Warmed and Spiced Tortilla Chips

Chocolate-Mint Love Cake with Mint Ganache

Boxed chocolate cake mix is elevated with peppermint extract and a hidden layer of ricotta-mascarpone cheesecake baked right inside, then topped with a glossy mint chocolate ganache. This indulgent, semi-homemade cake delivers a cool, creamy mint surprise in every slice and proves that starting with a box mix can still yield a show-stopping dessert.

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Chicken Sambal

Bone-in chicken breasts and thighs are seared golden, then simmered in a bold sauce of ponzu, sambal, brown sugar, fish sauce, crushed tomatoes, lemongrass, and galangal, and served over fragrant cilantro basmati rice. This Southeast Asian-inspired braise delivers layers of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavor in a deeply comforting one-pot dinner.

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Fried Bologna Bites

Thick bologna rounds are pan-fried in butter until caramelized, then served on toast rounds with mustard and tangy quick-pickled squash in a vinegar-dill brine. These crispy, nostalgic bites elevate a Midwestern childhood favorite into a fun party appetizer.

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Ribollita

Onions, carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, Tuscan kale, and cannellini beans are simmered into a hearty broth and thickened with chunks of rustic peasant bread stirred right in. This classic Tuscan bread soup is the ultimate comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal that only gets better as the bread absorbs the rich, savory broth.

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Mom's Perfect Sub Sandwich

Ciabatta rolls are loaded with layers of prosciutto, capicola, Genoa salami, provolone, fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, onion, and pepperoncini, finished with a drizzle of oil and vinegar. This classic Italian sub captures the spirit of a carefree beach day with its generous, no-fuss deli-style construction.

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Chili Crisp Scallops & Corn

Bring the heat to your next backyard hangout with Valerie’s ultimate sweet-and-spicy summer dish featuring perfectly seared scallops over a bed of fresh, snappy corn. It’s a quick, cast-iron masterpiece that delivers a burst of seasonal flavor and just the right amount of chili-crisp kick!

Recipes

Braised Mustard Greens

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Mustard greens are braised low and slow for an hour and a half with onions, garlic, chicken stock, vinegar, and a meaty ham hock, then the tender pork is pulled from the bone and stirred back into the pot liquor. These deeply savor

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Rummy Roman Holiday

Amaro, dark rum, and sweet vermouth are muddled with fresh mint and combined with citrus juices and simple syrup, then topped with club soda for a refreshing pitcher cocktail. This Italian-inspired drink transports guests straight to Rome and pairs beautifully with a pasta-themed evening.

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Marinated Cucumber Salad

Thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in rice vinegar and soy sauce with a touch of sugar. A cool, refreshing Asian-inspired side salad.

Recipes

Beef and Potato Hash

A hearty hash made with leftover slow-cooked beef and crispy Yukon gold potatoes. The perfect way to repurpose game day leftovers into a satisfying meal.

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