In this episode of Mommy in Chief we have a special treat! The fabulous actress and comedian Kym Whitley stopped by the studio to share her joys of being a new mom, her organization and new show “Raising Whitley” airing every Saturday at 9pm on OWN.

For more information about Kym Whitley’s Don’t Feed Me Campaign, visit dontfeedme.org

About This Episode

Just in case you want to celebrate Mom all month long, we brought back personal chef and owner of Remarkable Cuisine, LLC, Mark McLean to demonstrate one more tasty dish for us to prepare for Mom. With the help from our host, Karyn Parsons and father and daughter, Luis and Yuri, Chef Mark prepares Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with a bonus Creme Brulee desert. Yummy!

About Chef Mark McLean

Mark McLean is a personal chef and owner of Remarkable Cuisine, LLC.  Remarkable Cuisine is the culmination of Chef Marks 4 years of private chef services and experience in catering over 200  events. Through Remarkable Cuisine, Chef Mark displays his skill set and passion in the kitchen.  ”I am not here to present a standard or ordinary fare that is “good” or a “decent option”. I attack an ingredient, menu, and dish like the rest of things in my life — with a strong knowledge base and hard work that will make that dish shine,” as quoted by Chef Mark on his company’s website.  Chef Mark is committed to creating a unique and tasty experience in all his dishes, so you’re definitely in for another treat with his Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict. 

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

Ingredients:

1 8oz. package smoked salmon

Baby arugula

3 tbsp. olive oil

¼ bunch fresh parsley, chopped fine

3 tsp. white balsamic (or white) vinegar

4 slices wheat bread

4 eggs

2 tsp. capers, chopped fine

salt/pepper

1 tbsp. butter, soft

Let’s prepare our components of the benedict:

Fill a small sauce pan with about 4 inches of water and set over medium heat.

Cut the crust off the wheat bread slices to make a perfect square.

Spread the softened butter lightly on one side and set aside.

Open the package of salmon and take out 8 pieces, or enough to cover each piece of toast completely.

Set aside in the fridge until ready to use.

In a shallow bowl, add the olive oil, minced capers, parsley, and a pinch of salt.

Stir to combine and set aside.

Let’s cook:
Check that water is boiling. If it is, turn off the heat. If it is about to (gentle simmer) reduce heat as much
as possible. Add vinegar to the water. Crack an egg into a shallow dish, like a tea-cup. Using a spoon or
spatula, swirl the water in one direction, then add the egg from the shallow dish. We are going to let the
egg poach for about 4 minutes for a runny yolk (3 minutes longer for a tight yolk). Use a slotted spoon to
remove each egg and drain on a paper towel lined plate.
In a sauté pan set over medium heat, add our toast butter side down and let a crust form, about 2 minutes.

Let’s build our benedict. Remove toast from pan and set in the middle of the plate, toasted side down. On
top of that place our salmon in a flat layer. Grab a small bunch of arugula and place on top of the arugula.
Using a spoon, nestle a poached egg in the middle of the arugula. Salt and pepper the egg and arugula, then
spoon the caper oil over the egg and surrounding arugula.
Stand back and take a picture. Serve to Mom with fresh orange juice, the French toast and enjoy!

About Karyn Parsons

About This Episode

It’s our very first cooking episode! That’s right we’re diving in and cooking on the set of Mommy In Chief  to celebrate Moms on Mother’s Day. Instead of taking Mom out to a fancy restaurant this Mother’s Day, we’re demonstrating how to prepare a tasty brunch for her right at home. Chef Mark McLean of Remarkable Cuisine  is showing us all how to make Cereal Crusted French Toast. 

About Chef Mark McLean

Mark McLean is a personal chef and owner of Remarkable Cuisine, LLC.  Remarkable Cuisine is the culmination of Chef Marks 4 years of private chef services and experience in catering over 200  events. Through Remarkable Cuisine, Chef Mark displays his skill set and passion in the kitchen.  ”I am not here to present a standard or ordinary fare that is “good” or a “decent option”. I attack an ingredient, menu, and dish like the rest of things in my life — with a strong knowledge base and hard work that will make that dish shine,” as quoted by Chef Mark on his company’s website.  Chef Mark is committed to creating a unique and tasty experience in all his dishes, so you’re definitely in for a treat with his Cereal Crusted French Toast.

Cereal Crusted French Toast With Berry Compote

Ingredients:

1 Loaf French bread

3 cups cereal, crushed fine

3 dashes cinnamon

3 cups raspberries (or another berry) fresh or frozen

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp. butter

2 eggs

1 cup cream (light if available)

2 cups milk

2 cups water

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 tbsp. vegetable oil

Berry Compote

In a medium saucepan, add half the water and bring to a boil. Stir in the raspberries and sugar and reduce heat. Simmer until berries break and release their juices, about 7 minutes or so. Taste. Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat, taste again and cover to keep warm.

