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Christine Van Bloem Chef/Teacher

Hi! I’m Christine, and I’m super stoked to be cooking, writing, and helping everyone sink into to a better life. If you’re looking for healthier recipes for one and two, or want to add more delightful cocktails into your repertoire, you’re in the right place.

My philosophy is simple:

It’s a meal, not a mortgage.

Real food is the most important factor in good cooking.

If you’re going to drink, drink in moderation and always drink the good stuff.

I’ve been teaching cooking for a long, long time, and I am still excited to cook, teach, and share with you. If you’ve got a question, I’ll work hard to give you an answer so that you’re better and more confident in the kitchen. Hey, it’s a meal not a mortgage, so there’s nothing to Stress about and only fun to be had.

With a heart attack in 2020, loss of my brick & mortar cooking school business of 15 years, broken bones, and even my husband having a Stroke, and all within just a couple of months, I've been through it! BUT, I’m a lucky gal with endless support and a deep gratitude for everything that I do have. It’s not always easy, but I’m working to make sure that it stays fun.

Post heart attack, I’m reforming my butter-loving, heavy cream worshiping ways by making changes to how I cook, taking things in a healthier direction, without doing a complete 180 and still keeping things flavorful and delightful. The key here is healthier. I’m not afraid of butter, but I’m using a touch instead of stick. A tablespoon or two of cream or half-and-half, not a cup, and so on and so forth. And now that the kids are grown and living lives on their own, I’m re-learning how to cook for two.

Recent Content

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Butter Makes Everything Better &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Butter Makes Everything Better

Let's dive into butter—the best ingredient to elevate your baking game. We'll explore why different types of butter vary in price and quality, talk about making your own butter, including …

Let's dive into…

Let's dive into butter—the best ingredient to elevate your baking game. We'll explore why different types of butter vary in price and quality, talk about making your own butter, including cultured butter, and discuss practical tips for using butter in holiday baking. Perfect for anyone prepping for a festive baking spree, tune in to understand how to choose and use butter to its fullest potential.00:00 Introduction to Butter's Magic01:00 Holiday Baking and Butter Choices01:38 Understanding Different Types of Butter03:11 Making Homemade Butter05:54 Cultured Butter: A Fancy Twis…

Listen · 17:33
Thriving As A Hyperlocal Blogger With Pam Stultz &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Thriving as a Hyperlocal Blogger with Pam Stultz

In this episode, I'm talking with Pam Stultz from Housewives of Frederick County. Pam shares her journey from starting a fun blog with her twin sister to becoming a content creator focusing on lo…

In this episode, I&a…

In this episode, I'm talking with Pam Stultz from Housewives of Frederick County. Pam shares her journey from starting a fun blog with her twin sister to becoming a content creator focusing on local events, restaurants, and Lifestyle topics in Frederick, Maryland. As a recent Empty Nester, Pam discusses how her blog has been a lifesaver during this transition, while also detailing her strategies for community engagement and monetization. The conversation covers the importance of creating a website, building an email list, and focusing on content that resonates with the audience. Pam offer…

Listen · 29:25
Thanksgiving At The Cottage &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Thanksgiving at the Cottage

Growing up, our Thanksgiving was truly unique, and in this episode, I'm sharing memorable Thanksgiving traditions at "the cottage". Whether cooking for 40-60 people (or really just washing the di…

Growing up, our Than…

Growing up, our Thanksgiving was truly unique, and in this episode, I'm sharing memorable Thanksgiving traditions at "the cottage". Whether cooking for 40-60 people (or really just washing the dishes), and eating in shifts, we'll talk about Kluski noodles, baked corn, and Aunt Margie's cheesecake, and how these traditions shaped my perspective on family holidays.  Follow Christine Van Bloem on Instagram @theemptynestkitchen and on Facebook @emptynestkitchen Learn more about Menopause Meal Plans Sign up for my FREE 10 Essential Tools for the Empty Nest Kitchen

Listen · 16:16
Thanksgiving Traditions: Balancing Classics And Creativity &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Thanksgiving Traditions: Balancing Classics and Creativity

Join me as I share expert tips for hosting a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It can be done! With over 25 years of culinary experience, I've got your back when it comes to sticking to tr…

Join me as I share e…

Join me as I share expert tips for hosting a stress-free and enjoyable Thanksgiving. It can be done! With over 25 years of culinary experience, I've got your back when it comes to sticking to traditional dishes while finding ways to keep the cooking experience fresh and exciting. You'll find practical advice on planning, delegating tasks, and accommodating dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone leaves the dinner table fat and happy. Tune in for my favorite strategies that balance beloved holiday staples with creative twists, making your Thanksgiving a culinary success!00:00 Introdu…

Listen · 21:26
Finding Financial Confidence With Jane Helm Of Money Mentor Group &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Finding Financial Confidence with Jane Helm of Money Mentor Group

