Thanksgiving is a huge event for my family. We host our entire immediate family of 30 (it's a big gathering) and we cook most of the food on that day.
Traditionally, my grandmother does a regular turkey in the oven, while my father smokes one and fries one (the fried one is delicious, I totally want his recipe). My other grandmother does stuffing, one aunt does mashed potatoes, another sweet potatoes, the last one green beans, corn, and deviled eggs (they are to die for). My mother bakes the rolls and makes most of the appetizers/desserts. The only dessert not made by my mother is the mouthwatering pumpkin cheesecake made by my cousin's fiance (I REALLY need this recipe......I knew there was a reason he liked her, lol.....seriously though she's a very nice girl).
While that would be enough for the traditional meal, my grandfather says "It's not Thanksgiving if the Italians don't provide their touch to it." So, in addition to this, he makes homemade ravioli and meatballs. He also brings whatever seafood he thinks is freshest to the meal (oysters, shrimp, crabs) and does them "Italian style" (he says he won't give up his recipe until he croaks
). To put my grandfather's mindset in your minds, I was told to teach the family how to "properly" taste wine since I am taking a wine tasting class this semester. When I told my grandfather that he should only fill his glass halfway so he can swirl it, he looked at me like I had just blasphemed. He proceeded to say "This is how you taste wine", drained his glass, and said "Tasted pretty damn good to me."
I missed last year's celebration because I was studying abroad. While studying abroad is an experience I would not trade for the world, having Thanksgiving dinner consisting of dry chicken (seriously, chicken!) at a TGIFriday's in Dublin was not the best experience.
Princess, I have a similar story to the "sippy cup" story. My sister about 10 years ago (she was 5 at the time) was at the Thanksgiving table with the family and I. My mother allowed her to try some of the wine in her cup. When she looked back at the wine glass, she found it empty. My 5 year old sister drained the glass of wine. After a few minutes, she proclaimed "I feel dizzy" and proceeded to dance ballerina style across the family room.
The video will certainly be played at her wedding.