Fennel Salad with Goat Cheese and Pine Nuts

Valerie’s Shakin' Chicken

These Shakin’ Chicken cutlets are my go-to for a crispy, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make ahead and keep in the freezer. Cook them whenever you need a quick, comforting meal — especially perfect topped with a fresh, lemony arugula salad.

Recipes

Valerie's Cheesy Salami Pie

Salami layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, bound with eggs, and baked in crescent roll dough until puffed and golden. A rich, meaty Italian pie rooted in family tradition that is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a hearty snack.

Recipes

Crispy Roasted Porchetta

Pork belly is scored, rubbed with a fragrant blend of toasted fennel seeds, peppercorns, fresh herbs, and citrus zest, rolled and tied, dry-brined with baking powder for up to two days, then slow-roasted at 325 degrees and finished at 500 for a shatteringly crisp skin. This show-stopping Italian roast is a labor of love that rewards patience with crackling, herb-perfumed pork that feeds and impresses a crowd.

Recipes

Cheese and Caramel Popcorn

A Chicago-style popcorn mix featuring cheddar-powdered popcorn combined with homemade caramel popcorn cooked to 248-250 degrees for the perfect crunch. An addictive sweet-and-savory snack that captures the iconic flavor of the Windy City.

Recipes

Valerie's Pumpkin Pudding (for Wolfie)

A creamy stovetop pumpkin pudding made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, and warm cinnamon. A cozy, homemade dessert made with love for Wolfie.

Recipes

Rosemary and Pepper Crackers

Homemade crispy crackers studded with rosemary, black pepper, and Parmesan. A savory, addictive snack perfect for movie night munching.

Recipes

Rhubarb Jam Bars

A buttery food processor shortbread crust is spread with tangy rhubarb jam and topped with an oat crumble spiced with allspice and cinnamon, then baked until golden and bubbling. These rustic, crumbly bars capture the tart essence of spring rhubarb in a portable, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cakes

Yellow cake baked in a jelly roll pan is topped with a layer of melted peanut butter followed by melted chocolate chips, then cooled and cut into rich, candy bar-like squares. These no-fuss sheet cakes deliver an irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combination with minimal effort and maximum crowd appeal.

Recipes

Red Wine Vinaigrette

This red wine vinaigrette is bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and gentle heat—shaken together in minutes to instantly wake up any salad.

Recipes

Grapefruit Mojito

Fresh mint, lime, and grapefruit zest muddled together with rum and topped with club soda for a citrus-forward twist on the classic mojito. A bright, refreshing cocktail that pairs perfectly with a Cuban-inspired spread.

Looking to make something else?

Other Recipes