It’s been a while since I last wrote… and I think I said that the last time too. But this time, it really has been a while!

I’m writing after spending a few weeks away from home — lucky enough to travel a bit with H and my in-laws. The time away gave me a chance to pause, reflect, and reset, especially when it comes to ValeCooks.

Even while traveling, I did my best to keep cooking. I still hit my goal of testing seven recipes most weeks, though I missed two while on a cruise (no kitchen access — unless you count the two cooking classes I took!). Being away from my kitchen made me even more excited to come back and focus on deeper, more thoughtful recipes instead of the quick, viral ones I squeezed in while traveling.

I also got to eat so much incredible food. From morning runs to local bakeries to late-night street eats, I came home with a list of dishes I can’t wait to recreate — from doner and souvlaki to moutabal, cardamom buns, and even croissants.

For now, I’m diving into cozy fall recipes and making the most of this season before Christmas cooking takes over.

🎥 One big highlight from the trip: my brother-in-law finally convinced me to publish my first ValeCooks-themed YouTube video! It took me a while, but it’s here — and I’m proud of it. My goal is to keep expanding ValeCooks and start sharing videos about the recipes I test.

If you want to hear the origin story of ValeCooks, give it a watch. If you enjoy it, please subscribe and give it a like — there’s so much more to come!
(Note: I published one video in English and another in Spanish 🙂)

Recipes Made So Far This Year:

Goal: To try seven new recipes each week 🗓️, aiming for 365 this year!

Number of Recipes Made This Week: Week 36: 7 ✔️ & Week 37: 7 ✔️ & Week 38: 7 ✔️ & Week 39: 9 ✔️ & Week 40: 1 ❌ & Week 41: 1 ❌& Week 42: 7 ✔️

Number of New Recipes Tested as of 10/19: 522

Weeks Achieving Seven or More New Recipes: 40 out of 42

This Week’s Recipe Test Summary

Would Make Again 👍

Brown Butter Apple Blondies – Sally’s Baking Addiction 🍎
I have been on a Sally’s baking addiction train lately. This one is perfect for the season. This one is on the sweeter side; the brown butter makes this dessert so moist and yummy.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts – Sally’s Baking Addiction 🎃🍩
Easy non-fried donuts for this fall season. Nico loves these; Lucia mostly eats the frosting. My sister was a happy dancer, so I call that a win.

Coconut Chia Pudding – The Big Man’s World 🥥🥄
My sister made me her leftover coconut milk, and I wanted to use it up…so I found this super easy (almost non-recipe) chai pudding that was delicious. Might be my favorite, and I think it would be a great addition to your yogurt parfaits or açai bowls.

Gummies with Chamoy – Tajín 🌶️🍬
When in Mexico, these are a perfect little treat to make: spicy Jell-O treats.

Caramelised Apple Oaty Breakfast Bowl – @emilysworld 🍎
A warm fall breakfast that satisfies the sweet tooth but still feels wholesome — love this one!

Banana Bread Matcha Latte – ispillice 🍌
Wow, this was amazing. You make a banana bread syrup and mix it into your matcha — cozy and so good.

Easy Cold Brew Earl Grey Milk Tea – ispillice 🫖
Super refreshing and straightforward. Just steep overnight and pull it from the fridge in the morning for an easy, cold comfort drink.

Fusilli Alla Vodka With Basil and Parmesan – bon appétit by Jon & Vinny’s, Los Angeles 🍝🌿🧀
The simplest vodka sauce I have made. I made it twice in the same week I tested it. H approved and asked for it twice in the same week.

Cajun Salmon Recipe – Cooktoria 🐟
Made this one with my friend Wyatt and absolutely loved it! The corn salad that goes with it is so good — he makes it for his in-laws as a treat, and it really is one. 

Ceviche de Hortalizas (Vegetable Ceviche) – La Patente Barcelona 🥒
A ceviche made only with “raw” veggies and lime juice — and somehow my favorite from the whole class! So bright and refreshing. I’m definitely making it again soon.

Would Not Make Again 👎

For me, these landed in the ‘not again’ pile—either just okay, replaced by a better version I already know, or not enjoyable. My rule of thumb is: would I make this for my mom or mother-in-law? If not, it doesn’t make the cut.

• The Very Best Banana Bread – Pass the Plate: 100 Delicious, Nutritious Recipes to Share with Family & Friends by Carolina Gelen 🍋🍝

• Brown Butter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies – Well Made by Kiley 🍌🍪

• The Most Refreshing Watermelon + Tart Yogurt Drink – @maxiskitchen 🍉🥤

• Chamomile Tea Gelatin Gummies – @boobtofood 🌼🍮

• Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding – @maxiskitchen 🎃🥄

• Apple Cinnamon Bread – Sally’s Baking Addiction 🍏🍞

• Raspberry Matcha Latte – ispillice 🍵

• Toasted Coconut & Pecan Financiers – Bake Smart: Sweets and Secrets from My Oven to Yours by Samantha Seneviratne 🥥

• Nutty Chai Energy Bites – Rise and Run: Recipes, Rituals and Runs to Fuel Your Day by Shalane Flanagan & Elyse Kopecky ☕️

• Strawberry Milk Matcha Latte – Matcha Sunday

• Pink Coconut Matcha – 1998.homecafe

• Yogurt Chia Pudding – Feel Good Foodie 🍨

• TikTok Frozen Gummy Bears – I am a Food Blog 🧸

• Coconut Truffles – healthmythsandtips 🍬

• Frozen Matcha Banana Pops – Sencha Naturals 🍌

• Strawberry Matcha Yogurt Bites – Miso Jen Kitchen 🍓

• Raspberry Bark – @demylora 🍫

• White Chocolate Raspberry Matcha Latte – coffee petite 🍫🍵

• Spiced Roast Chicken With Tangy Yogurt Sauce – NY Times Cooking by Kay Chun🍗

• Chili Crisp Bucatini – Chili Crisp: 50+ Recipes to Satisfy Your Spicy, Crunchy, Garlicky Cravings by James Park 🌶️🍝

• One Pot Orzo with Tomato and Mascarpone – You Got This!: Recipes Anyone Can Make and Everyone Will Love by Diane Morrisey 🍅🧀

• Simple Sesame Rice – Budget Bytes 🍚

• Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic – RecipeTin Eats 🧄

• Ceviche de Pescado Blanco con Leche de Tigre (White Fish Ceviche with Tiger’s Milk) – La Patente Barcelona 🐟

• Leche de Tigre (Tiger’s Milk Marinade) – La Patente Barcelona 🍋

• Tártar de Salmón (Salmon Tartare) – La Patente Barcelona 🧅

• Steak Tartar – La Patente Barcelona 🥩

• Shrimp Tempura Sushi – Cruise 🍣

• Sea Bass Ceviche – Cruise

I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or any recipe requests you might have. Just respond directly to this email.

See you next week. Keep cooking! 👋 

Vale from ValeCooks