Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Lime juice, orange liqueur, and ginger beer are poured over ice, topped with floated lime wheels and a splash of overproof rum that is briefly set aflame, then finished with a squeeze of roasted lime. This dramatic, fire-topped cocktail puts a bold, citrusy spin on the classic Dark 'n' Stormy and delivers a show-stopping moment at any spicy-themed party.

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.

Brisket slow-cooked for six hours with onion soup mix until meltingly tender is piled onto potato buns and drizzled with a tangy Alabama-style white barbecue sauce made from mayo and vinegar. These rich, fork-tender sliders are an ideal make-ahead main for outdoor entertaining, with the creamy white sauce adding a Southern twist that cuts through the beef's richness.

A whole chicken is brined in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and oven-baked at 425 degrees on a wire rack until golden and shatteringly crisp without any frying. This clever technique delivers all the crunch and juiciness of classic fried chicken with far less mess and a fraction of the oil.

A savory egg custard baked in a homemade flaky pie crust and loaded with mushrooms, mixed vegetables, and three cheeses. This versatile quiche is ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

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.

Thick eggplant slices are grilled until smoky and tender, then layered with a chunky tomato-olive sauce, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan and baked until bubbly. This lighter take on eggplant Parmean trades the fryer for the grill, adding charred depth while keeping the dish satisfying and full-flavored.

Mini sliders layered with deli ham, sharp Cheddar, and crisp apple slices on soft rolls with a pickle relish-mustard spread. A sweet-savory handheld snack perfect for game night.

A complex mole sauce built from ancho and pasilla chiles, almonds, pepitas, Mexican chocolate, raisins, chipotles, and warm spices is slow-cooked with chicken for four hours and served with a bright radish salad and charred tortillas. This rich, deeply layered mole showcases the depth of Mexican cuisine and lets the slow cooker do the patient work of melding dozens of ingredients into one extraordinary sauce.