Kogi Inspired Tacos

This is not a regular taco recipe but a kogi inspired taco recipe! If you are not familiar with Chef Roy Choi's Kogi truck you must check it out. I was inspired by the farmers market produce along with my Butcher Box grass fed ground beef I had available. Also I just picked up a yummy gochujang sauce which is a korean sweet and spicy sauce used in a lot of korean bbq.

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1/2 Pound of Butcher Box Organic Grass Fed Ground Beef
• 3/4 Cup of Bell Pepper Chopped 
• 1/2 of a Onion Chopped 
• Handful of Swiss Chard Chopped 
• 3/4 Chopped Mushrooms 
• 2 Tsp of Cumin & Coriander 
• Pinch of Cayenne and Pink Salt 
• 3 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar 
• 2 Tablespoon of Gochuchang Korean Sauce 
• Pinch of Pepper 
• 3/4 Cup of Chopped Zucchini 
• 2 organic eggs ( sunny side up) 
• Siete Paleo Tortillas ( Made with Coconut and Cassava) 
• Black Sesame Seeds for Topping 
• 1 ripe avocado
• fresh salsa

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook onions, and veggies until caramelized, add in protein, seasoning and let it cool. Cook eggs sunny side up and leave to cool. Heat up tortillas, and top with ground beef mix, avocados, salsa, egg, and sesame seeds. Add extra gochuchang sauce ( optional) ENJOY!

Sriracha Chicken Meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground organic chicken 
• 1 organic egg
• 1/4 cup almond meal or gluten free bread crumbs
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• pinch of black pepper & pink salt
• 1 tablespoon reduced soy sauce or liquid aminos
• 1 tablespoon of gochujang ( optional)
• coconut oil
• handful of chopped green onions ( save some for garnish)
• sesame for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine chicken with egg, almond meal/bread crumbs, garlic, and rest of seasoning
2. form the meatballs with your hands (to avoid stickiness, rub your hands with coconut oil).
3. Melt some coconut oil over high-heat non stick skillet.
4. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes per side.
5. Serve on plate, garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha for extra kick, ENJOY

Paleo Brownies

I baked some  sugar-free brownies made with @SweetLeafStevia Vanilla Crème Sweet Drops. So light & moist!!! Hosting a #Giveaway of my favorite #SweetLeaf Stevia products—have you tried these??? Leave a comment below for a chance to WIN. Good luck foodies! 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 cup Paleo Flour Mix
• 1 cup Sweetleaf Stevia Sweetner
• 1/2 cup melted and cooled coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp pink salt
• 1 tsp Sweetleaf Vanilla Crème Sweet Drops
• 3/4 cup cacao powder
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Paleo-friendly chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut shreds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350°F
• Grease 8x8-inch pan; set aside
• Add coconut oil,Sweetleaf Sugar Leaf, salt and vanilla extract to a large bowl and mix until evenly blended
• Add cocoa powder and mix well
• Add eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition
• Add Paleo Flour Mix ( Almond Flour x Coconut Flour) , chocolate chips and nuts (if using) and mis until evenly blended
• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until sides start to pull away from pan
• Remove from oven and cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. Store in tightly covered container at room temperature

https://sweetleaf.com/

Hosting a #Giveaway of my favorite #SweetLeaf Stevia products—have you tried these??? Leave a comment below for a chance to WIN. Good luck foodies! 

Baked Wild Salmon Bell Pepper

Ever create a recipe on the spot? I do it all the time. I think about what I want to eat during my workout, and then head to the grocery store afterwards. Check out what I create today! 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Zucchini Diced
• 2 Cucumber Diced
• 2 Red Bell Peppers 
• 3 Avocados 
• 1/2 Cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Lemon Juice 
• Handful of Basil 
• Pinch of Cayenne & Pink Salt to Taste 
• 1 piece of Wild Caught Salmon from Butcher Box
• Black Sesame Seeds, Lemon, Basil to Garnish

INSTRUCTIONS: 

Diced Veggies, Prep Bell Peppers, Blend Sauce, Mix Sauce with Zucchini & Cucumbers then fill the bell peppers top off with wild salmon. Bake at 450 for 10-15 minutes. Top with garnish and serve. Watch video below. 

Butcher Box:
https://bit.ly/2HXKteM

How to Meditate

For anyone who wants to start meditation, here are some simple tips and benefits of meditation.

I received a #AskCharles question from Alice about meditation, benefits, and how to do it! I spoke a lot about it being in my daily routine, but never really shared how I practice so this video is to explain why I do it, and different ways to meditate.

