We have had a glorious fall season in New York, with plenty of days with golden foliage, blue skies and crisp temperatures. But these days, we are begrudgingly adding on more layers as the leaves and temperature continue to come down. I usually try to resist adding layers for as long as I possibly can because every single one added feels like accepting defeat. But this stubbornness of mine has a very predictable result: There is always that one day every year when I am forced to concede to the coming of winter and I slink into a store sadly to buy a thicker coat, a scarf or a hat just so I can make it home comfortably. That day came last week, so I am coming to terms with the fact that our gorgeous New York autumn is coming to an end.

On top of that, the onset of cold weather is wreaking havoc on my figure! All I seem to be in the mood for these days are heartwarming, waistline-expanding treats. It doesn't help that New York has so many tempting seasonal goodies out there combining two potent drugs: carbs and #fomo. I'm in danger of falling victim to Dough's pumpkin spice doughnuts every morning, and I spend far too much time thinking about how to squeeze a stop at Dominique Ansel Kitchen into my daily commute (flaky hundred-layer cinnamon buns layering brioche, cinnamon butter and applejack brandy glaze cause that kind of food madness). And then there's Momofuku Milk Bar's Thanksgiving croissant, which is made with stuffing-flavored dough filled with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and homemade gravy. Hello — that's my idea of a Thanksgiving pre-game!

Thanksgiving may mark the end of fall but there's plenty of good times and delicious food to be had until then. Wishing you all a lovely and well-stuffed Thanksgiving with all those you love!