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.

Lemon-garlic marinated shrimp threaded on skewers and grilled alongside green onions, served with a homemade almond and roasted red pepper romesc

Seared shrimp tossed in a garlicky white wine-butter sauce over delicate capellini, topped with crunchy brown butter herb breadcrumbs. A quick yet elegant dinner that brings restaurant-quality comfort to a blustery weeknight.

Plump shrimp simmered in a spicy coconut-tomato broth with white wine and chicken broth. A bold, aromatic main course with global flavors.

Retro-style chicken liver and water chestnut bites wrapped in bacon and glazed with teriyaki sauce. A savory, bite-sized appetizer that's a guaranteed poker night crowd-pleaser.

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

Dried apricots simmered in apricot nectar are cooled and steeped with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a French press, then plunged and served over ice. This fruit-infused twist on the classic Manhattan is a sophisticated, party-ready cocktail that makes a memorable start to any celebration.

Baby rainbow carrots are tossed with honey, olive oil, and a pinch of cayenne, then roasted at 375°F until caramelized and finished with bright lemon zest. The naturally colorful carrots become sweet and tender with a subtle kick, making them the most literal expression of the episode's rainbow theme.

Red wine simmered in a slow cooker with cheesecloth-wrapped whole spices, orange juice and zest, and a sprig of rosemary. A fragrant, hands-off holiday drink that fills the house with warmth as the days grow shorter.

A creamy stovetop pumpkin pudding made with whole milk, pumpkin puree, and warm cinnamon. A cozy, homemade dessert made with love for Wolfie.