Thanksgiving is an American holiday not celebrated in Italy. But one of the earliest Thanksgivings did occur on Italian soil during the time of the Romans when they celebrated their harvest festival in the fall. The festival was called Cerelia honoring the goddess Ceres, from which the word cereal comes. Down through the centuries other cultures have been celebrating harvests, such as the Greeks who had one of the largest festivals, as well as the Hebrews with their Sokot. Italians in America, however, are big celebrants of Thanksgiving, and have contributed many exquisite dishes handed down from their ancestors to this traditional celebration. I wish everyone could experience an Italian Thanksgiving dinner in America—if only just once. It is an unforgettable experience, and makes one thankful for Italian cuisine. The following recipe is just one of thousands offered as proof. Buona festa! Happy holiday, ciao. 
Paul Cimino is unmistakably Italian and enjoys a dual citizenship as an Italian/American. He is an opera singer, restaurateur, writer, teacher and in brief, a man with a passion for life.
