Plus, Al shares his favorite snack he loves having on set.
Amy Roth
Al Roker has been the weather anchor on NBCsTodayfor nearly 28 years.
Plus, learn more about Courtneys favorite dishes to cook and Als food hot takes below.
Photo:Amy Roth
Could you talk more about the Christmas Morning Cinnamon Rolls recipe?
What are some of your fondest memories surrounding this recipe, and how has it developed over the years?
Roker:Well, they first started with my dad, but he didnt make them for Christmas.
Amy Roth
It was a little more sophisticated instead of cookies.
And for Christmas morning, what would be better than to wake up to the smell of cinnamon rolls?
Roker Laga:Every Christmas morning, my dad would bake off cinnamon rolls while we opened gifts.
Its quicker but just as delicious, and the aroma still brings back those special holiday mornings.
Roker:I really like Daniel Bouluds short ribs with a Yukon Gold-celery root puree.
What are some holiday traditions that you most look forward to each year?
Its just nice having that time with the people you care about.
Its amazing to see the holidays come full circle in that way.
Courtney, are there any dishes from your childhood that you have re-created for your family?
Or anything that you made your own?
What comes to mind?
They remind me of her warmth and love, which was infused into everything she cooked.
Re-creating them now is my way of honoring the incredible woman she is.
Roker:I would say peanut butter.
Its easy to carry around, tastes good and its simple.
Its got some protein, and theres a little sweetness of the peanuts.
Courtney, whats a personal favorite dish that you love preparing thats actually easier to make than it seems?
Roker Laga:A personal favorite dish thats much easier to make than it seems is chicken cacciatore.
It might have a long list of ingredients, but the actual cooking process is straightforward.
Its one of those dishes that feels impressive but comes together effortlessly.
Any food hot takes?
Roker:I dont like truffles.
I dont understand how people like them.
They smell like feet and theyre really expensive.
I dont get the whole truffle thing.
And Im the only one of my family who doesn’t like truffles, everyone else loves truffles.
One thing that I think is an underrated food: most people dontor think they dontlike anchovies.
Anchovies dissolved into a pan before you pan-sear something gives you that burst of umami.
What does eating well mean to you?
Roker:Eating well means you eat and you feel good.
You feel like youve enjoyed something.
Its not that there’s good foods and bad foods.
I think its just that everything in moderation is OK. Should you have three slices of pecan pie?
No, but can you have a small slice of pecan pie?
