Some of the most amazing meals were made with Mr. Verdel–an amazing sous chef and dear friend. Every time we cooked together we would seek out a new recipe, go buy the freshest ingredients, and pair it up with a great wine (or curios cocktail). I ran across these photos, reflected a bit, and decided to share some of the tastiest creations we made together.

Italian dinner night

I almost forgot to mention…desserts too!

Chocolate layer cake with a delicious white butter-cream icing

Did we also include amazing appetizers??? Oh yes we did.

Blueberry bell pepper salsa and spicy guacamole

Black bean, bell pepper, and onion enchiladas with sour cream sauce

Tea time! Wes tradition: palate refresher–the grapefruit array

Rose wine with tzatziki, pita, and salad

Roasted fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, with garlic and green onions

Avocado, peach, blackberry, honey roasted pecans, dried cherries, tomatoes, and mint salad

Vinegar cucumbers marinated with bell peppers and tomatoes

Quinoa with shallot, chopped tomatoes and lime (or lemon is fine) juice, cumin, and s&p

Kale with tomatoes, sliced roasted almonds, soaked in a sriracha, lemon, olive oil dressing

Grilled peach salad with ice soaked cold (very thin) onion slices, toasted almond slivers and pistachios 

Honey crisp apple, blue cheese salad with toasted almonds and pistachios with a sweet and salty vinaigrette 

Farfalle verdura

Heirloom tomato, mozza di bufala, fresh basil, s&p and balsamic/olive oil dressing for Caprese atop toasted Italian bread

Spinach, tomato, and cheese (blue cheese or goat cheese) quiche

Thanks so much Wes for spoiling me with the finest ingredients and wines!