A fresh green salad topped with crispy pan-fried polenta croutons and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. A clever twist on a classic salad with satisfying crunch.

A lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with vanilla and bright lemon zest. A versatile topping for pies, cakes, and fruit desserts.

A classic Roman misticanza of mixed bitter greens including chicory, escarole, endive, frisee, and radicchio is tossed with fresh herbs and radishes in a shallot-red wine vinaigrette. This sophisticated salad provides an elegant, palate-cleansing start to a special birthday dinner.

A perfect ending to a perfect day - a spicy, tangy mock-tail or cocktail. Just refreshing as can be.

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!

Tender clam bellies are dipped in an egg-milk wash, dredged in seasoned corn and all-purpose flour with Old Bay, and fried at 365°F until golden and crispy, served alongside homemade tartar and cocktail sauces. These shore-style fried clams bring authentic New England beach shack flavor to a backyard celebration.

Salmon fillets baked with a creamy honey-mustard sauce made with Dijon, mayo, and fresh chives. A simple weeknight main that feels elegant enough for company.

Ripe cantaloupe, bitter radicchio, fresh mint, and toasted pine nuts are dressed in a balsamic reduction vinaigrette that ties the sweet and bitter elements together. This Italian-inspired salad balances juicy melon sweetness with peppery radicchio and crunchy nuts for an elegant, unexpected combination.

Crispy grated potato waffles seasoned with homemade everything bagel spice, topped with smoked salmon, creme fraiche, capers, and dill. A clever brunch-meets-dinner creation that captures all the flavors of a New York bagel spread.

A buttery shortbread tart shell filled with fresh blueberries in a light glaze. An elegant and not-too-sweet dessert perfect for a dinner party.