Cooking With Mickey

New D23 Member Discounts Added

2012-01-25T07:34:00.000-06:00

D23 announced today new member benefits and discounts! Here are some that were just added:

Discount at House of Blues, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland
10% discount off services at Niki Bryan Spas
Special rates at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
20% off entire order at ThomasKinkade.com - including Disney Dreams Collection
$5 off any ticket to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX
20% off single admission to the Miami Science Museum
15% off entire stay at the Howard Johnson Anaheim (across the street from Disneyland)
15% off Disney merchandise at Little Miss Matched
10% off purchases at Apricot Lane Boutique, Downtown Disney Anaheim
$23 off $149 or more purchase at Collectibles Boutique Charming Shoppe
20% off Fantagraphic Books

The current discounts will continue such as 10% off Two Scoops Ice Cream Parlor in Ko Olina and 10% off ALL Ralph Brennan restaurants. This includes not just the location in Anaheim but Red Fish Grill and Ralphs on the Park and Cafe NOMA.

For a full, up-to-date list of discounts and offers visit D23 online.

Not a D23 member yet? Then visit www.Disney.com/D23 and choose either a Gold or Silver D23 membership. My favorite, the Gold, offers a one-year subscription to Disney twenty-three including special, collectible gifts with every issue.

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Crossroads at House of Blues, Walt Disney World has New Flavors

2012-01-24T11:44:00.000-06:00

Back in September we reported changes to the Crossroads menu in Downtown Disney Anaheim. Today Pam Brandon posted about changes to the menu at Crossroads in Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney location.

House of Blues Shrimp and Grits

Some changes include an updated version of their House of Blues shrimp and grits which is topped with chipotle garlic cream sauce. Now that sounds delicious! The jambalaya is back without shrimp and cornbread without rosemary. For a sweet ending try the bourbon bread pudding with a splash of bourbon.

Steak Street Tacos

Some other savory favorites include lobster mac and cheese, Angus beef burgers, salads and street tacos. I love street tacos! It doesn't stop there. There is also a new wine list and 15 beers including micro brews.

Bourbon Bread Pudding

Source

Related Posts

New Menu Items at House of Blues, Anaheim

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Tonga Toast

2012-01-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

Disney Parks Blog posted this video on how to make Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe. Watch and see how Chef Lawrence Searl makes this breakfast favorite.

Source

Recipe

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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas From The Disney Store

2012-01-22T12:38:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day less than a month away the Disney Store has some gift idea for the food lover in your life.

Vinylmation Disney Holiday Vinyl Series 3" Figure - Valentine's Day 2012
This box of chocolate will last long after Valentine's Day. With chocolates on the front and "I Love You" on the back this is a sweet Vinylamation for your sweetie.
Cost: $16.95
Purchase HERE

Aluminum Love Mickey Mouse Water Bottle

A great reusable water bottle that makes traveling and staying hydrated easy. The climber clip is perfect for clipping on to your backpack when trekking through the parks.

Cost: $9.50

Purchase HERE

I'm not a Vinylmation collector but I definitley have to pick up the box of chocolates and better yet, I can keep it in its box.

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2012-01-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

Wild Hibiscus Flower Garnish

At Off the Hook, a beachside lounge at Aulani in Hawaii you'll find many favorite tropical drinks and some unique. This wild hibiscus flower drink is just one of those uniquely special drinks you'll find.

Recipe
¼ oz natural rose water
2/3 oz Wild Hibiscus Flower syrup
Wild Hibiscus Flower
Mint
Champagne

Muddle mint in the champagne flute and discard
Place wild hibiscus flower in bottom of glass and stand upright
Add rose water and some bruised torn mint pieces
Top with Champagne
Pour in the Hibiscus syrup which will graduate from crimson at the bottom to light pink at the top. The flower will sit in the bottom of the champagne flute and slowly open up over 3-4 minutes.

Looking to purchase wild hibiscus flowers? Try HERE.

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Chocolate Royal Tea at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

2012-01-21T07:01:00.000-06:00

The Waldorf Astoria held their Royal Tea yesterday complete with sandwiches and home-made sweets. But this isn't the only tea party you'll be able to enjoy. In celebration of Valentine's Day you can enjoy "A Chocolate Royal Tea".

The signature "Royal Tea" has a romantic twist, chocolate. Dine on chocolate croissants and other sweet treats while listening to a live pianist and savor premium hot tea. Celebrating Valentine's early? For a "Grand Royal Tea" add a glass of champagne. Reservations are highly recommend for this tea party.

Details
When: Friday, February 10 from 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Where: Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Pricing: $15 for Children's Royal Tea, $30 for Adult Royal Tea and $35 for the Grand Royal Tea.

The "Chocolate Royal Tea" can be reserved by calling (407) 597-5409.

Source

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Chocolate, Wine and Romance Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

2012-01-20T13:41:00.000-06:00

Waldorf Astoria Orlando will be hosting it's first ever "Chocolate, Wine and Romance Weekends" this February. For those of you who don't know what to get your Valentine consider this, especially for the chocolate lover.

Chocolate Shooters

Guests who visit during the ‘Chocolate, Wine & Romance Weekends’ can enjoy several surprises and decadent diversions:

Bar du Chocolat: A Chocolate Extravaganza – enjoy a nightly opportunity to experience nearly 30 intense chocolate treats from Waldorf Astoria’s dynamic display of decadence. Peacock Alley is transformed into a chocolate boudoir, offering a cocoa-infused evening of self indulgence. Guests can choose from a signature selection of sinful chocolate treats from the hotel’s talented pastry chef Kurtis Baguley, using recipes collected from the most romantic points of the globe. Highlights include mouth-watering handmade chocolate truffles, exotic chocolate cakes, pillows of creamy chocolate mousse, and bowls of beautiful bon-bons. Friday and Saturday Nights in February. [Priced per piece]
Live Music Featuring Harvestown – enjoy nightly entertainment in Peacock Alley, where our lounge trio will add spice to the night. Friday and Saturday Nights in February [Complimentary]
Chocolate Sensation – sit back and enjoy the music in Peacock Alley while savoring a special wine glass rimmed in drizzled chocolate, filled with a specially-paired Port. [Priced per glass.]
Friday Night Flights: Chocolate Martinis – At Peacock Alley, enjoy a special flight of chocolate martinis. Friday Nights in February. [Priced at $25 per flight]
‘Sweet Endings’ Romance Dinner – Enjoy a special four-course candle-lit dinner served in your suite by your own private butler. Your dining experience includes a decadent chocolate dessert. Friday and Saturday Nights in February [Served in suites only -- additional charge.]
Sinful chocolate choices at our restaurants – Sinful. Decadent. Delicious. That’s how you will describe dessert at Bull and Bear Steakhouse. The travel writer for the Irish Times newspaper called the chocolate bar dessert at Bull & Bear “legendary”… after one bite. For breakfast, we’ve upped the chocolate factor with special chocolate inclusions at the popular Oscar’s breakfast buffet, including heavenly chocolate croissants. Fridays and Saturdays in February.
Chocolate perks at Spa by Guerlain – Pair your spa treatments with chocolate treats (and complimentary champagne!), every Friday and Saturday in February at Waldorf Astoria Spa by Guerlain.
Chocolate-Lovers Cabana Rental – Spend some time at the pool in a private cabana, enjoying a parade of chocolate treats delivered throughout the day, including a chocolate fondue finale. Fridays and Saturdays in February. [Rental fee additional. Limited quantity.]
A Chocolate Royal Tea – Our signature Waldorf Astoria Royal Tea is re-imagined in February, with a decadent display of chocolate croissants and other tasty treats. [February 10 at 3pm; Additional charge – advance reservations suggested]

Raspberry Tart

For more information on Waldorf Astoria Orlando or the Chocolate, Wine and Romance Weekends, call 1-800-353-2009 or visit us online at www.WaldorfAstoriaOrlando.com

Inverted Chocolate Mélange

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Her Royal Highness Package Now Offered

2012-01-20T06:05:00.000-06:00

Cinderella's Royal Table is a wonderful location to celebrate special occasions. Just added is the "Her Royal Highness Package" to make any princess feel special for the day.

For the princess in your life, consider the "Her Royal Highness Package" which includes a princess balloon featuring six of the Disney Princess which is on your table when you arrive. Once seated your princess will be presented a tiara making her a princess for a day. The package also includes a special 6-inch round cake available with Ariel, Aurora, Bell, Cinderella or Tiana which can be personalized (up to 3 words) and your choice of chocolate or vanilla.

The cost is $112.05 (including an 18% gratuity) and reservations can be made by calling the Disney Dining Line at 407-939-3463 up to 180 days in advance or email.

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Review: The Fountain

2012-01-19T10:48:00.000-06:00

Don't have a reservation but are looking for a sit-down restaurant, then The Fountain Eats and Sweets, located at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort is the place for you.

Ambiance
Reminiscent of a 1920's soda fountain shop with a modern twist. With a tiled counter, red bar stools, booths and tables you'll be taken back to a simpler time. Being located off the beaten path you'll find this restaurant to be quiet and relaxing.

