40 Somethingmag Valerie -

: She has led sessions such as " Spark Creativity in the Kitchen " that highlight the relationship between fresh garden ingredients and professional-grade culinary results. General Produce Selection Tips

Valerie Bertinelli , formerly of the Food Network, provides extensive instruction on making the most of fresh, seasonal items. 40 somethingmag valerie

If you are looking to create your own "guide," experts suggest focusing on these four pillars of quality: : She has led sessions such as "

Valerie Gordon, the founder of the Los Angeles-based Valerie Confections , is a recognized "Best of L.A." maker who frequently shares expertise on using high-quality local produce in preserves and baking. : After exiting her long-running television show, Bertinelli

: After exiting her long-running television show, Bertinelli launched Valerie's Place , a direct-to-fan website and app where she maintains creative control over recipes and seasonal cooking content. Valerie Gordon (Valerie Confections)

: Look for bright, vibrant colors, which are often indicators of high phytonutrient content and freshness.