My friend Paul’s birthday was Wednesday and I was invited over for dinner. Paul and his wife, Arolyn, are foodies… so Aro, her mom Tita and friend Carol cooked. For starters… baked brie with prosciutto ham and green olives with olive bread. Then for dinner, mouth- watering scallops in a mushroom sauce over spinach, couscous with an apricot, apple, raisin chutney, and a southwest style zucchini dish called calabacitas- zucchini with melted cheese, corn and green chile. That dish knocked my socks off.

With a glass of wine, great conversation and fantastic friends… life couldn’t be better.

THEN THE DOOR BELL RINGS…

Here comes neighbor Molly with her birthday gift to Paul…

THE BEST BREAD PUDDING EVER