Soda Fountain Counter

Menu
The menu includes diner favorites; soups, salads, starters such as onion rings and golden fries, and fountain classics like hot dogs and burgers. Both the burgers and hot dogs are build your favorite so you have a choice of several toppings to make it your own.

Food/Drink
On my most recent visit I was looking for an inexpensive restaurant that I had never tried, and The Fountain was the perfect solution. One of my favorite comfort foods is tomato soup with grilled cheese. There are two soups that I always order in search of the best - lobster bisque and tomato. Therefore I just had to try their roasted tomato with herb croutons. This is not your canned tomato soup you grew up with, being roasted it's a grown up version of this classic.

Roasted Tomato Soup

I had the hardest time trying to decide between a burger and hot dog. Being alone I had to choose. Normally I'd get one and my husband would get the other but that was not a option, so after much debate I went with the hot. Since I love the combination of cheese, chili and onions (all things that make Cinninnati chili great) I add those to my dog. It was a good size hot dog and combined with the chip, looking back I wish I can upgraded to the fries was just the right amount of food. I left full but not stuffed. Unfortunately I didn't have room to try one of their milkshakes. A good reason to go back!

Build Your Favorite Hot Dog

Service
My server was very attentive, courteous and friendly. Bringing me refills on my ice tea without ever asking and continuous checking on me to see if I needed anything.

Overall
This is a great place to stop and grab a bite of classic comfort food favorites. The wonderful service, delicious food and laid back atmosphere it's a fantastic place to escape the busy park, especially Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and relax in a quiet restaurant.

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Official Opening of Katsura Grill

2012-01-18T22:21:00.000-06:00

Opening Ceremony of Katsura Grill

Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot held its grand opening this morning. At the opening ceremony was Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Erin Youngs (Epcot vice president) and Hideaki Morooka (Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. general manager).

Following the ribbon cutting everyone was welcomed into the gardens and new restaurant. Offerings included sushi, tempura and sake served in cedar cups.

All sorts of dignitaries gathered early this morning to officially open Katsura Grill, including Mickey and Minnie; Erin Youngs, vice president of Epcot; and Hideaki Morooka, general manager International Business Operations for Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd., partners with Disney in the Japan Pavilion.

Source

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2012-01-18T06:17:00.000-06:00

Mickey Waffles

The beloved Mickey waffles are one item that nearly everyone who visits the mouse's house wants and loves. It can be found at nearly ever breakfast buffet on Walt Disney World Resort property. When you need a little Disney magic in the morning try this.

Mickey Waffles from Goofy's Kitchen

Recipe
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup malt
2 tbsp corn meal
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/4 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 cups milk
1 tbsp vanilla

Preheat a waffle iron, grease lightly.
Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside.
Combine the eggs, melted butter, and milk in a medium bowl.
Slowly stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until moistened.
For each waffle, pour about 3/4 cup of batter into a waffle iron, close the lid and bake until the steaming stops.

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2012-01-17T12:52:00.000-06:00

Chocolate Wave

One of the most popular dishes at Coral Reef at Epcot is the Chocolate Wave. A chocolate lovers dream dessert!

©DisUnplugged

Recipe
3/4 cup butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
4 eggs
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons Grand Marnier

For the white-chocolate truffle:
6 ounces white chocolate
3 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tablespoons softened butter
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Melt butter in a double boiler over medium-low heat.
Add chocolate chips, heating until mixture is melted.
Combine sugar and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Add chocolate mixture to sugar mixture and beat well.
In a separate bowl, combine four eggs, four yolks, and Grand Marnier. Add this to the chocolate mixture and beat until well mixed. Cover and chill overnight.
Melt the white chocolate and heavy cream in a double boiler over low heat. Add butter and Grand Marnier and stir until smooth. Chill overnight.
Butter and flour six 5-ounce ramekins. Fill 1/3 of each with the chilled chocolate mixture. Add a rounded tablespoon of the truffle mixture. Fill to the top with the chocolate mixture.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Let the cakes sit for 15 - 20 minutes before inverting. Run a knife around the edges to loosen. Serve with chocolate sauce, raspberries, and/or ice cream if desired.

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Review: Chef Mickey's Breakfast

2012-01-17T06:17:00.000-06:00

There is just one place at Walt Disney World where you can meet and eat with the Fab Five, Chef Mickey's at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom you'll find Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto in their kitchen whites.

Once you arrive you'll receive a ticket to get your picture in front of a Chef Mickey's photo screen, which will be presented to you during your meal. It can be purchased for an additional charge.

Ambiance
Located in the atrium area of the Contemporary Resort, you can see the Monorail travel through on its way to the Magic Kingdom. Since the restaurant isn't enclosed like The Wave there is a lot of light that shines into the restaurant. The buffet is set up for easy access with plenty of open space to move around.

Menu
Chef Mickey's breakfast buffet offers several traditional and some Disney favorites. You'll find a premium fruit bar with assorted yogurts and fruit. A cereal bar including hot oatmeal. Pastries such as bagels, muffins, danishes and more. Various specialty breakfast items like Pluto's cheese blintz, Goofy's vegetable lasagna, Minnie's breakfast pizza, buttermilk biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, eggs and of course, Mickey Mouse waffles among many others. Make sure to save room for ice cream - there is a sundae bar!

Food/Drink
With a variety of breakfast foods it's hard to go wrong. The hot food was hot, cold food cold and everything was fresh.The pastries, cheese blitz with blueberry sauce and fresh fruit all make for a great breakfast dessert if the sundae bar isn't for you.

Service
Our server was friendly, helpful and quick. We never once had to ask for refills on our coffee or orange juice. She knew when to take plates away and bring more drinks.

Overall
Good food, great service, and character interaction with the Fab Five, without having to wait in a long line, makes this a great breakfast choice. If you are looking to have breakfast before heading to Magic Kingdom this is a perfect spot since it's just a monorail or short walk away.

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Little Chef Disney Creations ~ Lotso's Stuffed Strawberries

2012-01-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

There was no doubt that when Toy Story 3 was released that it would become a family favorite. We love all the Toy Story characters, and they have certainly been a part of some of our most memorable Disney vacation moments. It is hard to believe that such a cuddly looking, strawberry-smelling stuffed bear could be a villain, but Lotso plays just that role. We decided to bring a positive spin to this character with a sweet and delicious strawberry recipe, that is fun and easy to create.

This is another recipe that will give your child an opportunity to use their cutting skills. Plastic knives are a great tool to teach your child the proper ways to cut. The strawberries can be a little tricky, but it only took one or two each before my children were "pros."

Ingredients

Ingredients:

Strawberries (the larger ones are easier for the children to work with)
Jell-O Instant Sugar Free Pudding White Chocolate Flavor
2c. milk
Whipped Cream
Chocolate Chips, Sprinkles, Candy Decorations (optional)

Tools:

Plastic knives (1 per child)
Small Paring Knife
Cutting Board(s)
Quart Size Storage Bag

Use the paring knife to create small "bowls"
out of the strawberries

Directions:

Fill each of the strawberries with pudding

Cut the ends of the strawberries so that the strawberry can "stand" on its own. (Have your child hold the strawberry between their thumb and forefinger on a flat surface. They should slice off the end with the stem, then a small piece at the bottom to create a flat side.)
The adult should use the small paring knife to cut out the center of the strawberry, being careful not to cut through. This will make the strawberry look like a small bowl.
Whisk the pudding mix with the 2 cups of milk for 2 minutes.
Pour pudding immediately into the quart size storage bag and seal. Place in the refrigerator for about 2 minutes, so that it will thicken enough to be easy to work with for the kids.
Remove pudding from refrigerator, and, leaving the bag sealed, snip the bottom corner of the bag. Use this to squeeze enough pudding into each strawberry to fill them. If it is difficult to squeeze the pudding through, cut a little more of the bag to create a larger hole.
Top each filled strawberry with whipped cream.
Decorate the tops of the strawberries with sprinkles, chocolate chips or anything else that your child would like to add.

These easy to make treats are a favorite here. Though in this recipe I have listed white chocolate flavored pudding, there are certainly plenty of other flavors to choose from, from chocolate to banana and even in the summer our local grocery store carries a pina colada flavored pudding. Like I say in all these recipes we share, choose the flavors that your child loves best.

Beth is a mom and blogger who loves everything Disney, from the food, stories, crafts, vacation planning, music and movies. She is the creator of Pursuing the Magic and founder of the Magical Blogorail. You can follow her on Twitter @disneymom2jhe and @MagBlogorail.

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DisneyStore.com Sale

2012-01-14T15:01:00.002-06:00

Right now the Disney Store has some kitchen items on sale. Make sure to enter promo code SALE30 to receive an additional 30% off. Tomorrow, Sunday January 15th is the last day to save the additional 30%.

Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar

This ceramic cookie jar is a great place to keep you favorite Disney cookies or any cookies for that matter. A Disney Parks Authentic item.
Price: $29.56 (reg. $36.95)

Mickey Mouse Travel Mug

Whether taking a road trip or going to the parks this is a great way to take Mickey with you. A Disney Parks Authentic item.
Price: $12.76 (reg. $15.95)

Cars 2 Water Bottle

The perfect water bottle for a Car fan! With a toggle closure clip this is a great way to keep your drinks cold when preparing to run for a Disney half marathon or taking a walking tour. Just clip on your backpack and you are good to go.
Price: $10.50 (reg. $2.99)

Jack Skellington Water Bottle

Just what every Jack Skellington fan needs, a water bottle. With a toggle closure clip this is a great way to keep your drinks cold when preparing to run for a Disney half marathon or taking a walking tour. Just clip on your backpack and you are good to go.

Price: $10.50 (reg. $2.99)

Sally Water Bottle

If Jack isn't your favorite The Nightmare Before Christmas character then maybe Sally is. With a toggle closure clip this is a great way to keep your drinks cold when preparing to run for a Disney half marathon or taking a walking tour. Just clip on your backpack and you are good to go.
Price: $10.50 (reg. $2.99)

Spider-Man Coffee Mug

Needing a cup of Joe before starting your adventures? Then pick up one of these ceramic Spider-Man mugs.
Price: $8.50 (reg. $2.99)

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Walt Disney World Restaurant Refurbishments!

2012-01-14T13:58:00.000-06:00

Disney is making some changes to it's restaurants. Over at the Magic Kingdom Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is closed now through March 27, 2012.

Over at Epcot Tutto Italia Ristorante is closed through April 30th. It will reopen with new flooring, furniture, lighting and decor as well as changes to the outdoor seating. In addition there will be an updated menu. Next door to Tutto Italia will be Gusto Wine Bar which will be designed like an Italian wine cellar.

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My Favorite World Showcase Pavilion - Magical Blogorail

2012-01-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Babies Blog and those of you just hopping aboard. I'm the final stop on the Magical Blogorail.

Today we are sharing our favorite World Showcase Pavilion. This is a difficult one because there are so many great countries to visit. There are three countries in particular that I find to be extremely difficult to choose between - Mexico, Italy and Germany.

Quattro Formaggi Pizza - Via Napoli

La Cava del Tequila

Mexico has La Cava del Tequila, La Hacienda de San Angel and La Cantina de San Angel which I enjoy and make a stop at least one of not all of them when I visit. Italy has Tutto Italia, Via Napoli (a favorite of mine), Il Bel Crisallo and a gelato cart. I think though I will have to go with the Germany Pavilion. Of all of the World Showcase Pavilions I spend the most time here. Between Sommerfest, Biergarten, two beer/pretzel carts, Weinkeller and Karamell-Kuche there are plenty of dining, drinking and snack options to enjoy.

Bratwurst und Bier

Sommerfest located near the entrance to Biergarten, offers frankfurters, bratwurst, salted pretzels, Black Forest cheese and apple strudel. A great counter service to pick up a sandwich and beer!

Salad and Entree Item

Desserts!

A must eat buffet for me is Biergarten, literally meaning "beer garden". If that doesn't sound appealing I don't know what does. Here you can celebrate Oktoberfest all year long. Designed to look like a Bavarian biergarten with long communal tables, lively entertainment, dancing and the dining room gives you the feel of being outdoors at night. Both German and American favorites are served. Enjoy various salads such as warm German potato salad, sausages, cheeses, soup such as potato leek, spaetzle, pork schnitzel, red cabbage, and more. At dinner you'll also be able to enjoy beef roulades, sauerbraten, potato dumplings and herring salad. Make sure to not skip dessert! The fresh baked apple strudel with vanilla sauce is a must try.As for drinks, there are a variety of German wines, schnapps and of course beer. I recommend trying the German beer flight or getting a liter of the Hövels. Make sure to say "Prost!" and sing along to "Ein Prosit!", you'll enjoy it even more.

Fresh Caramel Corn

Caramel Clusters

Chocolate Cover Strawberry with Caramel

I don't think there is too much I need to say about Karamell-Kuche. For anyone that's been to Epcot in the past couple of years you've smell the deliciousness coming from this "caramel kitchen". One of the best parts of this little shop, besides getting to eat the best salted caramel, is watching the caramel corn and caramel apples being made. Even if you aren't wanting to get caramel at least stop in and watch them at work.

During the holidays I love to have Gluhwein, a warm mulled wine, especially on a cold night. Every year I pick up at least one bottle of it at the Weinkeller. They also offer a variety of German white wines, apple schnapps and eiswein. There is a small bar located inside where you can find various wines to try. One of my favorites is the wine flight. This way you get to sample more than just a glass.

Last but certainly not least is the two beer carts. One is located opposite the pavilion and one inside. Both locations serve beer and pretzels. It is a tradition of mine to stop an pick up a pretzel and Hövels every trip. I've been known to stop twice or three times on occasion.

So there you have it. My favorite World Showcase pavilion and why. Do you also enjoy the Germany Pavilion or do you have a different favorite? I'd love for you to share you thoughts in the comment section below.

Prost!

Thank you for joining Magical Blogorail Blue this month. We'll be back Friday, February 10 with an all new theme. Keep checking in with our blogs in between loops to keep up to date with our Disney info, photos and stories. If you are looking for more Disney magic, you can make your way over to the Magical Blogorail site to see all our members and their blogs, as well as all our previous loops.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

Meet the Magic
Pursuing the Magic
Days in the Park
The CanaDisney Blog
Disney Babies Blog

Check out Eric Allen's review of the Biergarten HERE.

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Mad T Party Coming to Disney California Adventure

2012-01-12T15:59:00.000-06:00

Currently at Disney California Adventure you can experience ElecTRONica but start this summer Mad T Party will be taking its place. Bringing Tim Burton's vision of Alice in Wonderland into the park.

It will be a high energy show with live music and games at Hollywood Backlot. Two stages will be set up with entertainment such as a DJ and performance artists. There will be new food and beverages inspired by this psychedelic Walt Disney classic.

So this summer fall into the rabbit hole with Alice and enjoy this truly mad party.

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Disneyland Resort Catering

2012-01-12T15:43:00.000-06:00

Every wanted to have a banquet in the Haunted Mansion? Well watch this Disney Parks Blog video and find out how.

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ADD: Top 5 Must Eat Wings at Walt Disney World

2012-01-09T08:59:00.002-06:00

Average Disney Dude: Top 5 Must Eat Wings on
Walt Disney World Property!

By Aljon Go

Walt Disney World is well known for their world class restaurants and unique food offerings. However this month I'll be taking a look at something that is commonly referred to as "pub grub" - the Buffalo Chicken Wing.

The origins of the Buffalo wing have several variations. The most wildly accepted tale begins around 1964 at the Anchor Bar by Teressa Bellissimo, who owned the bar along with her husband Frank. Teressa needed a fast and easy snack to present to her hungry son and his guests. It was then that she came up with the idea of deep frying chicken wings (normally thrown away or reserved for stock) and tossing them in cayenne hot sauce.
Without any further ado, here are my Top 5 Must Eat Wings at Walt Disney World!

Nashville Predators eat Red Wings for dinner! I couldn't resist! (photo from NHL.com)

# 5 - Red Wings

ESPN Club - Boardwalk Resort

These wings come in Medium, Hot, Flame, Teriyaki, or Barbecue flavors and are served with Celery and Blue Cheese Dressing. My wife and I tried the Flame Hot version and it had just enough kick for me. Those wanting it extra hot should make sure to notify their "coach" or server. Not sure if the sauce is too hot for you? Have them bring out some samples of the sauce to taste! ($11.49)

# 4 - Chicken Wings

Crossroads at House of Blues - Downtown Disney

These fresh whole chicken wings are fried crispy and tossed in one of three homemade sauces: smoked tomato BBQ sauce, Jamaican style spicy jerk sauce or Buffalo hot sauce, served wover citrus champagne slaw! The sauces are what make these wings stand out from the crowd and have rightfully earned their slot on this list! ($9.99)

#3 Sticky Wings for Two

Kona Cafe - Polynesian Resort (lunch)

These glazed chicken wings are hard to resist. Coated with a tangy mustard drizzle and toasted sesame seeds they are a perfect combination of the sweet and savory! ($12.99)

#2 Thai Chili Chicken Wings

Yak and Yeti - Animal Kingdom

Who knew that finger-licking good fried chicken wings were a staple in Thailand? Tossed in a sweet Thai chili sauce, spicy Asian pickled cucumbers $8.99

#1 Honey Coriander Chicken Wings

'Ohana (Dinner), Polynesian Resort

One of the most popular family dining experiences in all of Walt Disney World would have to be the Hawaiian style All-you-care-to-enjoy family feast at 'Ohana. Not only do you get dinner, an interactive family show that the kids will love but you'll also get a little taste of Heaven with these tasty morsels. These wings are so good you might spend your entire dinner devouring them. The great thing is if you run out they will bring you another bowl! I say, keep 'em coming! (Adults $32.99; Children 3-9 $15.99 - Includes coffee, tea and soda)

Thanks Aljon for another great Top 5! Can you pass the ranch?

