Welcome to my kitchen!
Pull up a chair, grab a slice of cake, and let's chat.
Being a mom, wife, business owner, and everything else...I'm right there with you looking for yummy, easy, and nutritious meals that my family enjoys.
From newbie home cooks to professional chefs, limited budgets to unlimited budgets, cooking for 2 or cooking for 12...you are sure to find great recipes, ideas, and tutorials to help you enjoy cooking just a little more!
Even a simple recipe for a make-ahead breakfast can make a huge difference to your day: forget morning stress, farewell cranky kids, and hello super-energy & productivity! Think about how much good little changes can do for you in the kitchen...
Somewhere along the way, we forgot that meals have a simple job...feeding our bellies.
It's time to reconnect with meals that are simple and satisfying, getting back to the process of creating meals that we enjoy. This doesn't require a chef, Pinterest-worthy meals, or even hours of time. Food should feed our bellies and our souls. You don't have to be a chef or have a silver spoon to accomplish that.
In our kitchens, we shouldn't ever feel stressed, insecure or worried about what to cook.
At NellieBellie, we are constantly sharing tips and tricks to make practicing easier, fun, and judgement-free. We believe the key to learning new cooking skills lies in enjoying the process more than the outcome.
Feed Your Family Love... Not Stress!
Hey, I'm Janel!
My husband, two kids, and two spoiled rescue dogs are my world. Wine, food, and entertaining are some of my favorite things to do. Pretty much in that order.
Each day, I try to get myself dressed and to work like a proper business person. Most often, I'll be curled up on the couch with my laptop and Say Yes to the Dress playing on my TV, and a cup of coffee (one of many!) sitting on the coffee table. In fact, it's the same coffee table I warn my family not to use because it's on the beautiful white rug. What a hypocrite!
My role as the oldest of ten children makes me a very bossy individual. The thing is, I am generally right (I know when to pick a fight and that is the key to seeming super smart). I have a rule at home where the oldest member of the family never gives up his or her seat. In other words, I'm always able to sit at family gatherings comfortably while my younger siblings (my oldest is older than my youngest.) often occupy the floor.
Janel's Expertise & Accomplishments:
I've finished my Professional Cooking Fundamentals coursework in Sur La Table Culinary Institute. I've been featured on many websites, magazines, and brands throughout the last 12 years. Some include Better Homes and Gardens, Woman's Day, Cottages and Bungalows, Country Living, Reader's Digest, and many more. I was also a Stillwater Gazette Columnist for 1.5 years, have spoken at multiple conferences, hosted local events, taught classes for Pinners Conference, and much much more...
Author of:
Spices, Sauces, & Condiments, Slow Cooker Essentials, and Creative Gift Ideas: 52 Unique Gift Sets
Find me on: Instagram. Facebook. TikTok. Pinterest. Youtube.
I believe homemade food can be easy, comforting, and family-friendly and I'm here to help!
Your Stories
We are proud to be a part of your success!
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Wondering how to stock your kitchen?
Check out what's In Nellie Bellie's Cupboard, and learn how to stock your kitchen with the tools, staples and necessities that'll make you a successful cook.
Community Sponsorships:
At NellieBellie, we know that there is power in community, which is why we have committed to sponsoring small local businesses and other creative entrepreneurs.
We want to make a meaningful impact in our local community and understand that we all should give back somehow. By donating to support and sponsor local businesses we are doing just that!
Past Sponsorships/Donations include:
Valley Outreach Vibrant Event
Colin Bracewell U 0f M Appearance
Beezwax U of M Appearance
Valley Outreach Auction
Hay Lake Beer Tasting (Washington County Historic Society)
Frequently Asked Questions
For the Novice Cook Who Isn't Sure Where to Get Started
We have answers for you!
Where should I start?
→ Check out the Kitchen-Reference guide to learn the definitions of various kitchen terms (like what the heck is folding?), what pan to use if you don't have the one you need, and even how many tablespoons in a cup...etc.
→ Check out In NellieBellie's Cupboard for my list of essential kitchen supplies and the quick link to my favorites!
→ Don't miss the Learn to Cook section.
→ And for SURE don't miss the 5 Ingredients or Less Section. Those recipes are guaranteed to help you gain confidence in the kitchen fast!
Do I have to be experienced to cook your recipes?
No way! We believe that home cooks of all levels should feel confident and supported in their cooking journey." — that includes you! We just ask that you follow the directions, have fun, and watch for the tips and tutorials that we've included for novice cooks. I think our Short-Cut Cooking recipes are the perfect place for you to start looking for new recipes. And don't miss the Learn to Cook section as the perfect starting place for learning new skills!
Are there any tools you recommend I have in my kitchen before I get started?
A large mixing bowl, whisk, chef's knife, baking sheet, and skillet should get you started on most recipes. As you do more cooking & baking you'll find yourself building on the basic supplies you need to. In fact, check out my essential supplies list for a tiny kitchen. This list was created when we were renting and I had to condense my supplies down a TON. This list will give you a great place to start as well as tell you how you can multi-purpose several tools, if needed.
To learn more about the tools and supplies I keep on hand in my own current kitchen, check out what's In the NellieBellie Cupboard for links and info.
How do you stock your pantry to be ready to cook any meal?
You'll want to keep some basic baking and cooking ingredients on hand. Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, oil, salt, pepper, bouillon, pasta or rice, and canned beans are some items most people find useful. As you start using recipes you'll learn more of what ingredients would be helpful to keep in your pantry.
If you want to learn more now, check out what I keep stocked In the NellieBellie Cupboard.
Do you have recipes for special diets? Where can I find them?
We have LOTS of recipes for Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free diets. On the recipe index page we have an easy button to sort via diet. You'll find lots of great recipes!
Our Mission
In our company, we aim to make home cooks happy by providing them with the best resources and community, regardless of their experience or budget.
We believe that home cooks of all levels and budgets should feel confident and supported in their cooking journey.
