Thursday 13: Fooood!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for some reason that always makes me hungry. Maybe it's the thought of plump, juicy turkey and mashed potatoes, or honey ham and pumpkin pie.

Or maybe I've just been watching too much Food Network. Either way, here are 13 foods I've been craving like crazy.

1. Feta fries: A couple of our local food trucks make these--thin, crispy fries covered in feta and sliced olives.

2. Blueberry doughnuts: These were nearly impossible to find a few years back; now, it seems every doughnut shop is offering these as a late-night temptation.

3. Carnitas tacos: slow-cooked pork, warm corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, and lime. Keep your lettuce and cheese away!

4. Bacon mac 'n' cheese: As if this comfort food wasn't bad enough already...but everything's better with bacon!

5. Clam chowder: NOT the stuff from a can, but the rich, creamy homemade variety. Definitely a cold-weather favorite.

6. Pita and homemade hummus: Warmed, soft pita and rich hummus with a hint of lemon. Much better than what you get at the grocery store.

7. Pumpkin cupcakes: Sprinkles (Newport Beach, CA) makes an excellent one. Oddly enough, so does the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, but only in the fall.

8. Grilled cheese and tomato soup: You know the kind--crisp artisan bread, cheese that's anything but American, and soup thick enough to pile on the corner of the sandwich when you dip it.

9. Classic Italian antipasto salad: There's a little Italian deli near my house that serves a salad with the perfect blend of greens, meat, and cheese. Their Italian dressing is light and tangy, without sacrificing any flavor.

10. Miso soup, edamame, and spicy tuna rolls: The local Japanese restaurant has a flavorful miso soup that warms you right up. Their edamame takes the edge of your hunger while their sushi chefs hand roll your order. Mmm!

12. Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles: Oh. My. God. If you're ever in the LA area and you don't go here, you're missing out. I know it sounds like a weird combination, but their fried chicken and waffles match perfectly. Yes, you eat them together--hot sauce on the chicken, syrup on the waffles...heaven.

13. Mom's spaghetti and meat sauce: slow-cooked all day and a rare treat to have these days since the family doesn't get together for dinner as often. Oddly enough, I prefer the meat sauce over spaghetti squash--the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the sauce complement each other nicely.

Ok, before I go raid the pantry in hopes of finding something near as delicious as one of these items, tell me what you're craving!