That's the rundown for this month. Have you had any of these wings? Did I miss your favorite? Please comment below and we can discuss for a future article! In the meantime please check some of my previous Top 5 lists on CookingwithMickey.info HERE.

Until next time, keep it real! Thanks for reading! - Aljon

Aljon Go is a musician and blogger that loves Disney and food! He is also a co-host of the "WDW Tiki Room" variety show on Sorcerer Radio where he is also the station manager. Follow him on Twitter @WDWTikiRoom and @JediMouseketeer !

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2012-01-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Carnation Cafe located on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland serves up this rich, creamy soup. A perfect way to relive your dining experience or to warm up on a cold winter day.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Recipe
1 pound bacon, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
3/4 cup diced celery
4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 cups heavy whipping cream
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, bacon bits, sour cream, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese

In a 6- to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, fry bacon until crisp.
Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving half for garnish. In bacon fat, cook onions, carrots, and celery until the onions are translucent. Add potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in flour and stir constantly over low heat until the flour is cooked and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add chicken stock and half of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
Over medium-high heat, bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Mash some of the potatoes for thicker, creamier texture. Add whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
Adjust thickness by adding water or stock. Soup should have a creamy consistency.
Season to taste, and garnish with toppings.

Cooks’ notes: Soak diced potatoes in cold water until ready to use to keep them from turning brown. To make bacon easier to chop, lightly freeze.

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Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe To Open Saturday

2012-01-05T14:01:00.000-06:00

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe located on Main Street, U.S.A at Disneyland will be opening this Saturday, January 7. The new bakery, which has replaced Blue Ribbon Bakery, will feature pastries, coffees, sandwiches and salads. Unlike Blue Ribbon it offers indoor and outdoor seat.

Related Articles:

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The Wave . . . of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner

2012-01-04T15:13:00.000-06:00

The Wave . . . of American Flavor’s Discovery Dinner
At Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Thursday, January 19, 2012
6:30 p.m. Reception; 7:00 p.m. Dinner
Meet at The Wave… of American Flavor’s Main Podium
Dress Code - Casual Evening Attire
$92 per person, includes tax and gratuity

The Wave…of American Flavors Discovery Dinners continue in January by celebrating our Central Florida Strawberry season. Our Farmer/Chef dinner will feature Lott Farms located just west of Plant City, Florida. Mike and Sandy Lott started their farm in 1979 on rented land and purchased and built their family farm of 50 acres in 1983. They have lived on and farmed this land with their children and grandchildren since that date. Mike’s great strawberries are sold under the Classic label through C&D Produce Distributors.

Reception in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Lounge

Thompson Farm Pulled Pork Slider with Plant City Barbeque Sauce and Cypress Grove Sheep’s Milk Cheese
Strawberry Tea Poached Beef Short Rib with Sweet Shiraz Puree and Truffle Oil
Strawberry Champagne with Wild Caught Shrimp and Mint Syrup
MOMO Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand

Dinner in The Wave . . . of American Flavors Private Dining Room
Appetizer

Myakka Heirloom Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella, Aged Balsamic Strawberries and Odessa, Florida Tiny Opal Basil
La Craie Vouvray, Chenin Blanc, France

Entrée

Lightly Smoked Duck Breast, Strawberry Gastrique, Risotto with Braised Rhubarb and Celery, Roasted Winter Vegetables
Torbreck “Woodcutter” Shiraz, Australia

Salad

Felsmere, Florida Bordeaux Spinach, Poppy Seed Vinaigrette, Marcona Almonds and Aged Feta
Bethel Heights, Pinot Gris, Oregon

Dessert
A Trio of Fresh from Florida Strawberry Flavors featuring:

Strawberry-Champagne Sorbet
No Sugar Added Strawberry Panna Cotta
Brown Sugar Glazed Pound Cake with Strawberry Tuile
Trinitas Moscoto, California

For reservations, e-mail WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com with the following information: your interest to book, your name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party.

You will be notified on a “first-come, first-served” basis. Your credit card will be taken over the phone once your reservation is confirmed. The event is limited to 40 Guests. The event is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.

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Carnation Cafe Closes Tomorrow!

2012-01-04T15:08:00.000-06:00

Disneyland park favorite, Carnation Cafe will be closing it's doors tomorrow and will reopen in the summer. The refurbishment will add addition indoor seating and an updated menu with new dishes and some of Walt's favorites.

Until then look for the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe, at the former Plaza Pavilion location, to open later this month.

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Three Kings Day Menu - Disneyland

2012-01-04T14:46:00.000-06:00

This Friday, January 6th is Three Kings Day and Disneyland will be celebrating. There will be entertainment, including children's activities and a special food cart.

Rosca de Reyes, Mexican Kings Bread with a hidden whole almond nut.
Sweet corn tamale with pineapple and cajeta
Savory blue corn tamale with Monterey Jack cheese and green chili tomatillo sauce, and served with a corn chili relish
Strawberry-filled churros

You can enjoy these special items from January 6-8 near Rancho del Zocalo restaurant.

Source

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BabyCakes NYC Delivers!

2012-01-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion at Disney and have special dietary needs don't fret, BabyCakes NYC now takes cake orders.

BabyCakes NYC in Downtown Disney will now delivery directly to your restaurant reservation. So if you have a special diet such as gluten-free, wheat-free, refined sugar-free, egg-free, casein-free, vegan, Kosher or soy-free you can now enjoy a special cake just for you. The cakes are two-layer, six-inch and serve 8-10 people.

To order contact the bakery at (407) 938-9044 a week or more prior to your reservation. Please have your restaurant confirmation number, date and time available.

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Guest Review: Trail's End Restaurant

2012-01-02T15:21:00.001-06:00

Please welcome Beth as a guest reviewer to Cooking with Mickey. Beth is a life-long Disney fan and mother of two wonderful boys. She started her blog, A Disney Mom's Thoughts, nearly two years ago and writes about her Disney memories and thoughts, sharing her experiences to hopefully help others. You can also find Beth on Facebook and Twitter. She's sharing her experience at Trail's End at Fort Wilderness today.

Trail's End Restaurant is located in Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. You can get to Fort Wilderness in several ways: your car and a transfer to the internal Fort Wilderness bus, the WDW buses or by boat from the Magic Kingdom. Once you arrive at Fort Wilderness, you'll need to find a map to direct you to the restaurant located in Pioneer Hall. You need to plan on plenty of time to travel to this restaurant!

The Trail's End offers a buffet for breakfast and dinner and an a la carte lunch. The breakfast buffet features fruit, cereals, sausage, bacon, eggs, Mickey waffles, spiced apples, pastries, biscuits and gravy, grits, and oatmeal. The lunch menu offers chili, fried chicken, fried catfish, grilled shrimp and sausage, desserts and vegetarian options. The dinner buffet is full of choices for all family members. While we were there, we had the following options: salad bar with fruits, boiled shrimp, pasta salad and cole slaw, ribs, fried chicken, baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried corn, green beans, carrots, pasta with cheese sauce or marinara, pizza, vegetable soup, chili, roast, baked potato bar and dessert bar.

Salads

Main Course

Desserts

More Desserts

The restaurant itself has a very rustic, pioneer feel. The wagon wheel light fixtures, pot bellied stoves, beamed ceilings and flagstone floor make you feel like you should be eating with Laura Ingalls Wilder out on the frontier! The full sized stuffed bear at the entrance was quite the hit with my son too.

The price for the breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch is $14.99 and under while dinner can range from $15.00 to $35.99. While there was a great variety on the dinner buffet and everything tasted fine, I felt it was still a bit pricey. I find it hard to get my money's worth while eating at buffets at Walt Disney World. It was also very time consuming to eat here. We left the Magic Kingdom to take the boat to Fort Wilderness. Then we had to walk to the restaurant. It ended up taking us almost 3 hours to get there, eat a buffet and return back to the Magic Kingdom. I would only recommend this restaurant if you were a guest at Fort Wilderness or you had another reason to be at that resort. Don't make plans to visit Trail's End just to eat and leave.

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Last Chance to Catch "Guy's Disney Holiday"

2011-12-24T12:51:00.000-06:00

This season the Food Network presented Guy's Disney Holiday at Disneyland. It featured holiday treats from Gibson Girl, Candy Palace, Cafe Orleans and Napa Rose. If you've missed this seasonal show you can catch it again!

Tune in at 4 p.m. Eastern to Food Network today, Saturday December 24.

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Red-Nosed Zebra

2011-12-24T08:13:00.000-06:00

This holiday themed drink can be enjoyed at Trader Sam's in Disneyland Hotel.

Recipe
1 1/2 oz Bacardi 8 rum
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz agave nectar
1 oz strawberry puree

Garnish
Crushed ice
3 cranberries
2 mint springs

Add all ingredients in a shaker, fill half full with ice, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Strain into a margarita glass filled with ice. Garnish with a mound of crushed ice, cranberries, and mint sprigs to look like 2 green antlers, cranberries for eyes and nose.

