LA SIERRA BLOG

Advent 2025

Day 19 – German Chocolate Cake

Advent 2025

Day 19 – German Chocolate Cake

My twin brother, David, has always believed that he and I are “identical twins!” I believe we are “fraternal twins,” similar but different. Beginning with our names! My twin brother’s name is David Milous Wright and mine is Darrin Marcellus Wright. David’s...
Day 18 – Sweet and Sour Vege-Burger Meatloaf

Advent 2025

Day 18 – Sweet and Sour Vege-Burger Meatloaf

Our first date? The La Sierra University Candlelight Christmas Concert. Fourth date – I made Krista dinner for the first time. I was on Christmas break during the middle of my third year at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, allowing me plenty of time to work...
Day 17 – Koeksisters

Advent 2025

Day 17 – Koeksisters

In the 1940s, I grew up in South Africa as a child of missionary parents. Christmas came in early summer. People in the greater Cape Town area often spent a good part of the day on the beach, picnicking, swimming, and surfing—in general enjoying the break from a...
Day 16 – Pancit Bison

Advent 2025

Day 16 – Pancit Bison

According to a popular song by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, “Love and marriage… Go together like a horse and carriage.” Similarly, Norman Bunoan’s fried lumpia (from Day 8 of this blog) and pancit bihon are usually eaten together. One supplements the other....
Day 15 – Laise

Advent 2025

Day 15 – Laise

Laise, that’s what comes to mind when I think about Christmas comfort food. There were seven, and sometimes 10, of us kids at my grandparents’ house while our parents worked all day. Most of the time Grandpa made laise (sweet rice), keke vai (Tongan pancake) and ma...
Day 14 – Grannie’s Apple Pie

Advent 2025

Day 14 – Grannie’s Apple Pie

‘Tis the season to be watching Christmas movies by the dozen! There are so many silly versions of what usually turns out to be basically the same story: someone needs an attitude adjustment and gets one by learning the true meaning of Christmas. Typically this is a...