Chocolate-Mint Love Cake with Mint Ganache

Acorn Squash with Baby Bitter Greens

Roasted acorn squash slices served atop baby bitter greens with a smoked paprika vinaigrette. A colorful, seasonal side dish that balances sweet and bitter.

Recipes

Hot Spinach and Crab Dip

Cream cheese, spinach, and lump crabmeat are seasoned with Worcestershire, dry mustard, paprika, and cayenne, topped with panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and bubbling. This rich, savory dip is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any dinner party or gathering.

Recipes

Ombré Petits Fours

Three progressively lighter pink cake layers are baked individually, stacked with strawberry jam between them, cut into tiny squares, and topped with piped white chocolate frosting and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These stunning, bite-sized confections showcase a beautiful gradient of color and make an eye-catching addition to an elegant dessert spread.

Recipes

Chicken with Prunes and Olives

Bone-in chicken breasts marinated overnight in red wine vinegar with prunes, capers, and garlic-stuffed olives, then baked with brown sugar and white wine. A Mediterranean-inspired dish with an irresistible balance of sweet, briny, and savory flavors.

Recipes

Lemon-Dijon Potato Salad

Warm red potatoes tossed in a bright, blended lemon-Dijon vinaigrette with celery and celery leaves, completely mayo-free. A lighter, tangier take on potato salad that pairs perfectly with sliders and other casual fare.

Recipes

Spicy Cheesy Pull-Apart Bread

Refrigerated biscuit dough is pulled apart, stuffed with mozzarella, rolled into balls, arranged in a cast-iron skillet, and baked with a scallion-garlic-red pepper butter drizzled over the top. This gooey, shareable pull-apart bread is an irresistible spicy snack that pairs perfectly with game day gatherings or a bowl of hearty chili.

Recipes

Twice-Baked Potatoes

Baked russet potatoes are scooped out, riced, mixed with Cheddar, sour cream, and scallions, stuffed back into their skins, topped with crumbled bacon, and baked again until golden and bubbling. These loaded, crispy-skinned potatoes are the quintessential American steakhouse side dish, indulgent and satisfying down to the last cheesy bite.

Recipes

Goat Cheese and Asparagus Crostini

Toasted crostini topped with creamy goat cheese and roasted asparagus spears. A simple, elegant appetizer for drop-in guests.

Recipes

Tomato Bruschetta Valerie Style

A classic Italian appetizer featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and kalamata olives piled high on grilled bread. This bruschetta is Valerie's go-to starter for entertaining close friends.

Recipes

Berry Kir Royale

A sparkling cocktail made with prosecco and creme de cassis, garnished with fresh raspberries. An elegant and effortless aperitif perfect for holiday entertaining.

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