Grocery Haul #1

Hello Lovers!

Grocery Haul!

Check out what I like to eat, Healthy eating!!

Thanks for watching!!

Nicole Charnel

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My Citrus Salmon

Its not a Thursday...but lets throwdown anyway!
My absolute favorite way to do salmon. And As always [like everyone says] it is super easy!

Ingredients
Salmon
Olive Oil
Lemon Juice
Montreal Steak Seasoning [McCormick]
Salmon Rub Seasoning [McCormick]

Directions

• Heat oven at 400 or Broil High
• Drizzle salmon with olive oil and lemon juice, just enough to moisten it
• Sprinkle on seasoning as light [or heavy] as you would like
• Bake for 25 min or Broil for 10-15 min
• Finished when flaky or crispy edges [for more well done]

SIMPLE!
Give it a try and let know if you like it.

Nicole Charnel

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Citrus Salmon

Made My Day...INSTANTLY

What would make your day?
Right now...in the midst of a horrible no good day....what would make it AWESOME...
INSTANTLY...

A Shopping Spree.

I love to shop! But not just every other week go to a couple of stores...Naw.
I like to save up my money 3 or 4 months then go to a HUGE mall and put in WORK!  I come home with an arms full of bags and a full smile. Best days...

Dinner at my Favorite Restaurant.

Favorite restaurant hands down! Even ver high end spots like Ruth Chris. Yes. Best food. Best dessert. Best options. It so amazing.
So who taking me to dinner?

All Night Movies at the Drive-In.

I love movies. I love a movie marathon. SO I love with the drive-in does All Night Movies! 4 movies in the Spring, 5 in the summer. Yes...This is what I LOVE to do...Watch Movies!

Nicole Charnel

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3 Ways to Win My Heart

I'm not a complicated woman.
I don't play games. I keep it real ALL THE TIME.

When your almost 29 [LOL], you have no time for it.

Three ways to my heart...

Christ
Family
Good Food

A man that lives a Christ-centered life, loves and puts his family while still being able to take me out to an amazing meal.

Yup. Prayer. Done!
LOL

Nicole Charnel

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Something That Makes Me Happy...

Fondue

It's AMAZING!

The most elegant and delicious meals I have ever had have been when I cooked them myself at Melting Pot.
If you have never been, you need to go...at lease once in your life!
No words....no words...

BBQ Brisket Cheese Fondue

Wedge Salad

We Smashed!

Nicole Charnel

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My Food Plan [Weight Loss & Maintain]

People say it all the time....and its SO true.

A Healthy diet is the KEY to weight loss & maintaining.

After my last baby [January 2013], I lost 50lbs.  AND I have managed to keep most of it off. 

I can only attribute this to me keeping my diet mostly clean.  

As I stated a couple of post ago, I gained some pounds from my vacation.  SO jumping back on my healthy band wagon was a must. 

In doing so, a couple of friends have asked me to give them some food tips and share the success.

Research and reading...

And here is the food plan I created for them

Weight Loss Food Meal Plan for Beginners 

It is not as in depth as a professionals meal plan would be...but I just wanted to give them a snapshot of the best foods to eat.  We all know small portions, more veggies than starches, water at all times.

Once you cover the basics, you good!

Maybe these food options and meal ideas can help you.

Nicole Charnel

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Currently in My Fridge

A bunch of unnecessary foods!!
I need to diet, for real...

Perkins Blueberry Muffins

Juice & Water

Dip & Leftovers

Milk & Soda

Soda
Yogurt
Coffee Creamer
Sauces, Jams, & Jellies
Water
Detox Tea
Juice
Leftover Restaurant Food
Milk
Cheese Dip
Chocolate Syrup
Muffins
Surge...[yes, the soda!]


Like I said...I need to diet.

Nicole Charnel

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Sweet Waffles [Thursday Throwdown]

Breakfast is my favorite meal. To eat and to cook!
I will make waffles for dinner and lunch. Don't think I won't.
Although the frozen Eggos are good for on-the-go and....children. When i want  waffle, I like to make my own, not just heat it up.

What you need is...
Waffle Mix [Aunt Jeminma or Bisquick] 2 cups
Milk [1 1/2c]
Oil [3 tbsp]
Eggs [2 eggs]
Powdered Sugar [2 tbsp]
Butter Extract [1 tsp]

I know, they are not really from stretch, BUT they are quick and they taste homemade. Better than if they were just the kind you add water to.
Basically just follow the directions on the box and add some flavor. The powdered sugar give it a subtle sweetness and the extract give you straight flavor. And it doesn't have to be butter extract. You can choose vanilla, almond, cinnamon, etc. Whatever flavor you like.
Bake your waffles in the waffle iron as usual...and ENJOY!
This is just an easy twist on a simple waffle but after you taste it, you will never do ur waffles the simple [boring] way every again!