I'm joined by Jane Helm, founder of Money Mentor Group. We're talking about the taboo surrounding money conversations in many households and Jane's journey from financial struggle to fi…

I'm joined by J…

I'm joined by Jane Helm, founder of Money Mentor Group. We're talking about the taboo surrounding money conversations in many households and Jane's journey from financial struggle to financial confidence. Jane details her nine years of experience helping clients achieve financial calm and confidence, the psychological and emotional aspects of money management, and the importance of understanding both mindset and mechanics in handling finances. We also touch on the challenges of credit card debt, the temptation of modern shopping habits, and tips for empty nesters re-evaluating t…

Listen · 28:01
Adventures In A Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life On The Road With Meredith Mcadam &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Adventures in a Fifth Wheel: Exploring Life on the Road with Meredith McAdam

Join us this week as we delve into the extraordinary life of Meredith McAdam, a psychotherapist who has traded a conventional home for a life on the road. Meredith and her husband live and work from a…

Join us this week as…

Join us this week as we delve into the extraordinary life of Meredith McAdam, a psychotherapist who has traded a conventional home for a life on the road. Meredith and her husband live and work from a 43-foot fifth wheel trailer, traveling across the United States. Meredith shares their journey of transitioning to this unique lifestyle, including their Travel logistics, day-to-day living in a mobile home, and how they maintain their professional work remotely. We also explore her career as a psychotherapist, the challenges, and rewards of working with diverse clients, and her passion for helpi…

Listen · 29:40
How To Start A Supper Club &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
How to Start a Supper Club

Want to start a supper club? You'll want to know the tips and tricks to make your club a success! In this episode we'll talk about starting and thriving in a supper club, detailing how you c…

Want to start a supp…

Want to start a supper club? You'll want to know the tips and tricks to make your club a success! In this episode we'll talk about starting and thriving in a supper club, detailing how you can enhance their social lives through these well-organized gatherings. From selecting the right mix of attendees, managing group dynamics, deciding event themes, coordinating responsibilities, and handling practical aspects like portions and drink options, this episode gives you all the info you need to start your own awesome supper club. 00:00 Introduction to Supper Clubs00:54 The Birth of Our …

Listen · 18:10
Vintage Vibes With Mindy Cawley Of Vintage Mc &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Vintage Vibes with Mindy Cawley of Vintage MC

This week, Christine sits down with Mindy Cawley, the owner of Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. They discuss Mindy's journey from farm life to running a successful vintage shop specializing in …

This week, Christine…

This week, Christine sits down with Mindy Cawley, the owner of Vintage MC in Frederick, Maryland. They discuss Mindy's journey from farm life to running a successful vintage shop specializing in mid-century modern furniture and retro items. They explore the vibrant local support for Small Businesses in Frederick, thanks to initiatives like the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the Main Street Program. Mindy highlights the thrill of community events such as the 'Sailing Through the Winter Solstice' fundraiser, where decorated boats, including her own 'Dancing Queen 2.0,&apo…

Listen · 47:04
Holistic Wellness Strategies With Dawn Mcgee &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Holistic Wellness Strategies with Dawn McGee

I'm talking with Dawn McGee, a wellness strategist and nutrition expert, covering a broad spectrum of health and wellness topics. Dawn shares her approach to nutrition, the significance of lifest…

I'm talking wit…

I'm talking with Dawn McGee, a wellness strategist and nutrition expert, covering a broad spectrum of health and wellness topics. Dawn shares her approach to nutrition, the significance of lifestyle transitions, and the holistic management of health through nutrition, movement, hydration, Sleep, and stress. We'll also discuss culinary medicine and the importance of having a strong 'why' and the idea of 1% changes towards lasting health benefits. 00:00 Introduction and Menopause Meal Plans00:57 Guest Introduction: Dawn McGee01:28 Dawn's Role as a Wellness Strategist02:…

Listen · 30:14
Jennifer Gerlock Pursues It All &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Jennifer Gerlock Pursues It All

In this episode, Christine hosts her friend Jen Gerlock from Pursuit of it All, discussing Jen's recent life transitions. Jen shares her story of leaving a high-pressure job to prioritize her hea…

In this episode, Chr…

In this episode, Christine hosts her friend Jen Gerlock from Pursuit of it All, discussing Jen's recent life transitions. Jen shares her story of leaving a high-pressure job to prioritize her health and personal happiness, and how she now dives deep into new challenges and adventures. We talk about the courage it takes to break free from societal expectations, especially for women in their 50s, and to really live authentically. 00:00 Introduction and Founding Menopause Meal Plans Member Invitation00:46 Welcoming Jen Gerlock02:08 Pursuit of It All: The Journey Begins03:12 Balancing Passion…

Listen · 48:54
The Secrets Of Evoo With Sharon Streb Of Olive &Amp; Basket &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
The Secrets of EVOO with Sharon Streb of Olive & Basket

