A Brief but Delicious Newsletter
It’s a Thursday morning, in late November, early-ish 2000’s. I wake to the smell of garlic, onions, mushrooms and butter. My mouth is very dry from all the dehydrating beverages I consumed the night before, probably at Cortland’s Garage in Chicago. I walk down the back stairs to see my mom at the stove, working her magic on Grandma’s stuffing recipe. To me, it’s the only dish that matters on the Thanksgiving table.
I’m going to get right out there and say it - Thanksgiving isn’t my favorite meal. Sure I love gathering around the table with family and friends. I love the chaos of cooking all day and the crowd that forms in the kitchen. I love the toasty fullness after a meal enjoyed with lots of wine and dish options aplenty. I do however find Thanksgiving to be very beige, overly rich and not all that exciting. That doesn’t mean I don’t get in to it and spend the day in an apron, making a gigantic mess. I willingly do. I am however deeply invested in a Christmas dinner. My name is Nicole Noelle and I was born on 12/24 so it only makes sense. We’ll save that little jingle for next month.
There aren’t many “new Thanksgiving dishes” that people will trade for their beloved staples, at least not in my family. We have classics from both sides of the family tree that have to be on the table or you will certainly hear of it. With this idea in mind I’ve decided this month’s newsletter would be a mini. No full meal plan or shopping list included, just three Thanksgiving bangers. All of these, said bangers, would be a perfect item to tote to a potluck dinner or Friendsgiving. They’re delicious, they travel and they serve a small crowd. There is of course a playlist and it’s a long one to carry you through cocktails and on to dinner and inevitably the couch.
This isn’t intended to break your heart, but I will be home alone with Francie on Thanksgiving - chefs sometimes have to cook for other people on holidays and Aaron pulled that short straw this year. We’ll be enjoying a post-givings feast on my Dad’s farm the following weekend. I may be home with a toddler but regardless I will certainly be having some amazing wine -this perhaps Marchesi di Gresy Nebbiolo 2019. I will also be fully available to help with any Thanksgiving emergencies - A Shared Plates hotline if you will. Message me on Instagram (@welovesharedplates), I’ve already set up the push notifications and I really would love to hear from you!
I also wanted to drop a brief but heartfelt thank you to everyone who messaged me after last months newsletter. I received 40+ emails with kind words and sympathy for the loss of my grandparents and I am truly grateful. I began to respond one by one but I was so overcome. This will have to suffice. It really feels like a small community being built here and after spending the better part of 2 years mostly alone, I can’t describe the warmth and joy it brings me. One day I’ll post a picture of my smiling face, because that is truly where my gratitude lies. Thank you all and enjoy your holiday!
Much love,
Nicki