A rich turkey gravy made from scratch with turkey stock, neck, and gizzards simmered with fresh thyme. The essential companion to deep-fried turkey.

Mezcal shaken with orange liqueur, fresh orange juice, and homemade simple syrup, served in a salt-rimmed glass for a smoky-citrus kick. A bold, California-style cocktail that brings campfire depth and bright sunshine together in one glass.

Ripe avocado is blended with coconut milk, condensed milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla, then frozen in push-up molds for a creamy, fudgy treat. These secretly healthy frozen pops swap in avocado for richness, making them a guilt-free dessert that kids devour without ever suspecting the hidden vegetable.

Thick cauliflower steaks roasted until golden and topped with toasted pine nuts, golden raisins, and butter. A hearty vegetable side dish with sweet and savory contrast.

A whole turkey deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection with incredibly juicy meat inside. The showstopping centerpiece of Valerie's Thanksgiving table.

Rehydrated ancho chile paste is infused into browned butter and combined with Mexican and bittersweet chocolate, espresso, and walnuts for intensely fudgy brownies served with cinnamon-spiked whipped cream. These deeply complex, chile-laced brownies deliver waves of smoky heat, bitter chocolate, and warm spice that honor ancient Aztec chocolate traditions.

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

Paper-thin shaved fennel, crisp radishes, orange supremes, peppery upland cress, pistachios, and olives are dressed in a bright orange-honey vinaigrette. This fresh, composed salad provides a light, elegant counterbalance to a rich and hearty cassoulet.

Boiled sweet potato wedges seasoned with chili powder and grilled until beautifully charred. A smoky, slightly sweet side dish that rounds out a summer grilling menu with ease.

In this can’t miss dessert for one Val’s giving a sweet and sour twist to the viral Dot Cake trend by preparing a lemon mug cake right in the microwave. After letting it cool, it’s layered with tangy lemon curd, cream cheese frosting, and bright yellow sprinkles before chilling it until it is perfectly set. Give it a try - you’ll thank yourself later.