November is over and now we have an even busier month ahead.

Shopping is not my most favorite thing to do. Figuring out what to give everyone is also not a favorite thing of mine. At least gift cards help make a good choice.

A few of us were talking about different things the other day and we were discussing how many things have been invented, added to our lives and become available. Things we never dreamed would be. Each one of us had a different opinion about what we thought was the greatest new thing. Of course, one was gift cards. After I stated mine, most of us were in agreement.

I think the dollar stores are the most amazing addition. It is unbelievable what is offered and most items are with well-known labels.

The first time I ever saw a dollar store was many years before they were around here. I was in a shopping mall outside Ocean City, Md. When we were on vacation. People were lined up at every register and no matter what time of day you drove by, the store was packed. We couldn't believe the number of items offered and the number of people buying.

The next best thing invented: sweat suits. Look around. Everyone is wearing them and it is accepted attire. They are warm and comfortable no matter where you are going. There is no age limit on their popularity. Years ago, you didn't go out to dinner or even shopping unless you were “dressed up.” I think this is a great trend, but dressing up is still nice.

The latest thing, which is the greatest addition, is the frozen foods, which make it wonderful for people to plan whole meals at super reasonable prices.

Finally, the mechanical addition I love and I'm sure whoever is lucky enough to have one feels the same. It's the automatic car starter. Love it. Love it. Love it. Getting into a warm car in cold winter and a cool car in hot summer is a nice thing to do. You do become addicted to this convenience, so keep a check on it.

Now that I have explained my opinion, I will say a few things about the Christmas season that has already started.

I've already said how beautiful the decorations are. The amount of events scheduled for the month represents a lot of planning and a lot of pleasantness. Bazaars seem to top the list. I hope all of these are very successful and reach their goals. I didn't get to see Santa come to town but he was met by many, many happy people.

The other thing I can't wait to see is put on by the Second Baptist Church on 1 N. Herman Ave. It's the “Living Tree.” The singing, music and presentation of it is beautiful. It continues Friday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 16. Treat yourself to it if you are able to go.

I do hope all of December is good for everyone and people are well taken care of. I understand the Holy Family Shelter, Chapel House, has been pulled together and available - just in time. I want to say, it will be a blessing for those in need.

Have a great December.

My ethnic recipe this week is for the Jewish holiday. Hanukkah began Dec. 4. Steve Kline was good enough to give me a recipe for potato pancakes. My other recipe is for sweet potato apple casserole.

Today's blooper

My blooper today is another turkey one. When my friend was preparing a turkey for the first time, she cut off the tail, then realized she couldn't bind the turkey together to keep the stuffing in it. Many years ago we always stuffed the turkey. She ended up sewing the tail back on with a needle and thread. Some people are ingenious. Or are you like another friend who asked, “What tail?”

Diana Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods.

Sweet potato latkes

Makes 8 servings

5 large eggs, slightly beaten

3 large sweet potatoes (yams), about 2 pounds, peeled and grated

1/2 cup chopped onions

1 cup Manischewitz unsalted matzo meal

2 tablespoons chopped curly parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, sweet potatoes, onion, matzo meal and parsley in large bowl. Using hands, mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into patties using 1/2 cup batter for each.

Heat large nonstick skillet on medium. Add about 3 tablespoons

of oil, coating bottom of pan. Place a few patties in pan, fry 3 to 4 minutes until brown on bottom. Brown second side 3 minutes, adding more oil as needed. Remove patties from skillet and place in single layer in parchment-lined shallow pan. Fry remaining latkes. Bake browned latkes 15 to 20 minutes.

Sweet potato apple casserole

4 medium sized sweet potatoes

3 medium tart apples

2 tablespoons flour

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons butter (or margarine)

1/2 cup apple juice or water

4 strips of bacon cut in half

Peel sweet potato and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Peel, core and slice apples.

Combine flour and sugar and lightly dredge apples and sweet potatoes.

Butter a casserole dish and alternately layer apples and sweet potatoes.

Dot with butter.

Add apple juice. Arrange bacon on the top. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until tender.

Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes until bacon is crisp.