A semi-homemade lemon cake with a ricotta-mascarpone filling that magically switches layers during baking, topped with a creamy mascarpone-pudding frosting. A bright, tangy showstopper that proves when life gives you lemons, you bake something wonderful.

Grilled shrimp, corn, jalapeño, and scallions are chopped and tossed with cucumber, red onion, lime, smoked paprika, and diced avocado into a chunky, smoky salsa. This substantial, protein-packed salsa blurs the line between dip and salad, offering a fresh, grilled twist on traditional salsa that steals the show at any cookout.

A rich yeast dough flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest is rolled around a cream cheese-cinnamon filling with a hidden plastic baby, shaped into an oval, baked golden, then iced and decorated with festive purple, green, and yellow sanding sugar. This iconic New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition brings carnival spirit to any celebration, with the lucky baby-finder crowned king or queen of the party.

Romaine and spring mix tossed with marinated artichokes, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olives, basil, and oregano in a homemade vin

Green beans are dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash, coated in a crunchy panko-fried onion mixture, and baked at 400°F until golden and crispy. These oven-baked veggie fries are a clever way to get kids excited about green beans on a busy weeknight.

Toasted baguette rounds are piped with herbed chevre blended with chives, parsley, and lemon zest, baked until warm, then crowned with fresh raspberries and a honey-balsamic drizzle. These jewel-toned bites offer a perfect balance of creamy tang, fruity sweetness, and crisp bread.

Fresh corn and cauliflower florets sauteed in a homemade bourbon-infused butter. A unique side dish that bridges Italian and Southern cooking.

These super-easy, can’t be beat zesty, summery shrimp rolls pack a fresh, herby punch into every buttery, toasted bite.

Mushrooms, carrots, and onion are sauteed and simmered in chicken broth with fish sauce and tangy tamarind paste, then finished with tender bok choy and sliced grilled chicken. This Southeast Asian-inspired soup showcases chicken in a warming, umami-rich broth that is a world away from the usual chicken soup.

Val flips the script on taco night by smashing seasoned beef directly onto warm tortillas for the ultimate crispy, sizzling mashup. Loaded high with cool guac, fresh pico, and creamy toppings, this lightning-fast recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of a smash burger in single-serve taco form.