If you’re looking for economical, delicious and healthy side dishes to add to your weeknight mains (or, Thanksgiving side inspiration) Walmart Canada has you covered!  Walmart carries ‘Canada #1 Grade’ fruits and vegetables in all Supercentre locations.  Celebrate fresh Canadian produce with good-for-you recipes!  Happy Autumn Eating!          

Sauteed Kale with Golden Raisins & Onions ~ click here for the recipe

Zucchini-Feta Pancakes ~ click here for the recipe

Green Beans & Carrots in Coconut-Turmeric Curry ~ click here for the recipe

Click here for more FRESH recipes.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active (and always hungry) teenage boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

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When it comes to weeknight suppers: quick, delicious and economical are key!  Chicken is a classic family go-to that lends itself well to a variety of flavour combinations.

Great Value Yogurt, found exclusively at Walmart Canada ~ is a perfect way to tenderize chicken while adding a burst of flavour.  Follow along on social media and use the hashtag #WeLoveGreatValue

Coconut Chicken Fingers ~ Click here for the recipe

Curried Chicken Salad ~ Click here for the recipe

Greek Style Chicken Legs and Potato Salad ~ Click here for the recipe

Click here for more quick and easy dinner recipes.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television, What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active (and always hungry) teenage boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

FB Charmaine Broughton

Twitter @runnercharb                                       

‘Tis the Back-to-School-Season!!

If you’re looking for delicious and economical weeknight supper solutions, Walmart Canada has you covered with simple to prepare recipes featuring Great Value Pasta Sauces.

  Cheesy Chicken Nachos *click here for the recipe*

Powerhouse Pizza Rollups *click here for the recipe*

Shakshouka Goes to Italy *click here for the recipe*

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active (and always hungry) teenage boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

FB Charmaine Broughton

Twitter @runnercharb                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Peaches, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Corn and Garden Fresh Herbs….

What to do with all your fresh local produce you ask?

I’ve got you covered with some healthy, delicious and simple to prepare recipes!

Click here to watch my CTV Morning Live Ottawa segment.

Click here to learn more about the health benefits of Gay Lea Nordica Smooth (yes, you read that correct – no lumps!) Plain Cottage Cheese.  Follow along on social media using the hashtag #NothingPlainAboutItTomato, Peach, Olive and Herb Salad

This foolproof salad is a perfect pair to any grilled meat or fish off the bbq.

3 tomatoes, cut in wedges

2 ripe peaches, pitted and cut in thick slices

1/2 cup (125 mL) corn kernals

1/3 cup (75 mL) sliced pitted olives

½ cup (125 mL) chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as: mint, dill, basil and parsley

drizzle of avocado oil or olive oil

1/3 cup (75 mL) crumbled feta or goat cheese *optional

Toss together all ingredients.  Drizzle salad with oil.  Garnish with cheese if using.  Serve immediately.  Makes 4 servings.

For summer salsa (omit cheese): finely dice tomatoes, peaches, olives and toss with chopped fresh herbs.  Toss and serve on grilled chicken, salmon or beef, or serve with nacho chips for dipping.

Layered Summer Dip

No backyard party is complete without a go-to layered dip!

1 (450 g) tub Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Plain Cottage cheese

1 cup (250 mL) chopped mixed herbs (such as: dill, parsley, basil, chives and mint), divided

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp (5 mL) hot sauce (optional), or to taste

zest and juice of one lime

pinch cumin

1 ½ cups (375 mL) tomato peach ‘salsa’ (recipe above) or prepared salsa of choice

1 cup (250 mL) grated Ivanhoe cheddar

Stir together smooth plain cottage cheese, ½ cup (125 mL) chopped mixed herbs, garlic, hot sauce, lime zest, juice and cumin.  Place on bottom of glass pie plate or trifle dish.  Layer with salsa and grated cheddar.  Garnish top evenly with remaining ½ cup (125 mL) chopped fresh herbs.  Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to one day.  Serve with pita wedges or nacho chips.

Garden Stuffed Sandwich *click here for the recipe

Rosemary & Vanilla Bean ‘Cream’ with Peaches and Blueberries

1 cup (250 mL) Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Plain Cottage cheese

3 tbsp (45 mL) maple syrup (*or honey)

½ vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) finely chopped fresh rosemary

4 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped

½ cup (125 mL) blueberries

Garnish (optional) maple flakes (found at bulk food stores) or finely grated dark chocolate

Stir together plain cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla bean (or extract) and chopped fresh rosemary.  Divide chopped peaches and berries evenly between 4 glass dessert bowls.  Garnish evenly with vanilla rosemary ‘cream’ and garnish evenly with maple flakes or chocolate.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

FB Charmaine Broughton

Twitter @runnercharb                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

What to do with all that summer produce you ask?

