Valerie's Home Cooking

Valerie prepares an all-grilled menu for her last backyard soiree of the summer with friends and family.

Valerie cooks up some of her and her husband's favorite guilty-pleasure dishes on "Cheat Day."

Season two kid chefs Jane Haviland and Matthew Merril drop by for lunch and Valerie does not disappoint. She surprises them with Chocolate Cupcakes for dessert and the kids decorate them with treats sent by Duff Goldman.

Valerie's good friend chef Alex Guarnaschelli stops by to visit from New York, so Valerie brings the experience of Little Italy home by preparing some of her favorite classic Italian dishes.

Valerie pulls out all the stops to celebrate her son Wolf's birthday by cooking all of his favorite dishes.

Valerie whips up an all-bacon menu for longtime friend Jo Stougaard, a food blogger and bacon connoisseur.

Valerie and Tom invite friends over for a casual backyard barbecue. She whips up Lacquered Barbecue Grilled Chicken, Baked Beans, Grilled Vegetable Kabobs and a refreshing Lemon-Basil Granita.

Valerie and her husband Tom give old-school recipes a little update. On the menu is Chopped Iceberg Salad with Roquefort Dressing, Tuna Noodle Casserole, and a new take on an old favorite, Valerie's mom's Cherry Cheesecake Pie.

Valerie pulls together a quick meal from her favorite pantry staples, including Smoky Cheddar Crackers, Pasta al Tonno, Roasted Artichoke Hearts Provencal and Blueberry Cheesecake Filo Cups.

Valerie invites friends over for a stress-free summertime fiesta, including Queso Fundido, a Fix-it-Yourself Catfish Taco Bar, Jalapeno Ranch Slaw and a delicious Watermelon Cocktail.

Valerie and her buddy Faith Ford beat the heat by testing cool recipes like a Lobster BLT, Sweet and Savory Pickle Spears, a Classic Greek Salad, Honey-Citrus Southern Iced Tea, Microwave Potato Chips and Lemon Icebox Cake.

Valerie creates new family favorites to honor the special men in her life. She serves up Chipotle Cheeseburgers, Spinach and Strawberry Salad, Mom's Onion Rings and a Ginger Beer Lime Rickey.

Valerie invites her Hot in Cleveland co-stars Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White over. On the menu are Short Rib Crostini, Chicken Satay and Steamed Veggies with Peanut Sauce and Roasted Potatoes with Eggplant Caviar.