Ep 7. Bang For Your Buck Barbecue

In season 3 episode 7 of Valerie's Home Cooking, titled "Bang For Your Buck Barbecue," Valerie Bertinelli shares her secrets for hosting a delicious and affordable backyard barbecue. With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to fire up the grill and impress your friends and family with a spread that's both tasty and budget-friendly.

Valerie kicks off the episode by making her smoky and sweet BBQ sauce from scratch. She combines ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices to create a sticky-sweet sauce that's perfect for slathering on grilled meats. Next, Valerie gives a tutorial on how to properly grill chicken, offering tips for getting crispy skin and juicy meat every time.

For the main course, Valerie prepares succulent baby back ribs that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. She applies her homemade BBQ sauce liberally to the ribs before slow-cooking them on the grill until they're fall-off-the-bone tender. She also whips up some easy and tasty side dishes, including grilled corn on the cob and a refreshing watermelon salad.

Throughout the episode, Valerie emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and using ingredients that are both affordable and flavorful. She offers suggestions for how to maximize your grocery budget, such as buying meat in bulk when it's on sale and utilizing fresh herbs and spices to add depth of flavor without breaking the bank.

Valerie also shares some of her favorite summer entertaining tips and tricks, such as setting up a buffet table and inviting guests to bring their own side dishes. She encourages viewers to be creative and embrace the laid-back vibe of a backyard BBQ, suggesting simple decorations like mason jars filled with flowers and string lights to add ambiance.

As always, Valerie's warmth and down-to-earth approach make her recipes and tips feel accessible to home cooks of all levels. Whether you're an experienced griller or a beginner looking to up your BBQ game, this episode of Valerie's Home Cooking is sure to leave you feeling inspired and ready to host your own summertime bash.