classic chopped iceberg salad loaded with cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, carrots, and grape tomatoes in a rich Roquefort cheese dressing. A throwback steakhouse side that proves retro never really goes out of style.

Broccolini is roasted with garlic until tender and charred, then showered with food processor breadcrumbs blended with oil-cured olives and red pepper flakes. This quick, punchy side dish transforms simple broccolini into something bold and crunchy with a Mediterranean-inspired topping.

A rich, layered Italian lasagna featuring a hearty meat ragu, creamy besciamella sauce, and loads of Parmigiano-Reggiano and mozzarella. This holiday centerpiece is worth every minute of the labor of love.

Baked crispy tortillas spread with homemade refried beans and topped with a vibrant salad of romaine, tomatoes, olives, beets, and Parmesan in chipotle vinaigrette. A fresh, colorful So-Cal-style tostada that delivers satisfying crunch and bold Southwestern flavor in every bite.

A light sponge cake is soaked through with a luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and half-and-half infused with cinnamon and vanilla, then crowned with billowy whipped cream. This classic Latin American celebration cake is moist, creamy, and utterly indulgent — the perfect sweet ending to a tamale party.

A flavorful Italian-style tuna salad mixed with capers, olives, and spicy cherry peppers. Served on crustless white bread quarters and sesame crackers for an easy, elegant appetizer.

Salted slices of eggplant, yellow squash, zucchini, and tomatoes are arranged in a spiral over caramelized shallots and baked under a blanket of fontina and Parmesan. This beautiful gratin is the ideal way to showcase the last of summer's garden bounty as an elegant side dish.

Homemade pizza dough made with a blend of all-purpose, whole-wheat, and bread flours, grilled until perfectly charred. A versatile base ready for your favorite toppings at a fun pizza party.

Val and Sophie make a fun, melty, cheese-y twist on the old-school ham and cheese sandwich.