A classic Italian appetizer featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and kalamata olives piled high on grilled bread. This bruschetta is Valerie's go-to starter for entertaining close friends.

A rich yeast dough flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest is rolled around a cream cheese-cinnamon filling with a hidden plastic baby, shaped into an oval, baked golden, then iced and decorated with festive purple, green, and yellow sanding sugar. This iconic New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition brings carnival spirit to any celebration, with the lucky baby-finder crowned king or queen of the party.

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.

Caramel ice cream blended with rich stout beer and topped with whipped cream and malt powder for a decadent, boozy shake

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.

Sweet jumbo lump crab is gently bound with breadcrumbs, lemon zest, Worcestershire, and Old Bay, then pan-fried in butter until golden and served with a tangy creme fraiche-mustard dipping sauce. These bite-sized crab cakes make a refined appetizer that sets a celebratory tone for the party.

A whole chicken with the backbone removed, flattened and roasted at high heat on a bed of fresh thyme until golden and juicy. A foolproof technique that delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender meat for Wolfie's homecoming dinner.

Baked russet potatoes are scooped out, riced, mixed with Cheddar, sour cream, and scallions, stuffed back into their skins, topped with crumbled bacon, and baked again until golden and bubbling. These loaded, crispy-skinned potatoes are the quintessential American steakhouse side dish, indulgent and satisfying down to the last cheesy bite.

Sauteed garlic, onions, and jalapenos simmered with black beans, cumin, and coriander, then partially blended for a thick, rustic texture. A warming, Cuban-inspired soup that delivers bold spice and creamy depth in every spoonful.