The Meaning of Zestuous
Zestuous is a strange word, I know. Maybe I can get it added to the dictionary someday. I suppose its literal translation would be something that is inclined to have an enjoyable quality.
But I challenge you. Say the word out loud three times…
Zestuous
Zestuous
Zestuous
…well? What emotions come to mind?
For me, when I think of zest, I think of fire, spice, flavor and excitement. The –uous ending makes me think of words like sensuous, sumptuous and voluptuous.
Zestuous is simply a harmony of bold flavor with subtle elegance that tickles your senses. When I cook, I like to create foods that make people say wow. The only way I know how to do that is by creating a combination of Zestuous flavors and simple sophistication.
I’ve been lucky in life. I’ve been able to travel the world as an Army wife. I’ve been to 44 of the 50 states and to 26 countries. I’ve eaten unique delicacies in Korea, I’ve taken culinary classes at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and I’ve devoured good ol’ southern cooking throughout the U.S. Everywhere I’ve traveled has influenced my style and allowed me to add new zest to my recipes. However, no matter how great the recipe and how exciting the back story, a dish is nothing without presentation. Remember, to be Zestuous, it’s gotta be sumptuous.
Through this blog, I’ll share my classic recipes and new experiments, so you too can add a little Zestuous to your life.
The Chef ~ Christie
I have two passions in life ~ communicating and cooking. For years, I managed public affairs for the Army. But now, I am a Park Ranger. Yep, I’m a certifiable Smokey the Bear, flat hat-wearing Park Ranger. I am the Public Affairs Officer for Lake Mead National Recreation Area–the National Park Service’s largest national recreation area and the largest man-made reservoir in America thanks to the Hoover Dam.
At night and on weekends, I’m forever in the kitchen. It’s where I turn to relieve the stresses of everyday life. I love to cook and bake, and I especially love to experiment. Someday I would love to attend both the Cuisine and Pâtisserie programs at Le Cordon Bleu. Until that time, I have fun doing things my own way as a home cook.
~Bon appétit
States I’ve traveled to
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Countries I’ve traveled to
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Lucia
- Saint-Martin
- United States
- United States Virgin Islands
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
- Vatican City
- Japan
- North Korea
- South Korea
About,
6 comments
1 ping
Liz says:
February 19, 2013 at 08:25 (UTC -7)
WOW you have such pretty blue eyes!!
Jill says:
March 12, 2012 at 12:42 (UTC -7)
Never mind. Found it…Top left corner. Hooray!
Jill says:
March 12, 2012 at 12:40 (UTC -7)
I’m with MommaMary. How can I get your blog via RSS? I love your recipes and photos. Brava!!
MommaMary says:
February 6, 2012 at 11:25 (UTC -7)
How can I receive your blog via email? I looked for a spot but must have overlooked it. Thanks
Michele says:
July 2, 2011 at 20:18 (UTC -7)
Yes indeed! I totally agree!
Kimby says:
June 9, 2011 at 22:03 (UTC -7)
I already like your blog and I haven’t even read a post — !!! Great philosophy, great word: zestuous! My definition? Flavorful/joyful!
Zestuous Returns to #KitchenSinkRadio on 3/7 at 11 pm EST on Toginet.com | Basilmomma says:
March 7, 2013 at 14:03 (UTC -7)
[...] Christie Vanover the genius behind the food+more site Zestuous.com is returning to ATKSRadio tonight at 11 pm EST on Toginet.com and with her she is bringing an arsenal of recipes, tips and fun [...]