If you come from a Chinese background, you should be familiar with the birthday misua. I'm not sure who invented the whole idea, but apparently long noodles means long life, and who am I to argue with old people. For as long as I can remember, we've been buying the same misua from the same place for every single family birthday. That means I eat this misua about 20 times a year. Their homemade recipe has become a part of my own home, and I can't imagine a birthday without it. It's like a birthday cake, except salty. And noodly. The fact that it comes in a totally nondescript plastic tray helps it's homey charm; the old lady that hands it over when you pick it up is just a bonus. read more