At Home with May and Axel Vervoordt

Book excerpt: In the same understated, covetable style as her husband’s interiors, May Vervoordt’s recipes bring out the essence of fresh ingredients in simple yet exceptional dishes. Over the past twenty-five years, Axel and May Vervoordt have cultivated a reputation for excellence in the fields of art, interior design, and entertaining. In this contemporary cookbook, May shares 107 seasonal recipes for entertaining in style. With an emphasis on the essence of individual ingredients and cooking in harmony with the seasons, May—in typical Vervoordt fashion—demonstrates that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Her dishes are easy to prepare, original, and healthful, and still allow the home chef time to enjoy the meal with guests. Grouped by season, the recipes offer a broad selection for all occasions, from Mango and Sweet Potato Salad or Sesame-Tarragon Chicken to Chocolate Fondant Cake with Pear Sorbet. Close-ups of the recipes are complemented by lifestyle photographs offering a glimpse inside the elegant Vervoordt residence.