I’ve got you covered with some delicious and healthy summer recipes!

Layered Summer Dip

No backyard party is complete without a go-to dip!

1 (450 g) tub Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Plain Cottage cheese

1 cup (250 mL) chopped mixed herbs (such as: dill, parsley, basil, chives  and mint), divided

1 tsp (5 mL) hot sauce (optional), or to taste

juice of one lime

Pinch cumin

1 ½ cups (375 mL) tomato peach ‘salsa’ (recipe below) or prepared salsa of choice

½ cup (125 mL) corn kernels

1 cup (250 mL) grated Ivanhoe cheddar

Stir together smooth plain cottage cheese, ½ cup (125 mL) chopped mixed herbs, lime juice and cumin.  Place on bottom of glass pie plate or trifle dish.  Layer with salsa, corn and grated cheddar.  Garnish top evenly with remaining ½ cup (125 mL) chopped fresh herbs. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to one day.  Serve with pita wedges or nacho chips.

Tomato, Peach, Olive and Herb Salad

This foolproof salad is a perfect pair to any grilled meat or fish off the bbq.  It’s also a healthy and delicious way to use up all those garden fresh herbs.      

3 tomatoes, cut in wedges

2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced

¼ cup (60 mL) sliced pitted olives

½ cup (125 mL) chopped mixed fresh herbs, such as: mint, dill, basil and parsley

quality Olive Oil

Salt and pepper

Garnish (optional): Crumbled Feta and/or Goat Cheese

Toss together all ingredients and garnish with Feta or Goat cheese if using.  Serve immediately.   Makes 4 servings.

For summer salsa: finely dice tomatoes, peaches and olives and toss with chopped fresh herbs, oil, salt and pepper.  Toss and serve on grilled chicken, salmon or beef, or serve with nacho chips for dipping.

Smooth and Creamy Low Cal Alfredo

Click here for Alfredo recipe made with Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Cottage Cheese.

*Tip: add a variety of chopped mixed fresh herbs, and diced tomatoes for a summer inspired supper.

Rosemary, Maple & Vanilla ‘Cream’ with Peaches and Bluberries

½ cup (125 mL) Gay Lea Nordica Smooth Plain Cottage cheese

1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup (*or honey, or stevia)

½ vanilla bean, scraped (or 1 ½ tsp (7 mL) pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) each; finely chopped fresh rosemary

4 ripe peaches, pitted and chopped

½ cup (125 mL) blueberries

Garnish (optional) Maple flakes (found at bulk food stores) or, very finely chopped 70% dark chocolate

Stir together plain cottage cheese, maple syrup, vanilla bean and chopped fresh rosemary and thyme.  Divide chopped peaches and berries evenly between 4 mason jars or martini glasses.  Garnish evenly with vanilla herb cream and sprinkle evenly with maple flakes (or chopped dark chocolate).

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

FB Charmaine Broughton

                                                                                                        Twitter @runnercharb                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Great Value Ice Cream Dessert Recipes as see on CHCH Morning Live 

My theory: The BEST summer memories involve ice cream!  Chill out over the next few months with a few show stopping dessert recipes all made with Great Value Ice Cream, found exclusively at Walmart.  

Happy Sweet Summertime Eating!!  

Follow along (and share your Great Value ice cream creations) on social media using the hashtag: #WeLoveGreatValue   

Birthday Bonanza Cake

Celebrating a summertime birthday?  The fine folks at Great Value have you covered with this marvelous (yet, super simple to prepare) cake.  Best part: it’s as fun to make, as it is to eat!!  

Click here for the recipe.

Churro Ice Cream Sundae

Hosting a backyard soiree?  End the evening with a southern inspired deep fried sundae.  Don’t be alarmed, this dish can be prepared well in advance.  When ready to serve, simply remove from freezer and fry each ‘scoop’.  Serve with fruit and Great Value whipped topping.

Click here for the recipe.

Superlicious Float  

Perfect for an all girls weekend at the cottage, or a ‘just because’ sweet dockside sip ~ this Superlicious Float is: Super-summer-licious!!  

Click here for the recipe.  

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television , What She Said Radio and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for
all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind.

Follow Charmaine on:

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

FB Charmaine Broughton

Twitter @runnercharb                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

No weekend at the cottage is complete without good grub and tasty beverages.

Cheers to a well fed summer in Muskoka!

Click here to watch CTV Morning Live segment.

Muskoka Summer Food Finds

*Click on each pink title for more info and link to website*

Muskoka Brewery

*Muskoka Brewery Craft Lager ~ click here to learn more

*Muskoka Brewery Detour ~ click here to learn more

Muskoka Brewery 5 K Run, July 8th, 2018 ~ Located at Muskoka Brewery.  Click here to register.

