In his debut cookbook, “Cooking with Chef Wells: Intimate Dinners for Two,” Eric Wells shares over 60 easy recipes to make for that special someone in your life. It also includes 29 love stories about his clients that will have you swooning over the pages. Love.

Moreover, I like the simplicity of each dish, all of which will make you look like a star in the kitchen. The ingredient lists contain items found at local grocery stores. The instructions are straightforward. I cannot wait to make everything in the salad section. Sounds delicious.

Also on my to-prepare list is the prosciutto and parmesan stuffed portobello mushrooms, along with the Thai ground turkey lettuce wraps, the adobo-rubbed pork tenderloin with black bean pico de gallo, grilled swordfish with Moroccan tomato sauce, and the Mexican chocolate fudge brownies.

There is a recipe for every couple, and whether it is your first time cooking for a loved one or your hundredth, you’ll always have a collection of delicious dishes for those at-home date nights.

I must admit I wish images existed for all the selections in the book. Still, my smile lines appear while reading this vibrant content. I’m sure Chef Wells would be pleased.

Start of a Love Story

Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Wells became the first African American student to graduate from the International Culinary Arts and Science Institute in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he opened Skye LaRae’s Culinary Services specializing in intimate dinners for two. Business was booming. Eventually, he asked himself, “Would this ‘food thing’ be a hobby or a career?” Then, he prayed about it. In 2012, he left his Fortune 500 job to start a restaurant. Unfortunately, it never opened. The health inspector discovered that the space where Wells pumped resources into was unusable. “I thought I lost everything,” he shares in the book.

After 15 years, he continues to cook intimate dinners for two, serving more than 1,000 couples. He attributes longevity in the industry and “Cooking with Chef Wells” to his faith. I’m glad he took the leap to share his gifts with the world. Now, readers get to experience bliss and carry on his legacy. Good paperback pick for home cooks and lovers.

For more information about Wells and Skye Larae’s Culinary Services, as well as to book a virtual cooking class, visit http://www.skyelaraes.com/.  You can also follow the chef on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also see him in action on YouTube.

“Cooking with Chef Wells” cookbook is available on Amazon.

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