Talida Bakes

Happy New Year! Being the first day of the year also marks another birthday for this little blog. Five years y’all! 2011 was my most consistent blogging year thus far, the site got a new makeover I’m still loving, and I met more great people through the blogging community. Thanks to all my readers, friends and family who encourage me to continue blogging. Your support keeps me motivated, and I wouldn’t be blogging without you!

I have a full week of posts lined up to celebrate another year of this blog’s existence, so I hope you check back daily! I may (okay, I definitely will) host a giveaway so at least visit back for that. Happy New Year, and may 2012 bring you much joy and peace!

Today I am reminded that above all the cookies and warm drinks and time with family, we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Without Christ, there is no hope. Without the mystery and marvel that happened that first Christmas, I have no purpose.

I am beyond thankful for Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection, and I pray you all will catch a glimpse of the wonder today as you celebrate this joyous day! How sweet this day truly is.

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m very thankful that I’m enjoying the holiday with friends and family, and I hope you all are counting your blessings over what should be the feast of the year!

Here’s a snapshot of our mixed Chinese/traditional meal at our cousin’s house:

On the menu were mini versions of my corn pie, taro pie, Peking Duck-style wraps (idea borrowed from my sister-in-law’s family), my sis-in-law‘s delicious meatloaf, Texas-style creamed corn, mashed potatoes, cashew stuffing, cranberry-pear sauce, giblet gravy, hot and sour soup, daikon and fish ball soup, and last but not least, the turkey. A special thanks goes to Eddie from the Long Island City Costco’s meat department for the turkey. I had a little bit of drama with getting the turkey this week, but Eddie was great in “finding” one for me yesterday afternoon.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I can’t wait to hear what y’all ate or made! (And more importantly, what are you going to do with leftovers?)

The matcha cake from the other day? Surprisingly good. Now, I don’t intentionally downplay my desserts, but there were a couple of things that made me nervous about this cake.

[continue reading Thoughts on Matcha Cake]

Another not-baking post here, but I had to share. Ultimate wedding blog Style Me Pretty is featuring Joe & Cheryl’s wedding today! Along with the post is a full photo gallery of shots by Minnow Park. Also peruse the other posts for all your wedding inspiration needs. By the way, you need not be engaged to look at wedding blogs. Take it from someone who’s been reading wedding blogs for longer than I care to admit, I’m still a big fan and love saving ideas for future weddings. Oh, I know I’m not the only one, so come on, go check it out!