Ep 7. Turning Over a New Leaf

Valerie's Home Cooking season 10 Episode 7 is named "Turning Over a New Leaf." This episode features Valerie Bertinelli, who is known for cooking up some amazing dishes in her kitchen. In this episode, Valerie is getting healthy and experimenting with some new dishes. She wants to turn over a new leaf in her cooking and bring some healthier options to her table.

The show begins with Valerie starting her day with a healthy breakfast. She whips up a dish of scrambled eggs with veggies and turkey sausage, showing that you can still have a delicious and filling breakfast without all the calories. She explains how she is trying to eat healthier and is focusing on using fresh ingredients in her cooking. She also talks about how important it is to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is a theme that comes up throughout the episode.

Next, Valerie heads to a farmers market to stock up on fresh produce. She picks out some beautiful greens, some ripe tomatoes, and a variety of other colorful vegetables. She talks to the farmers and gets some tips on how to cook with some of the more unusual vegetables, like kale and chard. She also picks up some fresh herbs, which she uses to flavor her dishes throughout the episode.

Back in her kitchen, Valerie gets to work on her first dish, a hearty vegetable soup. She explains that she loves making soups because they are an easy way to get a lot of vegetables into your diet. She starts by sauteing some onions and garlic, then adds in the vegetables, some vegetable broth, and a can of crushed tomatoes. She lets it simmer for a while and then purees it until it's smooth and velvety. She serves the soup with a slice of whole-grain bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

For her next dish, Valerie makes a healthy version of a classic Italian dish, spaghetti carbonara. Instead of using heavy cream and bacon, she uses a combination of egg yolks and low-fat milk to create a creamy sauce. She also adds in some peas and prosciutto for extra flavor and texture. She serves the pasta with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade vinaigrette.

For dessert, Valerie makes a low-fat version of a classic chocolate cake. She starts with a basic cake mix but adds in some instant pudding mix, Greek yogurt, and applesauce to make it lighter and more moist. She frosts it with a simple chocolate frosting made from cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a little milk. She serves it with a fresh berry compote made with raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries.

Throughout the episode, Valerie emphasizes the importance of making healthy choices and taking care of yourself. She talks about how eating well and exercising can help you feel better and live longer. She also shares some tips and tricks for cooking healthy, like using herbs and spices to add flavor, swapping out heavy cream for Greek yogurt, and experimenting with different types of veggies.

Overall, "Turning Over a New Leaf" is a great episode for anyone looking to cook healthier and feel better. Valerie Bertinelli is a fantastic cook and a great role model for anyone who wants to make positive changes in their diet and lifestyle. With her help, you can learn how to create delicious and satisfying meals that are also good for you. So if you're looking to turn over a new leaf in your cooking, be sure to check out this episode of Valerie's Home Cooking.