Chris O’Kelley

Chris O’Kelley

Chris O’Kelley

The traditional Thanksgiving, let’s put A New Twist On Thanksgiving.  Here comes a Thanksgiving Meal Idea-Just Different.  I love the traditional Thanksgiving, I really do. I have friends who do things differently for Thanksgiving, it’s not the food, it’s the people you spend time with and a day to reflect on what all you are thankful for!

Traditional Thanksgiving

  • Turkey
  • Ham
  • Green Beans
  • Mac N Chees
  • Dressing & Gravy
  • cranberry sauce
  • Deviled Eggs

This list could go on and on because there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to what you eat.  Thanksgiving Meal Idea-Just Different, Why not try something new

New Thanksgiving Meal Ideas

  • Cook out-Burgers and Hot Dogs
  • A Mexican Feast
  • A Chinese spread
  • Do a cater from Waffle House
  • Pig Pickin’
  • An All Fair Food Thanksgiving

Again, no right or wrong answers here, just do something different that your family will enjoy

To me one of the best Thanksgiving meals I ever had was spending Thanksgiving with some Italian friends.  I will say this, I could eat Italian Food daily.  If I were given a last meal, it would be Italian.  I’m talking more than just sauce over noodles

My Favorite Italian Foods

  • Gnocchi
  • Chicken Parm
  • Cacio e Pepe/Cheese and Peppers
  • Italian Wedding Soup
  • Creamy Chicken Marsla
  • Pasta e Fagiloi-Italian Chili
  • Any Bolognese Sauce Based Pasta
  • Chicken Piccata
  • Home Made Meatballs
  • Lasagna

All that to show you what an Italian Thanksgiving would and could look like.  An Italian Thanksgiving can change home to home based on traditions and different things your family likes and doesn’t like!  But get ready, with an Italian Thanksgiving, have no where to go, because its an all day event and you will be eating and eating and eating and eating.  You eat!

  • Spritzer Cocktail

    Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer Cocktail

    Cranberry Limoncello Spritzer Cocktail recipe - fun Italian cocktail! This easy Italian drink is perfect for Christmas and the holidays!

  • APPETIZERS

    Sundried Tomato & Basil Spread

    Sundried Tomato & Basil Spread, an easy appetizer recipe with cheese, sundried tomatoes, basil, and garlic and great for the Super Bowl or Tailgating!

    Easy Chicken Parmesan Sausage Bites

    Easy Chicken Parmesan Sausage Bites, a quick and easy, skinny chicken parm appetizer recipe with chicken sausage, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil!

    Fennel au Gratin with Ricotta Forte Mousse

    This easy recipe for fennel au gratin features almonds and ricotta forte, a traditional cheese from the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. It's also gluten-free!

    Prosciutto Wrapped Prunes Recipe | G-Free Foodie

    This Prosciutto Wrapped Prunes recipe is an allergy friendly appetizer that everyone can enjoy! Make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan.

     

    The Best Italian Green Salad

    Our family makes The Best Italian Green Salad with homemade dressing! You can make this simple salad in five minutes. Don't miss this recipe!

    5 ingredient ricotta cheese balls / How to make cheese balls appetizer

    5 ingredient ricotta cheese balls - perfect party appetizer . Make ahead of time easy starter for a crowd. Game day recipe ideas. Vegetarian Italian appetizer for parties . How to make cheese balls . Kids party starters. Kid friendly cheese balls and dip.

    5 ingredient ricotta cheese balls / How to make cheese balls appetizer

    5 ingredient ricotta cheese balls - perfect party appetizer . Make ahead of time easy starter for a crowd. Game day recipe ideas. Vegetarian Italian appetizer for parties . How to make cheese balls . Kids party starters. Kid friendly cheese balls and dip.

  • The Bread

    Homemade Dinner Rolls

    Homemade Dinner Rolls, quick and easy Italian Parmesan roll recipe that is ready in one hour! So soft and fluffy, and of course tasty!

    Italian Beer Bread

    Italian Beer Bread & Sundried Tomato Butter recipe, an easy bread with a quick sundried tomato butter spread. A great homemade snack or appetizer recipe.

    Red Mashed Potato Focaccia

    Red Mashed Potato Focaccia, a recipe for a delicious soft Italian homemade bread with garlic, mashed potatoes, and olive oil.

