Salted slices of eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are arranged in a spiral over caramelized shallots and baked under a blanket of fontina and Parmesan. This beautiful gratin is the ideal way to showcase the last of summer's garden bounty as an elegant side dish.

Sauteed mushrooms, shallots, and spinach mixed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs, baked inside a golden crescent roll dough crust. A savory, Italian-inspired pie that showcases the kind of family recipe passed between kitchen cousins.

This is a mid-week can't miss meal features a Valerie fave ingredient, chicken thighs, and transforms them into the most delectable Chicken Parm you'll ever eat.

A four-layer cake made with grated zucchini, brown sugar, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is frosted between the layers only with a ginger cream cheese frosting studded with crystallized ginger. This striking naked cake puts a bold, spicy twist on the classic zucchini cake, letting the rustic layers and pops of candied ginger take center stage.

A deeply flavorful Louisiana gumbo built on a dark roux with andouille and smoked sausage, okra, tomatoes, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Served over rice with scallions and hot sauce.

A buttery food processor shortbread crust is spread with tangy rhubarb jam and topped with an oat crumble spiced with allspice and cinnamon, then baked until golden and bubbling. These rustic, crumbly bars capture the tart essence of spring rhubarb in a portable, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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.

Retro-style chicken liver and water chestnut bites wrapped in bacon and glazed with teriyaki sauce. A savory, bite-sized appetizer that's a guaranteed poker night crowd-pleaser.

This simple homemade coffee creamer recipe combines sweetened condensed milk with a high-protein vanilla shake for a creamy, flavorful addition to your morning brew.

A three-layer gluten-free cake made with coconut flour, oat flour, coconut oil, coconut sugar, grated carrots, and applesauce is frosted with a luscious coconut cream cheese frosting. This wholesome celebration cake proves that gluten-free baking can be every bit as tender, moist, and festive as the traditional version.