Like I said, this recipe is a huge favorite of mine and I hope you give it a try. If you like it, let me know or send me a pic at #ChefCharnel on Da 'Gram!
As always, thanks for reading!

Nicole Charnel

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Cheddar Biscuits [Thursday Throwdown]

Don't you just love Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. So cheesy and yummy and garlic-y [not  a word, I know].
Did you know they are SUPER easy to make at home? Like 3 ingredients type easy!!
Bisquick [1 c]
Milk [1/2 c]
Cheddar Cheese [1/2 c]
Done!
Top with melted butter and garlic powder!
So technically 5 ingredients....
Still easy. I don't roll them out and cut, I just shape them with a spoon. Drop them on the pan.
450 degrees for 8-10min.

Makes 6 biscuits

Love these biscuits! They taste just as good to me! Especially since i made them myself.
Give them a try and tag me #ChefCharnel on Da 'Gram!
As always, thanks for reading!

Nicole Charnel

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Honey Sprouts w/Bacon [Thursday Throwdown]

This is not my personal recipe but I adapted it a bit. And I make these every week...like every week.

Simple easy and quick recipe. And as a single mom of two, I need all the quick recipes I can get!

Here is what you need:
4-5 Strips of Bacon
A Frozen Bag of Brussel Sprouts [Or a pound of fresh]
Garlic Salt
Montreal Steak seasoning [Or Black Pepper]
Honey [2-4 tbsp]

Now for the steps...
Cut the bacon and fry it in a pan [Try to use a pan with a lid, will need it later] over medium heat.
After the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and set aside. Keep drippings.
Add frozen brussel sprouts to the drippings.
Season with salt, pepper, and cover pot.
Once sprouts have browned slightly, turn down to low heat.
Keep covered till sprouts are to your desired doneness.
Add honey and stir.
Serve and sprinkle with bacon.

Like I said, this recipe is a huge favorite of mine and I hope you give it a try. If you like it, let me know or send me a pic at #ChefCharnel on Da 'Gram!
As always, thanks for reading!

Nicole Charnel

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Hot Chocolate on a Cool Night

I LOVE hot chocolate.
All year round but especially at Christmas. Something about the smooth chocolate, warm and creamy. Filling you up and heating you through on a cool winter night.
I usually get the packets and mix with water. But this year, I saw some Starbucks in the store and wanted to give them a try.

The directions call for hot milk...not something I usually do. I am just not a milk fan. But I wanted the full effect and wanted it to taste like it does from the baristas.
So I gave it try...
Spilled milk, of course...

After a handful of marshmallows, it was the hot chocolate I have ever made myself!
Since the first cup, I have made it every night. Sometimes twice a day...if its really chilly.

Whats your favorite type of hot chocolate?

Nicole Charnel

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Butter Grits

I'm not from the south but my family is. So a lot of my favorite foods and dishes are southern based. One that tops my charts is grits. Breakfast or dinner, it is a great starch. Delicious!
This morning for breakfast I had my own rendition of Butter Grits.

Starting with 5 min Quick Grits...

Make the grits according to the instructions.
Add 2-4 tablespoons of butter
Add salt and pepper to taste.

I always love bacon with my grits. Just perfect salt for buttery grits. My favorite breakfast.

Nicole Charnel

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Brining Your Chicken

Have you ever brined your chicken?

It is supple to make your chicken juicier and more flavorful. I tried this on some chicken thighs before grilling and I really didn't see much of a difference.

 I use salt, sugar, and water.

Let it sit in the fridge for about 3 hours.

I am definitely going to try to do it again and see if longer time helps or more sugar or salt. Because it is a high recommend way of peeping your chicken.

Anyone have any success or non stories of brining?

As always, thanks for reading!

Nicole Charnel

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Food: Pete Wings

Pete as in Texas Pete.

Best hot wings I ever made.

Season the wings. Dredge in flour.

Pan fry the wings till crispy.

Dip in butter n Texas Pete hot sauce.

Place in 300 degree oven for 10 min to bake on sauce.

ENJOY!

Let me know if you try the recipe!

Nicole Charnel

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Healthy Living: Green Smoothie

- Two Handfuls of Spinach

- Half of Banana

- Spoonful of Pineapple Chunks

- Handful of Frozen Fruit (Mango, Peaches, Strawberries)

- A Cup of Mango Juice

Blend until nice and smooth.

Enjoy!

Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Asparagus.

I thought I wouldn't like it...boy, was I wrong.

Love it! On the grill at least.

I was described to me as a cross between broccoli and green beans. My two favorite veggies in one? Yea, I had to try it!

If you like asparagus, check out my recipe below.

Grilled Asparagus

Ingredients:

a bunch of asparagus

garlic (1-2 cloves, minced) or garlic powder (1 tbsp)

olive oil (or butter)

salt (to taste)

pepper (to taste)

lemon (optional)

Note: Summer time, I love lemony everything! I incorporate lemons into a lot of my dishes. So it can be added or left out, whatever your personal preference. 

