Collagen powder, matcha, cinnamon, and turmeric are whisked together into a portable dry mix that stirs into almond milk or coconut water for an instant energizing drink. This customizable wellness blend is a convenient way to pack protein and anti-inflammatory spices into a quick on-the-go beverage.

Salmon fillets are set on soaked cedar planks with a demerara sugar rub and grilled over indirect heat until just cooked through at 135°F, then topped with blistered cherry tomatoes tossed in parsley and lemon. The fragrant cedar smoke infuses the fish with a woodsy depth, creating a celebratory main course worthy of a milestone occasion.

This one is a keeper: Ginger Miso Pasta Salad. Grab your ingredients and cook along with her.

Hand-ground fresh salmon patties seasoned with Dijon, jalapeno, lemon zest, and herbs, grilled and served on buns with all the fixings. A lighter, flavorful alternative to beef burgers that's ideal for closing out grilling season.

A classic Italian appetizer featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and kalamata olives piled high on grilled bread. This bruschetta is Valerie's go-to starter for entertaining close friends.

Baby back ribs are slow-baked at 325 degrees for two hours in a homemade bourbon-coffee barbecue sauce, then broiled until the glaze caramelizes into sticky, lacquered perfection. These fall-off-the-bone ribs deliver deep, smoky-sweet flavor with a coffee-bourbon kick that rivals any backyard pit.

Pinto beans simmered with cumin, coriander, and chipotle, mashed to a thick paste with some texture left for body, and finished with fresh lime. A flavorful, from-scratch staple that outshines any canned version and anchors the whole So-Cal menu.

Chocolate pizzelle cookies are shaped into taco shells while still warm, then filled with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a fresh strawberry-mint topping. These whimsical dessert tacos cleverly riff on Neapolitan ice cream flavors while keeping the taco theme going through the final course.

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.

Thick-sliced ripe tomatoes and English cucumber with red onion in a balsamic vinaigrette, crowned with shatteringly crispy baked pancetta. A fresh summer salad given a salty, savory crunch from its Italian bacon topping.