Derek Hough shares holiday food traditions around the table, interview

While his dance moves always impress, Derek Hough is putting a spotlight on holiday food traditions with the help of the America’s egg farmers. From bold flavors to twists on traditional recipes, Hough is giving everyone some tasty inspiration to stay curious throughout the holiday season.

From Dancing with the Stars to his Las Vegas show at the Venetian, Derek Hough has a full schedule leading up to all the holiday festivities. To keep his energy at its peak, he appreciates that healthy eating choices are paramount. Even though the holiday table will be calling with its bountiful feast, his current routine is a little more consistent.

During a recent conversation with Hough, as part of his partnership with the American Egg Board, Hough shared that he has a routine that helps him with the five nights a week, 40 routine, hour and a half non-stop dancing performance.

Since Hough said that he doesn’t “want any surprises on stage,” his routine is all about consistency. Specifically, he starts “the morning with three scrambled eggs and oatmeal” with a shake. For him, that food combination is his “every single morning.”

But, when there is time away from the stage, Hough said that he “eats well and healthy but it is important to enjoy life and treat myself.” That idea of food balance is a concept that everyone can appreciate.

What does Derek Hough say is his favorite holiday food?

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Derek Hough is preparing for the big feast. He admitted that he’s “not a picky eater.” When asked, he even shared that he loves all holiday food, and nothing is off limits on the holiday table.

More importantly, Hough believes that food “is the center of everything,” It is one of the reasons why everyone gathers around the table. Whether it is a traditional recipe handed down from family member to family member or a new riff on an old favorite, passing those dishes is part of the celebration that makes memories last.

Specifically, Hough shared that his favorite holiday food is stuffing. This year, he is making a jalapeno cornbread stuffing. That re-imagined holiday recipe is a perfect example of blending the old and the new. While a favorite food always has a spot on the holiday table, it doesn’t mean that the recipe can’t be updated.

While everyone has a favorite holiday food, one common ingredient across many recipes is eggs. As Hough commented that Incredible Egg is the heart of favorite dishes. From his jalapeno cornbread stuffing to Deviled Eggs to even some new Eggnog Waffle Cookies, at least one dozen eggs are always in the refrigerator.

What does Derek Hough recommend as an easy holiday breakfast?

Since the holidays are about traditions, Hough is taking one of the first recipes that he learned how to cook and re-imagining it. He recalled being five or six years old and learning how to cook Toad in the Hole. That classic recipe of an egg surrounded by toast is always a favorite. He said, “how proud I was and it was super special” that he made it himself.

This year, Hough is taking that idea to the next level. Why use bread when a bagel is an option? It is just another example how that Incredible Egg can bridge both traditional and innovative.

With many people feeling more confident in the kitchen, it is easier to see how a favorite recipe can take a new turn. When a classic ingredient, like the egg, is at the heart of a recipe, the home cook has the confidence to step beyond the comfort zone. That crack of an egg can lead to limitless flavor possibilities.

Derek Hough shares a poignant message for the holiday season.

The holiday season is often a time to reflect on the past, present and future. As family and friends gather around the table, that space is a time to be grateful for the many positives that fill the day.

For Hough, he has a special message to share with everyone. One simple word conveys a message beyond the traditional messages of the season, and it will resonate long after the holiday décor is packed away.

Hough shared that his wish for everyone is to stay curious. He encourages everyone “to stay curious with one another which can draw us closer to each other.”

That willingness to ask questions, listen to the responses and appreciate those sentiments can help people move closer together versus far apart. While that sense of gratitude will always fill the holiday table, Hough’s idea of staying curious could be the sentiment that keeps people engaged long after the meal is finished.

Whether the holiday table is filled with old favorites, new recipes or a combination of both, the Incredible Egg is the ingredient that bridges them all. Why not be like Derek Hough and fill the feast with all the food choices and make this season a bounty of deliciousness.

What is your favorite holiday recipe or tradition? Is this holiday season going to be even more festive this year?