ThanksGiven me a full belly

Well, it's time again for the feasts that keep on giving. The Holidays are here. As I get older its sometimes harder to be with family and friends on the holidays due to life getting in the way. As I got accustomed to my life away from my parents and sister there is always something that tries to throw a wrench on the plans. This year my father just had a hip replacement, and the weather up north jersey seems tricky this time of year for a three-hour drive each way just for one day.

Thank God I can still smell my mother's kitchen when I was a kid to keep me motivated for the holidays. This is the time of year she breaks out my grandmother's recipes. First one is her companata then it was her homemade manicotti (manigaut). Basically crepes, fresh ricotta and tomato sauce. Then it is her dessert. These wine balls with honey and sprinkles.

These days a good charcuterie board is what I get excited about. Of course I buy some companata for it. One year our plans changed last minute, and we went to the Asian market on Thanksgiving and got a whole cooked duck that was absolutely delicious. I thought that would replace the traditional holiday from that day forth, but I was wrong. Whatever dish that you get excited about during these times, just know I hope it brings you to your happy place. It's not supposed to be stressful. Enjoy!