Ep 1. Honoring Nonnie

In season 9 episode 1 of Valerie's Home Cooking, titled "Honoring Nonnie," Valerie Bertinelli pays homage to her Italian grandmother, Nonnie, by preparing some of her favorite home-cooked meals. Nonnie was a huge influence on Valerie's life and cooking style, and this episode is a chance for Valerie to remember her and share some of her special recipes with viewers.

Valerie begins the episode by making a classic Italian dish, spaghetti and meatballs, which was one of Nonnie's signature dishes. She uses a combination of beef, pork, and veal to create the perfect meatball, and simmers them in a rich tomato sauce for maximum flavor. Valerie also shares some of Nonnie's tips for making the best pasta, including adding salt to the water and not overcrowding the pot.

Next, Valerie moves on to another Italian favorite, chicken cacciatore. This hearty dish is made with chicken thighs, red bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. Valerie cooks the chicken in a cast-iron skillet for a crispy, golden-brown exterior, then simmers it in the tomato sauce until it's tender and juicy. She also shares some of Nonnie's secrets for making the perfect polenta, which involves a slow and steady cook with plenty of stirring.

For the third dish, Valerie prepares one of Nonnie's favorite appetizers, stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized treats are filled with a mixture of bacon, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crispy. Valerie adds a twist to Nonnie's recipe by using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional ones, which gives the mushrooms an extra-crispy texture.

Finally, Valerie caps off the meal with a sweet and delicious dessert, Italian lemon cookies. These pillowy soft cookies are flavored with fresh lemon zest and juice, and are rolled in powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

Throughout the episode, Valerie shares stories about her beloved Nonnie and how much she meant to her. It's clear that Nonnie had a huge impact on both Valerie's cooking and her life in general, and this episode is a beautiful tribute to her memory.

In addition to the delicious recipes, viewers will also get a glimpse into Valerie's life and kitchen, as she shares tips and tricks for making cooking easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this episode is a great source of inspiration and ideas.

Overall, season 9 episode 1 of Valerie's Home Cooking is a heartwarming and delicious tribute to Nonnie and her love of cooking. From classic Italian dishes to sweet and satisfying desserts, Valerie honors her grandmother in the best way possible – by sharing her love of food with the world.