
Spicy Arrabiata Penne
A fiery penne pasta tossed in a quick-simmered tomato sauce with garlic and red chile flakes. Finished with fresh basil and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano for a bold weeknight dinner.

Italian Flag Salad
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.

Blueberry Smoothie
A nutrient-packed smoothie blending blueberries, avocado, banana, collard greens, and pineapple with coconut water. A thick, creamy breakfast drink with a hint of lime and ginger.

Cauliflower Crust Pizza
A gluten-free pizza made with a crispy cauliflower crust topped with mozzarella, marinara, and fresh basil. A lighter take on pizza night that doesn't sacrifice flavor.

English and Italian Finger Sandwiches
Italian-style finger sandwiches layered with salami, prosciutto, mortadella, roasted red peppers, and pepperoncini on herbed bread. Trimmed and cut into elegant thirds for a beautiful party platter.

Affogato
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.

Roasted Beets with Herbs
Tender baby beets roasted until caramelized and tossed with fresh parsley and tarragon. A simple, elegant side dish that lets the natural sweetness of the beets shine.

Cream Cheese Crab Spread with Homemade Crostini
A creamy crab spread made with Neufchatel cheese and fresh crabmeat, topped with a zesty ketchup-horseradish sauce. Served with garlic-rubbed toasted baguette rounds for an impressive appetizer.

Valerie's Very Best Gumbo
A deeply flavorful Louisiana gumbo built on a dark roux with andouille and smoked sausage, okra, tomatoes, and shredded rotisserie chicken. Served over rice with scallions and hot sauce.

Lasagna alla Besciamella
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.

Kale and Quinoa Salad
A hearty salad of massaged lacinato kale tossed with quinoa, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and pine nuts. Dressed in a simple red wine vinaigrette for a nutritious side or light meal.

Neapolitan Holiday Cookies
A stunning tri-colored layered cookie made with almond paste dough tinted red, green, and yellow, filled with raspberry jam and apricot preserves. Topped with melted dark chocolate for a show-stopping holiday treat.

Berry Kir Royale
A sparkling cocktail made with prosecco and creme de cassis, garnished with fresh raspberries. An elegant and effortless aperitif perfect for holiday entertaining.

Dom's Salsa and Guacamole
A versatile fresh salsa made with Roma tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and lime, divided into two servings. Half is served as classic salsa and the other half is mixed with mashed avocado for instant guacamole.

Spicy Margarita with Jalapeno and Ginger
A spicy margarita muddled with fresh jalapeno and ginger slices, shaken with tequila and orange liqueur. Served in a lime-salt rimmed glass for a cocktail with serious kick.

Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce
A silky vanilla panna cotta set in ramekins and topped with a vibrant mixed berry sauce. This elegant Italian custard dessert is the perfect make-ahead dinner party finale.

BBQ Chicken Kabobs with Tequila Lime Cilantro
Juicy chicken kabobs marinated in a bright tequila-lime-cilantro mixture and grilled alongside zucchini and bell peppers. A flavorful and colorful main course perfect for outdoor gatherings.

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
A smooth and creamy hummus blended with roasted red peppers, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Served with pita chips and fresh vegetables for game day snacking.

Italian Tuna Salad
A flavorful Italian-style tuna salad mixed with capers, olives, and spicy cherry peppers. Served on crustless white bread quarters and sesame crackers for an easy, elegant appetizer.

Sicilian Love Cake
A decadent layered cake starting with chocolate cake batter topped with a creamy mascarpone-ricotta filling that magically swaps layers as it bakes. Finished with a rich cocoa-mascarpone frosting.