Source

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Disney Dining Plan 2012 Added Restaurants

2011-12-23T12:19:00.001-06:00

Recently Disney updated and finalized it's restaurants for the 2012 Disney Dining Plan. Adding on the non-Disney owned restaurants, including some that haven't been available in the past. Now nearly every restaurant, except those at Disney Swan and Dolphin, are included.

Added restaurants:

Counter Service
Animal Kingdom

Beastly Kiosk
Mr. Kama's

Epcot

Katsura Grill (formerly Yakitori House)

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Min & Bill's Dockside Diner

Magic Kingdom

Diamond Horseshoe
Friar's Nook
Golden Oak Outpost
Tortuga Tavern (formerly El Pirata y El Perico)

Downtown Disney

Bongo's Cuban Cafe Sandwich Window

Resorts

Landscapes Cafe (Art of Animation Resort)
Paddock Grill
Trails End Takeaway
Turtle Shack

Water Parks

Cooling Hut
Lowtide Lou's
Snack Shack
Surf Doggies

One Table Service Credit

Animal Kingdom

Rainforest Cafe

Epcot

Le Chefs de France
La Hacienda de San Angel
Restaurant Marrakesh
San Angel Inn Restaurante
Teppan Edo
Tokyo Dining
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Downtown Disney

Bongo's Cuban Cafe
Crossroads at House of Blues
Paradiso 37
Portobello
Rainforest Cafe
TRex Cafe

Two Table Service Credits

Epcot

Bistro de Paris

Downtown Disney

Fultons Crab House
Wolfgang Puck Dining Room

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Mele Kaliki-Mocha

2011-12-23T09:27:00.000-06:00

This recipe found on the Disney Parks Blog can be enjoyed at Disney Hotel's Trader Sam's. A perfect recipe to finish off your Christmas dinner.

Recipe
2 oz Kahlua
1 oz Coco Real
1 oz Trader Tiki Orgeat
4 oz fresh coffee

Garnish
Whipped cream
Rosemary sprig

Add all ingredients in a shaker, fill half full with ice, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.
Strain into a tall bamboo glass filled with ice. Garnish with whipped cream and a fresh rosemary sprig.

Source

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Jamon Wrapped Shrimp

2011-12-23T07:34:00.000-06:00

This how-to video was posted on the Disney Parks Blog and shows Chef Scott Hunnel making this gourmet dish.

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Restaurants.com $1 Certificates!

2011-12-22T14:53:00.000-06:00

Just in time for the last minute holiday shopper Restaurant.com has released a $1 certificate sale. This is the best deal that Restaurant.com has had! Great for that last minute gift or stock up for yourself.

Some of your favorite Disney restaurants can be found on Restaurant.com such as Shula's Steakhouse, Todd English's bluezoo, Kimono's and Il Mulino.

At check out enter promo code JOY to get your $25 restaurant gift certificates for just $1!

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Changes to Coronado Spring's Pepper Market

2011-12-22T13:51:00.000-06:00

The Pepper Market located at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort is now offering a buffet for breakfast and lunch. Previously an a la carte restaurant, Pepper Market will now have a set price and all you care to eat menu. Instead of ordering from the various station you'll be able to get everything made from scratch for just one price.

Breakfast will cost $14.99, $8.99 for ages 3 - 11.
Lunch will cost $16.99, $9.99 for ages 3 - 11.
Dinner will continue to be a la carte.

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Tropical Fruit Mousse on Almond Cake

2011-12-22T11:31:00.000-06:00

Disney Parks Blog shared this video on how to make this new dessert at Remy on the Disney Dream. Here you can see how Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, of Victoria & Albert's, makes this delicious dessert.

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Little Chef Disney Creations ~ Mike Wazowski Pinwheels

2011-12-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Disney-Pixar's Monsters, Inc. is another loved Disney movie for this family. But the inspiration for this recipe comes from Hayley's favorite (or at least in her top five) Disney songs. It is If I Didn't Have You sung by Sully and Mike. For whatever reason, from the first day she heard the song several years ago, she can't help but laugh, sing and dance when it starts to play. Of course, her favorite part is when Mike Wazowski says "Don't you dip me, don't you dare dip me . . . ohhh, I should have stretched!" The giggles that come from Hayley during this part have to be one of the best sounds I have ever heard. So, in honor of Mike Wazowski and his dance moves, we created Mike Wazowski Pinwheels. As I say in all my recipes I share here, choose the flavors your child loves best. This recipe happens to include Joey, Hayley and Emily's favorite - pizza.

Ingredients
1 - 8oz. tube of crescent rolls
1/2 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 of a small onion chopped
25-30 slices of pepperoni cut into thin strips
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
Large Green Olives cut in half**
Pizza Sauce (optional)

Directions

Heat oil in a small saute pan over medium heat.
Add the pepperoni and onions. Cook until the onions are soft. Remove from the heat.
In a small bowl, combine the pepperoni/onion mixture, Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Place in the refrigerator until cooled.
Open the tube of crescent rolls. Split into two rectangles (4 crescent rolls per rectangle) on a floured counter top. Press the seams completely to seal.
Spread the cheese mixture over the top of the crescent rolls. Press the mixture carefully onto the crescent rolls.
Starting along the long edge, roll roll up the dough into a log shape. Seal the dough along the edge.
Cut the pinwheels in about 1 inch circles.
Place the pinwheels onto a cookie sheet.
Place one olive half (with the pimento side up) into the center of the pinwheel.
Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with a bowl of pizza sauce for dipping.

**Due to a grocery "mis-communication" with my husband, the picture of our finished product has a small green olive from a large jar, instead of a large green olive from a small jar (the description I gave to Pierre), so the eye will be much more pronounced on the recipe if you use the large green olives.

We'll be back in January to start another great year of Disney inspired recipes. From our family to yours, we are wishing you and your loved ones

a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Rich Fudgy Brownies

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

There are times when life requires chocolate -- not just any chocolate, but the rich, fudgy kind that almost puts you in a food coma. These brownies certainly fit the bill, and what's more, they are so quick to prepare that they're perfect for when you must have chocolate right now. The crisp top shatters pleasingly when pierced with a fork, and the interior is so moist and utterly decadent. They hold their shape better when they are at room temperature, but I think they taste best hot and right out of the pan... with a scoop of vanilla ice cream of course. Cut them small because a little bit goes a long way.

Continue to Disney Family.com...

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Kristen's Chocolate Brownies

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-06:00

In celebration of National Brownie Day I'm posting a very basic recipe for Chocolate Brownies. This is recipe is sure to please the choco-holics in your life! Enjoy!

Ingredients

4 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter
8 oz. semisweet chocolate
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Loosely line a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil so that the foil extends two inches beyond each end of the pan. Lightly butter the foil. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and chocolates in a microwave set on High for one to three minutes, stirring halfway through cooking, until the chocolate is melted. Let stand at room temperature for ten minutes.

In a large bowl, using a hand-held electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugars for three minutes or until light in color. Beat in the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until blended. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the nuts, if desired. Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 28 to 33 minutes or until a cake tester inserted two inches from the center comes out almost clean. Do not overbake. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool. Store the completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. These brownies freeze well. Makes about 20 brownies.

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Happy National Brownie Day

2011-12-07T07:31:00.000-06:00

Cheesecake Brownies from Disney's Boardwalk Bakery from Bakingishot.com

Today is National Brownie Day! According to legend brownies originated in New England during the early twentieth century, but there are many variations to the tale.

Supposedly a Boston chef mistakenly added melted chocolate to a batch of biscuits, thus creating the first brownies. Another version claims that a housewife in Bangor, Maine was making a chocolate cake but forgot to add baking powder. The cake did not rise properly and, instead of throwing it out, she served it in flat pieces.

Regardless it's a great excuse to enjoy these tasty morsels! Happy National Brownie Day!

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Cars 2 Recipes

2011-12-06T07:52:00.000-06:00

Here are some great recipes inspired by Disney-Pixar's Cars 2! Check out Mater's Tow-Mato Soup, Zoom Wraps and Speedy Snack Mixes. These are fun and healthy foods that the whole family can enjoy. Print out the file HERE and invite your kids to help craft these delicious doozies.

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AllergyEats Launches New Site Focusing on Disney

2011-12-05T08:21:00.000-06:00

Walt Disney World, known for being the happiest place on earth, is one of the most popular vacation spots for families. Now, families with food allergies will be even happier because AllergyEats (www.allergyeats.com), the biggest and fastest growing source for finding allergy-friendly restaurants, has just launched a new website focused exclusively on restaurants in and around Disney (www.allergyeats.com/disney).

People who log onto this new, free AllergyEats Disney World microsite can quickly and easily view and rate the food allergy-friendliness of all the restaurants in Walt Disney World’s parks and hotels, as well as thousands of restaurants in the greater Orlando area.

“Walt Disney World is widely-regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in terms of accommodating food-allergic guests, but some establishments still handle food allergies better than others and not all of the local restaurants are run by Disney itself,” said Paul Antico, Founder of AllergyEats and the father of three food-allergic children.

