I know it's not quite November, but I've got some news a little farther down about an event on November 1st, so I thought I'd sent it out a day earlier for those who want to attend. I did already stock up on Halloween treats at an event last night, so I'm already set, but while I'm doing events out-and-about, am missing my local market and all the treats I get to indulge in there, like the lovely rich crock of rillettes that fortifies us as the weather turns cooler.

October was an eventful month for my blog, which turned twenty years old. I didn't think that I'd be doing it for twenty years. But it never occurred to me to stop! I wrote a post about it, that talked about how I started the blog, where it took me, and where it is now. But here we are, twenty years later (and I'm twenty years older), and I'm still at it.

It was a pretty busy month as I was zinging around, from recording a Lunch Therapy podcast with Adam Roberts, to sending off my next book to the printer, that's coming out in March. I'm a bit zonked for it all, but with the holidays coming, I get to do what I love to do most: bake!

If you're looking for some Thanksgiving recipes, you can find a round-up of them on my blog. I'm hoping to post a few more holiday-friendly recipes this month, so stay tuned.

If you're revving up for the holidays, that may include stocking up your bar. I have to say, the Pumpkin Bitters from Workhorse Rye (below) are pretty awesome. They're not pumpkin spice, but made from actual pumpkins, with a hint of spices and seasonings to accent their flavor. They work well with whiskey-based drinks, like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, if those are part of your holiday festivities.

Another favorite seasonal bitters are the Apple Blossom Bitters from Hella bitters, which goes well with whiskey drinks as well. (Can you tell I like whiskey cocktails?) For those into gin-based drinks, their Eucalyptus Bitters make a good stocking stuffer for gin-lovers, or for yourself. (Note: Neither of these are sponsored links. I just like them.)

In November, we all get to think of things that we're thankful for. Or at least, we used to. But it's probably something worth returning to if you've (or I've) stopped. I'm thankful you've all stuck around through the years, from following me as I packed up my life and headed elsewhere, to sharing recipes and stories, and staying in touch in the comments on my blog and elsewhere online. So, on verra...let's go.

Just below I've listed a the appearances I'm doing in November with friends who have new books, before I hunker down for some holiday baking. I've rounded up a few Thanksgiving favorites from my blog here, in case you're looking for some holiday menu inspiration.

- David

These multigrain (and seed) biscotti are packed with everything I love...

I headed to Normandy to see the Making of Mimolette Cheese.

10 Tasty Tips if you plan to visit Biarritz.

Goat Milk is the base of this tangy ice cream, with a creamy, dreamy swirl of caramel, to boot.

My friend Brad Thomas Parson's new book, Last Call.

DavidLebovitz.com turns 20. A look back on everything that's happened in the last two decades.

I visit Caffè Panna, a new Italian-inspired ice cream shop.

-dl