Valerie's Home Cooking

Valerie Bertinelli knows that taking care of herself makes her a better mom, so for Mother's Day, she invites her friend, actress Angela Kinsey, over to relax and practice some self-care, which of course involves a decadent meal! Valerie makes Roasted Cod with Cashew Coconut Lime Topping, Tangy Quick Collards, Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Cumin Vinaigrette and, for dessert, Citrus Upside-Down Cake.

Valerie Bertinelli is moving about as fast as her cats this morning, but she still wants to set herself up for a successful week, so she's prepping a few make-ahead dishes, including Instant Pot French Toast Casserole with Lemon Strawberry Sauce and Make-Ahead Pea Soup with Lemon Mascarpone. Her Cabbage Salad and Vinegar Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives are light on time but big on flavor, so she still has plenty of time to relax with a Black Cat Cocktail -- and her cats!

Valerie Bertinelli has always been a football fan, but her longtime friend, Lisa, and her husband, former professional baseball player Billy Ashley, are going to show Valerie how much fun baseball culture can be! Valerie makes them Caramel Popcorn and Nut Mix and grills up some stadium favorites, like Grilled Brats with Microwave Sauerkraut and Mustard Bar and Grilled Corn on the Cob with Compound Butter. By the time they get to Valerie's Baseball Mitt Krispie Treats, she'll be rooting for the home team, too.

Valerie Bertinelli welcomes Colton Underwood, an ex-football player who now runs a nonprofit to benefit people living with cystic fibrosis. He has been traveling the country for his charity, and Valerie is treating him and his girlfriend, Cassie Randolph, to a home-cooked meal with some of her mom's best dishes. She makes Classic Antipasti Green Salad, Mom's Chicken Cacciatore, Garlicky Polenta and, for dessert, Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting.

Some of the best reunions happen at the last minute, and Valerie Bertinelli is seizing the opportunity for a spontaneous get-together with her friend, Mackenzie Phillips. Without a lot of time to cook, Valerie prepares a few dishes that are quick but super-impressive. She makes Almond Crackers with Tomato Shallot Jam, Fire Feta Dip and a Veggie Ribbon Salad. There's also Baked Gnocchi Mac and Cheese and, for dessert, Peach and Cherry Galette.

Valerie Bertinelli went on the trip of a lifetime to Italy last summer, and this year, she's bringing Italy to her own backyard! She's kicking off the summer by hosting an elegant poolside party inspired by her adventures in Sicily, and she has invited her longtime friends Danny and Suzanne to join the fun. Valerie's Italian-style menu includes Sicilian Tomato Pesto, Pasta Salad alla Norma and Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Saffron Vinaigrette. She also makes a Sicilian Spritz cocktail and Coffee Granita with Mint Whipped Cream for a refreshing dessert.

Valerie Bertinelli is refreshing classic diner fare for her brothers, David and Patrick, and her nephew, Enzo. She makes Patty Melts with Disco Fries and Dill Pickle Spears. For dessert, they enjoy Malted Milk Chocolate Ice Cream with Crushed Malted Milk Balls.

Valerie Bertinelli is celebrating America's birthday with friends and a sparkling menu that's sure to pop! She makes Mini Pepper Poppers with Bacon, Chipotle Barbecue Ribs and Kale and Carrot Slaw. For dessert, Valerie preps Frozen Watermelon Mint Pops with Prosecco.

Valerie Bertinelli loves the unique flavors of New Orleans, so she's inviting Louisiana native and actress Faith Ford over for a brunch that makes them feel like they're in the Big Easy. Valerie makes Green Tomato Benedict and Easy Cajun Hollandaise along with Olive Salad, and she and Faith sip Hurricane Mimosas. Valerie also prepares Bananas Foster for a sweet finish.

Valerie Bertinelli is developing some new, foolproof recipes for her website. She makes a batch of Savory Breakfast Muffins and Kale Caesar Salad with Crispy Garlic and Oregano Topping. Valerie also prepares Pork Tenderloin Steaks with Mustard Herb Sauce and a dessert of Triple Berry Cream Cheese Shortcake with Whipped Cream. Photographer Kari Hendler comes over to take photos for the website -- and do a little taste testing!