Pork shoulder slow-cooked for six hours with BBQ sauce, beer, and spices, then piled high with crispy flour-coated fried shallots and Fresno chiles. A tender, smoky showstopper that wins over every crowd at the table.

A yeasted dough made with a blend of bread and all-purpose flour is dimpled by hand and topped with sliced onion, briny green olives, rosemary sprigs, and flaky sea salt, then baked at 425°F until golden. This pillowy, aromatic focaccia serves as a beautiful edible centerpiece and bread course for the birthday celebration.

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.

A roasted tomato panzanella is one of those effortlessly rustic dishes I love. Crispy golden bread soaking up sweet, jammy tomatoes, briny olives, and a bright vinaigrette for the perfect bite every time.

Sugar-coated lemons, limes, and oranges grilled cut-side down until caramelized, then juiced into a basil-infused simple syrup with optional vodka. A smoky, charred-citrus lemonade that captures the spirit of a full day spent around the grill.

A custardy bread pudding made with rich challah and spiked with limoncello liqueur. A warm, comforting dessert with a citrusy Italian twist.

A tender beef chuck roast slow-cooked with garlic until it falls apart. The quintessential hands-off Sunday dinner main course.

Fragrant chai tea steeped in water and almond milk, spiked with spiced rum and agave, and topped with whipped cream. A warming, spirit-laced drink that makes staying indoors feel like the best plan imaginable.

A simple pasta tossed with crispy thick-cut bacon and roasted plum tomatoes. A cozy, romantic dinner that feels effortless yet indulgent.

A quick and indulgent Italian dessert made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over vanilla ice cream. Topped with chocolate-covered almonds for an elegant after-dinner treat.