My Go-To Holiday Entertaining Menu When I Want It To Feel Easy

Award-winning restaurateur Drew Nieporent joins TODAY to talk about his new memoir "I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories From the Restaurant Trenches" and the life lessons he's learned operating establishments for more than 40 years. Nieporent opens up about what he learned from working at McDonald's as a 17-year-old, how he and Robert DeNiro became business partners, and more!

December 18, 2025 Restaurateur Drew Nieporent Talks 'I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult' Award-winning restaurateur Drew Nieporent joins TODAY to talk about his new memoir "I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories From the Restaurant Trenches" and the life lessons he's learned operating establishments for more than 40 years. Nieporent opens up about what he learned from working at McDonald's as a 17-year-old, how he and Robert DeNiro became business partners, and more! READ MORE RECIPE OF THE DAY Easy Holiday Entertaining: Skillet Cranberry Chicken, Gingerbread Tiramisu and More ♡ SAVE RECIPE FOOD NEWS Martha Stewart Confuses Nation With Unhinged Bagel-Eating Technique Taught years ago by her daughter Alexis, Martha Stewart explains her unconventional method for consuming the New York staple in an Instagram post. Popular Salad Dressings From Costco and Publix Recalled Due to 'Foreign Objects' Ventura Foods has recalled thousands of cases of salad dressings from retailers in 27 states like Costco and Publix. McDonald's AI-Generated Christmas Ad Sparks Backlash: Not Lovin' It McDonald's Netherlands has pulled a holiday commercial generated entirely by artificial intelligence after social media backlash. TODAY FAVORITE RECIPES Duff Goldman's Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Will Win Your Cookie Swap Duff Goldman makes crinkle cookies with a thin crust of sugary chocolate that encapsulates a gooey, brownie-like center. SAVE RECIPE Candied Cranberries Are Popping off on TikTok Thanks to 1 Grandma's Recipe Crunchy candied cranberries are going viral on TikTok, thanks to Erica Kuiper, her family and her Grandma Lillian's recipe. I tried out the snappy snack. SAVE RECIPE Christina Tosi Puts Pops of Peppermint Into Her Holiday Brownies Crushed candy canes, colorful sprinkles and white chocolate chunks make brownies fun and festive for Christmas. SAVE RECIPE Get the Recipes for Bacon Twists and Cheddar Sausage Rolls! Looking for two easy appetizers for your holiday party? Chef Laura Vitale joins TODAY to share her two perfect party recipes for gruyère bacon twists and cheddar sausage rolls! SAVE RECIPE Send us Feedback Follow us on Facebook More TODAY Newsletters Copyright © 2025 TODAY | 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112 View in Browser | Manage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe | Privacy