Lately, we’ve been treated very well by so many of our friends.  For instance – Stuart and Dean, invited us to overnight at their lake house as a farewell get-together before they left for a European holiday (Italy and Provence, the lucky guys).  As usual when we spend time with these two wonderful men, we had a spectacular stay highlighted by their expertise at the stove.  Stuart welcomed us with a light lunch of a homemade onion-leek tart and garden salad and, of course, some lovely rosé.  We relaxed all afternoon – me with Stuart’s beloved Milly on my lap – and then welcomed Dean home with cocktails and dinner on the deck.  We had chicken on the grill – nicely scented with Middle Eastern spices (and beautifully grilled by Dean), yellow bell peppers stuffed with an aromatic Israeli couscous mix, zucchini from the garden with chiles, lemon zest, and mint.  And, to top it off Stuart made a luscious cheesecake drizzled with caramel sauce.  Off to bed fat, sassy, and happy and hoping for another invite when they return to hear all about their European adventure.

Read the original on: Notes From Judie's Kitchen