Stephen’s Butcher Shop

*Stephen’s Butcher Shop is a traditional, family-run Butcher and Fine Food Shop, located in the “Hub of the Lakes”, Port Carling ~ since 1927.

Baker and Scone *pop-up bakery at Stephen’s Butcher Shop every Friday during summer 2017!

Muskoka Roastery 

Belly Ice Cream

*Handcrafted in Huntsville, Ontaio – made with 100% Local Jersey Cream sourced from a farm in Creemore.

Farmers Market Finds:

Mark’s Maple Syrup

Milford Bay Smoked Trout

*a family run business since 1973

*Retail store and public fishing available on their property.  Fresh caught fish retail for $5.75/lb.

Other:

Muskoka Cottage Trays

*Original, custom, hand crafted serving trays made with kiln dried laminated pine.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, & Breakfast Television and food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind. For more tasty recipes visit www.charmainebroughton.com

Follow Charmaine on:

FB Charmaine Broughton 

Twitter @runnercharb 

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

Celebrate summertime eating with bee-licious recipes made with Billy Bee Honey!

Click on each pink title for link to recipe.

For more summer inspired recipes visit Flavour.ca 

Grilled Honey Infused Lemonade

*tip: add fresh sliced strawberries and/or raspberries to prepared lemonade.

Honey Pork Burgers With Tomato Jam

Honey Dill Cole Slaw

*tip: add chopped apple and/or pineapple, a handful of dried cranberries, and for added crunch and protein add sunflower and/or pumpkin seeds and/or chopped nuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zing!

Honey Cocoa Squares

*tip: add 1 tsp (5 mL) Club House Vanilla extract to icing.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television, What She Said Radio and the food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind. For more tasty recipes visit www.charmainebroughton.com

Follow Charmaine on:

Twitter @runnercharb

Facebook Charmaine Broughton

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

No weekend at the cottage is complete without a pan of homemade goodness….

Happy May long weekend eating & relaxing!!!

*Click on each pink title to learn more about the featured product*

Mile High Caramel S’mores Bars!

Homemade Mile High Caramel S’mores Bars 

No campfire required for these bars!!

Base: 2 cups (500 mL) crushed graham crackers (*about 30 crackers) + 1/3 cup (75 mL) melted Gay Lea unsalted butter

Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Combine cracker crumbs and butter. Measure out 1/2 cup (125 mL) of mixture and set aside. Press remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a parchment paper lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in center of oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely while making chocolate marshmallow layer.

Chocolate Marshmallow Layer

1 lb. (500 g) dark chocolate, finely chopped

1/3 cup (75 mL) Gay Lea unsalted butter

1 tbsp (15 mL) dark corn syrup

3 cups (750 mL) mini marshmallows – divided

Over a double boiler, melt chocolate. Stir in butter and corn syrup until butter has melted. Remove from heat and let cool, about 10 minutes. Fold in 2 cups (500 mL) marshmallows. Spread mixture evenly over base. Top evenly with remaining 1 cup (250 mL) marshmallows. Chill while preparing caramel.

Caramel Layer

*note: you can use 3/4 cup (175 mL) prepared caramel sauce instead of making your own*

1/2 cup (125 mL) packed brown sugar

1/4 cup (60 mL) Gay Lea unsalted butter

2 tbsp (30 mL) dark corn syrup

1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking soda

Combine brown sugar, butter and corn syrup in a small sauce pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring only once or twice until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to cook for about one minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Stir until caramel lightens in colour. Cool slightly.

To assemble bars: Drizzle caramel evenly over chocolate marshmallow layer. Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over caramel and lightly press down with your hand. Refrigerate for at least one hour, or over night. Remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before cutting. Cut into 12 bars. Enjoy!!

Gay Lea Premium Gold ~ Gay Lea’s most decadent dollop! Perfect for a cottage sweet treat or a baked potato topper.

Triple Chocolate Whisky Brownies with Maple Vanilla Cream and Berries 

Celebrate the long weekend with a decadent chocolate treat.

