For all the ways to cook a turkey, Giada de Laurentiis deserves recognition for her innovative Italian Thanksgiving recipes. Over the years, the Food Network star and cookbook author wrote an impressive collection of turkey recipes, including the several Southern Italian inspired variations, like turkey parmesan, turkey braciole, turkey-wrapped in prosciutto, and turkey porchetta.
This year, the Giada’s tricks and thoughtful tips go beyond the kitchen and entertaining at home. To ensure meals get cooked with love–even while celebrating at a distance– she told the Today Show that she will bake cookies for family members that won’t be at Thanksgiving dinner.
“I'm going to drop off some treats to the family I won't be seeing in person for Thanksgiving,” De Laurentiis said. “I think it's a nice way to still share joy and feel more connected to my family in lieu of a big Thanksgiving.”
This week, Giadzy, her popular food blog, published a “roasting rack hack,” proving how essential root vegetables are for getting “a great base flavor for your gravy.”
Of course, Thanksgiving never meant only Turkey. Giada’s prolific recipe collection includes a multi-course Italian Thanksgiving menu with appetizer ideas, like a fig & goat cheese crostini, and seasonal sides of mashed potatoes and cornbread.
But for Giada, and her 12-year old daughter, Jade, sweets take priority. When she shared the Italian Thanksgiving menu on Instagram, she put the star dish first, and it wasn't savory. (Hint: it's not the poundcake with limoncello zabaglione.)
“Starting with dessert first because this Cannoli Cheesecake is hands down my most popular dessert every holiday and one of my favs!” she wrote. The indulgent recipe calls for Amarena cherries, almond-anise biscotti, and mascarpone cream!
To explore Giada's Italian Thanksgiving dishes, visit her 2020 Thanksgiving recipe guide.