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.

Buttery slice-and-bake cookies studded with dried cherries and a subtle kick of white pepper, shaped into logs and chilled overnight before slicing. A surprising sweet-spicy combination that makes for an unexpected and delightful wine club dessert.

Crispy panko-crusted chicken cutlets served atop a bed of peppery arugula dressed in a tangy lemon-shallot vinaigrette. A satisfying main course that balances crunch with fresh greens.

A playful dessert sundae drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce and a splash of creme de menthe syrup. Topped with fresh raspberries for a refreshing after-dinner treat.

Thinly sliced red onion and shallot rings are quick-pickled in a warm brine of vinegar, sugar, and salt until vibrant pink and tangy. These crunchy, acidic pickles cut through the richness of tacos and carnitas, adding the essential bright contrast every taco bar needs.

Golden choux puffs are baked until crisp and hollow, then filled with both vanilla whipped cream and espresso whipped cream and dusted with confectioners' sugar. These light, elegant pastries pair two classic flavors in one impressive yet surprisingly approachable dessert.

Cream cheese, spinach, and lump crabmeat are seasoned with Worcestershire, dry mustard, paprika, and cayenne, topped with panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and bubbling. This rich, savory dip is an irresistible crowd-pleaser that disappears fast at any dinner party or gathering.

Toasted cinnamon raisin bread cubes combined with hot Italian sausage, fennel, celery, and onion, bound with broth and eggs and baked until golden. A sweet-savory stuffing that adds an unexpected, delicious twist to the Thanksgiving table.

Frenched lamb chops soak up a bold marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, parsley, cumin, and garlic before hitting the grill, then are served with a bright reserved mint-lemon dressing. The aromatic crust and herb-forward finish make these chops an impressive yet straightforward main course.

Bring the heat to your next backyard hangout with Valerie’s ultimate sweet-and-spicy summer dish featuring perfectly seared scallops over a bed of fresh, snappy corn. It’s a quick, cast-iron masterpiece that delivers a burst of seasonal flavor and just the right amount of chili-crisp kick!