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.

Valerie and Sophie turn Val’s mother’s lasagna recipe into a simple, modern, super skillet-ready dinner, so bubbly and cheesy, it’ll make you think lasagna can be more than just a Sunday special.

Tuscan kale is massaged in a white balsamic vinaigrette brightened with homemade raspberry syrup, then tossed with radicchio, fresh raspberries, ricotta salata, and pecans. The sweet-tart dressing and bitter greens create an elegant, colorful side that balances the richness of the lasagna.

Pan-fried crab cakes packed with jumbo lump crab, andouille sausage, and Fresno chile, served on toasted brioche buns with a fresh corn coleslaw. A fun, hand-held bite that turns movie night at home into something truly special.

A sophisticated cocktail combining gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice, stirred and strained over ice. Garnished with an orange peel for a citrusy take on the classic Negroni.

Tri-tip is marinated for two and a half hours in a full bottle of red wine with fresh herbs, orange, and honey-Dijon, then grilled to medium-rare and served with the strained marinade reduced into a rich, glossy sauce. This boldly flavored, wine-soaked steak is a California grilling tradition that delivers deep, herbaceous complexity in every perfectly pink slice.

Blanched green beans and okra are steeped in a spiced vinegar brine with coriander, cayenne, and smoked paprika, then refrigerated for at least six hours. These crunchy, tangy pickled vegetables serve double duty as a zesty snack and a garnish for cocktails like the Bloody Bull.

Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sticky-sweet sauce of orange juice, ketchup, marmalade, soy sauce, and five-spice powder, then baked at 400°F until caramelized and cooked through. These glossy, kid-friendly drumsticks are the kind of hands-on, lick-your-fingers meal that makes weeknight dinners fun.

Salami layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, bound with eggs, and baked in crescent roll dough until puffed and golden. A rich, meaty Italian pie rooted in family tradition that is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a hearty snack.

Toasted pumpkin seeds coated in butter, sugar, and salt for an addictive sweet-salty crunch. A simple holiday snack or salad topper.