Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Boiled lima beans and corn are tossed with golden sauteed onions and plum tomatoes in a bright cider vinegar dressing seasoned with parsley, sage, and nutmeg. This hearty, rustic salad celebrates classic American harvest ingredients and makes a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish.

A spice cake mix is layered with a ricotta-mascarpone filling that magically switches positions during baking, then topped with a pumpkin spice pudding-mascarpone frosting. This easy yet impressive cake captures all the warm spice flavors of fall and makes a delightful alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.

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

Blanched green beans and okra are steeped in a spiced vinegar brine with coriander, cayenne, and smoked paprika, then refrigerated for at least six hours. These crunchy, tangy pickled vegetables serve double duty as a zesty snack and a garnish for cocktails like the Bloody Bull.

Julienned chayote, red cabbage, carrots, jicama, and scallions are tossed in a creamy avocado-crema-cilantro dressing blended in the food processor. This vibrant, crunchy slaw adds a fresh, colorful contrast to any Latin-inspired spread.

Lobster shells are simmered with sherry and vegetables to build a rich stock, then pureed with an immersion blender and finished with cream and chunks of tender lobster meat. This luxurious, velvety bisque is a sophisticated soup course perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.

Corn cereal, peanuts, pretzels, chipotle crackers, lime tortilla chips, coconut, corn nuts, and pepitas are tossed in a butter-lime-chili-Parmesan seasoning and baked at 300 degrees until toasty. This addictive, boldly spiced party mix brings tangy, smoky, salty flavors together for effortless snacking.

A wheel of Brie is topped with mango chutney, raisins, and almonds, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked at high heat until the exterior is golden and the cheese is molten inside. This warm, gooey appetizer is an easy yet impressive starter that pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers.

A butterflied turkey breast is pounded flat, filled with cranberry-triple-citrus bread stuffing, rolled and tied, then roasted at two temperatures until golden, with a cream gravy made from the pan drippings. This elegant roulade offers all the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving turkey in a beautifully sliceable, evenly cooked presentation

A buttery lime shortbread crust holds a silky mango-coconut milk-gelatin filling folded with whipped cream, topped with decorative fans of mango slices brushed in a tequila-lime glaze. This stunning, tropical tart is a showpiece dessert perfect for a festive summer gathering.

Salted slices of eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are arranged in a spiral over caramelized shallots and baked under a blanket of fontina and Parmesan. This beautiful gratin is the ideal way to showcase the last of summer's garden bounty as an elegant side dish.

Chicken wings baked at high heat are tossed in a tequila-lime-agave sauce and broiled until crisp, then served with a cool, spicy avocado crema for dipping. These sticky, tangy wings with their creamy dipping sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any fiesta-themed party.

Green and red leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion are tossed in a bright Champagne vinegar-Dijon vinaigrette. This crisp, refreshing salad provides a light counterpoint to heavier game-day fare.

This bold twist on the Bloody Mary combines spicy V8 and beef broth with vodka and horseradish, garnished with pickled okra and green beans. The sav

Lamb chops are marinated in red wine, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary, then seared on a grill pan and drizzled with a reduced marinade-honey glaze. These elegant, bite-sized lamb lollipops deliver rich, aromatic flavor and make a sophisticated addition to any dinner party or appetizer spread.

Homemade egg fettuccine made with a stand mixer and pasta roller is tossed with pan-seared chicken, roasted broccoli, and a creamy Asiago-Parmesan sauce brightened with lemon. This from-scratch pasta dish is an impressive yet comforting weeknight dinner that rewards a little extra effort.

Seasoned cream cheese blended with celery, olives, Cajun seasoning, anchovy paste, and lemon zest is layered with sliced tomato and arugula on alternating white and wheat bread, then cut into neat triangles. These savory, cocktail-inspired tea sandwiches bring all the bold flavors of a Bloody Mary to an elegant finger-food format.

Oats, puffed rice, almonds, dried cherries, sunflower seeds, and coconut are bound with a blended date syrup and almond butter mixture, then frozen and finished with a carob drizzle. These wholesome no-bake bars make a perfect make-ahead snack for lunchboxes or on-the-go energy.

A thick strawberry milkshake blended with fresh berries, jam, and strawberry ice cream is topped with strawberry whipped cream and served alongside jam-filled puff pastry twists coated in homemade strawberry sugar. This multi-component treat turns a classic milkshake into a showstopping dessert experience.

Chicken breasts poached in stock are shredded and simmered with white beans partially blended for body, green chiles, ancho chile powder, cumin, and coriander, then served with extensive toppings. This creamy, mild chili is a crowd-pleasing game-day staple that invites everyone to customize their bowl.