handful of basil

• drizzle maple syrup

BLEND & ENJOY!

Japanese Seaweed Tofu Salad

Perfect Simple Japanese Tofu Salad for a Light Snack or Meal! Cooling for the body, and easy to digest, your body will thank you for eating this meal! :) 

INGREDIENTS:

• 3/4 Cup Cucumbers

• 3/4 Cup Shredded Carrots

• 1 Cup Organic Tofu Non Gmo

• Handful of Nori Shredded

• Pinch of Cayenne

• Handful of Bonito Flakes

• 3/4 Cup Wild Asian Mushrooms

• 2 Tablespoon of Gluten Free Tamari

• 1 Teaspoon of Roasted Sesame Oil

• Sprinkle of Sesame Seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

Assemble, Top with favorite topping, and ENJOY! 

Matcha Milk

MATCHA CASHEW MILK

I love love LOVE Matcha! it helps me with mental clarity, energy, and focus! I'll show you how to make MATCHA cashew milk with only 5 ingredients 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-2 Tablespoon of Matcha Powder

• 2 Cups of Spring Water

• Pinch of Cinnamon Powder

• 2 Bananas 

• 1/2 Cup of Raw Cashews

• OPTIONAL: 1 Tsp of Stevia, Coconut Nectar or Maple Syrup

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend & ENJOY!

WHAT EXACTLY IS MATCHA? 

My Favorite Products of 2016

2016 I discovered so many new brands and products that I truly LOVE! I wanted to share them with you, let me know if you share any of the same ones! These are products that have integrity, and I use on a daily basis! Get 10% OFF All Products Using This Special Link

Night Market Adventures

I am here visiting Asia. Here are some fun finds I found at Taiwan's Night Market Food Scene! :) 

Penis Pastry Puffs with Cream Filling OMG! :P

Soup dumplings are always YUMMY!

These are Seafood Pancakes, Super Delicious

Beef Stew Noodles! 

How to Make Spring Rolls

THESE are perfect appetizers to prep your meal with your guests! Let me know how you like them!

INGREDIENTS

• ½ red pepper, julienned
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• ⅓ -1/2 long English cucumber, julienned
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
• small handful of baby spinach, gently bunched up and sliced thinly
• ½-tofu
• sesame seeds
• 5-10 rice wrappers (I used 22 cm papers)

Almond Butter Sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or Bragg's Liquid Aminos - GF)
• 3 tbsp almond butter
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (can substitute with 1 more tbsp sriracha)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2-3 tbsp water to thin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak a single rice paper in the hot water until it's completely soft and flexible. This could take anywhere from a few seconds to more than 30 seconds depending on the brand/type of rice paper. I have best results soaking them for about 30 seconds.
2. Gently shake the excess water from the rice paper, lay it straight out onto your work space.
3. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to absorb any excess water, The papers won't stick together properly if they're really wet.
4. Sprinkle some sesame seeds in the center of the wrap.
5. Lay the julienned vegetables down in the middle of the wrap. Use approximately ⅕ of each ingredients per wrap (use a little more or a little less depending on how many wraps you want to make and how big you'd like them to be.) I like to fill mine with a little bit of spinach, lots of cucumber and carrot, a little red pepper, and lots of tofu topped with a sprinkle of green onion.
6. Try to keep the fillings laid neatly, making sure to leave ample room on each side to easily fold the wrap.

Chocolate Dipped Macaroons

COCONUT MACAROON:

• 6 tsp chia seeds ( soaked in ¾ cup water)
• ½ tsp coconut extract
• ¾ cup maple syrup
• 1/16 tsp salt
• 4 Tbsp almond flour
• 8 oz bag unsweetened shredded coconut 

CHOCOLATE SAUCE:

• Use dairy + gluten free chocolate chips!
• Or make chocolate using cacao butter + maple syrup! 

Instructions

1. Mix dried ingredients with chia gel along with maple syrup if the consistency is a bit dry feel free to add some coconut oil. 
2. Mold into macaroon shapes onto oiled pan!
3. Pre-heat oven at 350 and bake for 10-15 min until golden brown
4. Cool macaroons, then melted your choice of chocolate and dip macrons, and lay on stick free sheet. 
5. Pop into fridge for 5-10 min until chocolate hardens, and enjoy!!! :)

Coconut Curry

It's that time of the year when the weather is getting a bit cooler, and our bodies are craving a mean hearty dish. This coconut curry I promise will hit the spot! And its super easy and delicious, filled with veggies and super anti-inflammatory ingredients. Will help you feel strong, and fight the winter flu. ENJOY

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Tbsp coconut oil or ghee

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 Tsp of Unsweetend Coconut Flakes For Topping

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 Cups of cooked quinoa

• 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground)

• 1/2 cup broccoli florets (or green bell pepper), diced

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers

• 1/2 cup butternut squash

• 1/4 cup diced mushrooms

• 1/3 cup frozen vegetables

• 1 Tbsp curry powder

• 1/2 lemon juice

• 1 Tbsp of green curry paste

• pinch cayenne or 1 dried red chili, diced (optional for heat)

• 1 can light coconut milk

• 1 cup of veggie pea protein (optional)

• 1 cup veggie stock

• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce

• Sea salt and black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If serving with coconut quinoa, begin by washing thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer. Add to a medium saucepan over medium heat and toast for 3 minutes. Add 1 can light coconut milk and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is light, fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Set aside until serving.In a heated large saucepan or pot to medium heat and add 1 Tbsp coconut oil. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, broccoli and a pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Cook, stirring frequently, until softened – about 5 minutes.

