Thick-sliced ripe tomatoes and English cucumber with red onion in a balsamic vinaigrette, crowned with shatteringly crispy baked pancetta. A fresh summer salad given a salty, savory crunch from its Italian bacon topping.

A yeasted dough made with a blend of bread and all-purpose flour is dimpled by hand and topped with sliced onion, briny green olives, rosemary sprigs, and flaky sea salt, then baked at 425°F until golden. This pillowy, aromatic focaccia serves as a beautiful edible centerpiece and bread course for the birthday celebration.

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.

When summer hits, the best way to celebrate is to head outside and grill the perfect cheeseburger. Add in Valerie's special burger sauce and it's a can't miss hit.

A thick-cut rib-eye is rubbed with a bold blend of espresso granules and ancho chile, seared in a screaming-hot cast iron skillet, then finished in a 450°F oven and topped with a pat of butter. The coffee-chile crust creates a deeply savory, slightly smoky bark that makes this steakhouse-worthy rib-eye a standout main course.

Fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with peanut butter and studded with chopped salted pretzels for a sweet-salty crunch. A crowd-pleasing tailgate treat that disappears fast whenever football fans gather.

Lemon-garlic marinated shrimp threaded on skewers and grilled alongside green onions, served with a homemade almond and roasted red pepper romesc

A versatile fresh salsa made with Roma tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and lime, divided into two servings. Half is served as classic salsa and the other half is mixed with mashed avocado for instant guacamole.

Grilled bread is layered with mashed avocado mixed with Fresno chile, drizzled with honey labne, and crowned with za'atar-roasted purple cauliflower florets. This stunning, multi-textured toast combines creamy, tangy, spicy, and earthy flavors in every colorful, Instagram-worthy bite.