I can’t believe November is coming to a close, which means 2013 is almost over. This month was super busy at work, but a promotion for my husband means we now get to spend our weekends together. When I don’t have to work that is. Life never stops. But I’m enjoying every moment of this long weekend, and sharing some of the best bits from November.

Awesomest way to eat booze and bacon

You know I love sweet potatoes, and when I saw this dish on How Sweet It Is, I swooned. Dudes, there’s bacon on these sweet potatoes. The girl is wonderfully insane. These bourbon bacon whipped sweet potatoes sound hardcore awesome. I cannot wait to give these a try.

Awesomest why didn’t I think of that idea

You have to understand that for home cooks, Thanksgiving is the most exciting day of the year. Is it any wonder that I spend the entire month of November thinking about food? Rebecca from Foodie with Family made this homemade jellied cranberry sauce, and it’s brilliant. I love making homemade cranberry sauce, but I actually prefer the texture of the smooth jellied stuff. Just strain it. Duh! She’s a genius! I’m definitely doing this next year.

Awesomest way to burn your fingers

Okay, just one more food thing, and I promise you’re going to love it. Normally, I’m deep-fry-phobic, but I’d face my fears for these sausage jalapeno hushpuppies from Tracy at Shutterbean. From the very instant I spied a photo of these puppies, I knew I needed them in my life. She put sausage in her hushpuppies, kids. So so so so ridiculously good.

Awesomest under age heroes

Believe it or not, I did actually leave my house for something other than work a couple of times this month. We saw two movies based on novels I love, Ender’s Game and Catching Fire. Both of these are stories of kids who save the world. If you haven’t read these books, drop what you’re doing and get on it. Of the two films, I preferred Catching Fire. Possibly because I have a big fat crush on Jennifer Lawrence, and also because bits of it were filmed on my island. Just in case the world didn’t already know, it’s beautiful out here. I love going to the movies, and it’s almost awards season. I’m so excited. But that’s a story for another month. Go see Catching Fire, and please don’t bring your small children. I thought that would be a no brainer. Apparently, it’s not.

Things you thought were awesome

Many of you were looking for a twist on pumpkin pie, and I know for a fact that this Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake made an appearance on at least two Thanksgiving tables. It’s pretty fantastic.

You still want fluffy crunchy potatoes in a matter of minutes. Parmesan Fried Gnocchi is going strong. Maybe if I ever get through the food in my fridge, I’ll have to make these again. So good!

By far your favorite post was peanut butter fudge. I don’t blame you. I literally cannot stop eating this stuff. My mom would love that you loved it.

November was awesome, and I’m still digesting my awesome meal from last night. It’s a whirlwind to the end of the year. I can’t wait to spend it with you.