Carla Hall On Easter Traditions, Her New Book and the One Thing Women Need to Hear (EXCLUSIVE)

For Carla Hall, Easter stirs warm memories of childhood in Tennessee—moments filled with family, food, and the joy of spring’s arrival. It’s a time she remembers fondly, not just for the traditions but for the sense of renewal it always brought.

“My sister and I were always dressed up,” Carla tells FIRST for Women, gracing our cover with her signature smile (get your copy here!). “We would go to church and then to my grandmother’s house, and there was always Easter ham. I still love country ham because it reminds me of her. She always did a molasses ham.”

Now a beloved TV personality and culinary trailblazer, the model-turned-chef who co-hosted The Chew for seven years and appeared on shows like Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking is constantly on the move. Most recently, she was honored as a Grande Dame by Les Dames d’Escoffier—a prestigious lifetime achievement award recognizing extraordinary contributions to the food, beverage, and hospitality industries.

“If I’m working on Easter, we’ll still find time for brunch and gathering,” she shares. “It’s very much about family. For me, Easter is a reminder to come together, to be grateful, and to reconnect—whatever your traditions may be.”

Carla embraces everything about the season, from the joy of dyeing eggs to savoring spring vegetables. “I’m a spring baby—I was born in May—so I always look forward to peas and spring onions. I look forward to the weather changing,” she says with a smile. “Easter is about rebirth and reflection. It’s about getting to do it again, but with intention—the intention to be better.”

Here, Carla shares how she lives with intention and joy, even in the busiest seasons of life.

FFW: You’re so busy—how do you keep your energy up?

Carla Hall: When I’m traveling, I use the Peloton app, and I love walking. I have a few go-to walks—some are 20 minutes, and others are power walks that last 45. I also do short strength training sessions—just 10 to 15 minutes right now. It’s about building the rhythm, not overdoing it.

The fun part? I have an accountability partner. We’ll call each other and say, “Hey, have you worked out today?” Because when it’s just you, it’s easy to let it slide.

I’m also always reaching for protein. If I know I’m eating a lot of sugar, I balance it out. Boiled eggs are my go-to—especially around Easter! Those decorated eggs don’t last long. I also love these protein chips I found—Kibo lentil chips. I bought a whole case! They’re delicious and they keep me going.

FFW: What message do you think women need to hear today?

Carla Hall: I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I’d tell my younger self, “Everything that happens to you—you will need it.” So don’t stress over every little thing. Don’t worry if you go right, left, forward, or backward—it all matters. Even what feels like the wrong decision will serve you later.

Women need to hear that they are badass! We’re the ones keeping the train on the tracks, but we don’t give ourselves credit. We think if we haven’t checked off all ten things on our list, we’re not doing enough. Start by celebrating two things. Don’t wait until the whole list is done. Take credit now.

And make time for yourself. No one’s going to hand it to you. You have to claim it.

Food

Carla Hall’s Deviled Eggs With Bacon Recipe Is a Make-Ahead Hit for Easter

If you decide to buy eggs this Easter, make the most of your dozen by preparing a batch of deviled eggs. These stuffed eggs are a staple at gatherings and potlucks for good reason: they’re tangy with a creamy filling and easy to serve. Plus, you can liven up your usual deviled eggs by following […]

FFW: How do you fight stress?

Carla Hall: When I worked in restaurants, my worth felt tied to how many hours I put in. But I’ve learned that rest is essential. Doing nothing is necessary. If I don’t recharge, I’m not creative, and I’m not bringing value to my work. Now, I take breaks so I can show up fully.

I also listen to a lot of audiobooks—especially to fall asleep. The voice matters to me, and I usually finish at least one book a week.

And I remind myself: stress is often fear in disguise. Fear that something will go wrong. But if you’re standing still because you’re scared, you’re not living. Playing it safe keeps you ten steps away from where you’re meant to be. Take a breath. Keep moving. It’s going to be okay.

FFW: Tell us about your new book, Carla and the Tin Can Cake Party…

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Carla Hall: It’s a nostalgic look back at the carefree days my sister Kim and I spent at our grandparents’ home in Lebanon, Tennessee. [The book will be released on October 14 through Denene Millner Books, with beautiful illustrations by Cherise Harris.] We used to play this game called “Dearie” and dress up in our grandmother Freddie Mac’s clothes and jewelry.

I hope the book inspires creativity in all kids—no matter their gender. When I look in my closet today, I still think about dressing up. I see my body as a canvas. What do I want to wear? What do I want to express?

The message is simple: wear whatever the heck you want. Be yourself. Fully, unapologetically you.