The Pillars of the Earth

Honey Bourbon Cider Cocktail

Muddled fresh ginger and mint are shaken with bourbon and honey, then strained into a glass and topped with sparkling apple cider for a fizzy, autumnal cocktail. This warming, aromatic drink balances the sweetness of honey and cider with bourbon's oak-aged depth, making it an ideal sip for a fall gathering.

Recipes

Strawberry Shortcake Shortcut Cake

This clever "shortcut" turns store-bought staples into a layered masterpiece that tastes like those nostalgic strawberry shortcake bars from the ice cream truck. With crunchy Golden Oreo bits and creamy swirls, it’s a total freezer-aisle glow-up that requires zero actual baking!

Recipes

Coffee Creamer

This simple homemade coffee creamer recipe combines sweetened condensed milk with a high-protein vanilla shake for a creamy, flavorful addition to your morning brew.

Recipes

Lemon-Basil Granita

A light, icy dessert made from sugar syrup steeped with fresh basil and brightened with lemon juice. A refreshing palate cleanser that caps off a summer barbecue without breaking the bank.

Recipes

Chicken Thigh Parm

This is a mid-week can't miss meal features a Valerie fave ingredient, chicken thighs, and transforms them into the most delectable Chicken Parm you'll ever eat.

Recipes

Peanut Butter S'mores Ice Cream Pie

A graham cracker crust is layered with peanut butter cream, chocolate ice cream, and torch-melted marshmallows, then drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce. This over-the-top frozen dessert combines the nostalgia of campfire s'mores with the richness of peanut butter cup ice cream in every gooey slice.

Recipes

Zucchini and Ginger Naked Cake with Ginger Cream Cheese Frosting

A four-layer cake made with grated zucchini, brown sugar, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is frosted between the layers only with a ginger cream cheese frosting studded with crystallized ginger. This striking naked cake puts a bold, spicy twist on the classic zucchini cake, letting the rustic layers and pops of candied ginger take center stage.

Recipes

Green Curry Vegetables

Blanched broccoli, cauliflower, and snap peas are simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-green curry paste sauce with shredded cabbage, carrots, and creamy avocado stirred in at the end. This vibrant, fully vegan curry delivers bold Southeast Asian flavor and satisfying richness without any meat or dairy.

Recipes

Roasted Artichoke Hearts Provencal

Frozen artichoke hearts roasted with kalamata olives, capers, orange zest, Roma tomatoes, and a splash of white wine. A fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired side dish bursting with bright Provencal flavors.

Recipes

Grilled Chicken Vegetable Soup

A nourishing soup built on grilled chicken breast with fresh vegetables in a light broth. Comfort food that feels restorative after a big night out.

Looking to make something else?

Other Recipes