Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce of orange juice, ketchup, marmalade, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, then baked at 400°F until caramelized and cooked through. These glossy, kid-friendly drumsticks are the kind of hands-on, lick-your-fingers meal that makes weeknight dinners fun.

Buttery shortbread infused with rosemary and lemon zest pulsed into sugar, pressed into a pan, baked, and drizzled with lemon icing. A fragrant, sophisticated cookie perfect for sharing during the quiet, contemplative evenings of early winter.

Bittersweet and Mexican chocolate are melted together with warm cream to create a smooth, spiced fondue served alongside marshmallows, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and fresh fruit for dipping. This interactive dessert station turns a weeknight dinner into a fun family activity that kids can customize themselves.

Homemade soft pretzels boiled in baking soda water and baked until golden brown, served with a warm Nutella and milk dipping sauce. A fun, hands-on recipe that's perfect for baking with kids.

A hearty salad of massaged lacinato kale tossed with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and pine nuts. Dressed in a simple red wine vinaigrette for a nutritious side or light meal.

Pasta in a creamy sauce made with grated cauliflower, French onion dip, Cheddar, Colby Jack, and cayenne is baked until bubbly and topped with a crunchy layer of crushed potato chips. This clever comfort food sneaks a full serving of vegetables into every cheesy, indulgent bite without anyone being the wiser.

A rich, two-layer chocolate cake spiked with chipotle and cinnamon, frosted with tangy cream cheese frosting and dusted with cocoa. A dramatic birthday cake with a spicy Mexican chocolate twist that makes the guest of honor feel truly celebrated.

Popcorn, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers coated in homemade caramel cooked to 245 degrees and baked until crispy. An irresistible sweet-salty snack that captures campfire nostalgia without leaving the couch.

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!

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.