Maple Vanilla Cream

1 ½ cups (375 mL) Gay Lea Premium Gold Sour Cream

1 vanilla bean, scraped (*using vanilla paste/seeds only) or 1 tbsp (15 mL) pure vanilla extract

3 tbsp (45 mL) Canadian maple syrup

Stir together all ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Brownies 

2 oz (60 g) each; bittersweet and 70% dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

⅓ cup (75 mL) 35% whipping cream (*or milk)

⅓ cup (75 mL) Gay Lea unsalted butter

1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract

2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 mL) Canadian whisky *optional

¾ cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (175 mL) cocoa powder

½ tsp (2 mL) baking powder

pinch salt

1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

Garnish: Prepared maple vanilla cream, mixed berries and Gay Lea Real Coconut Whipped Cream

Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Line a 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large glass bowl, over a double boiler, melt: bittersweet and dark chocolate, cream and butter. Remove bowl from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla, eggs and whisky. Add remaining ingredients (*except garnishes) and stir until well combined. Place batter into prepared pan and bake in center of pre-heated oven for about 20 minutes (*or until toothpick placed in center comes out with little crumb). Remove from oven and cool completely. Cut into 12 squares. To Serve: Dollop each brownie with prepared maple vanilla cream, fresh berries and Gay Lea Real Coconut Whipped Cream.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television, What She Said Radio and the food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind. For more tasty recipes visit www.charmainebroughton.com

Follow Charmaine on:

Twitter @runnercharb

Facebook Charmaine Broughton

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton

Tournament Survival Tips: Save Money and Stay Fuelled

If you have children in sports, you know first hand how costly ‘away’ tournaments can be.

 Hotels, gas and eating three meals a day (plus snacks) ‘on the road’ can add up quick for the average family of four.

One of the easiest ways to save money and fuel your growing athletes is by: packing a weekends worth of nutritious snacks and meals.  As the mom of two active teenage boys, I come by this topic honestly and passionately.  My pack-and-go recipes will save you hundreds of dollars over basketball/soccer/lacrosse/dance/hockey season, and will nourish yourself and your family while on the road.  All recipes use pantry staple items and take very little time to prep. Hint, Hint…get those teens in the kitchen, prepping and packing meals/snacks.

Click on each pink title to learn more about the featured product.

Homemade Sports Drink – sweetened with Billy Bee Honey 

In a pinch, many of us reach for commercial sports drinks.  Most sports drinks are loaded with artificial colours, processed sugars and poor taste.  With a few pantry staple ingredients, you can prepare your own hydrating sports drink for pennies per serving.

*As an avid runner myself, I often double or triple the recipe in the summer months (*and keep refrigerated).  This way, we have plenty on hand for a post run sip, when my kids are heading to soccer, basketball or bike park, or when my husband is running out the door to baseball.

1 bag herbal tea *my kids prefer peach, or berry flavour *I prefer ginger

¼ (60 mL) orange juice

2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tbsp (30 mL) Billy Bee Liquid Honey

¼ tsp (1 mL) quality sea salt

Boil water.  Remove from heat and steep tea bag for at least 30 minutes. Chill. When ready to prepare, remove tea bag and stir in juices, maple syrup and salt to cooled tea.  Shake (*if placing in a mason jar) or stir well to combine. Consume within two days of preparing.  Makes about 4 cups (1 L)

Coconut Chocolate Energy Truffles Made with Billy Bee Honey

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these good-for-you and easy to prepare bites. Perfect for a post workout nibble, or 3 p.m. at-your-desk snack.

1 cup (250 mL) each; large flake sweetened coconut, peanuts and dark chocolate chips (*at least 70% chocolate)

1/2 cup (125 mL) large flake rolled oats (*or quinoa flakes)

3 tbsp (45 mL) each; chia seeds and hemp seeds

1/2 cup (125 mL) Billy Bee Liquid Honey

2 tsp (10 mL) pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp (1 mL) pure coconut extract

*extra shredded coconut

Place coconut, nuts, chocolate and oats in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Pulse until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and pulse until mixture comes together and starts to form a ball. Roll mixture evenly into balls – just a bit smaller than a golf ball (should yield approx 16 “truffles”). Roll each truffle in shredded coconut to coat. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Click here to learn more about Healthy Crunch Kale Chips ~ available at: Farm Boy, Loblaws, Metro and Whole Foods in the Ottawa area.

Peanut Butter Hummus

Take advantage of the produce section: pre-chopped, washed and ready-to-go veggies.  No prep required!  This peanut butter hummus (click here for the recipe) is loaded with plant protein, healthy fats and fibre.  Bonus: takes minutes to whip up.

Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes ~ Click here for the recipe.

Chickpea, Sweet Potato & Spinach Roti ~ Click here for the recipe.

Charmaine is a regular guest on Rogers Daytime Ottawa, CTV Morning Live Ottawa, CHCH Morning Live, Breakfast Television, What She Said Radio and the food writer for Running Room Magazine sharing her love and enthusiasm for all things food, cooking and running.

Most importantly; Charmaine is the mother of two active boys, Tyler & Colgan.

Charmaine understands the importance of preparing healthy, wholesome dishes all while keeping budget and time in mind. For more tasty recipes visit www.charmainebroughton.com

Twitter @runnercharb

Facebook Charmaine Broughton

Instagram Charmaine_Broughton