Valerie's Blog #2

Pasta al Tonno

Spaghetti tossed with Italian olive oil-packed tuna, tomato bruschetta topping, briny capers, and a kick of red pepper flakes. A pantry-friendly Italian classic that makes a satisfying solo dinner in under twenty minutes.

Recipes

watermelon cocktails

Fresh watermelon blended with lime juice and sugar, strained smooth, and served over ice with optional tequila and orange liqueur. A refreshing summer sipper that works beautifully as both a cocktail and a mocktail.

Recipes

Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Homemade Ranch Dressing

Crispy sweet potato batons coated in cornstarch and spices, baked at high heat, and served with a creamy buttermilk-herb ranch dipping sauce. A healthier take on fries that delivers satisfying crunch alongside cool, tangy ranch.

Recipes

Jazzed-Up Sweet Potato Fries

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Frozen sweet potato fries are baked crisp, then tossed with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, bright lemon zest, and a kick of cayenne. This quick shortcut side dish transforms a freezer staple into something vibrant and addictive with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Recipes

Pull-Apart Garlic Bread with Asiago Cheese

A sourdough loaf cross-hatched and filled with garlic butter and Asiago cheese, baked in foil then uncovered until golden and bubbly. A warm, shareable centerpiece that draws everyone into the kitchen on a cold winter night.

Recipes

Mint Cucumber Soup

A chilled, creamy cucumber soup blended with Greek yogurt, sour cream, mint, and garlic. Garnished with diced cucumber, toasted almonds, and a swirl of sour cream for a refreshing starter.

Recipes

Mixed Fruit Tart

A buttery tart crust blind-baked to golden perfection, filled with cream cheese whipped cream, and topped with jewel-toned fresh berries under a gleaming apricot glaze. A classic French-style tart that bridges old-world pastry technique with fresh, new-world fruit.