Cupping and Acupuncture For Neck Pain

So I woke up and seriously could not move my neck. It had to be a pull from my workout late last night, and also sleeping on it wrong. I heard the quickest relief was doing acupuncture so I went ASAP to Dr. Kara Mora Marco Kendrick in Beverly Hills, see what happened! Warning the images look worst than it is, it was not painful whatsover. Have you tried acupuncture?

HAVE YOU TRIED CUPPING OR ACUPUNCTURE?

30 Day Smoothie Challenge

Good Morning Green Smoothie by Charles Chen

Green Glowing Smoothie

• 2 Cups of Coconut Water or Almond Milk

• 1 Banana

• Handful of Spinach 

• Half of Lemon (Juice)

• Handful of Almonds ( Protein) 

• Half of Small Cucumber 

INSTRUCTIONS: BLEND & GLOW!

I ALWAYS tell everyone I meet, if you can just ADD in ONE Smoothie into your daily routine for 30 days you will see a huge difference in your health and body.

By feeding our bodies nutrient dense fruits and vegetables first thing in the morning, we train our bodies to crave healthier foods. This is also a great way to balance body's PH Level, ensure you get your daily recommended servings of fruits and veggies, lots of FIBER to flush out toxins, and of course do the Fisting Pumping SMOOTHIE DANCE! I am doing a 30 Day Smoothie Challenge starting month of April if you wanna JOIN! 

You will receive a NEW Smoothie Recipe Each Day with nutrition profile. Also to start your day off right, you will receive a DAILY positive quote to set a intention for your day. I believe it's just as much what we put into our MINDS, and into our bodies that make a HUGE difference. If you would like to participate in the 30 DAY SMOOTHIE CHALLENGE. Leave your email below, and start receiving smoothies recipes . We are in this TOGETHER, we will be sharing our daily SMOOTHIES on a private Facebook group for our foodie community. 

Easter Savory Tart

Perfect #Easter Appetizer for this weekend! My goat cheese turkey asparagus tart with seasonal sprouts, lemon, and heirloom tomatoes 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 to 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, defrosted
• 1 to 2 balsamic vinegar 
• 2 to 3 cups Goat cheese & Mozzarella (or use any cheese you like)
• 1½ pounds medium asparagus, trimmed*
• 2 Tablespoon of turkey bacon 
• fresh cooked golden beets
• 1 sliced heirloom tomato
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Pink Salt and pepper plus herb de provence 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prep a parchment paper lined baking sheet and place the defrosted puff pastry sheets on the baking sheet
2. Arrange toppings them in a single layer over the Goat cheese. Sprinkle on the golden beets & other veggies and protein. Brush or lightly drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake until the spears are tender, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Watch your tart while in the oven! Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Add additional toppings like the lemon zest to brighten the tart and some balsamic glaze if desired. Slice and serve and enjoy!

Spicy Avocado Stuffed Tuna

Ingredients

• 1 (12 oz) can Blue Harbor Fish Co Albacore Tuna ( No Salt Added)

• 2 avocados, halved and pitted

• 2 limes, juiced

• 2 teaspoons tamari or coconut aminos

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• ¼ cup sliced green onions

• ¼ cup chopped peanuts

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 teaspoons hot chili sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Use a spoon to hollow out the avocados, creating a bowl effect, leaving plenty of avocado to form edible bowl walls. Place scooped avocado into a mixing bowl and mash with a fork.

2. Drain tuna and place into mixing bowl with avocado. Add in lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, green onions, peanuts, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.

3. Stuff into prepared avocado

4. Drizzle with hot chili sauce and serve.

During Expo West I had the great privilege of meeting Blue Harbor's Registered Dietician Laura Ali to talk about benefits of eating wild caught fish, and different ways to incorporate into our daily nutrition. Some of the benefits of tuna include:

Blue Harbor Fish Co Chef Charles Chen & Dietitian Laura Ali

• Vitamin D

• Heart Friendly. Tuna comprises omega-3 fatty acids, which help in bringing balance in the blood vessels thereby reducing cholesterol in the arteries

• Lowers Blood Pressure

• Improves the Immune System

• Weight Loss

• Strengthens Your Bones

• It Improves Your Skin Health

• Prevents Risk of Cancer

• Provides Energy

What I love is that Blue Harbor Fish Co Tuna is fully traceable to certified sustainable fisheries that have met the strict MSC standard for:
Sustainable fish stocks: Fishing activity has been determined to be at a level that ensures it can continue indefinitely, and the fish stocks are healthy.
Minimal impact on the ecosystem: Fishing operations maintain the structure, productivity, function and diversity of the ecosystem.
Effective management: The fishery complies with international laws, regulations and conservation measures related to the management of the tuna species.