French Toast
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, and add the cream and milk. Mix well, and then sprinkle in the cinnamon.  Add egg/cream mixture to a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, add the ground cereal. Slice load bread on a bias in half inch to inch pieces.

Let’s cook:
Place a sauté pan over medium heat. Add half tbsp. butter and a tbsp. of oil.

Place a slice of bread in the egg mixture, saturating both sides, then in the ground cereal, then to the pan.
Repeat with another piece, but be careful not to crowd the pan. Cook on one side until golden brown,
about 3 minutes, then flip and repeat with the other side. Remove from pan to paper towel lined plate and
place in oven on warm until remaining pieces are finished.

Serve French toast with berry compote drizzled on top and whip cream. Take a picture and enjoy.

About Karyn Parsons

About This Episode

We bring Moms together for the ultimate delivery debate! Natural birth verses a cesarean section also known as a C-section. Some moms-to-be are able to choose their birthing method, some don’t have an option. To ensure a fair and balanced discussion we have Moms who have had vaginal births and moms who have had c-sections to share their birthing experiences with us!

Be sure to share your birthing experiences in our comments section below!

About Our Moms

Taiia Smart Young is the Executive Editor of Juicy magazine. If she isn’t interviewing celebs like Kelly Rowland, Jada Pinkett Smith, Melanie Fiona, The-Dream and Chris Rock, she’s busy being a Mom to her 12 year old son, Shateek. Taiia delivered her son naturally

Chrisandra Wells is a Mom of four. Her children’s ages range from an 11 year old, 8 year old and 4 year old twins. As a Mom Chrisandra is always busy but fully of energy. She is also a freelance plus size model, hair model and makeup artist and is currently pursuing her dreams in fashion.

Karen Sanchez is Mom to two girls, and wife for the past 15 years. She is currently a freelance talent manager in TV production and she also has her own blog.

About Karyn Parsons

About This Episode

If you’re a Mother having problems getting your Baby to latch on when it comes to breastfeeding this bonus episode of Mommy In Chief  is for you. We’ve invited back Doctor Lisette Lugo, to offer advice and resources for Moms who are experiecing complications when it comes to breastfeeding.

About Dr. Lissette Lugo

About This Episode

We are back with a popular topic amongst moms – yes breastfeeding–and its benefits. We invited Doctor Lisette Lugo, founder and managing partner of Every Woman Wellness and obstetric anesthesiologist to clarify the breastfeeding role. Is it truly for every Mom?

About Dr. Lissette Lugo

About This Episode

In our  ’Mommy-to-be’ episode we briefly introduced you to birth doula Bilen Berhanu. Now, to gain better insight into the world of a doula, we have invited Bilen back to breakdown the benefits of having a doula during and after your pregnancy.

About Bilen Berhanu

Bilen Berhanu is a DONA-trained birth doula. Bilen has worked with families throughout New York city and the tri-state area. She has provided preconception consulting, pre-natal, labor, birth and post-partum support. Her practice is centered on a desire to provide pathways to empowered birth. Founded on a philosophy of honoring the wisdom of the body and the birth workers that came before, her approach is very grounded and embodied. For inquiries about services, email doula@bilenberhanu.com

Karyn Parsons is best known as the character “Hilary Banks” on the long-running television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Today she is a wife and mother of two. Parsons is also the Founder and President of the Sweet Blackberry foundation after being inspired by the true tale of a determined slave and the remarkable lengths he travelled to find his freedom.  While growing up, Parsons’ mother, a librarian in the Black Resource Center of a library in South Central Los Angeles, would share stories of African-American accomplishment with her daughter.  A mother and activist, Karyn created Sweet Blackberry to use the power of stories to inspire youth. Follow her on Twitter @Karyn_Parsons.

Want More Mommy In Chief? Watch these episodes:

Season 3

• Episode 1: Mommy-To-Be: Pregnancy In 3 Stages

Season 2

• Episode 1: Are You A Good Enough Mother?
• Episode 2: New Motherhood and Balancing A Busy Work Life
• Episode 3: How to Decorate an Eco-Friendly Baby Nursery
• Episode 4: Foodie, Nicole Friday on Kids and Career
• Episode 5: Melissa Beck, From Hollywood to Stay At Home Mom
• Episode 6: Single Mom in The City
• Episode 7: Mommy Mogul and Marketing Wiz Monique Jackson at Home With Her Boys
• Episode 8: Beauty Maven Jodie Patterson Talks Four-Day Work Week for Moms 
• Episode 9: Tonya Lewis Lee on Motherhood and the Importance of Women’s Health

Season 1

• Episode 1: Back 2 School
• Episode 2: Happy Halloween
• Episode 3: Socially Responsible Kids
• Episode 4: Money Talks
• Episode 5: Keeping Families Healthy
• Episode 6: Thanksgiving Madness
• Episode 7: Highlights and Best Moments
• Episode 8: Stylish Moms
• Episode 9: Best Apps for Moms
• Episode 10: Socialite Kids
• Episode 11: Hair Talk with AfroBella
• Episode 12: Happy New Year!