  • The Sides

    Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes

    Ricotta Herb Mashed Potatoes, QUICK and easy mashed potatoes ready in 15 minutes and no pots needed! The best side dish for Thanksgiving or any dinner!

    Simply Sautéed Italian Green Beans

    Simply Sautéed Italian Green Beans, an easy vegetable dish that is great for the holidays or a quick dinner. Ready in minutes, these Italian Green Beans are quick and easy!

    Chestnut Stuffing

    This easy chestnut stuffing recipe is the perfect holiday side dish and a delicious alternative to traditional stuffings. Ingredients include sweet Italian sausage, fennel, chestnuts, and lots of fresh herbs.

    Layered Italian Baked Mac and Cheese

    Deliciously creamy baked Mac and Cheese with a bottom layer of Italian bolognese meat sauce. Comfort food taken to the next level!

    Mushroom Risotto (quick & easy)

    This recipe for mushroom risotto is so quick & easy to make yet so flavorful! You'll think you're at your favorite sit-down restaurant!

    Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Pancetta and Pecorino

    This warm brussel sprout salad uses shredded brussel sprouts, pancetta and pecorino. It's the perfect side dish for a weeknight dinner, or a dinner party you want to impress at, too.

  • The Main Courses

    3 Step Tuscan Style Roasted Turkey - Heidi's Home Cooking

    There are only 3 steps to the perfect Thanksgiving turkey with this easy Tuscan Style Roasted Turkey. The meat stays moist and the skin gets crispy.

    Classic Lasagna - Vegan Recipe - This Wife Cooks™

    Vegan meat sauce layered with lasagna noodles, dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, & parmesan. A hearty and delicious comfort food classic!

    Cheese Manicotti Recipe

    This Cheese Manicotti Recipe is a fantastic Sunday night dinner idea that takes a little time to prepare but the results are well worth the effort!

    Fettuccine Alfredo

    How to make fettuccine alfredo just like from Olive Garden! Easy homemade recipe with a quick cheesy alfredo sauce.

  • DESSERTS

    Pumpkin Cannoli

    Pumpkin Cannoli, easy Italian inspired fun fall dessert with cannoli shells and pumpkin spice cannoli cream filling with mini chocolate chips. LOVE!

    Cannoli Pie

    Cannoli Pie, easy Italian dessert with a homemade crunchy crust and no-bake cannoli cream filling with mini chocolate chips. So good!

    Italian Style Pumpkin Cheesecake - Seasoned Sprinkles

    It's that time of year when the food wars begin in my house. Most of the time we agree on our food preferences or at least agree to disagree like on bacon. I don't like bacon much, but Nate obviously loves it and makes delicious food with it.

    Pumpkin Cannoli Dip

    Pumpkin Cannoli Dip, fun fall twist to the best ever cannoli dip! This Italian inspired dessert is great for fall holidays and special occasions! YUM!

    Rustic Apple Crostata

    This Italian Apple Crostata is made with a cinnamon apple filling and an easy crust that you don't have to roll out! A delicious rustic dessert for the holidays or a cozy, winter night in!

    Classic Panna Cotta

    One of the most loved Italian desserts is Panna Cotta. You too can make it perfectly delicious and creamy at home with this easy recipe!

     

  • Italian Digestif

    15 Amaro Cocktails to Try

    These amaro cocktails are the best ways to mix up this family of Italian bitter liqueurs! Try them all, from classic drinks to modern spins.

    Amaretto Drink Recipe | Sarah Sharratt

    While you could make a number of fun cocktails with amaretto, you can also enjoy it simply poured over ice. This is quite a common after dinner drink in Italy. In fact, I find that Europeans still enjoy their after dinner drinks, or digestifs, much more than North Americans.

    What Is Sambuca? How To Drink Sambuca & How It's Made

    Sambuca is an elusive aniseed-flavored alcoholic spirit from Italy. Although it is well-known for being set alight, sambuca is mostly misunderstood. However, it's an excellent digestif that is typically paired with an espresso coffee as you will learn below.

    What is Grappa?

    In Italy, after a hearty meal on a cold winter's night, we reach for grappa, a traditional digestivo, or after-dinner drink. Learn more with our guide!

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