Spiralized zucchini noodles are briefly sauteed in garlic oil and tossed with dried ciabatta cubes, salted ripe tomatoes, shallot, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette. This lighter spin on the Tuscan bread salad swaps out heavy pasta for fresh zoodles while keeping all the classic panzanella charm.

Precision-cut strips of red-tinted and chocolate doughs are carefully assembled into a checkerboard brick, chilled, sliced, and baked into striking two-toned cookies. These eye-catching cookies cleverly echo the game night theme with their built-in board game pattern.

Cold rice is stir-fried in sesame oil with ginger, carrots, garlic, peas, and scallions, then combined with soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and sliced grilled chicken. This satisfying one-pan classic transforms leftover chicken and rice into a quick, flavorful weeknight staple.

Tender pumpkin puree doughnuts baked in doughnut pans and coated in cinnamon-sugar with melted butter for a warm, spiced finish. A festive fall treat that fills the house with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin and cinnamon.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seared golden, then braised low and slow with white wine, kalamata olives, thyme, heirloom garlic cloves, and shallot at 375°F for over an hour. The meltingly tender garlic and briny olives create a rustic, deeply savory braise perfect for the episode's celebration of vibrant, colorful ingredients.

Oats, puffed rice, almonds, dried cherries, sunflower seeds, and coconut are bound with a blended date syrup and almond butter mixture, then frozen and finished with a carob drizzle. These wholesome no-bake bars make a perfect make-ahead snack for lunchboxes or on-the-go energy.

Butter-toasted farro tossed with roasted beets, beet greens, pistachios, and roasted garlic vinaigrette, topped with creamy goat cheese. A colorful, earthy grain salad that makes an impressive side for dinner parties or a satisfying lunch on its own.

Toasted walnuts coated in a glossy mixture of corn syrup, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon, baked until golden and caramelized. A sweet, crunchy nibble that sets a regal tone as guests arrive for an elegant dinner.

A silky queso dip made with white American cheese and sharp white cheddar, swirled with canned green chiles and fresh Fresno pepper. An addictive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that comes together in minutes.

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!