He’s a pro at delivering punch lines, cheffing up air fryer dishes, and practicing gratitude.
Here’s Kenan Thompson’s recipe for carefree hosting (hint: cleanup comes last).
What do a lobster, Steve Harvey, Prince, and the Weeknd’s band have in common?
Credit:Cascade
With quality supplies, cleaning up can be seamless, and thus make hosting more appealing for the actor.
Q: Did you have any house rules growing up?
My parents were not playing, and education was highly important.
Respect for our elders, parents, one another, and the community.
Self-respect as wellpersonal careis just as important as anything.
Q: What is your unwinding routine after a night on Saturday Night Live?
It’s usually in the morning because our nights go so late.
Then I realized you just have to give it up to the universe and hope you’ve given enough.
Nowadays, I simply relax and watch SportsCenter to catch up on what I might have missed that night.
I attempt to think about something completely different than myself.
Q: Do you have a motto or household mantra?
My dad sends me daily affirmations.
You know what I meangrateful to have the opportunity to see another day.
Q: Any cooking icons?
My dad’s mother was an incredible cook.
She had hands of steel.
She could graba hot skilletbare-handedor maybe with a little damp clothbut there wasn’t much protection.
She used to make the greatest bologna sandwiches you’ve ever seen in your life.
She was a wonderful cook.
Q: Do you have a favorite dish that you like to cook?
I liketo air fry, whether it’s chicken or any kind of nugget.
We make salmon nuggets, too.
The nugget game is a lot of fun, especially when you’re makinghealthier versionsof food in that form.
Q: Are you serving them with anything or by itself?
I’m a big fan of barbecue sauce.
Sweet Baby Ray’s!
Q: Have you picked up any hosting tips from cast members?
I’ve definitely noticed how they cater to their circle of friends.
When I was growing up, you’d go somewhere and you brought a dish.
It’s a much more catered menu now, as opposedto a potluck.
I think potlucks are almost illegal these days.
Q: Do you have any traditions with your kids?
It’s a big deal when you have little ones because they wake up hungry and very busy.
They need to eat, and then they can focus on the day.
It’s a nice “settle into the routine of the day” kind of thing.
I think I’m an “after you’re done” kind of person.
Q: Rinse dishes first or put them into the dishwasher as-is?
I grew up rinsing, but apparently you don’t have to do that anymore.
Q: Florida home or New York home?
Florida is an actual house as opposed to the New York apartment.
So it’s just different.
I grew upwith a driveway, a little housethat just reminds me of my comfort zone.
But New York is a one-of-a-kind place.
It’s nice to be able to experience both.
Q: Sweet or savory?
I like my sweets, but I also like my salty.
It depends on the day, or maybe a little bit of both.
if I go sweet, does that mean I can’t havechicken fingers?
Q: Spicy or mild?
Mild, but I can handle spicy.
I surprised myselfI did the whole “Hot Ones” spread.
Q: Favorite SNL skit?
Of yours and in general?
I have an affinity for “What Up with That?”
just because it’s my baby.
That one’s tougher.
There are so many of them.
He nails each beat and makes it as awkward as it needs to be.
