Dry sea scallops are seared to a deep golden crust, then basted with a compound lemon butter and deglazed with white wine and lemon juice for a bright pan sauce. These restaurant-quality scallops make a luxurious, celebratory main course that is elegant enough for a special birthday dinner.

Nothing says summer's not quite over like a watermelon margarita - minus the tequila. This one comes together in about two minutes flat: watermelon juice, a splash of club soda for fizz, and This Girl Walks Into a Bar's margarita mix doing all the heavy lifting on flavor. A Tajín rim brings the salty-spicy kick, a squeeze of lime finishes it off, and you've got something that tastes like a cocktail without the tequila (but you can add it in if you'd like). I am completely obsessed with this mixer line - it's become a staple in my kitchen - and they're giving Valerie's Place members 30% off their entire order. Head to thisgirlmixerssnacks.com and use code VALERIE at checkout.

Crispy mini phyllo shells filled with lemon-scented mascarpone cream and topped with a warm cinnamon blueberry compote. A dainty, no-bake dessert perfect for a quiet evening of solo indulgence.

Honey nut cereal, pretzels, Cheddar crackers, wasabi peas, peanuts, and crushed ramen noodles baked with butter, ramen seasoning, and Parmesan. An outrageously addictive party mix with bold, savory crunch in every handful.

These Shakin’ Chicken cutlets are my go-to for a crispy, flavorful dinner that’s easy to make ahead and keep in the freezer. Cook them whenever you need a quick, comforting meal — especially perfect topped with a fresh, lemony arugula salad.

A puffy, golden oven-baked pancake risen in a preheated cast-iron skillet, served with a vibrant strained raspberry-orange sauce. A dramatic yet effortless breakfast-for-dinner that is just the thing after a long day of travel.

White rice is toasted before simmering in chicken stock with lime peel, then finished with fresh lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and green onions for a fragrant, fluffy side. This bright and herby rice is the perfect base for soaking up saucy tinga and spicy black beans.

Two layers of homemade bread dough spread with chocolate hazelnut filling, chocolate chips, and chopped hazelnuts, cut into rectangles and stacked in a loaf pan. A gooey, indulgent pull-apart bread that makes sharing irresistible and every bite decadent.

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 vibrant salad of spring greens and romaine tossed with cherry tomatoes, radishes, pecans, and goat cheese. Dressed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette with a jar-shake method.