Dried chiles are toasted, rehydrated, and pureed with garlic, onion, oregano, and cumin to make a rich red sauce for simmered and shredded chicken, which is wrapped in fluffy lard-beaten masa dough, folded into corn husks, and steamed until tender. These authentic homemade tamales are a labor of love that brings family and friends together around a deeply flavorful Mexican tradition.

Ziti is tossed with chicken, mushrooms, and cauliflower in a luscious cream sauce enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, green chiles, thyme, and peas, then baked at 425°F until golden. This make-ahead casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for entertaining, delivering rich comfort food that can be assembled in advance.

Purple and lacinato kale are briefly softened in hot water, sliced thin, and tossed in a bold anchovy-garlic-lemon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. The two-toned kale showcases the rainbow theme while the umami-rich dressing transforms hearty greens into an addictive, savory salad.

Toasted baguette slices are layered with a briny olive-red pepper-herb spread, mozzarella, provolone, mortadella, capicola, and salami, then finished with more olive spread and fresh basil. These bite-sized bruschetta capture all the bold, salty, meaty flavors of a classic New Orleans muffuletta sandwich in an easy-to-serve party appetizer.

Valerie and Sophie turn Val’s mother’s lasagna recipe into a simple, modern, super skillet-ready dinner, so bubbly and cheesy, it’ll make you think lasagna can be more than just a Sunday special.

Aperol and vodka shaken together and strained into a frozen martini glass, finished with a splash of bubbly prosecco. A clever renovation of the classic Italian spritz that swaps the wine glass for a martini glass with added spirit.

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

Buttery slice-and-bake cookies studded with dried cherries and a subtle kick of white pepper, shaped into logs and chilled overnight before slicing. A surprising sweet-spicy combination that makes for an unexpected and delightful wine club dessert.

A buttery shortbread tart shell filled with fresh blueberries in a light glaze. An elegant and not-too-sweet dessert perfect for a dinner party.

Tender pear pieces baked under a buttery oat crumble topping, served with maple-sweetened Greek yogurt. Individual-sized desserts with a wholesome, comforting feel.