Thanksgiving came and went and I was thankful.  Typically I would be all “Yadda, yadda, insert obligatory snarky sentence about the things I’m thankful for (dog, coffee, wine…).” Because, honestly, I’m not a sappy person…unless I’ve been drinking. But truly, the last three years while living in Augusta, I’ve been the most thankful for a wonderful family who took me in as a stray member.  I wish I were good at describing what it feels like to be included by this family, but the words escape me.  They have been the most supportive, loving, and accepting group of people that I could ever imagine (see e.g.). And every Thursday night, they have people over for dinner for “Thursday Night Dinner.”  Stray single people and their dogs come from all over (Okay, really there are only two strays that bring their dogs. Yes, I’m one of them) and are accepted into their house for what can only be described as a very loving family dinner.  I’ve made some wonderful friends that I love dearly through these dinners.  And it cannot be left out that we eat the best food ever.  (No, seriously, best. food. ever. Fresh bread, produce straight from picking…)

Yes, I often speak in hyperbole.  That’s just me.  Everything is SO DRAMATIC.  But when I say that these wonderful people saved my life in Augusta, I actually mean it wholeheartedly and without exaggeration.  I was terrified to move here and I am now very sad and scared to leave.  Thursday night dinner is my favorite part of the week.  It’s my favorite time and my favorite experience since I’ve moved here to Augusta.  I actually can’t quite accept that if I leave this job and town, which may happen before next Thanksgiving, I will be leaving them too.  So this Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for all of them, from the bottom of my heart, for making me feel more loved than I ever deemed possible.

End sappiness.  On to food.  Now that the weather is finally turning here in Augusta, I’m seeking out warm and belly-filling foods.  And fortunately, it just so happens that a dish from a few Thursday Night Dinners (or as I will now call them: TNDs) ago just about hits that spot.  Always.

ParmPolenta and Greens

  • 1 tbps Olive Oil
  • 2 White Onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3-4 small bunches of Greens, chopped
  • 1 c. Polenta (or corn meal)
  • 1 c. Milk
  • Grated Parmesan
  • 2 tbps Butter
  • Salt to taste
  1. In a pan over medium high heat, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
  2. Add greens, sautéing until wilted and salt to taste.  Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, warm milk and butter.  Stir in polenta.  Continue stirring and adjusting polenta/milk ratio as needed until the polenta begins to slightly thicken (but not too thick) and soften, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. Begin to stir in the greens and add parmesan cheese, stir until cheese and greens are full incorporated.
  5. Eat!  No, seriously.  Eat.  You. Wont. Be. Able. To. Stop.

Now tell me, what good stick to your belly foods do you like when it starts getting cold?