Six pounds of red plums seasoned with almond extract and orange zest fill a food-processor butter crust topped with a woven diagonal lattice and turbinado sugar, baked until golden. This generous slab pie is a stunning way to celebrate peak stone fruit season and feeds a crowd with ease

Ripe cantaloupe, bitter radicchio, fresh mint, and toasted pine nuts are dressed in a balsamic reduction vinaigrette that ties the sweet and bitter elements together. This Italian-inspired salad balances juicy melon sweetness with peppery radicchio and crunchy nuts for an elegant, unexpected combination.

A rich, layered Italian lasagna featuring a hearty meat ragu, creamy besciamella sauce, and loads of Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella. This holiday centerpiece is worth every minute of the labor of love.

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.

These banana muffins get a serious upgrade with warm maple syrup, cozy pumpkin pie spice, and rich, toasty brown butter that makes them feel like a giant hug. They take just 10 minutes to prep, make your whole kitchen smell like heaven, and deliver a perfect crunch from chopped walnuts.

A tender food processor crust made with lard and butter cradles Granny Smith apples spiced with brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg under a woven lattice top, served with dollops of mascarpone whipped cream. This heirloom family recipe is the definitive all-American apple pie, with a flaky, old-fashioned crust and a filling that honors tradition in every spiced, buttery bite.

Fresh lemon zest steeped in vodka for a full week, then combined with simple syrup, strained, and chilled for a smooth, aromatic Italian liqueur. A homemade staple that brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast to your home bar and makes a beautiful handmade gift.

Spicy, garlicky Calabrian chili shrimp piled on crispy golden toast with creamy avocado and a bright squeeze of lemon. This one comes together in 20 minutes and feels like a treat every single time.

Val and Sophie make a fun, melty, cheese-y twist on the old-school ham and cheese sandwich.

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.