2. Add curry powder, cayenne (or chili pepper), veggie stock, coconut milk, another healthy pinch of salt and stir. Bring to a simmer then reduce heat slightly and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.

3. Add the pea protein and tomatoes in the last 5 minutes so they don’t overcook.

4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I added another pinch or two of salt.

5. Serve over coconut quinoa ENJOY!

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding

This is one of my all time favorite desserts! Not only is it so tasty, its filling, and hits the spot! Must Try!

Pumpkin Spice Chia Pudding

• 1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk (Sweetened) 
• 1/2 cup of whole fat Coconut Milk
• ⅓ cup White Chia Seeds
• 1 tbsp of Neocell Collagen Powder
• 1 tbsp Coconut Nectar or Maple Syrup
• ½ tsp Pumpkin Spice
• 1/4 cup of Pumpkin Puree
• 1-2 Pitted Meedjol Dates
• Top with Pomegrante Seeds & Shredded Coconut

Sweet Potato Pie

This is a YUMMY recipe you can share with family during the holidays! Sweet potatoes are filled with Vitamin A fantastic for skin health! 

Pie Crust

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup almond meal

• 1 cup shredded coconut

• 1 cup pecans

• 1 cup pitted meedjol dates

• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cacao powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla bean powder

• 1 teaspoon water

• 1/8 teaspoon himalayan salt

Grind the almonds and coconut in a food processor into crumbs. Add the rest of ingredients and process until they're all ground down and the mixture forms a dough. Press into an pie pan. Set aside.

Sweet Potato Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups packed, diced sweet potato 

• 1/2 cup dates, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water for 30-60 mins

• 1/4 cup soak water

• 2 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

Blend all but the coconut oil until completely smooth in a high speed blender. Add the oil and blend again. Spread over the brownies. Chill in the fridge for 6-8 hours.

Caramel Chocolate Drizzle

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoons raw cashew butter

• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cacao powder

• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

Whisk all ingredients together in a pipping bag. Drizzle over the chilled pie.

Mushroom Gravy

Who doesn't love gravy!!!!? And when its healthy and yUMMY you cannot say no to this, make this for your holiday dinner and everyone will go nuts!!! :) Make sure you make extra as this is very delightful.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

• 1 cup chopped white onion

• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 8 ounces mushrooms, such as porcini, cremini or shiitake, trimmed and chopped

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

• 1/4 cup Merlot or other spicy red wine

• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder of cornstarch

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper & Pinch of cayenne pepper

No Bake Pumpkin Pie

CRUST INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups Meedjol Dates (Pitted & Soaked Overnight)

• 1/2 Cup Walnuts

• 1/2 Cup Cashews

• 1/2 Tsp Coconut Oil 

• 2 Tsp Coconut Flour or Quinoa Flour

• Pinch of Vanilla Bean Powder

• Pinch of Salt 

FILLING INGREDIENTS:

• Organic Fresh Pumpkin Puree 

• 1 Cup Meedjol Dates

• 1 Tsp Coconut Oil 

• 1/2 Cup Almond Milk 

• Pinch of Cinnamon Powder & Nutmeg Powder

• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Bean Powder

• 1/2 Ripe Avocado 

• 1 Tsp Coconut Nectar 

DIRECTIONS:

• Use food processor, and toss in crust ingredients until creates a ball of dough. Separately blend filling ingredients in food processor. 

• Form crust and pour pumpkin filling. Let it freeze overnight until solid. Top with coconut flakes or walnuts! 

• Serve & ENJOY! :) 

Naan Spinach Flatbread

This is my YUMMY Naan Spinach Flatbread you can serve your friends & family as a healthy snack anytime! Super Easy and YUMMY! You will love this recipe! I teach you how to make homemade spinach cashew cream sauce!

INGREDIENTS: 

Spread

• 1 Cup of Water
• 1/2 Cup of Cashews
• 2 Tablespoon of Tandoori Spice Mix 
• Handful of Spinach 
• 2 Tsp of Tamari (Gluten Free Soy Sauce) or Coconut Aminos

Toppings

• Sprinkle of Hemp Seeds
• 3/4 Cup Chopped Cabbage
• 3/4 Cup of Fermented Veggies
• 2-3 Cherry Tomatos 
• 1 Piece of Gluten Free Naan Bread

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Make the spinach cashew cream sauce, chopp veggies, heat naan bread until golden both sides, top with cream, and put veggies ontop plus hemp seeds. Ready to eat! :) 

Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo

CAULIFLOWER FETTICUINNE

• 2 cups cauliflower florets (1 small/medium cauliflower)

• 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 med/lg cloves)

• 1/2 cup unsweetened and unflavored almond milk

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

• 3/4 Cup of Seasonal mushrooms

• 1/2 Cup of Cashews

• 1 red onion

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 bag of coconut bacon

• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3/4 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, or to taste

• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste

• Kelp Noodles

• Fresh parsley, for garnish
   

INSTRUCTIONS:

Drain Kelp Noodles (Cook 2-4min) ,Blend Sauce & Garnish & Enjoy!