Valerie's Pumpkin Pudding (for Wolfie)

Cherry Cheesecake Pizza Pie

A showstopping dessert mashup with an almond flour crust, creamy lemon cheesecake filling, vanilla bean cherry compote, and billowy whipped cream. A retro-inspired creation that brings together pizza pie charm and cheesecake decadence.

Recipes

Lemon Cheesecake with Lemon-Rosemary Shortbread Crust

A creamy baked lemon cheesecake swirled with tangy lemon curd, set over a homemade lemon-rosemary shortbread cookie crust. A fragrant, elegant dessert that steals the show at any dinner party or social gathering.

Recipes

Crispy Un-Fried Chicken

A whole chicken is brined in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and oven-baked at 425 degrees on a wire rack until golden and shatteringly crisp without any frying. This clever technique delivers all the crunch and juiciness of classic fried chicken with far less mess and a fraction of the oil.

Recipes

Marinated Tri-Tip in Red Wine and Herbs

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.

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

Italian Spritz

A refreshing Italian cocktail combining Aperol, prosecco, and sparkling water over ice. Garnished with orange and lime slices for a bubbly, bittersweet aperitif.

Recipes

Chile-Lime Party Mix

Corn cereal, peanuts, pretzels, chipotle crackers, lime tortilla chips, coconut, corn nuts, and pepitas are tossed in a butter-lime-chili-Parmesan seasoning and baked at 300 degrees until toasty. This addictive, boldly spiced party mix brings tangy, smoky, salty flavors together for effortless snacking.

Recipes

Pickled Shallots and Red Onions

Thinly sliced red onion and shallot rings are quick-pickled in a warm brine of vinegar, sugar, and salt until vibrant pink and tangy. These crunchy, acidic pickles cut through the richness of tacos and carnitas, adding the essential bright contrast every taco bar needs.

Recipes

Lasagna alla Besciamella

A rich, layered Italian lasagna featuring a hearty meat ragu, creamy besciamella sauce, and loads of Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella. This holiday centerpiece is worth every minute of the labor of love.

Recipes

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Olives Martini

A classic gin martini garnished with Roquefort-stuffed green olives. A sophisticated cocktail that's the definition of indulgence.

Looking to make something else?

Other Recipes