The Meaning of Zestuous
Zestuous is a combination of fire, spice and excitement wrapped up into food that is sensuous, sumptuous and voluptuous. The recipes on this blog combine complex, attention-grabbing flavors that I’ve tasted from around the world. Each recipe includes easy-to-follow, step-by-step photos, so anyone can make these dishes at home.
I’ve been lucky in life. I’ve traveled 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 Las Vegas, and I’ve devoured good ol’ southern cooking throughout the U.S. Everywhere I’ve traveled has influenced my palate and allowed me to add new zest to my recipes.
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.
Through this blog, I share my classic recipes and new experiments, so you, too, can add a little Zestuous to your life.
~Bon appétit

Christie Vanover
Recipe Developer
Food Writer
Food Competitor
Web Designer
Graphic Designer
Photographer
In addition to traveling the world as an Army wife, I love to hop in the RV and take weekend adventures where I cook on an open campfire under the stars.
- 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
- Bahamas
- Belgium
- Belize
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- France
- Germany
- Haiti
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- North Korea
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Lucia
- Saint-Martin
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- United States
- United States Virgin Islands
- Vatican City
My love of food influences every part of my life:
- I love to grill, and I help other women feel comfortable over an open flame with grilling tips and recipes at #GirlsCanGrill.
- I live in Las Vegas and love the food scene here. I tweet about food news and events for tourists and locals @FoodVegas.
- I am a food competitor and part of team Viva Las Burger. Together, Julie Hession and I are on a mission to build the world’s best burger.
- I design websites and graphics for other foodies and chefs including Ben Vaughn, Dr. BBQ and Sandwich America.
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