It's Valerie Bertinelli's turn to entertain her best girl friends at this month's meeting of their 18-year-old book club. Valerie's menu includes Cream Cheese Crab Spread with Homemade Crostini, Butter Lettuce Salad with Hazelnuts and Bacon Bits, Spicy Arrabiata Penne, and for dessert, Helen's Black Pepper Walnut Biscotti and Affogato.
Geoffrey Zakarian's Paella will impress family and friends. The hosts offer up two summer salad recipes, new ideas on dressing different lettuces, and a guide to grilling fish. Nate Berkus brings a pop-up party for those unexpected guests. Then, the hosts share how they're keeping cool this summer and enjoy a Royal Blush cocktail.
Ree Drummond is shopping and sharing recipes for ground beef while the guys on the ranch ship cattle. First, she puts together her Slow Cooker Bolognese, a freezer favorite that's perfect over pasta or layered in her Polenta Lasagna. Then she works on fast Southwest Beef Lettuce Wraps and shortcut Rye Bread Party Pizzas.
Ree Drummond spices things up with her favorite speedy Cajun Tequila Shrimp Lettuce Wraps in a riff on a classic. Then, she turns up the heat with an incredibly quick Peppers, Shells & Cheese stuffed with peppers, a colossal Mountain Burger that's inspired by Colorado vacations and a super cool Jalapeno Blackberry Margarita with a kick.
Valerie Bertinelli is celebrating a new book by making a few of the recipes that start each chapter for some dear friends. She cooks Sausage and Peppers, a Tuna Egg Salad Melt and a delightful Butter Lettuce Salad with Zesty Green Goddess Dressing. For a sweet ending, Valerie bakes Lemon Lime White Chocolate Chip Cookies.