Welcome to the third season of  Mommy In Chief! This season we’ll be touching upon all things mommy. That includes topics ranging from pregnancy to breast-feeding to adoption, to building your child’s self-esteem. We have a lot in store for Moms and Dads this season, so you don’t want to miss one single episode. Be sure to tune in every Monday for the latest episode of Mommy In Chief.

About This Episode

Moms-to-be, we know you are out there and so we’ve decided to dedicate this episode to helping you prepare for your baby’s arrival! That includes what to expect during your first, second and third trimesters.

About Bilen Berhanu

Bilen Berhanu is a DONA-trained birth doula. Bilen has worked with families throughout New York city and the tri-state area. She has provided preconception consulting, pre-natal, labor, birth and post-partum support. Her practice is centered on a desire to provide pathways to empowered birth. Founded on a philosophy of honoring the wisdom of the body and the birth workers that came before, her approach is very grounded and embodied. For inquiries about services, email doula@bilenberhanu.com

So they weren’t classic films, but I don’t know anybody who doesn’t get excited and drop what they’re doing to watch House Party (the original) and Class Act. The dancing is amazing, the storylines are easy to follow and you can’t say you aren’t fully entertained. These two movies dropped more than 20 years ago and it’s been a while since we’ve seen all the stars that made them must-see films in black homes years ago. Some, well, you know what they’re up to because they’re still doing big things, while others have stayed under the radar. Shall we be nosey and find out their whereabouts? Be prepared to click!

AJ Johnson

Adrienne-Joi Johnson captured everybody’s attention with her yellow spandex jumpsuit and killer dance moves in House Party. Playing Sharane, the cool chick from the hood (no for real, her neighborhood was mad sketch), both Kid and Play battled for her affections for most of the movie, but her finger wave and curl-wearing behind played coy with both fellas cause she had it like that. So where is she nowadays? Out here flexing on folks as a fitness and wellness coach. Check the abs for proof of how that’s working out. After her role in Baby Boy, Johnson did a few TV roles here and there (including hosting the show Flab to Fab), but she’s been more about weight loss and overall health over the past few years, even being a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society.

About This Episode

About Tonya Lewis Lee

Tonya Lewis Lee is established in her own right as a children’s author, activist and Mom to teens, Satchel, 17 and Jackson, 15. She is often described as a quintessential woman who manages a hectic career, which includes being the national spokesperson for “A Healthy Baby Begins with You” campaign, Children’s book author and longtime activist. In 2012, Mrs. Lee re-launched the lifestyle website, HealthyYouNow.com an online community dedicated to providing resources and support as women navigate the challenges of healthy living. d we want to highlight her many projects geared towards the empowerment of women.

As a lawyer turned author and producer, Lee has successfully blended her family with her professional life. She and husband filmmaker Spike Lee co-authored two children’s books “Please Baby Please” and “Please Puppy Please,” which are highly sought after in children’s literature.

About Karyn Parsons

Karyn Parsons is best known as the character “Hilary Banks” on the long-running television show, “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.” Today she is a wife and mother of two. Parsons is also the Founder and President of the Sweet Blackberry foundation after being inspired by the true tale of a determined slave and the remarkable lengths he travelled to find his freedom.  While growing up, Parsons’ mother, a librarian in the Black Resource Center of a library in South Central Los Angeles, would share stories of African-American accomplishment with her daughter.  A mother and activist, Karyn created Sweet Blackberry to use the power of stories to inspire youth. Follow her on Twitter @Karyn_Parsons.

Want More Mommy In Chief? Watch these episodes:

Season 2

• Episode 1: Are You A Good Enough Mother?
• Episode 2: New Motherhood and Balancing A Busy Work Life
• Episode 3: How to Decorate an Eco-Friendly Baby Nursery
• Episode 4: Foodie, Nicole Friday on Kids and Career
• Episode 5: Melissa Beck, From Hollywood to Stay At Home Mom
• Episode 6: Single Mom in The City
• Episode 7: Mommy Mogul and Marketing Wiz Monique Jackson at Home With Her Boys
• Episode 8: Beauty Maven Jodie Patterson Talks Four-Day Work Week for Moms 
• Episode 9: Tonya Lewis Lee on Motherhood and the Importance of Women’s Health

Season 1

• Episode 1: Back 2 School
• Episode 2: Happy Halloween
• Episode 3: Socially Responsible Kids
• Episode 4: Money Talks
• Episode 5: Keeping Families Healthy
• Episode 6: Thanksgiving Madness
• Episode 7: Highlights and Best Moments
• Episode 8: Stylish Moms
• Episode 9: Best Apps for Moms
• Episode 10: Socialite Kids
• Episode 11: Hair Talk with AfroBella
• Episode 12: Happy New Year!