Some ways to incorporate Blue Harbor Fish Co Tuna into your everyday include: 

1. Tuna Rigatoni with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

2. Tuna, Kale and Egg Salad

3. Tuna, White Bean and Kale Soup

4. Creamy Shells with Tuna and Spinach

5. Lower-Carb Easy Cheesy Tuna Casserole

6. Tuna Melt In a Tomato

7. Avocado Tuna Salad

I love that the tuna from their company is sustainably fished, and the packaging is BPA free which I personally find super important. 

Check out more information here: 

https://www.blueharborfishco.com/

Chocolate Avocado Mousse

You can have your chocolate mousse and eat it too! Fantastic source of Vitamin E and skin boosting nutrients.With healthy fats and amazing source of magnesium, this one is a winner. Perfect as a healthy dessert.

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Ingredients

• 2 very ripe avocados
• 4 T cacao powder or coco powder
• 3-4 T pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 T freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• Dash of pink salt
• top with caco nibs and coconut and raspberry 

Instructions: 

1. Combine all ingredients into a food processor.
2. Process until very smooth and mousse like. Add more sweetener or orange juice to taste.
3. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
4. Serve garnished with an orange slice or chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

• Fresh Berries & Cacao Nibs to Top

Matcha Avocado Truffles

I shared my Matcha Avocado Truffles on Hallmark's Home and Family. These are the perfect go to snack, with so much flavor and antioxidants! Must Try!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1½ Tablespoons Coconut Oil
• ½ cup Coconut Flour
• 5 Tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup
• 4 Teaspoons Matcha
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Dairy Free Chocolate chip ( Melt)
• Matcha powder to top

Instructions

1. Place the Avocado, Coconut Oil, Coconut Flour, Honey, Matcha, and Vanilla Extract into a food processor or a mixing bowl
2. Pulse or mix together until well-blended and the chunks of avocado are thoroughly mixed in
3. Using your hands, roll ½ Tablespoon of mixture into tiny balls
4. Place these balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
5. Place these balls into the refrigerator while you proceed to melt the dark chocolate
6. Place dark chocolate wafers into a microwaveable bowl
7. Warm the chocolate in 15-second intervals and stir in between
8. Once the chocolate is thoroughly melted and the chocolate chunks are melted, take the balls out of the refrigerator and dip into the dark chocolate
9. Place dipped truffles onto the parchment paper
10. Sprinkle each truffle with extra matcha powder (optional)
11. Once all the balls are coated in the chocolate, place back into the refrigerator until chocolate has completely hardened
12. When chocolate has hardened, take the truffles out of the fridge, serve, and enjoy!

How to Celebrate Lunar New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR 新年快乐 also known as Lunar New Year all over the world! One of my favorite childhood memories growing up was celebrating Chinese New Year with the family, also known as Lunar New Year, celebrated all over the world and one of the most important holidays to Asian cultures. To celebrate this year, I have partnered with @gimmegrams / @gimme seaweed ( facebook) to share some fun and delicious ways you too can join in on the festivities.

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Share your 2018 New Year Resolution in comments below, and I will pick 3 WINNERS for a gimMe Snacks Giveaway! Winners will be announced in 15 days, TAG a friend for more chances to WIN! These are so tasty, organic, non gmo, and the perfect superfood! GOODLUCK :) #GiMMESNACKS

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gimmeseaweed 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gimmegrams

Website: http://gimmesnacks.com

Order on Amazon http://bit.ly/gimMeAmz

Homemade Face Mask

A lot of the masks on the market are filled with bad preservatives, so I thought I would make our own. You can actually eat this face mask!! Celebrity Make Up Artist @FeliciaLaTour comes over to #KitchenHustle to share a yummy face mask recipe! 

• 1 Whole Avocado
• Melted Coconut Oil
• Pinch of Turmeric Powder 
• Pinch of Activated Charcoal
• 1 Tsp of Raw Honey

FOLLOW FELICIA HERE:
https://www.instagram.com/felicialatour
https://www.youtube.com/user/FeliciaLaTour

Top Brain Foods with Jim Kwik

Best Brain Foods to Boost Your Memory by Celebrity Memory & Brain Coach Jim Kwik  

Jim has worked with numerous celebrities, top performers in all walks of life to improve mental cognition, boosting memory, and helping to retain knowledge. With the holidays coming up, I thought it would be perfect to have Jim share his favorite foods for boosting our brain health. 

