Christmas 2008

I'm hoping to blog the random things worth remembering. After all, memories are worth revisiting.

It's Christmas. Actually, the day after Christmas. A whole year has passed by and still, I have not taken the time to recount anything that has happened in the past, 5+ years or so. Even my journal pages have been left blank. Oh well. Hopefully, I can recap some moments and make a better attempt at documenting future events. (Let's see how that will go.)

So here is my very first blog post, revisited.

12.10.08 - I started the Holiday Season Festivities with a Holiday Soiree for the office. Casa Fina's 5th annual holiday party was held at The Lime in Tampa. Below are my favorite pictures from the party.


12.21.08 - My friends and I had our secret santa party at Nick's house with Eugene the fat, stout tree. The theme was "Snowed In". We had a fantastic time getting Rome ready for the holiday season. Nick and I went to Publix Greenwise to pick up some items. I love the variety of stuff they have there!

I was planning on making my very first Pork Roast and a Buche de Noel, that Justin overlooked while attempting to record it on video. I had a few glitches, but all in all, I was very pleased with how things came out. Trinh made green bean casserole and candied yam. Angel made garlic potatoes. Nick concocted "The Alabama" cocktail, (I cannot remember what was in it, but it was quite lethal, as confirmed by Dan and Trinh). Sophan prepped the gingerbread men, but unfortunately, they were drowned in a terrible bath of spring water while waiting their turn to go into the oven. Too bad, they would have been the perfect topping to our roasted marshmallows as the fireplace was used for the very first time. Nick did wax the pine cones, straight from NY, to give the crackling fire effect, which thankfully brought Tony's attention back from the slumber he was lazily falling into.

After dinner, and the exchanging of gifts, we took a splendid stroll to Old Hyde Parke Village. We wanted to get a group shot by the big Christmas Tree. Unfortunately, it ended terribly as Angel's mega camera took a crashing fall when the tripod was accidentally kicked off balance. (We are still waiting to hear the cost of the damage that was done.)

Check out my awesome Buche de Noel with Mushroom Marzipan. My favorite was Mr. Snowman's strawberry Santa Hat. CUTENESS!

12.24.08 - Christmas Eve. Sophan and I spent it at the Belhassans. Mehdi is my brother and family here in Tampa. It was nice sharing the holidays with them. I made a fruit pizza. Mehdi insists that I call it a Tarte de Fruit, as it is of French origin. It was very delicious. I am definitely making it again. I swear, I think Mehdi ate more than half the pie. :D

Look how pretty my tarte came out. I absolutely loved it!