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.

Blanched green beans tossed in garlic oil, chile paste, and honey, then broiled until charred and blistered with a sticky, spicy glaze. A bold, restaurant-style side dish that brings fiery flavor and satisfying snap to any birthday spread.

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.

Salmon fillets baked with a creamy honey-mustard sauce made with Dijon, mayo, and fresh chives. A simple weeknight main that feels elegant enough for company.

Val flips the script on taco night by smashing seasoned beef directly onto warm tortillas for the ultimate crispy, sizzling mashup. Loaded high with cool guac, fresh pico, and creamy toppings, this lightning-fast recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor of a smash burger in single-serve taco form.

Thick-sliced ripe tomatoes and English cucumber with red onion in a balsamic vinaigrette, crowned with shatteringly crispy baked pancetta. A fresh summer salad given a salty, savory crunch from its Italian bacon topping.

Julienned chayote, red cabbage, carrots, jicama, and scallions are tossed in a creamy avocado-crema-cilantro dressing blended in the food processor. This vibrant, crunchy slaw adds a fresh, colorful contrast to any Latin-inspired spread.

A light and creamy chicken salad with crisp apples and sweet grapes in a yogurt-buttermilk dressing. A refreshing, healthier take on a lunchtime classic.

These Cold Miso Peanut Zoodles are a fresh, flavor-packed twist on noodles, tossing lightly sautéed zucchini and carrots in a creamy, umami-rich miso peanut dressing with a hint of heat. Finished with crunchy peanuts, sesame seeds, and bright herbs, it’s a vibrant, no-fuss dish that’s perfect for a light meal or refreshing side.

Light bittersweet chocolate mousse piped into homemade cone-shaped tuile cookies with a hint of ginger. A showstopping Valentine's Day dessert.