“The new AllergyEats Disney World microsite allows people with food allergies to learn more about their restaurant options and make more informed decisions about where to dine while visiting the area,” Antico added. “Whether people are planning their vacations in advance or looking for a meal while onsite at the parks, the AllergyEats Disney World microsite is a great resource to access restaurants’ AllergyEats allergy-friendliness ratings and review peer feedback from other food-allergic and gluten intolerant diners.”

In addition to the valuable ratings and peer-based feedback, the new microsite features Disney Dining Tips, along with other helpful information and resources for food-allergic families – and more features are coming soon. The Disney microsite also provides easy access to the main AllergyEats site, which features more than 600,000 restaurants nationwide that users can rate, as well as restaurants’ menus (including gluten-free menus), allergen lists, nutrition information, certifications, web links, directions and more.

AllergyEats is a free, user-friendly resource that provides valuable peer-based feedback about how well (or poorly) restaurants accommodate the needs of food-allergic customers. Most restaurant review sites include information about establishments’ food, ambiance or service, but AllergyEats is singularly focused on food allergies, with peer reviews spotlighting where people with food allergies or intolerances have more comfortably eaten and where they’ve encountered challenges.

AllergyEats also features a new, free AllergyEats app (available at iTunes and the Android store), providing access to important information about restaurants’ peer ratings, feedback, menus and other information while on-the-go.

The AllergyEats core site, smartphone app and new AllergyEats Disney World microsite allow food-allergic and gluten intolerant diners to quickly and easily find restaurants that will more likely cater to their special dietary requirements — and avoid the ones that won’t.

“In my professional life, running AllergyEats, and in my personal life, dining out with my food-allergic children, I’ve seen firsthand that some restaurants are genuinely concerned about the health and safety of their guests and are very willing to accommodate food-allergic diners,” Antico explained. “And those are the restaurants we visit and recommend to others.”

“Whenever people dine out, whether their experience was positive, negative or somewhere in between, we hope they’ll take just a minute to rate the restaurant on AllergyEats, using the core website (www.allergyeats.com), the AllergyEats app and the AllergyEats Disney World microsite (www.allergyeats.com/disney). This valuable feedback helps the entire food allergy and intolerance community make more informed decisions about where to dine out — and which restaurants to avoid,” Antico continued.

AllergyEats has been endorsed by highly-respected food, health and allergy organizations and individuals, including the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Gluten Intolerance Group, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Chef Ming Tsai and more. For more information, please go to www.AllergyEats.com.

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Ghirardelli Coming to Disneyland Resort 2012

2011-12-01T08:52:00.000-06:00

ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Dec. 1, 2011 — Disneyland Resort today announced that Ghirardelli will open a new location inside Disney California Adventure park in late spring 2012. The soda fountain and chocolate shop will add yet another layer of traditional San Francisco flair to the Pacific Wharf area of the park.
“The addition of a world-renown brand like Ghirardelli highlights our focus on providing quality, immersive experiences that transport our guests to a different place – in this case to San Francisco,” said Mary Niven, vice president of Disney California Adventure park. “With the culmination of our expansion only a few months away, it is an exciting time at Disney California Adventure and we look forward to partnering with Ghirardelli in bringing this delicious chocolate experience to our guests.”

The new location will feature Ghirardelli’s world-famous hot fudge sundaes and decadent chocolate products. Each guest will be able to enjoy a complimentary sample of the signature Ghirardelli Squares® chocolate. The Disney California Adventure store follows the 13-year success of a similar location at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.

“We are very excited to expand our successful relationship with Disney, particularly as we prepare to celebrate our 160th anniversary next year,” stated Martin Thompson, Ghirardelli president and CEO. “Our rich heritage, which began in California, combined with our premium brand of high-quality chocolate is a perfect fit with the quality experience Disney offers their guests.”

Ghirardelli joins Disney California Adventure as it completes an expansion that began in 2007. New attractions include the nighttime spectacular “World of Color” and a classic dark ride, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. The project’s culmination is the 12-acre Cars Land, which opens in summer 2012 along with the newly designed Buena Vista Street entrance to the park, the iconic Carthay Circle Theatre and the Red Car Trolley. The expansion builds upon the transformation of Disneyland Resort into the premier multi-day Southern California vacation destination.

ABOUT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT
Located on approximately 500 acres in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. With 22,000 Cast Members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County’s largest employer and generates $4.7 billion for the Southern California economy. The Resort has welcomed more than 600 million guests since opening on July 17, 1955. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit www.disneyland.com.

ABOUT THE GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country’s longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America’s Premium Chocolate Company and will celebrate its 160th anniversary next year. Ghirardelli’s product line includes its signature Squares™ chocolate, Intense Dark™ chocolate, Gourmet Milk™ chocolate, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel. Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 18 retail stores in seven states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco’s historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit www.ghirardelli.com.

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Plenty of Delicious Dining Options Offer Something for Every Guest at Disneyland Resort

2011-11-29T08:30:00.000-06:00

From fast-casual fare to haute cuisine, the menu of dining options at Disneyland Resort offers something for every guest. Here, morning pancakes with Minnie Mouse are as celebrated as the spectacular creations at Napa Rose restaurant.

“We offer innovative cuisine from our award-winning chefs that match our guests’ desire for elegant dining,” said Michele Gendreau, director, Food & Beverage, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “But you can still find the Disneyland classics, from the Café Orleans Monte Cristo to Plaza Inn’s fried chicken.”
The rise in fine dining at Disneyland Resort is often an unexpected delight. At the hotels, top award winners are Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel. A stellar wine program has elevated the quality of dining service throughout the Resort, with trained sommeliers in restaurants including Napa Rose and Storytellers Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel.

Healthful Initiatives
Even though vacation may be a time for indulgence, Disneyland chefs provide healthful options, with every table-service and quick-service restaurant offering at least one vegetarian option.
For lifestyle dining options, or for requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances, there are a wide range of choices, from kosher to gluten and sugar free. In 2009, Disney tracked nearly a quarter of a million requests for special dietary needs and allergies. “We have a real commitment to innovative, healthy menus,” said Mahmud Dhanani, vice president of Food & Beverage Concept Development.
A new culinary dietary specialist recently joined the team to focus on vitality lifestyle ideas. Revised menus require that no more than 35 percent of calories can come from fat – saturated fat and sugar must account for no more than 10 percent of the meal’s calories. And chefs keep tinkering with recipes, such as smoothies, now made with non-fat yogurt and fresh fruit purees (now 120 calories and the former recipe was 420 calories).

Kids’ menus, too, are evolving, and changes make healthier choices the standard instead of the “alternate.” Grapes, apples, carrot sticks and unsweetened applesauce in place of French fries and 1 percent milk or bottled water instead of soda, for instance. Guests must request fries and sodas (at no additional cost).

Theme Park Eats
Theme park guests looking for food on the run will find beautiful fresh fruit carts in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. Favorite quick bites in Disneyland include cheddar cheese and broccoli soup and grilled salmon salad from the Harbour Galley in New Orleans Square; sandwiches and sweets from Jolly Holiday Bakery (opening in 2012) on Main Street, U.S.A.; easy-to-eat skewer snacks at Bengal Barbecue and the legendary Dole Whip at the Tiki Juice Bar in Adventureland; Mickey-shaped beignets and funnel cake from the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square; hot pizza from Red Rockett’s Pizza Port and grilled vegetable sandwiches from Tomorrowland Terrace in Tomorrowland.

For a relaxing meal, spots such as Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A., serve generous salads and the legendary loaded baked potato soup. Settle in for barbecued ribs and chicken at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Frontierland (barbecued tofu and veggie skewers available upon request).

Enchanting Blue Bayou in New Orleans Square, one of the most-requested reservations, offers diners specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya and filet mignon. Casual, family-friendly eats are on the menu at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., and River Belle Terrace in New Orleans Square, where Walt Disney himself enjoyed breakfast on Sundays. For authentic Mexican, Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland dishes up taco and burrito platters. Out-of-the-way Hungry Bear, nestled in the shady trees in Critter Country, is a favorite for Disney fans who recommend the burgers and the view on the riverfront.

At Disney California Adventure, guests can grab a sandwich or sweets at Pacific Wharf Cafe. Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill offers tacos with steak, pork, grilled chicken or fish. Hearty Asian creations are served at Lucky Fortune Cookery, with beef, chicken or tofu with vegetables, rice and your choice of four sauces.Other restaurants along Paradise Pier offer retro favorites from corn dogs to cheesy pizza.
The dining pavilion in Paradise Pier provides plenty of seating and two restaurants. Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta offers something for everyone, from hearty pasta dishes to delicious salads and flatbread pizzas with flavors from traditional cheese to Portobello mushroom and spinach with pesto. Next door, Paradise Garden Grill offers a Mediterranean spin with chicken, beef, vegetable, and tofu skewers served with a choice of sauce, including Moroccan chili tomato and tandoori-spiced yogurt. Refreshing Greek salads and a kid’s menu are also available

Corn Dog Castle serves a popular beach snack in two flavors, original and link, with a deep-fried cheddar cheese stick as a delicious meatless option. For guests 21 years of age and older, Bayside Brews offers domestic and specialty beers on tap, along with a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and warm, salted pretzels.

