We told Al Roker, longtime weatherman on NBC’s “Today Show,” that it seemed a bit strange he lost all that weight (100 pounds after gastric bypass surgery) only to start writing cookbooks.
“A guy’s still got to eat–he just doesn’t eat as much,” said Roker, whose second cookbook is “Al Roker’s Hassle Free Holiday Cookbook” (Scribner, $27.95). “Instead of having three slices of red velvet cake, I have a small sliver.”
Yes, red velvet cake is one of the recipes in the book, though we didn’t find any mention of portion control. A good thing, because after we made the Bourbon balls, everybody kept reaching for more. (The recipe follows.)
Roker gives lots of credit to Marialisa Calta, who developed the cookbook’s recipes with his input, then tested them in a home kitchen. The do-able dishes are designed to fight kitchen meltdowns.
“The holidays are stressful times,” Roker said. “The one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is cooking; you should make it as easy as possible.”
Some recipes that caught our eye: oven-fried chicken with pecan-cornmeal crust, banana-rum bread, and a Roker favorite from his Mom, sweet potato poon (a crustless version of the famous pie).
Incidentally, a year’s worth of major holidays are covered as well as a few not-so-celebrated ones (Groundhog Day, for example).
Why not focus just on Thanksgiving and Christmas? Roker cheerfully replied: “So, frankly, I could sell it all year-round!”
Hey, a guy’s gotta sell cookbooks.
Bourbon balls
(adapted from “Al Roker’s Hassle Free Holiday Cookbook”):
Combine 1 cup each vanilla wafer crumbs (about 15 cookies), finely chopped toasted pecans and confectioners’ sugar; 1/4 cup Bourbon or rum; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; and 1 1/2 tablespoons light corn syrup in a bowl. Scoop out dough by scant tablespoons; roll into balls. Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar. Place balls in airtight container; store at least 12 hours. The Bourbon balls can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 week, or frozen, well wrapped, for up to 2 months. Makes 24 candies.
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