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.

Large white mushroom caps filled with a savory spinach and breadcrumb stuffing baked until golden. A classic appetizer that never goes out of style.

Thin, crisp food processor crackers studded with poppy seeds are baked at 300 degrees, then piped with a smooth egg mousse made from hard-boiled eggs, mayo, and chives, and crowned with glistening caviar. These luxurious, three-layered bites are the epitome of elegant entertaining and deliver a satisfying contrast of crunch, cream, and briny pop.

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.

A from-scratch butter cake studded with blueberries and baked in a springform pan, served with a luscious mascarpone-honey cream infused with vanilla bean. A gorgeous, fruity dessert ideal for farewell parties or summer celebrations.

Roasted garlic aioli is blended with Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, briny capers, fresh rosemary, and anchovy paste into a rich, savory dip. This Mediterranean-inspired tapenade aioli is an intensely flavored party dip that pairs beautifully with crudites, grilled bread, or crispy pita chips.

A showstopping dessert mashup with an almond flour crust, creamy lemon cheesecake filling, vanilla bean cherry compote, and billowy whipped cream. A retro-inspired creation that brings together pizza pie charm and cheesecake decadence.

A silky custard base of cream, milk, cornstarch, and egg yolk is enriched with pistachio paste, almond extract, and a splash of orange juice, then frozen in a loaf pan with periodic fork-stirring. This no-churn technique delivers an authentically Italian dessert without any special equipment, honoring Nonnie's resourceful kitchen spirit.

Broccoli rabe roasted with cherry tomatoes and sliced shallots until crisp-tender. A quick, nutritious Italian side dish with bold, slightly bitter flavor.

A refreshing gin cocktail with a homemade rosemary simple syrup and fresh lemon juice. A fragrant, herbal twist on the classic gin fizz.