The flavor is so good.
Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images
AtEatingWell, were clearly big fans of Valerie Bertinelli.
EatingWell:What are some pantry staples you always have on hand for quick and easy meals?
Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty Images
Rice and lentils are good staples to have around, and they last a good long time.
Its super-easy stuff to put together and takes five minutes.
EatingWell:Do you have any favorite snacks at the moment?
Courtesy of brand
Bertinelli:Genius Gourmet has some really great high-protein snacks that I really do love.
I love that company.
I also love a nice, fresh Envy or Honeycrisp apple with some chunky peanut butter.
They almost taste like a Snickers bar.
I always put some salt on top of them, it’s really delicious and ridiculously easy to make.
EatingWell:Summer recipes you’re loving right now?
Bertinelli:I have an amazing recipe in my new cookbook,Indulge.
My mouth is watering, I might have to go pick some peaches from my peach tree.
But that’s a really great summer recipe.
Really great refreshing salad; it can even be a dessert.
EatingWell:Why partner with Williams Sonomas Tools for Change initiative this year?
Bertinelli:I’ve been wanting to do this for years.
First of all, I love No Kid Hungry.
They’re an amazing organization, and Williams Sonoma partnering up with them is a really amazing thing.
There should never be anybody in Americaor anywheregoing hungry.
EatingWell:Did you know right off the bat you wanted your design to be a cat?
Were there other designs considered?
Bertinelli:I knew exactly what I was going to do.
So that’s what I ended up going with.
I love adding that to all kinds of things, from sauces that I make to pasta dishes.
It’s such a nice, intense but subtle flavor as it cooks down.
So I would say my zester, spatulas and my kitchen scissors.
