A tender, buttery vanilla sheet cake topped with a luscious cream cheese and butter frosting and optional fresh berries. A classic celebration cake made with love for Wolfie's special occasion.

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.

Layers of homemade pound cake, strawberries simmered in preserves, and cream cheese whipped cream stacked in a trifle bowl for a stunning layered dessert. A beautiful, show-stopping presentation that transforms a classic strawberry shortcake into a queenly grand finale.

Fresh watermelon chunks are blended smooth with lime zest, lime juice, and cooled simple syrup, then strained for a pristine, refreshing drink. This vibrant pink cooler is the ultimate thirst-quencher for a hot backyard beach party.

Green and red leaf lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion are tossed in a bright Champagne vinegar-Dijon vinaigrette. This crisp, refreshing salad provides a light counterpoint to heavier game-day fare.

Recipe courtesy of Valerie Bertinelli Frozen sweet potato fries are baked crisp, then tossed with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, bright lemon zest, and a kick of cayenne. This quick shortcut side dish transforms a freezer staple into something vibrant and addictive with just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce of orange juice, ketchup, marmalade, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, then baked at 400°F until caramelized and cooked through. These glossy, kid-friendly drumsticks are the kind of hands-on, lick-your-fingers meal that makes weeknight dinners fun.

A classic Roman misticanza of mixed bitter greens including chicory, escarole, endive, frisee, and radicchio is tossed with fresh herbs and radishes in a shallot-red wine vinaigrette. This sophisticated salad provides an elegant, palate-cleansing start to a special birthday dinner.

Toasted pumpkin seeds coated in butter, sugar, and salt for an addictive sweet-salty crunch. A simple holiday snack or salad topper.

Ladyfingers are dipped in a heady mixture of espresso, coffee liqueur, and Marsala, then layered with a cloud of mascarpone-whipped cream filling and dusted with cocoa powder. This iconic Italian dessert is the perfect finale for a pasta-themed menu, delivering bittersweet coffee flavor in every luscious spoonful.