Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

Let’s be real—there’s food, and then there’s that one bite that rewires your brain and ruins you for everything else.

For me? It was a late-night grilled cheese, in pajamas, sitting on the floor beside my laptop after typing “The End” on my first self-published book. Not glamorous, not five-star—but absolutely divine.

There was butter, there was oozy cheese, there was that crispy golden crunch of accomplishment. Because when you’ve poured your soul into 80,000 words, and battled through imposter syndrome, rewrites, and doubt, food hits differently. It becomes a celebration, a reward, a moment.

It wasn’t just delicious—it was symbolic.
Of becoming an author. Of daring to put myself out there.
And of feeding not just my body, but the part of me that once thought dreams like this were for other people.

So no, the best thing I’ve ever eaten wasn’t fancy.
But it tasted like victory.

I write romance, but I also live it in quiet, small ways. Like in Confessions of a Curvy Heart, when Max prepares a simple but heartfelt picnic for Izzy.

That scene? Delicious… on so many levels!

So today, I’m giving you the recipe Max would totally make IRL. It’s sweet, a little bold, and full of soft center energy—just like him.

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Max’s “I Like You More Than I Should” Picnic Sandwiches – Friends to Lovers Food!!!!

Inspired by that lakeside moment with Izzy in Confessions of a Curvy Heart

The Vibe:
Soft blanket. Sun-warmed skin. Shy glances. And sandwiches that say more than words.

Max’s Picnic Club Sandwiches (with a twist)

Ingredients (makes 2 big sandwiches):

• 6 slices sourdough bread, toasted
• 4 tbsp garlic aioli (or mayo with a pinch of crushed garlic)
• 4 slices crispy bacon
• 4 slices oven-roasted turkey or chicken
• 2 slices smoked gouda or cheddar
• A handful of rocket (arugula)
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ½ avocado, sliced
• A touch of grainy mustard (optional but sexy)
• Salt, pepper, and love

Instructions:

1. Spread garlic aioli on one side of each toasted bread slice.
2. Layer up: start with turkey, cheese, tomato.
3. Add another slice of bread, then bacon, avocado, rocket.
4. Top with final slice. Press gently.
5. Slice diagonally (Max would make sure it’s photo-worthy) and wrap in parchment or beeswax wrap for a rustic look.
6. Serve with sparkling water, fresh strawberries, and stolen glances.

Bonus Tip:

Max would tuck a handwritten note into the basket, probably something like:
“You’re impossible. And I like impossible things.”
Just in case words fail him mid-sandwich.

So tell me:
What’s your grilled cheese moment?
The one that reminded you you’re alive, hungry for more, and just getting started?