Ep 5. Soup 'n Wiches

In season 6 episode 5 of Valerie's Home Cooking, titled "Soup 'n Wiches," Valerie Bertinelli shares her favorite recipes for cozy and satisfying soups and sandwiches. As the weather starts to turn colder, Valerie believes there's nothing better than curling up with a piping hot bowl of homemade soup and a delicious sandwich.

Valerie starts by making her roasted vegetable soup, which is made with tons of flavorful vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and red bell peppers. She roasts the veggies in the oven until they're caramelized and tender, then simmers them in a rich tomato broth with herbs and spices. Valerie serves the soup with a side of cheesy garlic bread, which she makes by toasting slices of crusty bread with a mixture of butter, garlic, parsley, and a blend of cheddar and parmesan cheese.

Next up is Valerie's riff on the classic French onion soup. Instead of using traditional beef broth, Valerie uses a mixture of chicken and vegetable broth for a lighter, more delicate flavor. She also adds a splash of red wine, which gives the soup a deep, savory richness. To top off the soup, Valerie makes homemade croutons by frying slices of baguette in butter and tossing them with grated gruyere cheese.

For the sandwich component of the meal, Valerie shows viewers how to make her turkey BLT with herb mayo. She starts by layering slices of roasted turkey breast, crispy bacon, and fresh lettuce and tomato on a toasted brioche bun. The secret to the sandwich is Valerie's homemade herb mayo, which is made by blending together mayonnaise, fresh herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The result is a flavor-packed sandwich that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Valerie also shares her recipe for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, which is elevated with the addition of caramelized onions and crispy pancetta. She starts by sautéing the onions until they're golden brown and tender, then adds them to the sandwich with slices of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy pancetta. The sandwich is grilled until the cheese is melted and gooey and the bread is crispy and golden brown.

Finally, for a sweet ending to the meal, Valerie makes her version of a classic apple crisp. She starts by tossing slices of tart apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, then tops them with a buttery crumble made of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. The crisp is baked in the oven until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.

Throughout the episode, Valerie shares tips and tricks for making each recipe, including shortcuts for prepping and cooking ingredients, and ideas for customizing the dishes to suit different tastes. As always, Valerie's warm and friendly personality shines through, making this episode a must-watch for anyone looking for comforting and delicious meal ideas.