And then for the main event, a traditional oven-roasted turkey stuffed with my mom’s famous rustic Italian sausage and herb stuffing, a baked spiral ham and endless sides.
Sides might include potatoes prepared three different ways; mashed, roasted and baked. String beans, Brussel sprouts, broccolini, stuffed mushrooms, yams and much, much more will round out the spread.
Then, like every end to an Italian meal, a big bowl of salad to help us digest. This is typically where we lumber on over to the couch, plop ourselves in front of the tube and watch the big game.
Shortly after is the “fruit and dessert course,” a sweet finale to this coma-infused extravaganza. The table is replenished with a platter of fruit, nuts, espresso and a spectacular array of delectable, traditional Thanksgiving pies, homemade Italian pastries and cookies. It’s basically an opportunity for our beloved matriarchs to showcase the skill and love that went into making them.
It can be quite an overwhelming abundance of food. But the truth is, just like a marathon, it takes years of practice in order to gear up for the big event. Above all, it’s ultimately about counting our blessings, including the enduring strength of family and togetherness, a true testament to our Italian heritage.
Blackberry jam is a simple recipe made on the stovetop.
Daniela Savone/Provided
Thanksgiving Meatballs & Homemade Blackberry Jam Recipe (Yields 24)
Traditionally, come Thanksgiving morning in our home, we all take on our designated roles in order to contribute to the elaborate feast. As someone who prefers all the trimmings rather than the actual bird, and who’d rather order a plethora of appetizers instead of an entree when eating out at a restaurant, I decided to capture the familiar flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a beloved meatball. So, every year, while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is on, you’ll find me in the kitchen alongside my mom and sisters rolling out these addictive Thanksgiving appetizer meatballs.
If you’re looking for something quick and hassle-free to bring to your next ‘Friendsgiving,’ these savory meatballs paired with sweet homemade jam are all the traditional Thanksgiving flavors your friends are craving without actually having to roast an entire bird. In fact, you can make a large batch ahead of time and bring them to all your holiday gatherings, just one way to kill two birds with one stone. Not to mention, Italians never show up empty handed.
Dining and Cooking