I'm talking to Sharon Streb of Olive Basket to explore the intricacies of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, including their production processes and health benefits. Sharon also touches on he…

I'm talking to …

I'm talking to Sharon Streb of Olive Basket to explore the intricacies of high-quality olive oils and vinegars, including their production processes and health benefits. Sharon also touches on her adventure in Italy and her decision to open a store focused on high-quality, small-batch products, many from women-owned companies. We get into the sensory analysis of olive oil, the importance of proper storage, and the specifics of infused oils. You'll find tips on how to use these products in cooking, highlighting a special beurre blanc recipe made with Olive Basket's garden herb v…

Listen · 41:39
Culinary Medicine And The Magical Mediterranean Diet: A Journey Towards Menopause Wellness &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Culinary Medicine and the Magical Mediterranean Diet: A Journey Towards Menopause Wellness

In this episode, I'm talking about a culinary medicine class I recently completed, offered by George Washington University and my local community college. The class, designed specifically for foo…

In this episode, I&a…

In this episode, I'm talking about a culinary medicine class I recently completed, offered by George Washington University and my local community college. The class, designed specifically for food service professionals, emphasized the importance of health and Diet, particularly through the lens of the Mediterranean diet. As a heart attack survivor, we get into the deeper dive into the diet's benefits, including its potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms. I'll also fill you in on a new offering—Menopause Meal Plans—featuring curated recipes, shopping lists, and a private…

Listen · 25:21
Creating A Life Sabbatical With Elizabeth Cromwell &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Creating a Life Sabbatical with Elizabeth Cromwell

Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and b…

Elizabeth Cromwell c…

Elizabeth Cromwell chats about her adventurous sabbatical after moving from Maryland to San Francisco, sharing her journey through various life changes, including her professional path, divorce, and becoming an empty nester. Creating her own life sabbatical gave her the structure to travel across Italy, the US, and Martha's Vineyard, among other places, emphasizing the value of decompression, self-discovery, and living into new experiences. Elizabeth provides practical advice for women looking to undertake their own life sabbatical, underlining the importance of being intentional and seek…

Listen · 33:55
Get Into Reformer Pilates With Dawn Conine &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Get Into Reformer Pilates with Dawn Conine

Exploring Pilates with Dawn ConineThis week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with R…

Exploring Pilates wi…

Exploring Pilates with Dawn ConineThis week, Christine hosts Dawn Conine, the lead instructor at Club Pilates in Frederick and Germantown, Maryland. Christine and Dawn discuss their experiences with Reformer Pilates, touching upon its history, the equipment used, and its benefits for strength, flexibility, and balance. Dawn also shares her personal fitness journey from competitive aerobics to becoming a Pilates instructor. Take a listen!00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:42 What is Reformer Pilates?03:31 Benefits of Pilates for All Ages05:08 Levels and Equipment in Pilates09:01 Dawn's…

Listen · 38:30
Let'S Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, And Mentorship With Sandy Dubay Of Ppr Strategies &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Let's Talk Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, and Mentorship with Sandy Dubay of PPR Strategies

Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused o…

Kick off season two …

Kick off season two with a conversation with literal ray of Sunshine, Sandy Dubay, the bright and shiny founder of PPR Strategies. We'll talk about the intricacies of running a business focused on economic development, workforce development, and tourism. Sandy shares her journey of building her company, the joys and challenges of managing a team, and the importance of mentorship and supporting younger generations. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes, tips for aspiring empty nest entrepreneurs, and inspiring stories about the dedication of those working in economic development. A…

Listen · 45:13
Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies &Amp; Tv Shows Perfect For Summer (Season Finale) &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Savoring Stories: Food-Themed Movies & TV Shows Perfect for Summer (Season Finale)

Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest da…

Let's talk abou…

Let's talk about favorite food-themed movies and TV shows, emphasizing the romance and inspiration found within the food world. Summer is the perfect time to draw the curtains on the steamiest day, drop the temperature of the ac to just above polar, make yourself the very tastiest summer snack, and watch really great food movies & tv. Enjoy this guide and get inspired to cook this summer!Find Christine at:FB: @emptynestkitchenIG: @TheEmptyNestKitchenWeb: EmptyNestKitchen.com

Listen · 29:45
Getting Out Of Your Own Way With Lauraaura &Raquo; Thnskrafipon14Lhcsysf17Qd2S0
Getting Out of Your Own Way with LauraAura

After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today…

After navigating a s…

After navigating a successful 16-year run with her branding agency, LauraAura found herself at a crossroads during the challenges of COVID-19. Our meeting at an online workshop set the stage for today's conversation, where Laura shares the emotional journey of letting go of her team and rediscovering what truly fulfills her. Together, we unpack the resilience and self-reflection required to face major career shifts and how Laura's path led her to become an inspiring coach for women seeking more out of life.Ever wonder how embracing your authentic self could transform your life? We di…

Listen · 48:45

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