
Mixed Fruit Tart
A buttery tart crust blind-baked to golden perfection, filled with cream cheese whipped cream, and topped with jewel-toned fresh berries under a gleaming apricot glaze. A classic French-style tart that bridges old-world pastry technique with fresh, new-world fruit.

Valerie's Italian Veggie Pie
Sauteed mushrooms, shallots, and spinach mixed with mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs, baked inside a golden crescent roll dough crust. A savory, Italian-inspired pie that showcases the kind of family recipe passed between kitchen cousins.

Snap Pea, Orange and Radish Salad
Blanched snap peas tossed with crispy prosciutto, creamy goat cheese, orange supremes, radishes, fresh mint, and tarragon. A vibrant, renovated salad that layers bright citrus, salty crunch, and fresh herbs for a beautifully composed dish.

Cheese and Caramel Popcorn
A Chicago-style popcorn mix featuring cheddar-powdered popcorn combined with homemade caramel popcorn cooked to 248-250 degrees for the perfect crunch. An addictive sweet-and-savory snack that captures the iconic flavor of the Windy City.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Romesco Sauce
Lemon-garlic marinated shrimp threaded on skewers and grilled alongside green onions, served with a homemade almond and roasted red pepper romesc

Polenta Crackers with Roasted Wild Mushrooms
Crispy cornmeal-Parmesan crackers made from food processor dough, topped with wild mushrooms roasted at 450 degrees with tarragon and lemon. A sophisticated, earthy bite that elevates any wine club gathering with its rich, woodsy flavor.

Limoncello
Fresh lemon zest steeped in vodka for a full week, then combined with simple syrup, strained, and chilled for a smooth, aromatic Italian liqueur. A homemade staple that brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast to your home bar and makes a beautiful handmade gift.

Roasted Cauliflower Popcorn with Chile-Lime Seasoning
Bite-sized cauliflower florets roasted at 425 degrees until beautifully browned, then tossed with a zesty chile-lime seasoning. A lighter, veggie-forward happy hour snack that is just as addictive and poppable as the real thing.

Cubano Salad
Crisp lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, onions, and creamy avocado tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for a fresh, vibrant side. A light, crunchy salad that balances the richness of a Cuban comfort food menu. I

Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Brussels sprouts halved and quartered, then cooked with cubed pancetta until the sprouts are tender and the pancetta is crispy and golden. A simple, savory side dish that pairs salty Italian pancetta with earthy sprouts for an effortless crowd-pleaser.

Valerie's Spumoni
Three layers of gelato featuring chocolate, cherry-Amarena, and pistachio flavors set over a chocolate wafer crust in a loaf pan and frozen overnight. A stunning, tri-colored Italian frozen dessert that brings a touch of the old country to the family table.

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
Layers of homemade pound cake, strawberries simmered in preserves, and cream cheese whipped cream stacked in a trifle bowl for a stunning layered dessert. A beautiful, show-stopping presentation that transforms a classic strawberry shortcake into a queenly grand finale.

Key Lime Pie Martini
Vodka, vanilla liqueur, fresh lime juice, and coconut creamer shaken until frothy and served in a graham-cracker-rimmed martini glass. A dessert-in-a-glass cocktail that captures every element of Key lime pie in one sippable treat.

Spicy Black Bean Soup
Sauteed garlic, onions, and jalapenos simmered with black beans, cumin, and coriander, then partially blended for a thick, rustic texture. A warming, Cuban-inspired soup that delivers bold spice and creamy depth in every spoonful.

Steak Towers
Grilled steak cut into neat squares and stacked on cucumber rounds with piped herbed cheese, garnished with tomato and onion. A polished, bite-sized appetizer that makes a stunning presentation for an upscale wine tasting evening.

Crunchy Mustard Chicken Bake
Chicken thighs marinated in Dijon mustard, vermouth, and lemon, seared golden, then baked over roasted leeks, potatoes, and onions with a crispy breadcrumb-tarragon topping. A one-pan dinner with incredible depth of flavor that renovates a simple chicken bake into something truly memorable.

Pepperoni Pizza Bites with Homemade Marinara Sauce
Pizza dough rolled up with pepperoni and mozzarella into logs, baked until golden, brushed with garlic-Parmesan oil, and sliced into bite-sized rounds. A fun, shareable snack with all the flavors of pizza night in every popped-in-your-mouth piece.

Valerie's Cheesy Salami Pie
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.

Italian Pizzeria Salad
Romaine and spring mix tossed with marinated artichokes, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olives, basil, and oregano in a homemade vin

Roasted Vegetable Soup
Root vegetables including carrots, parsnips, beets, and radishes roasted until caramelized, then simmered with escarole, navy beans, and a Parmesan rind for savory depth. A hearty, nourishing soup that is made for ladling into bowls and sharing with good company.