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There is a lot of exciting stuff happening here at Zestuous. Lately, a few food companies have contacted me asking if I would consider preparing dishes with their ingredients. The bonus is that they send me some of their products … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
I’ve officially thrown my apron into the ring. My goal – to become the next World Food Champion. My weapon – the Zestuous courage to try any combination of food. Join me on my journey as I experience trials, failures … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
This is the best summer chicken recipe I’ve ever created. It’s bursting with fresh citrus flavor and is super juicy thanks to the thin pancetta. Pancetta is Italian bacon. It has that bacon-like smokiness we all love and just the … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
I’m so in love with this grilled artichoke recipe, I made it two nights in a row, and I actually gave up my filet mignon to my husband last night just so I could eat his grilled artichoke. I LOVE … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
If you love grilled cheese, you’re going to love The Sunny Fontina. It’s a recipe I created for the “Say Cheese” St. Francis Winery Gourmet Grilled Cheese Contest. To view the recipe, visit St. Francis Winery on Facebook and click … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
This recipe was inspired by one of the craziest, yummiest meals I’ve ever eaten in Las Vegas. After hours of fast-paced cooking at the World Food Championships, a group of us gals were famished. Surprisingly, all we wanted was dinner … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
This versatile recipe can be used for chicken breasts, pork chops, kabobs or even ribs. You prepare the meat with a quick 30-minute marinade in garlic, cherry peppers and green onions. Then, you finish it off with a sweet and … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
Thin spaghetti in a slightly creamy sauce with tangy, rich artichokes and fresh tomatoes. We’re almost settled into our new home. The move has been an adventure. Since we’ve lived apart for so long, we seem to have multiples of … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
After a long deployment and more than a year apart, my husband is finally home for good. He officially retires in a few months and there will be no more lengthy separations…my food taster is back! For his first meal … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
Some mornings I just roll out of bed and have the desire to bake something. And it’s strange. It’s not that I’m craving a certain food. I actually crave the process of creating a recipe and photographing it. Today was … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
This is a fast, easy, tasty recipe that you’re going to want to make over and over again. I’ve made it about four times in the last month because it’s that good. The recipe is a knock-off of my Steak … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
This pound cake is so nice and moist you won’t be able to stop at one slice. It’s slightly sweet with fresh, bright flavors and a subtly sour, crunchy glaze. And because it’s packed full of fruit juice and vitamin … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
The January issue of Bon Appétit Magazine shared the secret to making the perfect plate of nachos. I usually pile chips and cheese on a plate and throw it in the microwave, but Andrew Knowlton shared his five rules for … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
Don’t be afraid to try the unexpected. One day, I was really craving tacos. Not Taco Bell tacos, but real heart and soul authentic tacos. Usually, it’s easy to find a taco truck in east Las Vegas, but this specific … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
Today is a day for giving. It’s my father-in-law’s birthday, so I’ve got a few goodies for him…and it’s giveaway time for one lucky Zestie! I’ve been an affiliate for Williams-Sonoma #CooksNetwork for a while now, and this week they … Continue reading »Rating: 0.0/5 (0 votes cast)
The crouton is tired of being the sidekick to the tangy Caesar salad. He’s decided to become the star in this Grilled Caesar Sandwich. You could get really creative with the bread on this and season it up a lot … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (2 votes cast)
You will wow your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day with this step-by-step 30-minute recipe perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Sure it’s nice to go out and be waited on, but those fancy dinners can add up, and they’re not … Continue reading »Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)
After 20 years of moving around with the Army, my hubby is retiring. That’s great news, but it means it’s time to consolidate all of the furniture finds we’ve had throughout our marriage. We have a mix of 1950-era Louis … Continue reading »
Why did the chicken and the pig cross the road? So they could come to my house, jump into my slow cooker and introduce the world to a BLT and chicken salad combo. I’m happy to announce that I’m back. … Continue reading »
I started 2013 out right … eating dessert first. We had the traditional black eyed peas and fried cabbage, but before all of that, I had a slice of this Lemon Cream Cheese Pound Cake. It’s dense, creamy, a little … Continue reading »
This was an experiment that tastes great. I just needed my better pancake pan. Happy New Year everyone. I hope your 2013 is everything you dream it will be. Mine has already started out perfect. My husband is home from … Continue reading »
This tender pork rolled with bright herbs is only made better with a side of citrus gravy. When I mixed the pan drippings with orange juice, lemon juice and cream, I had no idea it would end up this tasty. … Continue reading »
Nothing says Christmas like candy canes. This simple syrup amps up the holiday favorite for adults. It’s best mixed with vodka, rum or gin. PrintCandy Cane Simple Syrup Yield: 16 ouncesServing Size: 1 ounce per cocktail 1 ½ cups sugar … Continue reading »
This simple syrup has beautiful, subtle flavors of the season and makes great martinis. It’s best served with gin or vodka. PrintPear-Ginger Simple Syrup Yield: 16 ouncesServing Size: 1 ounce per cocktail 1 ½ cups, plus 1 T. sugar 1 … Continue reading »
