Happy Thanksgiving 2017!

Another Year of Special Memories...

My New Happy Place at the Cabin

This year brought so many good things into our lives that we are so thankful for beginning with February of this year when we bought our country cabin with 22 acres of land.  We have already made so many great memories there with family and friends and hope for many more.

Mason and Jamie working at the cabin.

Joey playing in the mud.

Joey always finds some mud to play in at the cabin... but Joey's sister Juliet found some mud too and went from Princess to Tomboy in about 30 seconds!

Juliet covered in mud after her quad ride and loving it.

This summer we were blessed with a new addition to our family when my niece Antonella got a new baby sister, Valentina.  My brother Dan, Margarita and my two beautiful nieces won't be joining us for Thanksgiving this year, but they will be home soon for our Christmas party.

My brother Gary is retired and enjoying life in Dunedin, Florida where he is making plans to start his new food tour business.  He won't be home for Thanksgiving either, but he'll be home for the Christmas party too and all the family will be together again!

We had six Italian visitors this summer - 5 young men and 1 young woman - who were so amazing and such a great joy to have around.  They came to help with the Italian Summer Camp and stayed with us most of the time.  I can't wait to see them all again hopefully next year.

Matteo, Sandra, Jacopo, Francesco and Alessandro

My grandchildren continue to be the loves of my life and I am so proud of all of them every day.  The three oldest are in college and doing great, and the three youngest ones are getting cuter and smarter every day!

My oldest grandchild Marissa turned 21 this September and we had a surprise party for her at Soho where she was finally able able to have her first adult drink.  (Ok, I know... but can Grandma just believe it for a little while?)

And Hopey started a new business to help with her college expenses.  She is selling Sentsy products and she and Justin are becoming great business partners.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and may the Holiday Season and the New Year bring you a World of Joy and Happiness!

Thanksgiving Menu 2017
Tutti a tavola per mangiare!

Baked Lasagna
Homemade Meatballs and Italian Sausage
Italian Bread with Garlic Butter
Spinach Salad with Glazed Walnuts and Warmed Maple Dressing
Sicilian Antipasto Tray

Roasted Turkey and Turkey Breast
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mom's Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Topping
Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze
Parmesan Crusted Corn
Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Green Bean Casserole
Cranberry Sauce
Relish Tray
Pumpkin, Banana and Date Nut Breads with Whipped Pumpkin Butter

Pies and Desserts:
Pumpkin Cannoli
Italian Cheesecake
Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Dutch Apple Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Coconut Cream Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Mississippi Mud Pie
Peanut Butter Pie
Blueberry Pie
Southern Pecan Pie
Mile High Lemon Meringue Pie
Cherry Pie with Sugar Crumb Topping
Sweet Potato Pie

Thanksgiving 2016

Bittersweet Memories 2016

All hearts come home for the holidays, and this year my Mom's heart was called home to be with my Dad, and now they are together again and at peace.

Loretta Boleeno De Federicis 1930 - 2016

Mom passed away earlier this year and as I prepare for Thanksgiving I am filled with bittersweet memories - an overwhelming sadness that she isn't here with us anymore, but also a feeling of warmth for a lifetime of beautiful, sweet memories.

Mom and Dad, we love you and miss you but you are with us and in our hearts forever - and all hearts come home for the holidays!

I wish you and your family a bountiful year filled with blessings of love, laughter, good health and happiness!

Thanksgiving Menu

There's always room at our table for family and friends!

A tavola non si invecchia! (Old Italian Proverb)

Dinner is at 2:30 p.m. - Leftovers will be re-served at 6:00 p.m. - Desserts served all day

Lasagna with Meatballs & Italian Sausage

Harvest Salad with Raspberry Chipotle Dressing

Italian Bread with Herbed Garlic Butter

Sicilian Antipasto Tray

Pumpkin, Banana,and Date Nut Breads 

Roasted Turkey and Turkey Breast

Mom's Bread Stuffing 

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel topping
Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar & Butter

Parmesan Crusted Corn

Glazed Baby Carrots

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables

Green Bean Casserole

Cranberry Sauce
Relish Tray

Dessert & Assorted Pies

• Pumpkin Squares with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Traditional Pumpkin Pie
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Creamy Blueberry Pie
• Mile High Lemon Meringue Pie
• Chocolate Cream Pie
• Double Chocolate Pie
• Cherry Pie with Lattice Crust
• Coconut Cream Pie with Toasted Meringue
• Banana Cream Pie with Pastry Crust
• Banana Cream Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
• Peanut Butter Pie
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Sweet Potato Pie