Ep 12. Cookie Party Swap

Valerie's Home Cooking season 6 episode 12, titled "Cookie Party Swap," revolves around the festive theme of holiday cookies. Host Valerie Bertinelli is at her jovial best in this cheery episode featuring her friends and family.

Bertinelli welcomes viewers into her warm and inviting kitchen to showcase some of her favorite cookie recipes. Keeping in tune with the cheerful holiday spirit, Bertinelli has invited some guests who are eager to share their own cookie recipes and swap them with others.

The episode begins with Bertinelli whipping up her signature Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies, which are both delicious and easy to make. She then demonstrates how to make her family's famous Pinwheel Cookies, which are as festive as they are flavorful. Bertinelli's baking skills and easy charm make it seem like even the toughest cookie recipes can be tackled with relative ease.

Next up, Bertinelli welcomes guest baker Brigitte Nguyen, who shares her recipe for Spicy Gingerbread Cookies. Nguyen's recipe is inspired by her Vietnamese heritage, and it adds a delicious twist to the traditional holiday cookie recipes. She explains how to make the dough and how to roll it out, and then Bertinelli and Nguyen work together to cut out and decorate the cookies.

In the second half of the episode, Bertinelli is joined by her dear friend, actress Melissa Peterman. Peterman shares her recipe for Lemon Krinkle Cookies, which are tangy, zesty, and utterly irresistible. The pair work together to bake the cookies, and while they are in the oven, they swap cookie recipes with each other. Peterman's recipe for Lemon Krinkle Cookies is a hit, and Bertinelli promises to make them for her family's Christmas dinner.

Finally, Bertinelli welcomes local pastry chef extraordinaire, Mimi Wei, to the show. Wei brings her recipe for Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies, which are decadent, gooey, and perfect for the holiday season. Bertinelli and Wei discuss the key ingredients and share some tips and tricks before getting down to the business of baking.

As the episode winds down, Bertinelli and her friends gather around the kitchen island to sample each other's cookies, swap stories, and reminisce about holiday traditions past and present. The warmth and camaraderie of the group are infectious, and viewers are left with the feeling that holiday cookies are so much more than just a tasty treat; they are an essential part of the holiday experience, bringing families, friends, and communities together in the spirit of love, laughter, and good cheer.

In conclusion, "Cookie Party Swap" is a delightful episode of Valerie's Home Cooking that is perfect for the holiday season. Bertinelli is at her charismatic best, and her guests add a lively and varied perspective to the show. With its delicious recipes, practical tips, and feel-good vibe, this episode is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired, entertained, and, of course, hungry for cookies.