2024 has been a year of sugar, spice, and everything nice in my life! Living abroad has only deepened my love for baking, as it brings a taste of home and a moment of calm in the midst of all the newness. Whether you’re living abroad too, or simply seeking a slower, sweeter pace in life, let me share with you some of the highlights from my oven this year. Spoiler alert: it’s been a very tasty journey!
1: Rosca de Reyes – Kicking Off the New Year Right
The year kicked off with one of my favorite traditions: baking Rosca de Reyes. This crown-shaped bread, adorned with candied fruit, is eaten on January 6th for Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day). It’s not just about the taste—there’s also a fun tradition of hiding a tiny baby figurine inside the bread, and whoever finds it has to host the next party!
This was my third attempt at making Rosca, and I’m happy to say it finally turned out soft and fluffy! My first try didn’t go so well because I used the wrong kind of yeast (turns out, not all yeasts are created equal). A little tip: make sure to use instant yeast, the kind that comes in sachets, for the best results. Trust me, I learned the hard way, but it was totally worth it in the end!
2: Fresh Flower Shortbread Cookies – A Floral Affair
This year, I was all about edible flowers. There’s something so whimsical about baking with fresh flowers—they add a touch of elegance, and who doesn’t love a cookie that’s as pretty as it is delicious? I handpicked the flowers from my boyfriend’s mom’s garden here in New Zealand, which made these cookies feel even more special.
Unlike the dried petals some people use, I went for fresh flowers, and the result was just beautiful. These became my go-to treat for spring and summer baking, and I’m already looking forward to the next bloom! These cookies were delicate, buttery, and topped with vibrant petals—like a little piece of nature on a plate.
3: Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped “Conchas” – Mexican Sweet Bread, With Love
Valentine’s Day gave me the perfect excuse to bake something both sweet and cute. Enter my heart-shaped conchas, a traditional Mexican sweet bread but with a twist for the holiday of love. Shaping the dough into hearts and sprinkling sugar made these perfect for the occasion. If you’ve never had conchas, imagine soft, fluffy bread with a sweet, crunchy topping—it’s like biting into a sugary cloud.
What made these even more meaningful is that I learned the art of making conchas, along with a few other Mexican favorites, from my cousin, uncle, and auntie in Santa Catarina, Mexico, during a family visit in 2022. Their expertise taught me how to bring the authentic flavors of Mexico into my own kitchen, even living far from home.
4: Apple Empanadas – A Taste of Comfort
Apple empanadas became my comfort food this year. There’s something about the combination of flaky pastry and warm, spiced apples that feels like home, no matter where you are in the world. Every time I make these, they remind me of my mom. While she was often too busy to bake, empanadas were her go-to when we needed something quick, easy, and heartwarming.
Baking these feels like a small way of bringing the family together, even if it’s just through the memory of those cozy weekends where the smell of cinnamon and baked apples filled the house. And they’re perfect for sharing!
5: Banderitas de Coco (Cocadas) – Tropical Sweetness
If you’re craving something sweet, simple, and undeniably satisfying, cocadas (coconut candy) are a must-try. These colorful “banderitas” (little coconut flags) brought a tropical flair to my baking this year.
In Mexico, we often have these during special events in Mexican history, like Independence Day and Revolution Day, when the whole city is flooded with the green, white, and red of our beloved flag. The colors and flavors of these chewy, coconutty treats always make me feel a little more connected to home, no matter where I am.
6: Pan de Muerto – Honoring Traditions and Loved Ones
Pan de Muerto, or “Bread of the Dead,” is traditionally made for Día de Muertos, a holiday that celebrates and remembers loved ones who have passed away. This year, baking Pan de Muerto took on a deeper meaning after my boyfriend’s father passed away in 2023. It’s become an emotional tradition, as I hadn’t experienced such a close loss before, aside from my grandfather when I was young. This bread, with its soft texture and the subtle flavors of orange zest and anise, feels like a connection to both the past and the present.
Learning to make this from my family in Monterrey back in 2022 also brings me comfort. Every time I bake it, it feels like I’m honoring my roots and the family who taught me, while also reflecting on the importance of celebrating life and those we love.
Conclusion: A Year of Sweet Success
2024 was a year full of sweet moments in the kitchen. From delicate floral cookies to hearty empanadas, every recipe told a story—whether it was about home, tradition, or just indulging in something delicious. I hope my baking adventures inspire you to slow down, savor the process, and create something sweet, no matter where you are. Here’s to many more sugary successes to come!
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