We can’t wait to hear from you!

Dear readers, while the special recipes in 'A Love Buffet' are exclusive to the book, the kitchen is always open for sharing new culinary adventures. Have a recipe that sparked romance? A dish that saved a date? Or maybe just something sinfully delicious? This is where we share those stories...

Join our table - every dish has a story, and yours might be next!"

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"Sarah's Saving Grace Sangria" - Sarah G. Los Angeles

When my carefully planned dinner date turned awkward over politics, I remembered the golden rule: nothing breaks tension like a good cocktail. This sangria recipe not only saved the evening but led to a much more interesting discussion on the balcony under the stars. “ Sarah G.

Dear readers, sometimes the best conversations start after the first glass... 😉

RECIPE: Sarah's Saving Grace Sangria

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine (Spanish tempranillo recommended)

  • 1/4 cup brandy

  • 2 oranges, one juiced, one sliced

  • 1 apple, cored and chopped

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 cup club soda (optional, for serving)

  • Ice for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, brandy, orange juice, and honey

  2. Add fruit slices and cinnamon stick

  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is better)

  4. When ready to serve, add ice and a splash of club soda if desired

  5. Garnish with fresh fruit slices

Sarah's Tip: "Make it the night before - like relationships, sangria gets better with time! 😉"

“MIKE'S MIDNIGHT PASTA - Submitted by Mike R., New Orleans

"As a chef, I know heat when I see it. She'd been coming to my restaurant for weeks, always sitting at the counter where she could watch the kitchen. The way she savored each bite, how her eyes would close when something pleased her... I had to cook for her privately.

When she accepted my offer of a home-cooked meal, I found exactly what I expected: a nearly-empty kitchen of someone who orders too much takeout. Challenge accepted. Rolling up my sleeves, I made her kitchen mine. I could feel her eyes following every move - the way I sliced the garlic, how I tested the pasta for doneness. When I held out the wooden spoon for her to taste, her smile told me this simple pasta was creating something far from simple.

RECIPE: Mike's Seduction Pasta Aglio e Olio

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound spaghetti

  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 cup best quality olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Freshly grated Parmesan

  • Zest of one lemon

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil

  2. Meanwhile, slowly heat olive oil and sliced garlic until garlic turns golden

  3. Add red pepper flakes, let them dance in the oil

  4. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente (taste to be sure...)

  5. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining

  6. Toss pasta with the garlic oil, adding pasta water as needed

  7. Finish with parsley, lemon zest, and Parmesan

  8. Season to taste

Mike's Tip: "The secret is in the timing - both in cooking and in romance. And never skimp on the good olive oil... or the eye contact. 😏"

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LISA'S LUCKY CHOCOLATE CAKE - Submitted by Lisa J., Atlanta

They say baking is a science, but sometimes the sweetest results come from delicious mistakes. I was trying to recreate my grandmother's famous chocolate cake for a dinner party when smoke filled my kitchen. As I stood there fanning my smoke detector, my new neighbor (a professional baker) knocked to check if everything was okay.

One look at my disaster, and this fine man rolled up his sleeves and offered to help. The way his hands worked that batter... let's just say watching him rescue my cake was the best kitchen show I'd ever seen. Now he gives me private baking lessons every Sunday. 😉"

RECIPE: Lisa's Lucky Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups sugar

  • 3/4 cup premium cocoa powder

  • 2 teaspoons baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup strong black coffee

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 8 oz premium dark chocolate, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F

  2. Mix dry ingredients

  3. Add wet ingredients, blend until smooth

  4. Pour into greased 9-inch pans

  5. Bake 30-35 minutes

  6. For ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth

  7. Let cake cool before frosting

Lisa's Tip: "The secret isn't just in the ingredients - it's in knowing when to turn up the heat... and when to let things simmer. 😘"

DISH & TELL: THE RULES OF OUR KITCHEN 🔥

Got a recipe that made someone fall in love (or run for the hills)? A kitchen disaster that turned into destiny? Honey, we want the tea... or wine, we don't judge!

WHAT WE'RE HUNGRY FOR:

That soufflé that fell... right into his heart

The "simple dinner" that ended at breakfast

Family recipes that caused family drama

First date dishes (success or delicious disaster)

THE BASICS:

Recipe with all ingredients (including the "secret" ones)

Clear instructions (wine in food AND chef encouraged)

Photos welcome (keep it food-focused, darling)

300-500 words of pure sass

Real names optional (protect the guilty!)

Send your story in Word/Google doc, add those photos, and tell us what to call you. We might polish your prose, but we'll never dim your sparkle! ✨

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Your Story Has a Seat at Our Table

Got a kitchen confession that's too juicy to keep? A dash of disaster that turned into love? Or maybe just a story that's been simmering in your soul? Honey, we want ALL the tea (or wine, we don't judge)!

Whether it starts with a fallen soufflé or ends with wedding cake, your story deserves to be served up with style. Because let's face it - the best tales are garnished with truth and seasoned with sass.