• Take one stalk out of the bunch, gently snap off the end and use as a guide to trim the rest (or just trim off the bottom 1 1/2 to 2 inches). Also, if they are thick stalks, peel them
• In a bowl (large enough to toss the asparagus), mix garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper.
• Add asparagus to bowl and toss to coat each stalk.
• If adding lemon, drizzle desired amount of lemon juice and/or peel over asparagus.
• On heated grill, place asparagus in one layer and grill till slightly browned (approximately 8-10 min).
• Remove from grill and let cool.

This recipe works great in the oven as well. Roasted veggies are a great comfort in the cool winter months so keep this one in your recipe book.

Pictured with Lemon Salmon and Butter Rice (recipe coming soon).

The garlic and olive oil are a great and classic combination that gives flavor and compliments natural flavors. Delish! I've had it three times already this summer, lol!
Give this one a try! I promise (as long as you like asparagus) you will enjoy this recipe.

Nicole Charnel

Have your tried any new veggies lately that you are loving?

Recipe: Grilled Quesadillas

On my way to pick up my loves the other day and got a craving for quesadillas. Strange, I know but stranger cravings have happened (I mean, I have been pregnant twice; cravings are real, lol).
But I didn't want just any ol' quesadilla...I wanted a Red Robin Quesadilla. Yes...
They are filled with gooey cheese, seasoned chicken, onions, mushrooms, bacon, n peppers...YUM!
Unfortunately, Red Robin no longer serves these pockets of delicious-ness. So my 2nd option, create my own! I may not be crafty but I can definitely do some DIY on a stove or grill.
So the rest of the ride, I planned and created my recipe.

Grilled Quesadillas

Recipe: Lemon Grilled Salmon

Spring is here (with Summer temps, lol) so that means more time will be spent outside. Which ultimately means, GRILLING SEASON HAS BEGUN!
Grilling always seems like an adventure, even though it is the same as regular cooking. Now your just outside with a different type of stove.
And cooking, well I'm all over that! I mean, you gotta eat! So you might as well eat good! And quick. I just love how my cooking skills have evolved to the level where I can easily create a delicious meal that takes no planning and can be done with a baby on your hip! LOL!
I owe all skills to watching Food Network and Cooking Channel everyday for the past 10 years, literally. You can learn so many tips and tricks just by listening.

So here is a quick recipe that I used this past Mother's Day. It was a big hit with my mom and the rest of the fam.

Grilled Lemon Salmon

What you need:

Salmon - 4 servings (skin or no skin)

Olive Oil (type of your choice)

Lemons - 2

Garlic Salt (or regular if you don't like garlic)

Pepper

Old Bay Seasoning (optional)

Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute (optional)

Image from previous blog post

• Using a bit of aluminum foil, make a sheet-like square in which you will use on the grill to put your fish on. I mostly do this so the fish won't stick or fall through the grates.
• Slice lemons medium thick. 
• Spread lemons out on aluminum foil and coat with olive oil. Place this on the grill to get some color on the lemons.
• While lemons are cooking, season the salmon with a little olive oil and spices. Season to your taste.
• Once lemons are a bit brown around the edges, remove them from the foil and set aside.
• Place salmon on aluminum sheet (skin side down if you they have skin).
• Put grilled lemon on top of the salmon.
• Cover grill and let cook for 12-15 min or desired done-ness.
• Remove from grill and serve over lemon noodles or plain rice.

I loved this recipe! It was easy for me to think up and to execute. The fish was moist and flaky and lemon-ney, lol!  I will definitely be doing this one again before the end of the summer. Let me know if you gave this recipe a try and you like it (or didn't).

Nicole Charnel

More recipes to come!

Healthy Eating: Green Smoothie

Today I had my first green smoothie!!

If you know me, you know I can't drink anything without tasting it. And I also have a terrible gag reflex; I will throw something nasty up in a heartbeat. So it was IMPERATIVE that this be at least slightly delicious, lol.

My Mom and Dad actually drink these every day and they claim them to be delicious. Even my 2 year old will sip on a green smoothie given the chance! So it cant be that bad...right?

What was used:

Spinach

Apple

Banana

Pineapple

Strawberries

Mango Nectar

VERDICT: It was...drinkable, lol. Definitely not going to replace my favorite flavor smoothie. But for the purposes of losing weight and making healthy choices, it will work! It was pretty much like a regular smoothie, just a blend of flavors. The main difference, the flavor of the spinach (which is half the smoothie) is extra bland but not unbearable. It's almost like a fruit smoothie that is missing something.

So this will be replacing my breakfast in the morning. I am anxious to see how much it helps my body, with both exhaustion and weight loss.

Nicole Charnel