Ep 3. My Kind of Town: Chicago

Valerie's Home Cooking season 5 episode 3 takes us on a culinary journey to one of the most iconic food cities in America: Chicago. In this episode, Valerie Bertinelli invites us into her kitchen, where she prepares delicious dishes inspired by the Windy City.

The episode begins with Valerie's take on the classic Chicago-style hot dog. She shows us how to make the perfect hot dog, with all the classic toppings, including mustard, relish, onions, and pickles. But Valerie takes it a step further by adding her own twist: a homemade giardiniera, a spicy condiment packed with pickled vegetables. With a crispy bun and juicy hot dog, this is a must-try dish for any hot dog lover.

Next up, Valerie prepares her take on an Italian beef sandwich, another Chicago favorite. She slow-roasts beef until it's tender and flavorful, then thinly slices it and serves it on a crusty roll with giardiniera and melted provolone cheese. This sandwich is a perfect example of Chicago's multicultural culinary heritage and is sure to satisfy any carnivore's craving for a meaty sandwich.

For the seafood lovers, Valerie prepares a dish inspired by Chicago's famous Lake Michigan perch. She pan-fries perch fillets until they're crispy and golden brown, then serves them alongside a colorful slaw made with red cabbage, carrots, and green onions. The combination of crispy, flaky fish and tangy slaw is a match made in heaven.

Valerie's next recipe is a casserole that's perfect for a chilly Chicago evening. She layers potatoes, sausage, onions, and peppers in a baking dish, then tops it all off with a cheesy egg custard. The dish is baked until piping hot and bubbly, and it's a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect to share with family and friends.

No visit to Chicago would be complete without a slice of deep-dish pizza, and Valerie shows us how to make her own version. She starts by making her own pizza dough, then piles it high with cheese, tomato sauce, and an array of toppings, including sausage, mushrooms, and green peppers. The pizza is baked until it's golden and bubbling, and it's a decadent and delicious take on one of Chicago's most beloved dishes.

Finally, Valerie ends the episode with a sweet treat that's sure to satisfy any sugar craving: Chicago-style popcorn mix. She pops a big batch of popcorn and tosses it with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, then adds in some chocolate chips and peanuts to make it even more indulgent. This snack is perfect for movie night or any time you want a salty-sweet indulgence.

All in all, Valerie's Home Cooking season 5 episode 3 is a delicious tribute to the vibrant and diverse food culture of Chicago. From hot dogs to pizza and everything in between, Valerie shows us how to make some of the Windy City's most iconic dishes in the comfort of our own homes.