Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thanksgiving. Show all posts

Friday, November 15, 2019

Thanksgiving Food and Traditions in America and Italy


by RENEE ROSE | November 9, 2019

While Thanksgiving may be a distinctly American tradition, Italian Americans practice Thanksgiving traditions that are a representation of both cultures--blending America and Italy together. Each family of Italian heritage has their own take on Thanksgiving culinary traditions, but there are a few common ingredients used widely by Italian Americans.

Italians, much like Americans, love holidays that bring friends and family together to appreciate a good meal. While an American Thanksgiving and an Italian Thanksgiving look quite different, the love and tradition of giving thanks remain the same. In that way, they really aren’t so different.

Today, we’ll be exploring the culinary traditions that make up both an American and Italian Thanksgiving. When gathering around the dinner table this holiday season, you are sure to impress with these Italian takes on some of the most common American traditions.

Thanksgiving in Italy


If you find yourself in Italy during the Thanksgiving season, you will quickly notice that replicating some of the most common American dishes can be a bit complicated. La Festa del Ringraziamento (Festival of Thanks), the closest version of Thanksgiving in Italy, is centered around giving thanks and honoring patron saints. This Italian tradition is celebrated much differently than an American Thanksgiving and that extends to the most common dishes.

While Americans are accustomed to cooking up a whole turkey on Thanksgiving, this isn’t so easy to find in Italy. When celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy, you’ll need to visit a local butcher shop weeks in advance to secure a turkey. Most ovens in Italy are also fairly small, so roasting a whole bird can be a challenge to say the least but, that’s not to say turkey can’t be enjoyed during a Thanksgiving in Italy. Stuffed turkey breast is a common holiday menu item in Italy and makes a great alternative to the traditional American classic.

Candied yams, canned pumpkins, and cranberry sauce are a few more time-honored traditions in America. When in Italy, however, these items are next to impossible to find. While this may feel a bit odd for Americans spending Thanksgiving in Italy, it’s a great chance to immerse themselves in Italian culture and try other dishes that are just as savory.

Delicious Recipes For an Italian Thanksgiving


As you can see, Thanksgiving celebrations in Italy and America are very different but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t Italian recipes and traditions that any American would love. For Italian Americans who honor the most common culinary traditions of America and Italy alike, there are many Italian fall dishes that fit perfectly into any Thanksgiving celebration. If you’re looking to add something different to your “Turkey Day” this holiday season, here are a few Italian-inspired dishes and traditions that you can enjoy during this year’s Thanksgiving feast.

Vino Cotto Pumpkin Soft & Chewy Cookies Recipe




If you’re looking for an Italian-inspired dessert to enjoy this Thanksgiving, look no further than this delicious fall cookie recipe. These pumpkin cookies are a take on an American classic with a unique, scrumptious Italian twist.

This delectable dessert is a variation by Deena Montillo of Libby's® Soft Pumpkin Cookies recipe but adds Vino Cotto to the mix. Vino Cotto is a naturally-sweet cooked wine syrup originating in Italy. Known for its smooth taste and texture, Vino Cotto is the secret ingredient that makes these pumpkin cookies a Thanksgiving delight.

Classic Sicilian Arancini Recipe


Antipasto, the Italian term for an appetizer, is a popular component of any Italian celebration. This makes the Classic Sicilian Arancini a great choice for your Italian-inspired Thanksgiving feast. Serve this recipe alongside your main course for an appetizer you won’t soon forget.

Arancini is well-loved in Sicily and has spread through Italy and beyond as a delicious treat in the form of rice balls stuffed with sauce and peas. An arancini offers you the chance to get creative as it can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients ranging from mushrooms to your favorite meats.

In this particular Italian-based Thanksgiving recipe, the filling consists of peas, mozzarella, and a meat ragu and each rice ball is rolled in breadcrumbs for a satisfying texture. Whip up this Italian classic with this recipe from Spruce Eats for an appetizer that brings the taste of Italy to your Thanksgiving table.

Vincotto-Glazed Turkey Breast with Peach and Green Bean Salad Recipe




When in Italy, eat as the Italians do! As we discussed earlier, securing an entire turkey when celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy can be difficult. Turkey breast, however, is popular in the country and is a tasty alternative. When working with a turkey breast for your Thanksgiving feast, use this recipe to serve up a main course the entire family will enjoy.

This recipe involves poaching and grilling the turkey breast to make the meat especially tender. Vino cotto (vincotto) is then used as a glaze, bringing the flavor of Italy to this replication of an American classic.

Vino Cotto Cranberry Fruit Conserve Recipe




We’ve discussed that cranberry sauce is hard to find in Italy but that doesn’t mean that Americans can’t enjoy a Thanksgiving dish that represents Italian and American traditions. It’s also a great alternative to whip up when celebrating Thanksgiving in Italy.

The Vino Cotto Cranberry Fruit Conserve is an alternative to a whole berry cranberry sauce that can be served with your Thanksgiving turkey. It is made by combining sweetened dried cranberries, apple, peach, lemon juice, pine nuts, a little bit of water, and, of course, Vino Cotto di Montillo.

By using the Italian recipes listed here, you can create the perfect mix of American and Italian Thanksgiving traditions and make your holiday festivities something special. Be sure to take a look at our other delicious recipes and pick up your own bottle of authentic Vino Cotto. Our versatile gourmet syrup is used as a condiment and ingredient in sweet or savory dishes from meat, seafood, vegetables to desserts. Use it to make homemade balsamic vinegar, too! From all of us at Montillo Italian Foods, have a Happy Thanksgiving!