Welcome to my stories…
Are you ready to hop on the Zabelicious fun wheel? What is Zabelicious, you ask? Delicious. Unstoppable. Unpredictable. I like to mix it up in the kitchen.
I rarely follow recipes. I prefer to improvise. The result is usually Zabelicious. I look forward to sharing those creations and inspiring stories from the heart of the Midwest. Discover the art of journaling through my coaching tips and tools. Hop on the fun wheel and buckle up. I hope you enjoy the ride and visit Zabelicious Life often.
It’s a Zabelicious Life!
I'm Janine, a modern mom who wears many hats: journalist, life coach, wife, and entrepreneur. I'm also a connector, explorer, and storyteller at heart.
Zabelicious Life is an online lifestyle magazine dedicated to nourishing the soul and feeding the spirit through stories and recipes.
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Healthy Shamrock Shake
Looking for a shamrock shake that’s healthy and tastes good? I’ve got you covered. Get the recipe to please even the littlest leprechauns for St. Patrick’s Day.
Grandma's Potato Salad
Picnic season is finally here! I’m craving Grandma’s famous potato salad. No family reunion is complete without it. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a crowd pleaser.
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken Cacciatore is an Italian dish with a rich history, that’s evolved into a modern day classic, with endless possibilities. Join me in the kitchen as I share my version of this family favorite recipe.
Shrimp Corn Chowder
Craving an easy one-pot meal to serve at your next gathering? Shrimp corn chowder is a family favorite and one of my most requested recipes.
Grandpa's Stuffing
Grandpa’s stuffing is a family tradition every Thanksgiving. Mix it up the day before to save time. Save some for breakfast the next day. We’ve got a recipe for that too!
Grandma's Pumpkin Bread
Baking Grandma’s pumpkin bread stirs up sweet memories of cinnamon and Christmas. I’m sharing her recipe, along with links to a few other family recipes and traditions from her kitchen.
Apple Crisp
My homemade apple crisp is a family favorite year ‘round and a Thanksgiving tradition. Be sure to have ice cream on hand, before you start whipping up this recipe!
Chicken Chili
As the temperatures drop, my family craves a piping hot bowl of chili for the BIG game. How about you? Get the recipe that’s healthy and hearty with chicken instead of beef, and a spice that might surprise you.
Butternut Squash Soup
Come in from the cold and warm up with a steaming bowl of butternut squash soup. A fall favorite in our family that’s satisfying enough to serve as your main meal, or an appetizer. Get the easy recipe that’s as good for you, as it tastes.
Fall Vibes
Feeling the fall vibes and searching for fun things to do? I’m sharing some of my favorite autumn traditions and recipes to help you make the most of the season before it’s over.
Berry Smoothie
Berry smoothies are a crowd pleaser at our house and a great way to sneak in your vitamins! Join me in the kitchen as we share the easy recipe with time saving tips to jumpstart your day!
Ham and Bean Soup
Stuck with too much leftover ham from your Easter dinner? Save that bone for ham and bean soup! I’m sharing an old family recipe that’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty with a little kick!
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Looking for a dessert that can double as breakfast? Carrot cake cupcakes are the perfect solution. Serve these decadent, yet gluten free treats for birthdays, brunch and of course Easter. It might be the only way to get your kids to eat their carrots.
Wild Rice Frittata
Tired of the same old cheese omelette? Mix it up in the kitchen and serve this scrumptious Wild Rice Frittata for any meal. Grab your whisk, collect your eggs and let’s get cracking!
Wild Rice Chicken Soup
Come in from the cold and warm up with a piping hot bowl of wild rice chicken soup. Whether you like yours creamy or clear, we’ve got you covered. Plus, a few facts about wild rice, that might surprise you.
Italian Soup
Take the chill out of winter by serving up a hearty Italian soup. Last night, I whipped up an easy meatless version with tortellini. It’s a great way to use up leftovers. Discover several variations to please any palate in my latest post.
Shortbread Cookies
It wouldn’t be Christmas at our house without baking a batch or two of shortbread cookies. I’m sharing two versions of the recipe in this post, one for the chocolate lovers and another for a more traditional scotch scone taste!
Sea Salt Chocolate Caramel Cookies
Nothing says, “Merry Christmas,” like the combination of chocolate, caramel and sea salt. This cookie simply melts in your mouth. Whip up a batch of this elf approved treat in just a few minutes.
Santa's Giant Ginger Cookies
Are you ready for Santa? Don’t forget to bake his favorite giant ginger cookies. It’s a family recipe that’s become part of our “Night Before Christmas” tradition. I can almost guarantee your stockings will be filled, if you leave him a plate of these!