Thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes rinsed, deep-fried at 315 degrees, and seasoned with savory chicken salt for an addictive crunch. A from-scratch chip that puts store-bought bags to shame on game day.

Stovetop-popped popcorn dusted with confectioners' sugar, paprika, cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder for a sweet-heat combination. A quick, addictive snack that sets the tone for a bold, flavor-packed birthday celebration.

A hearty meat sauce of ground beef and sausage is layered with a rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling between no-boil noodles, then baked at 375°F until bubbly and golden. This deeply personal family recipe pays tribute to Nonnie's legacy, delivering the ultimate comfort-food centerpiece.

Browned butter enriches a yeasted dough that rises twice, is shaped into 30 soft balls, packed into a 9x13 baking dish, and baked until golden, then finished with flaky sea salt. These pillowy, butter-rich rolls fill the house with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread and elevate any dinner party table.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Tender Bibb lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sliced onions, and briny olives are drizzled with a creamy mayo-vinegar-olive oil vinaigrette brightened with fresh parsley. This simple, old-fashioned salad is the perfect cool counterpoint to a bowl of rich, spiced chili.

A blend of cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, and hot sauce is shaped into a football, coated in toasted walnuts, and detailed with string cheese laces, served alongside homemade rosemary-thyme crackers. This playful, savory appetizer is the ultimate centerpiece for a football watch party spread.

This is the sandwich I grew up on and it still hits exactly the same way. Prosciutto, hot capicola, Genoa salami, and provolone layered onto ciabatta with plum tomatoes, shredded lettuce, red onion, and pickled pepperoncini — all drizzled with a simple red wine vinegar dressing. Wrapped in wax paper and sliced in half the way a proper hero should be. This is not just a sandwich. This is a love letter to my mom.

Toasted cinnamon raisin bread cubes combined with hot Italian sausage, fennel, celery, and onion, bound with broth and eggs and baked until golden. A sweet-savory stuffing that adds an unexpected, delicious twist to the Thanksgiving table.

Pinto beans simmered with cumin, coriander, and chipotle, mashed to a thick paste with some texture left for body, and finished with fresh lime. A flavorful, from-scratch staple that outshines any canned version and anchors the whole So-Cal menu.