Jalapeño halves are stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, smoked Gouda, Cheddar, chives, and lime zest, wrapped tightly in bacon, and baked at 425 degrees until the bacon is crisp and the filling is molten. These smoky, creamy, fiery poppers are a guaranteed crowd favorite and the ultimate appetizer for anyone who loves bold heat.

Shredded chicken marinated in a homemade roasted tomato-poblano sauce, rolled in tortillas with Monterey Jack cheese, and baked until bubbly before a final broil. A rich, saucy enchilada with deep roasted flavor that captures the heart of Southern California home cooking.

Hot dog halves are skewered on sticks, dipped in a cornmeal-buttermilk batter, and deep-fried at 375 degrees until golden and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These bite-sized carnival classics are an irresistible, fun-to-eat treat that kids and adults alike will devour by the handful.

White beans, bacon lardons, sausage, and browned chicken thighs and drumsticks are baked low and slow with vegetables, tomatoes, and herbs, then finished with a crunchy toasted lemon-parsley breadcrumb topping. This hearty, rustic French-inspired cassoulet is the ultimate budget-friendly crowd-feeder for a cozy dinner with friends.

This is a mid-week can't miss meal features a Valerie fave ingredient, chicken thighs, and transforms them into the most delectable Chicken Parm you'll ever eat.

Tri-color push pops are layered with blue-tinted coconut sorbet, white coconut sorbet, and raspberry sorbet, then topped with decorative pineapple stars. These patriotic frozen treats are a playful, kid-friendly finale that captures the festive spirit of a summer beach party.

Halved radicchio and shrimp charred on the grill until smoky and tender, drizzled with a sweet honey-balsamic vinaigrette. A warm, smoky salad with beautiful grill marks that bridges the gap between light lunch and hearty grilled fare.

Crisp romaine hearts are grilled until lightly charred and drizzled with a creamy balsamic-Gorgonzola dressing. A warm twist on a classic salad that adds smoky depth to every bite.

Spicy, garlicky Calabrian chili shrimp piled on crispy golden toast with creamy avocado and a bright squeeze of lemon. This one comes together in 20 minutes and feels like a treat every single time.

These super-easy, can’t be beat zesty, summery shrimp rolls pack a fresh, herby punch into every buttery, toasted bite.