What's New at Valerie's Place — July 17, 2026 💬

Blistered Green Beans with Spicy Chile Sauce

Blanched green beans tossed in garlic oil, chile paste, and honey, then broiled until charred and blistered with a sticky, spicy glaze. A bold, restaurant-style side dish that brings fiery flavor and satisfying snap to any birthday spread.

Recipes

Vegetable Galette

This savory summer galette features a creamy, herb-infused base of goat and ricotta cheeses brightened with a touch of fresh lemon zest. Topped with a colorful arrangement of sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes, it is baked in a flaky, golden-brown crust for a simple yet elegant seasonal meal.

Recipes

Smoky Orange Margarita

Mezcal shaken with orange liqueur, fresh orange juice, and homemade simple syrup, served in a salt-rimmed glass for a smoky-citrus kick. A bold, California-style cocktail that brings campfire depth and bright sunshine together in one glass.

Recipes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cakes

Yellow cake baked in a jelly roll pan is topped with a layer of melted peanut butter followed by melted chocolate chips, then cooled and cut into rich, candy bar-like squares. These no-fuss sheet cakes deliver an irresistible chocolate-peanut butter combination with minimal effort and maximum crowd appeal.

Recipes

Hatch Chile Cream Cheese Dip

Charred Hatch chiles are folded into a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and Mexican blend cheese and baked in a cast-iron skillet at 375 degrees until bubbling and golden on top. This smoky, creamy dip showcases the distinctive flavor of seasonal Hatch chiles and disappears fast with a basket of tortilla chips.

Recipes

Blueberry Cake with Lemon-Mascarpone Cream

A from-scratch butter cake studded with blueberries and baked in a springform pan, served with a luscious mascarpone-honey cream infused with vanilla bean. A gorgeous, fruity dessert ideal for farewell parties or summer celebrations.

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.

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Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Great Northern beans baked low and slow with bacon, dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. A sweet and tangy barbecue side dish that punches well above its budget-friendly price tag.

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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

Quiche Valerie

A savory egg custard baked in a homemade flaky pie crust and loaded with mushrooms, mixed vegetables, and three cheeses. This versatile quiche is ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

Looking to make something else?

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