Ep 1. Quick and Easy Movie Night

Valerie's Home Cooking season 4 kicks off with episode one, titled "Quick and Easy Movie Night." In this episode, the lovely Valerie Bertinelli showcases some of her favorite recipes for a fun and delicious movie night in. Valerie starts off by making a quick and easy snack mix that features popcorn, pretzels, and white cheddar cheese. She then moves on to a recipe for homemade potato chips that couldn't be simpler to make. Valerie shows viewers how to slice the potatoes thinly and fry them until crispy, then tosses them with a seasoning blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt.

Next up on the menu is a savory dip that's perfect for dipping chips or veggies. Valerie's bacon ranch dip is made with sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh herbs, and of course, crispy bacon. This dip can be prepped in minutes and is perfect for snacking on while watching a movie or sports game.

For the main course, Valerie prepares a quick and easy flatbread pizza that's loaded with fresh veggies and cheesy goodness. She starts with a store-bought pizza crust and tops it with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. After baking in the oven for just a few minutes, the flatbread is topped with fresh baby arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Valerie wraps up the episode with a sweet treat that's perfect for indulging in during a movie. Her homemade caramel corn is a classic recipe that's been passed down in her family for generations. She starts with popcorn kernels popped on the stove, then tosses the popcorn with a homemade caramel sauce made with butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. After baking in the oven for just a few minutes, the popcorn comes out perfectly crispy and covered in sweet, gooey caramel.

Throughout the episode, Valerie shares tips and tricks for making each recipe quickly and easily, without sacrificing flavor or quality. She emphasizes the importance of using fresh ingredients whenever possible and encourages viewers to get creative with their own snack and pizza toppings. As always, Valerie's warm personality and infectious enthusiasm for cooking make this episode a joy to watch. It's the perfect inspiration for anyone who wants to make their next movie night in extra special with delicious homemade snacks and pizza.