There’s something truly magical about a mother’s love, especially when it manifests in the kitchen. Take Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved star of One Day at a Time, for instance. Her culinary skills are so impressive that her son, Wolfgang Van Halen, isn’t shy about pulling a little fib to get his favorite dish. “He loves my turkey meatball soup when he’s not feeling well,” Valerie shared with Closer. “Sometimes, he even pretends to be sick just so I’ll whip it up for him!”

Now, if that doesn’t scream "great taste," I don’t know what does. Valerie, who has graced our screens with her charm for decades, has also made a name for herself in the kitchen. With seven successful seasons of her own Food Network show under her belt, she's bringing her passion for cooking to the forefront like never before. In her latest cookbook, Valerie’s Home Cooking: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes to Share With Friends and Family, she showcases her unmatched talent in the culinary world. “Being in the kitchen feels like home to me," Valerie, now 57, explained. "It’s where I’m the boss, calling all the shots. I’m in control of what I’m doing, and it’s a space where I truly feel empowered.”

View this post on Instagram
My good friend Suzanne (@aforkintheroad2015) joins me this week on #ValeriesHomeCooking! Together, we're cooking up a Spicy Cucumber Calamari Salad with Spiced Yogurt Sauce and a Boozy Frozen Espresso. It’s a delicious combination that’s sure to satisfy any craving! Tune in tomorrow to catch the episode. ❤️ • • • • • #foodnetwork #recipe #cooking #family #friends #valeriebertinelli
Read also:
Discover The Best Way To Access Tamil Movies In 2025
A post shared by Valerie Bertinelli (@wolfiesmom) on Sep 22, 2017 at 3:26pm PDT

From Stage to Stove: Valerie’s Culinary Journey

Valerie’s love for cooking extends far beyond her family kitchen. Her friends are big fans too, including the legendary William Shatner. “The last person I cooked for was William Shatner,” Valerie revealed. “He’s my neighbor, and we often go to his house to watch Monday Night Football. I brought over my Love Cake, and I was thrilled when he loved it so much!”

Acting vs. Cooking: A Lifetime of Choices

While Valerie cherishes her time on shows like One Day at a Time and Hot in Cleveland, she admits that growing up in the entertainment industry can be draining. “The pressures of acting were overwhelming at times,” she reflected. “Choosing the wrong role can haunt you forever.” But in the kitchen, Valerie finds a sense of freedom that acting couldn’t always provide. “There are no mistakes in cooking! It’s a place where imperfection is not only accepted but celebrated. Sometimes, a mistake can lead to a fantastic dish. Cooking is all about evolving and embracing change.”

Valerie's Approach to Health and Happiness

Spending up to 12 hours a day surrounded by food while shooting her show might sound like a challenge, especially given Valerie’s public journey with her weight. But she’s learned to focus on maintaining a healthy body rather than worrying about perfection. “It’s a challenge, sure,” she admitted, “but I’m trying to stay centered on having a healthy body. I’m comfortable with where I am now. It’s healthy, and it’s me!”

With a fresh perspective, Valerie is embracing life like never before. From her Bertinelli Wine Estates line to her fearless attitude, she’s proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. “I’m at a point in my life where I feel fearless, just like I did in my 20s,” she said with a radiant smile.