These easy protein peanut butter balls (or discs, in this case) use just peanut butter powder, unsweetened applesauce, and chocolate chips, so you get a healthy-tasting, high-protein snack with no baking required. Mix the dough, flatten it into discs, freeze for 15 minutes, and dip in melted chocolate. The applesauce adds a subtle flavor that never overpowers, and makes them irresistible.

A blend of cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, and hot sauce is shaped into a football, coated in toasted walnuts, and detailed with string cheese laces, served alongside homemade rosemary-thyme crackers. This playful, savory appetizer is the ultimate centerpiece for a football watch party spread.

A whole chicken is brined in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and oven-baked at 425 degrees on a wire rack until golden and shatteringly crisp without any frying. This clever technique delivers all the crunch and juiciness of classic fried chicken with far less mess and a fraction of the oil.

A hearty meat sauce of ground beef and sausage is layered with a rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan filling between no-boil noodles, then baked at 375°F until bubbly and golden. This deeply personal family recipe pays tribute to Nonnie's legacy, delivering the ultimate comfort-food centerpiece.

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.

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.

A savory egg custard baked in a homemade flaky pie crust and loaded with mushrooms, mixed vegetables, and three cheeses. This versatile quiche is ideal for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

Three progressively lighter pink cake layers are baked individually, stacked with strawberry jam between them, cut into tiny squares, and topped with piped white chocolate frosting and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These stunning, bite-sized confections showcase a beautiful gradient of color and make an eye-catching addition to an elegant dessert spread.

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

A sophisticated Manhattan cocktail made with homemade butter-infused bourbon, sweet vermouth, and spiced bitters. A rich, velvety twist on the classic cocktail.