To wile away a lunch, dine al fresco at Wine Country Trattoria at the Golden Vine Winery, with a menu of pastas, grilled sandwiches and California wines by the glass. At dinner, the menu adds balsamic-braised short ribs, herb-roasted chicken breast and braised lamb shank.

The lively Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto is one of this park’s most-requested reservations, with Ariel, Snow White, Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty greeting guests at every table.

Dining With Characters
For a leisurely way to enjoy a delicious meal and time with the Disney characters as they stop by each table for photos and autographs, make reservations for a Character Dining Experience. These include:
Disneyland: Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., daily Breakfast in the Park With Minnie and Friends; My Disneyland Birthday Party with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in the afternoons.

At Disney California Adventure: Ariel’s Disney Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto, with Snow White, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella at breakfast and lunch.

At the hotels: Chip ‘n Dale Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe offers a delicious breakfast buffet, while Goofy and his pals entertain at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel for daily brunch and dinner. At Paradise Pier, Mickey Mouse and friends entertain at the Surf’s Up! Breakfast With Mickey and Friends.
Priority Seating is recommended in advance by calling Disney Dining, 714-781-DINE (714-781-3463).

Downtown Disney District
Diverse flavors, from spicy pasta jambalaya and andouille-crusted mahi mahi at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen to Irish salmon and braised Angus short ribs at Catal Restaurant, there are myriad choices for any palate in the Downtown Disney District, conveniently located just outside the theme parks and near the hotels.

Hearty dishes (and 175 TV screens, including the ones in the restrooms) give ESPN Zone diners plenty of energy for the restaurant’s interactive Sports Arena. Nearby, House of Blues has diners digging in to baby back ribs and pan-seared voodoo shrimp. For California-inspired cuisine, take a seat at La Brea Bakery and try a grilled panini or homemade soup.

For Mexican, it’s Tortilla Jo’s handmade tortillas; for Italian, Naples Ristorante Pizzeria and adjacent Napolini for thin-crust pizzas, pastas, soups and sandwiches. Kids love the tropical storms, waterfalls, aquarium and live parrots at Rainforest Cafe, where guests will enjoy choosing from more than 50 varied items on the menu.
About Disneyland Resort: The Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks – Disneyland (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure park – plus the Downtown Disney District comprised of unique dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. The Resort’s three hotels are the luxurious, 948-room Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the magical 969-room Disneyland Hotel and the 481-room Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel with its “day-at-the-beach” fun.

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Kitchen Gifts for Disney Cooks at Kohl's

2011-11-28T14:58:00.001-06:00

It's Cyber Monday and there are some great deals online. Today Kohl's is offering free shipping on all orders, plus you can save 20% off your total by using the promo code: CYBER20.

Here are some great gifts for your favorite Disney cook at Kohl's.

Everyone loves Mickey waffles so here is one gadget so you can make your own at home. The Classic Mickey Waffle Maker is on sale for $24.99.

This gift isn't just for the Disney cook but a great idea for little princess as well. The Disney Princess Waffle Maker is also on sale for $24.99.

Instead of a panini sandwich press consider this sandwich maker that imprints Mickey. The Classic Mickey Sandwich Maker is on sale for $35.99.

Perfect for parties this candy bowl can be used to serve candy, cookies or even nuts. The Mickey Mouse Candy Bowl is on sale for $18.99.

No matter whether you enjoy ice cream, gelato, sorbet or frozen yogurt, this scoop is sure to please your favorite Disney fan. The Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Scoop is on sale for $18.99.

This salt and pepper set is great for those family members or friends who enjoy nice Disney kitchenware. It's perfect for an couple, especially those newlyweds. The Mickey and Minnie Salt and Pepper Shakers are on sale for $46.54.

These are just a few ideas of what to pick up on Cyber Monday. If your are purchasing today make sure to enter the promo code CYBER20 and receive 20% off your order AND free shipping!

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2011-11-15T10:15:00.000-06:00

Navy Grog

Navy Grog

Recipe
1/2 c crushed ice
1/2 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz lime juice
1 bar spoon honey
1 1/2 oz amber rum
1/2 oz dark rum
dash of Angostura bitters
1/2 oz club soda

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously
Pour into a low ball glass and fill with ice
Serve

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Little Chef Disney Creations ~ Sorcerer Mickey Magical Treats

2011-11-14T06:04:00.072-06:00

I think it would be safe to say that Emily may just be the biggest Fantasia fan I know. She loves the music and dances throughout the entire movie. Her favorite part of course is the Sorcerer's Apprentice. She hums this song over and over and even on occasion has made her dolls and siblings dance along. When we put up our Christmas tree last year, she was quite excited when we added the Sorcerer Mickey hat ornament to the tree. When you press the button, it even plays the melody from the movie. When we visited Disney's Hollywood Studios, as soon as she saw the Sorcerer's Hat icon in the park she excitedly yelled out, "It's Sorcerer Mickey!" and started loudly humming the tune and dancing along. As you will be able to see, this month's recipe is inspired by Emily's love of the Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of the movie Fantasia.

Ingredients:
1/4c. margarine
10 oz. bag marshmallows
1/4 t. blue food coloring
5c. crispy rice cereal (we used Rice Krispies, but any brand will work)
Wilton Jumbo Star Sprinkles (see note below for other options)
Mini Oreos

1. Melt the margarine and marshmallows in a large mixing bowl in the microwave. Cook for one minute then stir. Continue this until the marshmallows are completely melted.

2. Add several drops of blue food coloring to the marshmallow until it creates the blue you like for the hat.

2. Add the crispy rice cereal and mix well. (For the next step, you will need to work quickly because the marshmallow starts to harden up quickly. See my note below for creating this recipe with little ones.)

3. Butter your hands and create cone shaped "Mickey Hats" with the treats. Place the cones on waxed paper.

4. Add the mini oreos (representing Mickey's ears) to each side.

5. Randomly place the jumbo yellow star sprinkles on the cones to create Mickey's sorcerer hat.

6. Let the hats sit so they have a chance to set before serving.

NOTE: I created the "cones," and my children decorated them. For older children, they would not have a problem creating these shapes before the marshmallow started to harden.

Other ways to use this recipe:

Want to create a Mickey treat to remind you of your Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party experiences? Dye the marshmallow green and add Mickey sprinkles to create miniature Disney Christmas trees.
Create spheres, rather than cones, and you can decorate them to create Spaceship Earth.
Yellow cylinders would be the perfect shape to create your own Monstropolis laugh canister.

Beth is a mom and blogger who loves everything Disney, from the food, stories, crafts, vacation planning, music and movies. She is the creator of Pursuing the Magic and founder of the Magical Blogorail. You can follow her on Twitter at @disneymom2jhe and @MagBlogorail.

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Magical Blogorail: Greatest Disney Moment Since Joining the Blogorail

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Babies Blog and those of you just hopping aboard. I'm the fourth stop on the Magical Blogorail.

So this month's Blogorail topic of your greatest memory since joining the Magical Blogorail, which happens to be a year ago this month, is a difficult one. This year has been incredible with many wonderful memories.

Chad from Days in the Park - Disneyland

D23 Expo and meeting up with great Diseny friends and fellow bloggers like Chad (Days in the Park), Sarah (Magical Days with the Mouse), Natalie (Meet the Magic), Rosemary (Finding Mickey), Shelia (Cooking Underwriter), Big Bubba (Sorcerer Radio Disneyland Corespondent) and many more.

Aljon, Jeff, Natalie and Spidey

Sorcerer Radio 10th Anniversary Trip Meet where I met up with so many friends and lisenters including fellow Music City Mouseketeers.

Dinner at Napa Rose! The food is phenominal, service is impeckable and the restaurant is beautiful. My favorite dining experience at Disenyland, easy.

Club 33 with Martha Cognac

Dining at Club 33 with great friends Chris and Martha Cognac. There is nothing better than great company to make a meal perfect.

But I'll have to go with the D23 Sip and Stroll last month at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It's a combination of things that puts this slightly as the greatest, and I mean slightly. This event was so much fun and wouldn't have been if I hadn't been in such great company. Also enjoying this great D23 event was Steve (Lancelot62 on WDW After Dark), Nancy & Wanda (fellow Music City Mouseketeers) and Raphael (who I met at the D23 Expo). Without these great friends the event wouldn't have been the same.

Dinner with Bob Gurr

The Sip and Stroll kicked off with a special dinner in the American Adventure Pavilion featuring a menu of items from around the United States. Bob Gurr, 2004 Disney Legend Inductee for Imagineering, was the special guest at this years event. What an impressive man! He's so smart, funny, kind and happy. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to chat with him. Not too many people get the opportunity to pick the brain of someone who has developed so many great attractions for the Disney Company and alongside Walt Disney. To me, speaking with Bob was the next best thing to Walt. I can't begin to explain how brilliant he is.

