Ep 5. Home Alone...And I Like It

Valerie's Home Cooking is a lighthearted and entertaining cooking show hosted by actress and food enthusiast Valerie Bertinelli. Each episode features Bertinelli preparing a variety of delicious and approachable recipes in her home kitchen, while sharing personal stories and tips for successful cooking.

In season 3 episode 5 of the show, titled "Home Alone...And I Like It", Bertinelli focuses on recipes that are perfect for solo dining. As she explains in the introduction, sometimes it's nice to have the house to oneself and indulge in a meal that is tailored to one's own preferences.

The episode begins with Bertinelli whipping up a batch of homemade turkey meatballs, which can be frozen and used for quick and easy meals throughout the week. She also prepares a simple but flavorful tomato sauce to accompany the meatballs, which can be enjoyed over pasta or as a dipping sauce.

Next up, Bertinelli demonstrates how to make her favorite avocado toast recipe. She starts with a thick slice of sourdough bread, which she toasts and then smashes half an avocado onto. She tops the avocado with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Finally, she adds a fried egg on top for protein and texture.

For those days when a hearty breakfast is in order, Bertinelli has the perfect solution: a single serving of breakfast hash. She starts with diced sweet potato and onion, which she cooks in a pan until they are tender and browned. Then she adds some crumbled sausage and cooks until it's browned and crispy. Finally, she cracks an egg into the center of the hash and transfers the whole thing to the oven to bake until the egg is set. The result is a satisfying and delicious breakfast that is perfect for one.

In the second half of the episode, Bertinelli shifts her focus to lunch and dinner options. She starts with a recipe for roast chicken breast, which is super easy to make and can be customized with different seasonings and accompaniments. Bertinelli serves hers with a simple arugula salad and a side of roasted carrots.

For a satisfying and healthy vegetarian option, Bertinelli prepares a quinoa and vegetable bowl. She starts by cooking the quinoa and then adds sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes, and some fresh spinach. She finishes the bowl with a dollop of hummus and a drizzle of tahini dressing. The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a solo lunch or dinner.

Finally, Bertinelli shares her recipe for a decadent but single-serving dessert: a molten chocolate cake. She starts by melting chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, then adds sugar, flour, and eggs to create a rich batter. She transfers the batter to a ramekin and bakes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey. The result is a warm and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.

Throughout the episode, Bertinelli shares tips and tricks for cooking for one, from how to portion ingredients to how to store leftovers for later. She also provides plenty of inspiration for delicious and easy meals that are perfect for solo dining. Overall, "Home Alone...And I Like It" is a fun and informative episode that showcases Bertinelli's talent for creating flavorful and approachable recipes.