This is a mid-week can't miss meal features a Valerie fave ingredient, chicken thighs, and transforms them into the most delectable Chicken Parm you'll ever eat.

Crunchy twice-baked biscotti loaded with toasted walnuts and a surprising kick of black pepper. Flavored with orange zest and vanilla for a cookie that pairs perfectly with coffee.

Flatbread pizzas topped with a vibrant Tuscan kale pesto and melted fontina cheese, finished with wine-and-chile shrimp scampi. A creative, dinner-party-worthy pizza that brings together earthy greens and succulent shrimp for an unforgettable social evening.

A hearty Thanksgiving stuffing studded with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and sweet Italian sausage. Baked until golden on top with a moist, savory interior.

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.

In this Halloween special of Valerie’s Home Cooking, Val pairs up with Jordan from This Girl Walks Into a Bar to make a spooky, pitch-black Margarita Mocktail. Using an organic citrus mixer, sweet agave, a spicy-salty Tajín rim, and activated charcoal, this quick and easy non-alcoholic drink brings all the eerie vibes without the alcohol. Perfect for Halloween entertaining! This Girl Walks Into a Bar is giving Valerie's Place members 30% off their entire order. Head to thisgirlmixerssnacks.com and use code VALERIE at checkout.

A four-layer cake made with grated zucchini, brown sugar, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and cloves is frosted between the layers only with a ginger cream cheese frosting studded with crystallized ginger. This striking naked cake puts a bold, spicy twist on the classic zucchini cake, letting the rustic layers and pops of candied ginger take center stage.

A twist on the classic Moscow mule featuring fresh lemon juice and homemade limoncello, topped with spicy ginger beer. A fizzy, citrus-forward cocktail with a limoncello kick that brightens any gathering.

Cold rice is stir-fried in sesame oil with ginger, carrots, garlic, peas, and scallions, then combined with soy sauce, scrambled eggs, and sliced grilled chicken. This satisfying one-pan classic transforms leftover chicken and rice into a quick, flavorful weeknight staple.

Rehydrated ancho chile paste is infused into browned butter and combined with Mexican and bittersweet chocolate, espresso, and walnuts for intensely fudgy brownies served with cinnamon-spiked whipped cream. These deeply complex, chile-laced brownies deliver waves of smoky heat, bitter chocolate, and warm spice that honor ancient Aztec chocolate traditions.