Emmy-Nominated Cooking Show Host and Culinary Expert Cara Di Falco Shares Delicious Holiday Recipes, Easy Kitchen Shortcuts and Creative Ways to Update Seasonal Favorites
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and home cooks are planning everything from the main course to the sides and desserts. Whether preparing a traditional family dinner or hosting a casual holiday gathering, the challenge is finding dishes that taste homemade without spending the entire day in the kitchen.
Culinary journalist and television personality Cara Di Falco, host of the Emmy-nominated YouTube cooking show Cara’s Cucina, shares simple, flavorful ideas for Thanksgiving and the holiday season. From putting a fresh spin on classic comfort foods to preparing crowd-pleasing sides and warm, sweet treats, Cara shows how a few easy shortcuts and everyday ingredients can make holiday cooking easier.
MAKING THE HOLIDAY MENU FEEL SPECIAL
Start with the dishes your family loves, then add one easy twist. A new topping for potatoes or a festive holiday drink can bring something different to the table without creating more work. Cara’s approach is simple: You don’t have to make everything from scratch to make it special. Leave yourself time to enjoy your guests, too.
HOMESTYLE SIDES WITHOUT ALL THE PREP WORK
Bob Evans ready-to-heat Original Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese provide homestyle comfort without all the prep work. The mashed potatoes are made with real potatoes, milk and butter, and the macaroni and cheese is made with 100% real cheese. Both are microwave-ready in minutes and can be served as-is or used in recipes like French Dip Potato Bites. It’s an easy way to take a couple of sides off your holiday to-do list.
For more information, visit BobEvansGrocery.com. Explore Original Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese.
AN EASY SWEET TREAT FOR HOLIDAY GUESTS
Wonder Pecan Cinnamon Twists are Cara’s secret weapon for stress-free holiday entertaining. Delicious straight out of the package or served warmed, they are made with real cinnamon and pecans—a treat that feels special with just minutes of effort.
Pair them with coffee or hot chocolate, or make them part of a holiday brunch board with fruit, yogurt and cheeses. For dessert, add chocolate or caramel dipping sauces and a few other bite-sized sweets. Find Wonder Pecan Cinnamon Twists at retailers nationwide.
For more information, visit WonderBread.com.
OLE SMOKY MOONSHINE CREAMS: A FESTIVE HOLIDAY SIP FOR ADULTS
For the adults at your holiday gathering, celebrate the easy way with Ole Smoky Moonshine Creams. They can be enjoyed over ice or added to coffee for a decadent, two-step holiday cocktail.
Their Banana Pudding Cream Moonshine combines vanilla wafer, whipped cream and banana flavors—it’s like dessert in a glass! Their Butter Pecan Moonshine is another rich, creamy option for an after-dinner sip or a splash in your holiday brunch coffee. Please drink responsibly.
For a coffee cocktail, try Ole Smoky’s Butter Pecan Wake Up Call: 2 ounces of Ole Smoky® Butter Pecan Moonshine, 2 espresso shots and 5 ounces of steamed milk in a warm mug, finished with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
Learn more about the brand at OleSmoky.com.
KEEPING FAMILY FAVORITES ON THE TABLE
If everyone loves Grandma’s recipe, keep it on the menu. Cara shares more ideas on her blog at CaraDiFalco.com, including pumpkin gnocchi with sage butter that can be made ahead and frozen, plus roast turkey with pears and fresh herbs.
Pick something you love making, then use a few shortcuts to help with the rest, making the meal extra special—even for the cook.
RECIPES FROM THE STORY
Bring these ideas to your own table. Open a recipe to see the ingredients, follow the steps and print a copy.
Butter Pecan Wake Up Call
Get the coffee cocktail recipe →
For adults 21+. Shine Responsibly®.
ABOUT CARA DI FALCO
Cara Di Falco is a culinary journalist, television personality and cooking expert known for making delicious food approachable and fun. She is the host and producer of the Emmy-nominated YouTube cooking show Cara’s Cucina, a QVC consultant and co-host of the daily NJ Morning Show. A certified nutrition health coach with a passion for Italian cuisine, Cara also leads annual culinary tours of Italy, exploring the country’s regional dishes, food traditions and rich culinary history.