Don’t let the spices in this syrup turn you off. The mild flavor of sage brings all the flavors together and takes the bite out of bourbon. With this syrup, you can make mock-eggnog in an instant. It’s great with … Continue reading »
Simple syrups make holiday cocktails…simple. When our family gets together for the holidays, we spend so much time on the meal that we sometimes forget about the drinks. Well, we don’t totally forget. There will be a moment when we … Continue reading »
This refreshing simple syrup, with its vibrant red color, just screams happy holidays. It’s great with rum, vodka or even mixed with a sweet white wine like prosecco or moscato. PrintCranberry-Orange Simple Syrup Yield: 16 ouncesServing Size: 1 ounce per … Continue reading »
For this Vegas girl, lemonade season is in the winter. Sure I enjoy a refreshing glass when temps top 100 degrees, but my Meyer lemon tree doesn’t produce its beautiful golden fruit until December. December 1st to be exact. I … Continue reading »
My family loves to gather in the kitchen, and we really love to snack. The moment the first guest walks in the door, they’re looking for mom’s cream cheese and salsa. From Wednesday morning when we start prepping Thanksgiving dinner … Continue reading »
Although this is a blog, I don’t usually share too much personal information on this site. I try to add a little whimsy and a back story to my recipes, but other than that, I am kind of a private … Continue reading »
This weekend, I learned that being a celebrity foodie isn’t as easy as it appears. I had the honor of competing with Ally Philips in the World Food Championships in Las Vegas, hosted by Adam Richman. Adam’s a huge star … Continue reading »
For years I’ve been trying to find the perfect oatmeal cookie recipe. They’re my husband’s favorite. But I’ve never been able to make them soft and chewy like the kind you can buy at Subway. He loves those cookies, but … Continue reading »
Every fall, when I lived in Kansas, my dear neighbor Carol would bring over a batch of her homemade apple muffins. They were so good because they only had a hint of sweetness, accentuating the fresh apples and oats. She … Continue reading »
Here’s a little something I whipped up when my parents visited over the weekend. It’s very simple and can be popped in the oven when everyone is up and ready to eat. Be creative with your toppings. I used mushroom … Continue reading »
How many times have you heard, “I’ll be home from work in 30 minutes?” You have dinner ready, timed it perfectly, and he doesn’t walk in the door for another 2 hours. I have to admit, with my husband deployed, … Continue reading »
Let me start by letting you know, that I’m not really a fan of veal. I love it on gyros and at a great Greek restaurant in Belgium, but other than that, not a super fan. But I wanted to … Continue reading »
Fall is here, which means tis the season for my favorite pie – PUMPKIN! But pumpkin pie doesn’t just have to be for dessert. Over the summer, I used King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls to make Blueberry French Toast. I used … Continue reading »
A fork-tender pork loin cooked in a Crock-Pot atop a bed of potatoes, beets and bacon. Less than 400 calories per serving. 9 Weight Watchers Points. Oh how I’ve missed cooking and blogging. I’ve been busy lately because we’re buying … Continue reading »
Add a little zest to your breakfast with green chiles, corn tortillas and melted cheese. Ready in less than 3 minutes and under 200 calories. I’ve started a new job, and with it comes a 30-45-minute commute. I am not … Continue reading »
An Italian classic with smoky, salty bacon, garlic and whole wheat pasta in a subtle creamy, cheese sauce ~ and it’s less than 350 calories per serving. I love chopped salads. When I eat, I don’t want to have to … Continue reading »
This fall dish combines chicken breasts and earthy mushrooms with nutty rice all in a surprisingly delicious pumpkin gravy. You would never know it from the deep, brothy, umami flavors, but it’s less than 350 calories per serving. I love … Continue reading »
The secret to this salad is hominy because it gives this dish an earthy flavor like corn tortillas. With Zestuous flavors like poblano peppers, sweet crunchy apples, pumpkin seeds and a cumin vinaigrette, this salad is fresh, fulfilling and under … Continue reading »
I’m moving across the country in a few days, and my coworkers have expressed their concerns. You see, at least once a week, I have been bringing goodies into the office. With my husband deployed, I have had to enlist … Continue reading »
Great Filipino adobo takes hours to cook, but since I’m short on time, this omelet is a shortcut recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes. I’m packing up the house and moving back to Las Vegas. Soon, … Continue reading »
Get ready for three layers of chocolate, buttery ecstasy. There have been a couple of occasions over the past few months when I’ve turned to my foodie friends for a chocolate fix. Part of it is due to the fact … Continue reading »
Skip the fattening ranch dressing; this summer salad is full of creaminess brought to you courtesy of fresh avocados. Lately, my recipes have been packed with carbs: Blueberry French Toast, Super Creamy Mac-n-Cheese, Lemon Meringue French Toast. It was time … Continue reading »
What happens when you combine a blueberry-filled donut, monkey bread and French toast? A sweet, crunchy breakfast bite that’ll make any sleepyhead jump out of bed. I don’t know why I have a fascination for French toast. I wake up … Continue reading »
Fresh ingredients simmered down in one pot create an earthy, creamy broth that will make any sick family member feel better. I am one of those folks who never want to get the flu shot. In fact, I’ve only had … Continue reading »
I just downed a dozen coconut shrimp, and I don’t have one bit of guilt because they were grilled with this sweet, salty Orange Coconut Salt. The only regret I do have is that I didn’t grill more. I love … Continue reading »
This lemony recipe will bring summer sunshine to your next Sunday brunch. It’s made with sweet bread, a bitter lemon glaze and sweet, sticky meringue. In my best French accent, I call it “citron meringuée pain perdu,” but more simply … Continue reading »
