Chicken thighs are baked and then broiled with a homemade barbecue sauce built from apricot preserves, Fresno chiles, and Dijon mustard until caramelized and sticky. These sweet-heat thighs deliver a glossy, finger-licking glaze that balances fruity sweetness with a slow chile burn, perfect for a casual dinner party.

Thin-sliced russet potatoes are deep-fried at 300°F until shatteringly crisp, then dusted with a homemade BBQ seasoning blend of paprika, confectioners' sugar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. These addictive chips blow store-bought versions away and make the perfect snack for a fun gathering with friends.

Perfect for a solo lunch or dinner, Val’s vibrant Ginger Miso Chicken Wrap packs crisp savoy cabbage, fresh radishes, and tender grilled chicken into a warm, toasted tortilla. It is effortlessly scaled down to make a single, satisfying meal that hits all the right savory and tangy notes.

Lobster shells are simmered with sherry and vegetables to build a rich stock, then pureed with an immersion blender and finished with cream and chunks of tender lobster meat. This luxurious, velvety bisque is a sophisticated soup course perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.

Grilled shrimp, corn, jalapeño, and scallions are chopped and tossed with cucumber, red onion, lime, smoked paprika, and diced avocado into a chunky, smoky salsa. This substantial, protein-packed salsa blurs the line between dip and salad, offering a fresh, grilled twist on traditional salsa that steals the show at any cookout.

A buttery pecan shortbread crust layered with tangy cranberry-pomegranate filling and a crumbly cinnamon-sugar topping. A jewel-toned holiday dessert that makes a beautiful and portable addition to any Thanksgiving feast.

A kid-friendly mocktail blending fresh watermelon puree with lime juice and mint simple syrup, topped with sparkling water. Garnished with watermelon and mint skewers for a festive presentation.

Fresh lemon juice and simple syrup are churned in an ice cream machine until smooth, then scooped into hollowed-out frozen lemon halves and garnished with sugared lemon zest. This palate-cleansing sorbet served in its own natural cup makes a beautiful, refreshing finale to a rich French-inspired meal.

Cranberry juice, orange vodka, and spiced-thyme simple syrup topped with prosecco, served with a stunning cranberry Bundt ice ring. A sparkling, show-stopping party punch that sets the tone for a festive holiday celebration.

Buttery toffee studded with toasted hazelnuts and finished with flaky sea salt. A sweet-salty confection perfect for gifting to neighbors.