A fiery penne pasta tossed in a quick-simmered tomato sauce with garlic and red chile flakes. Finished with fresh basil and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano for a bold weeknight dinner.

A yeasted dough made with a blend of bread and all-purpose flour is dimpled by hand and topped with sliced onion, briny green olives, rosemary sprigs, and flaky sea salt, then baked at 425°F until golden. This pillowy, aromatic focaccia serves as a beautiful edible centerpiece and bread course for the birthday celebration.

Eight varieties of summer vegetables are grilled until smoky and tender and served alongside a creamy dip made from grilled avocado, yogurt, and roasted garlic with za'atar-seasoned grilled pita on the side. This colorful, shareable platter celebrates the peak of summer produce and gives guests a healthy, satisfying option at the center of any patio party spread.

Tri-tip is marinated for two and a half hours in a full bottle of red wine with fresh herbs, orange, and honey-Dijon, then grilled to medium-rare and served with the strained marinade reduced into a rich, glossy sauce. This boldly flavored, wine-soaked steak is a California grilling tradition that delivers deep, herbaceous complexity in every perfectly pink slice.

In this can’t miss dessert for one Val’s giving a sweet and sour twist to the viral Dot Cake trend by preparing a lemon mug cake right in the microwave. After letting it cool, it’s layered with tangy lemon curd, cream cheese frosting, and bright yellow sprinkles before chilling it until it is perfectly set. Give it a try - you’ll thank yourself later.

Buttery slice-and-bake cookies studded with dried cherries and a subtle kick of white pepper, shaped into logs and chilled overnight before slicing. A surprising sweet-spicy combination that makes for an unexpected and delightful wine club dessert.