A creamy baked lemon cheesecake swirled with tangy lemon curd, set over a homemade lemon-rosemary shortbread cookie crust. A fragrant, elegant dessert that steals the show at any dinner party or social gathering.

Fresh watermelon blended with lime juice and sugar, strained smooth, and served over ice with optional tequila and orange liqueur. A refreshing summer sipper that works beautifully as both a cocktail and a mocktail.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli A whole side of salmon is spread with a mustard-honey-mayonnaise mixture, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and roasted at 400 degrees until the crust is golden and the fish is perfectly flaky. This impressive, single-platter entree feeds a crowd beautifully and makes an elegant centerpiece for a dinner party with minimal hands-on effort.

Turnips are braised in homemade chicken stock until tender, then the liquid is reduced to a concentrated glaze and finished with butter and fresh tarragon. This simple, refined side dish transforms an often-overlooked root vegetable into something silky, savory, and deeply flavorful.

These easy protein peanut butter balls (or discs, in this case) use just peanut butter powder, unsweetened applesauce, and chocolate chips, so you get a healthy-tasting, high-protein snack with no baking required. Mix the dough, flatten it into discs, freeze for 15 minutes, and dip in melted chocolate. The applesauce adds a subtle flavor that never overpowers, and makes them irresistible.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Peppery baby arugula, crisp Belgian endives, and sliced white mushrooms are tossed in a bright Champagne vinegar-Dijon vinaigrette with minced shallots and fresh chives. This lilight, elegant salad provides a refreshing contrast to a richly flavored chicken dinner.

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.

Roasted garlic aioli is blended with Castelvetrano and Kalamata olives, briny capers, fresh rosemary, and anchovy paste into a rich, savory dip. This Mediterranean-inspired tapenade aioli is an intensely flavored party dip that pairs beautifully with crudites, grilled bread, or crispy pita chips.

Toasted crostini topped with creamy goat cheese and roasted asparagus spears. A simple, elegant appetizer for drop-in guests.