JIM KWIK'S TOP 10 BRAIN FOODS:

1.  Avocados
2.  Blueberries
3.  Broccoli
4.  Coconut Oil
5.  Organic Eggs
6.  Leafy Greens
7.  Wild Salmon
8.  Turmeric
9.  Walnuts
10.  Dark Chocolate

What's Your Favorite? #KitchenHustle

Holiday Coconut Macaroons

Need a Holiday Dessert recipe that will impress all your friends and family! Kimberly Snyder shares her yummy blondie coconut truffles! These are a perfect balance of salty and sweet, and not to mention so scrumptious.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Cups Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
• ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/8 Tsp Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon of Melted Coconut Oil
• ½ Cup of Tablespoon of Coconut Nectar

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all ingredients, roll into bite size, and freeze. After 5 minutes enjoy

Post-Holiday Detox Salad

Cucumber Salad By Charles Chen 

If you are like me, and ate too much for thanksgiving here is a nice refreshing post workout detox salad! Yummy avocados, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/2 cup non-GMO corn
• pinch each of sea salt and cayenne pepper
• 1 whole avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• handful of fresh chopped basil
• 1 tbsp grapeseed oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix and enjoy! Top with basil & hemp seeds (optional)

Brain Boosting Smoothie

For any of you who struggle with mental clarity and focus, this is a brain boosting keto smoothie that will fuel your brain! 

Perfect post workout smoothie! Filled with healthy fats, greens, fiber, and protein! Definitely fills you up, and keeps you energized! 

Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup Spinach

• 2 Small Persian Cucumber

• 3-4 Pitted Meedjol Dates

• 1-2 Stock Celery 

• 1-2 Tablespoon of Organic Smooth Almond Butter

• 2 Cups Rice Milk or Almond Milk (No Sugar Added)

• 1 Ripe Banana or you can swap out for coconut cream

• 3/4 Cup Frozen Bluerberries & Strawberries

• 1 Egg (Optional, Skip this if you want to keep it vegan)

Direction:

BLEND & ENJOY!

Rainbow Quinoa Sushi

This is a nice spin on regular spicy tuna sushi rolls! I'm using quinoa and instead of fish I'm using grapefruit, its super refreshing and yummy!

• 2-3 Nori sheets
• 1 Cup Cooked & Cooled Quinoa
• 1/2 Cup Guacomole
• English Cucumber, sliced
• handful of sprouts
• 3/4 cup purple cabbage
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 6 Ripe Fresh Grapefruit Peeled
• 2 scallions, finely diced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

ALMOND GINGER DIPPING SAUCE

• 2 Taplespoon of Almond Butter
• 1 Tablespoon of Pickled Ginger
• 3 Tabplesoon of shredded Baby Carrots
• handful of sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
• 1 tsp of Ginger Powder
• 2 Tablespoon of Tamari of Gluten Free Soy Sauce

10 Easy Thanksgiving Recipes

Don't worry I got you covered for your thanksgiving needs! Here are 10 Easy yummy thanksgiving friendly recipes! ENJOY! Make sure you take a photo and TAG @CharlesChenTV to WIN a prize

1. MUSHROOM GRAVY

2. BUTTERNUT SQUASH KALE SALAD

3. VEGGIE COLLAGEN CHILLI

4. MAC & CHEESE

5. PUMPKIN PIE

6. PUMPKIN WONTONS

7. SWEET POTATO PIE

8. COCONUT PUMPKIN PASTA

9. CHOCOLATE AVOCADO MOUSSE 

10.  BRUSSELS SPROUTS

CBD Hot Chocolate!

My favorite time of the year is now because we can cozy up with yummy hearty recipes. This CBD Oil Infused Hot Chocolate hits the spot, and warms up my heart. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory properties, but it's absolutely delicious! Topped with coconut whip and vegan marshmallows 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 2 Cups of Coconut Milk 
• 3 Tablespoon of Raw Cacao Powder 
• 1-2 Drops of CBD Oil 
• 3 Packets of Monkfruit Sweetener 
• Pinch of Cinnamon 
• Toppings Optional: Raw Chocolate Shavings, Vegan Marshmallows, Organic Sprinkles, Coconut Whip Cream

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Mix all ingredients, blend, and heat up! Top with favorite toppings! ENJOY

Photography By Rebecca Pimm Stylist Aimie Vredevoogd