Although Thanksgiving is not a holiday Italians (in Italy) traditionally celebrate, there are many wonderful Italian dishes that would fit perfectly into a holiday menu. Italian Americans have embraced Thanksgiving wholeheartedly and made this holiday their own by adding their own special touch to the celebration. They often do this by including traditional family favorites such as a special pasta dish or a pasta based soup to the holiday menu. There are so many wonderful different fall foods that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving menu to give it a special "Italian" flavor. I am giving a number of my favorite holiday options below to help you plan a very special Italian Thanksgiving this year. Many of these dishes may not be typical for this specific holiday, but they do celebrate the season's best and are perfect for any celebration.

Offer your guests these crisp, tasty offerings with a nice glass of white wine as they arrive.

This stuffed mushroom is a little lighter than many of the other versions you will come across as the primary ingredient in the stuffing is creamy ricotta cheese. 

An easy appetizer that your guests can snack on while you are preparing the holiday meal

A bowl of these olives would compliment the sage leaves nicely.

 

This pretty pasta dish will appeal to everyone. Serve small portions as a first course.

Another first course that would be perfect for a fall celebration. You can garnish it with sauteed chopped chestnuts too!

A beautiful soup both in flavor and color that can be prepared the day before serving which helps with holiday organization.

This delicious soup would be great served in small coffee cups and garnished with chopped fresh herbs.

 

A nice alternative to a whole roast turkey, this is a great choice for those who appreciate white meat. Serve with baby new potatoes and a tender crisp green vegetable.

This is my favorite recipe for roasted turkey which entails first rubbing the bird in a mixture made of porcini mushrooms and butter. I continue the mushroom theme in the gravy, and stuff the bird with a flavorful fennel, sausage stuffing. 

Who says you must have turkey for Thanksgiving? Here is another delicious option for those who appreciate red meat over poultry.

 

Easy to assemble and enjoyed by all, this is a great side dish any time of the year.

An often ignored vegetable, fennel is delicious roasted and made extra special cooked with béchamel sauce and grated cheese.

This is my family's favorite holiday side dish. It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without this dish at my house!

I believe these potatoes go well with any meat dish, but particularly turkey and lamb.

This colorful side dish will impress your guests with it's unique flavor.

 

Light and delicious, this dessert can be prepared in the morning of your celebration.

My version of Tiramisu is light and delicious and a perfect choice for holiday entertaining.

Offer a couple of flavors of this easy and delicious Italian style pie and you'll get rave reviews from your guests.

Sinfully rich, all you'll need to end your holiday meal is a small slice of this chocolate treat.

 

Buon Appetito!

Deborah Mele 2009