Last year when we traveled during the Thanksgiving holiday, we opted to go to a restaurant while we were living in Porto, Portugal. My kitchen was simply not capable of handling that kind of meal I figured, plus I didn’t know if I’d be able to score a turkey.
So, we went to a nice restaurant. I had an amazing steak. We went around the table and spoke of what we were thankful. It was memorable.
But, it wasn’t entirely Thanksgiving. It just didn’t feel like Thanksgiving, because there was no turkey, sweet potatoes, traditional fixins’ etc. And, well it was our first Thanksgiving abroad, meaning just the three of us.
Living in Italy, this year is different.
I scored a turkey.
And, I’ve a bit more swagger as I’m more comfy in my tiny Italian kitchen.
I’ve written about my amazing Italian butchers here. So far they have been able to get duck, various cuts of beef, and organ meats for me. I asked them if they could get a turkey for me. Yes, they could.
So today I went to pick it up. I asked my butchers to break it down for me because my tiny Italian kitchen is not the place I want to be hacking away at a turkey. (Literally, zero counter space.) Plus, I don’t have a good knife for the job.
Therefore, because my Italian kitchen is small, and because not all traditional Thanksgiving ingredients are available in Italy, we’re going to do the best we can.
And? It’s going to be amaze-balls!
Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Meal
My small oven will cook everything in one sheet pan, also known as a sheet-pan meal.
I never knew this was actually a thing, but yes, there are even books about sheet-pan meals. Sign me up! I love a cooking experience that is as simple as one-pot or one-sheet pan.
Inspired by this recipe…
I’m basically going to take my turkey pieces and roast them together in a pan with the vegetables and stuff.
More specifically, I’ll start with just cooking the turkey for a bit. Then, I’ll add root vegetables. Later, I’ll add brussel sprouts. Finally, it’ll get finished off when I add dried cranberries and cubes of bread (Greg loves stuffing).
My family is excited. Wish me luck!
Similar Posts:
- My Italian Friends Teach Me So Much – Torta della Nonna
- My Italian Butchers – Our Italian Expat Life
- My Favorite Way to Roast Brussel Sprouts (with carrots. Oh, and onions)
- Italian Pastries Around the Corner – Living La Dolce Vita – Italian Expat Life
- Thanksgiving Dinner at MUU in Porto, Portugal (Digital Nomad Family)