Valerie Bertinelli Just Told Us Her Favorite Trader Joe’s Ingredients

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At EatingWell, we’re big fans of Valerie Bertinelli. From her anti-diet culture messaging to her delicious recipes, like the one-pot lasagna she made for Drew Barrymore, we can’t get enough of this cookbook author and host. We were thrilled to see that Bertinelli collaborated with Williams Sonoma’s “Tool for Change” campaign, where 30% of the proceeds go to No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit fighting childhood hunger.

A Q&A with Valerie Bertinelli

For the campaign’s 10th anniversary, we sat down with Bertinelli to learn more about her favorite summer recipe, pantry staples, and kitchen tools.

Pantry Staples

Bertinelli explained that she always has rice on hand for quick and easy meals. “When I make salmon, I inevitably have leftovers, so sometimes the next day I like to make a salmon bowl. I heat up some rice, add something spicy like kimchi, and I’ll slice up some cucumbers and radishes and mix that with a vinaigrette,” she said.

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Another staple is Trader Joe’s lentils, which she combines with store-bought or homemade chili crisp for a quick, healthy meal.

Bertinelli also recommends keeping bruschetta mix and feta cheese from Trader Joe’s for a simple and tasty combination.

Snacks

Bertinelli admitted to having a few favorite high-protein snacks. “Genius Gourmet has some really great high-protein snacks that I really do love,” she said. She also enjoys apples with chunky peanut butter and homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter dates, which are a variation of the dates from her cookbook.

Summer Recipes

Bertinelli shared a summer recipe she’s especially fond of, grilled peaches with burrata cheese and a drizzle of chili crisp. She serves the salad with grilled toast rubbed with garlic and olive oil and topped with fresh basil.

Partnership with No Kid Hungry

Bertinelli explained her inspiration for partnering with No Kid Hungry through Williams Sonoma’s “Tools for Change” initiative. “I love No Kid Hungry. They’re an amazing organization, and I think every company should support their cause,” she said.

Kitchen Tools

Asked about her must-have kitchen tools, Bertinelli cited a zester as one of her essential items. She uses it to grate Parmesan, zest citrus fruits, and add unique flavors to sauces and pasta dishes.

Bertinelli’s passion for No Kid Hungry shines through in her collaborative work with Williams Sonoma’s “Tool for Change” initiative. Her focus on healthy, accessible recipes and sharing her favorite ingredients highlights her dedication to nourishing not just herself, but others. As someone who loves and uses cooking as a means to share love with her family and friends, her commitment to ending childhood hunger resonates on a deeper level.

FAQs

1. What are your go-to pantry staples?
   Rice and lentils!

2. Do you have a favorite summer recipe?
   Yes! Grilled peaches with burrata cheese, chili crisp, and grilled toast rub with garlic and olive oil.

3. How did you get involved with No Kid Hungry through Williams Sonoma’s "Tools for Change" initiative?
   I wanted to work with an amazing organization to help end childhood hunger. Williams Sonoma came to me, and I was so excited to be a part of the campaign.

4. What high-protein snacks do you enjoy?
   Genius Gourmet has some excellent options, as well as apples with peanut butter and homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter dates.

5. How do you combine Trader Joe’s ingredients in your cooking?
   I love keeping their lentils on hand for a quick meal, as well as using their bruschetta mix and feta cheese to whip up a delicious combo.