Boxed chocolate cake mix is elevated with peppermint extract and a hidden layer of ricotta-mascarpone cheesecake baked right inside, then topped with a glossy mint chocolate ganache. This indulgent, semi-homemade cake delivers a cool, creamy mint surprise in every slice and proves that starting with a box mix can still yield a show-stopping dessert.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Lime juice, orange liqueur, and ginger beer are poured over ice, topped with floated lime wheels and a splash of overproof rum that is briefly set aflame, then finished with a squeeze of roasted lime. This dramatic, fire-topped cocktail puts a bold, citrusy spin on the classic Dark 'n' Stormy and delivers a show-stopping moment at any spicy-themed party.

Broccolini is roasted with garlic until tender and charred, then showered with food processor breadcrumbs blended with oil-cured olives and red pepper flakes. This quick, punchy side dish transforms simple broccolini into something bold and crunchy with a Mediterranean-inspired topping.

Crisp escarole and Treviso radicchio are tossed with toasted almonds, fresh basil, and mint in a honey-caramelized Meyer lemon vinaigrette, then finished with charred cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan. This sophisticated, bittersweet salad balances bright citrus and smoky charred tomatoes for an elegant first course.

Butter-toasted farro tossed with roasted beets, beet greens, pistachios, and roasted garlic vinaigrette, topped with creamy goat cheese. A colorful, earthy grain salad that makes an impressive side for dinner parties or a satisfying lunch on its own.

A yeasted dough made with a blend of bread and all-purpose flour is dimpled by hand and topped with sliced onion, briny green olives, rosemary sprigs, and flaky sea salt, then baked at 425°F until golden. This pillowy, aromatic focaccia serves as a beautiful edible centerpiece and bread course for the birthday celebration.

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.

Morning-after fajitas with sauteed bell peppers, scrambled eggs, and chili seasoning wrapped in warm flour tortillas. A hearty, satisfying brunch that comes together fast.

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

Equal parts bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and fresh grapefruit juice are shaken together and strained into a coupe glass. This perfectly balanced modern classic cocktail delivers bittersweet, citrusy complexity in a deceptively simple equal-parts formula.