Italian Thanksgiving!

Today was my first Thanksgiving without my family. Thanksgiving is always a big deal for us Southerners. You HAVE to have your brined, juicy turkey, dressing (although, I'm the ONLY person here that doesn't call it "stuffing," and I get made fun of a lot), green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, Mama's peas, and sweet potato pie or pecan pie.
In Italy, they don't commonly eat turkey. Or sweet potatoes. Or green beans. Or pecans. And dressing? Nope.
So how did I cope without a traditional Turkey day feast? ISA took us out to an Italianized American three-course Thanksgiving dinner. First, they poured us a glass of champagne to celebrate our big day. Then, they brought out the bread and newly pressed olive oil. Next came a piece of heaven: the creamy pumpkin soup. It was out of this world! Leyla thinks it was so good because they made their own stock at the restaurant. Whatever it was, it was some of the best soup I have ever had. It was slightly sweet but also savory.
The next course was...ta-da! The perfectly prepared turkey with dressing and a little bit of gravy on top. Next to it on the plate were "mashed potatoes" which looked more like gravy. They had obviously been pureed and had a lot of milk. They tasted fantastic, though! Their conception of American cuisine made me laugh a little. I definitely appreciated it, but the most humorous part of the meal was the "cranberry sauce." Well, cranberries don't grow in Italy. But that's okay because they made us blueberry sauce and didn't explain what it was. Also, it was warm and soupy. Yet delicious! I'm NOT complaining (although some "privileged" Americans had some negative comments...yes, even with a free gourmet meal!).
We also had peas and some not so delicious pickled onions. Don't know why they thought that was part of Thanksgiving.
After, I came home, and I skyped my girl, Katie Gamble. The Gambler. An amazing friend. We had so much fun, and it was like we had never been apart. I miss her so much, and i was sad our conversation was cut short. My parents skyped me from Mama's house, so I got to see my Dad's side of the family! I chatted with my grandma for a bit and told her I was going to help her make dressing for Christmas. Yay! Add that to my recipe book. I saw my 1st cousins, once removed, and they are all getting so big. It freaks me out. They're all adorable though. I also go to see my puppy, Hallie. Mom's teaching her tricks. I can't wait to shake her paw when I get home!
Now, I've got to go to bed because tomorrow Alece and I go to GERMANIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT'S GOING TO BE SNOWING!!!!!!!! I'll take my scarf and duck boots, and, OBVIOUSLY, tons of pictures.
Auf Wiedersehen!!!!