Chef Bart Vandaele

Sipping & Strolling through the World Showcase

Chatting with Bob Gurr

The day following the dinner kicked off at the World ShowPlace with presentations from Marianne Hunnel, Michael Jenner, Chef Bart Vandaele and Chef Jens Dahlmann. After their presentations there was tastings of some of the new items, wines and Stella Artois. Then it was off to the festival to enjoy a leisurely day sampling culinary delights and tasty drink concoctions. Before ending the night with a special dessert party in a private viewing area for IllumiNations we enjoyed reserved seating for Sugar Ray. This is a band that I've enjoyed in the past, when they were touring the world with Matchbox 20, and they didn't disappoint. As you can see, I even got to sing with Mark McGrath. Thanks Raphael for shooting that photo!

Mark McGrath - Sugar Ray

©Raphael De Varona

Flaming Donuts - Yum!

Great friends, great food, great drink, great show, great presentation, great Cast Members and last but certainly not least, Bob Gurr - all make for the greatest Disney experience! By the way, Bob has a book coming out called Design: Just For Fun that he's signed and numbered the first 1,000.

What is your greatest memory from the past year? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. I've love to read them!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Meet the Magic.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

Days in the Park
The CanaDisney Blog
Disney Babies Blog
Cooking with Mickey
Meet the Magic
Pursuing the Magic

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Victoria & Albert's Names Zagat's 2012 Top Orlando Restaurant

2011-11-09T09:38:00.000-06:00

October 25, Zagat named its "2012 America's Top Restaurants" and Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was named the top dining choice in Orlando.

Other achievements for Victoria & Albert's include Zagat service, food and décor. As well as AAA Five-Diamond Award, one of only 55 restaurants recognized. This is the 11th year in a row that Victoria & Albert's has received this honor.

About Victoria & Albert's
Victoria & Albert's service contemporary American cuisine developed by Executive Chef Scott Hunnel. In addition to it's intimate dining room it offers the Queen Victoria's Room and Chef's Table for a more elegant, exclusive dining experience.

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HGTV's Kim Stoegbauer Cake Tips

2011-11-09T06:21:00.000-06:00

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be the last time to catch HGTV personality, Kim Stoegbauer, at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Check out Kim's video on tips for cakes and cupcakes!

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ADD: Top 5 Sandwiches at Disney Parks

2011-11-08T06:47:00.000-06:00

By Aljon Go of JediMouseketeer

Average Disney Dude: Top 5 Sandwiches at Disney Parks

Weather you're a pirate or space ranger there's nothing like a great sandwich. The simple combination of wholesome bread, tender meats and flavorful sauces can be nothing short of spectacular, especially when crafted at a Disney Park. So batten down the hatches and prepare for this month's Average Disney Dude's Top 5! Here we go!

# 5 Black Forest Ham Sandwich - Starring Rolls Cafe, Disney's Hollywood Studios

Often overshadowed by the unique cupcake offerings at Starring Rolls Cafe, this HUGE sandwich is not only tasty but filling! Just check out the huge chunk of black forest ham you get! Yummy! It's paired with chips or fresh fruit to round out a great meal.

#4 Beef and Bleu Sandwich - Pop Century Resort

A sandwich for carnivores! Succulent roast beef with creamy blue cheese and an onion roll. I'm a real sucker for bleu cheese and with a generous helping of roast beef and that sweet onion it really complements each other - the sweet and savory! I was really impressed with this sandwich and after the first bite I was surprised to get such flavor, especially from the Pop Century food court. The sandwich alone keeps me coming back.

#3 Shrimp BLT Po-Boy - Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, Downtown Disney, Disneyland

There are so many things to love about New Orleans... the jazz, the art and most importantly, for the sake of this article, the FOOD! Not only will you be seduced by all of those aforementioned qualities as you step foot into the Jazz Kitchen but you will be overwhelmed by the sights and smells of the wonderful food! Take for example the Shrimp BLT Po-Boy. Crispy Gulf shrimp, applewood smoked bacon, Cajun tartar sauce, Cajun fries is just a taste of the magic of New Orleans - oh so magical!

#2 Monte Cristo Sandwich Cafe Orleans - New Orleans Square, Disneyland

Nobody does a Monte Cristo like Disneyland. Nobody. This sandwich is stuff legends are made of. This 8th wonder of the "world" has got sliced turkey, ham and Swiss cheese fried in a light batter and served with berry puree dusted with Powdered Sugar. Sure it's pricey but it's so worth the price of admission. This attraction is large enough to share so feel free to save a slice for me!

The Monte Cristo just nearly missed the top spot on my list by a dash of powdered sugar. The number one sandwich on my list comes from a long line of fine sandwich crafters...

The Legacy of the Sandwich - http://www.earlofsandwichusa.com

In 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, had his hands full, literally. He was the First Sea Lord of the mighty British Navy, a noted explorer, a patron of the arts and also a dedicated gambler with a love of daylong card games.

This led to little time for food, so he came up with the ingenious idea of putting meat between two slices of bread. From then on it did not matter if you were inspecting the Fleet or laying down a Royal Flush you could eat great food without too much fuss.

Thus the sandwich was named after its inventor the 4th Earl of Sandwich in 1762. Now over 240 years on, the family, now headed by John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich has reclaimed and reinvented the greatest of all quick foods.

The Earl of Sandwich is dedicated to bringing the sandwich we've all been waiting for. Our signature hot Roast Beef Sandwich, served on hearth baked bread will amaze you. We also serve classic cold sandwiches and wraps, unique salads, fresh fruit smoothies and our very own ice cream sandwiches.

We feel honored that so many have copied our lead but we are here to reclaim the sandwich.

# 1 HOLIDAY SANDWICH - Earl of Sandwich

Downtown Disney, Walt Disney World

I know this sandwich is only available during the holidays, however it is WORTH the wait. The oven-roasted turkey, savory stuffing with gravy, seasoned mayo and whole cranberries is everything you love about a holiday feast in between a toasty bun. What's not to love about it? This sandwich has the ability to stop war so do yourself a favor and pick up this miracle sandwich while you get a chance!
There you have it! Another Top 5 list from me, the non-Disney foodie. Do you have a favorite sandwich at the Disney Parks or Disney Cruise Line? Please leave me some feedback so I can research your favorite! Until next time Happy Holidays and keep it real!

Thanks for reading!

Aljon

Aljon Go is a musician and blogger that loves Disney and food! He is also a co-host of the "WDW Tiki Room" variety show and "WDW After Dark" adult Disney vidcast on Sorcerer Radio, where he is also the station manager. Follow him on Twitter @WDWTikiRoom and @JediMouseketeer!

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D23 to Build a Gingerbread House at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

2011-11-04T10:49:00.002-05:00

D23, Disney's official fan club, has invited it's members to participate in building a gingerbread house at Downtown Disney in Anaheim's Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen on December 3.

Attendees will receive a chef hat and Chef Darrin Finkel will demonstrate on how to build a gingerbread house before getting to decorate you own. To end the event Santa will make a special visit to hand out gifts.

Details
When: Saturday, December 3 12 - 2 pm
Price: $43 per gingerbread kit and 2 seats, chef hats and unlimited soda. For $80, plus tax, members may reserve two house and four seats. Each additional seat will cost $10.00.
Booking: Reservations can be made by calling (714) 776-5200 - Bruno Duarte

Members will receive 10% off food orders, a jingle bell and goodies.

Valid D23 Membership required to make a reservation
Must present valid membership card and photo ID at check in
Advanced payment required
Cancelation must be made before 72 hours for a refund

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Cooking with Mickey Facebook Contest

2011-11-01T11:12:00.001-05:00

Would you like to win a Walt Disney World prize pack?

All month long I'll be hosting a trivia contest. Just visit the Facebook page and answer the daily trivia question about Disney dining and food for a chance to win. Each person who "likes" Cooking with Mickey and has a correct answer will qualify you to win.

TO ENTER

"Like" Cooking with Mickey on Facebook.
Winner must be a Intercontinental United States resident.
You many answer each question once.
Correct answers will be accepted and count as one entry.
Contest will run 11/1 to 11/30/11 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced on Friday December 2, 2011.
Winner will have 14 days to claim the prize via Facebook or email.

BONUS ENTRY

Tweet "I entered the #CwMContest on Facebook for a Disney World prize pack from @CookingwMickey!"

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Thanksgiving at Disney World

2011-11-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

The holidays are always a great time to visit Walt Disney World but you can also miss out on family traditions. Sometimes this means favorite holiday feasts. However at Disney World you can still find some of your family favorites, they may not be what mom makes but they're a great alternative. Many locations are offering traditional Thanksgiving menu items in additional to their regular menu offerings.

Here are locations offering a holiday feast:

Magic Kingdom

Liberty Tree Tavern
Tony's Town Square

Epcot

Biergarten Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood & Vine

Animal Kingdom Lodge

Sanaa

Beach Club

Cape May Cafe

Boardwalk Inn

Flying Fish - limited regular menu
Kouzzina by Cat Cora

Caribbean Beach

Shutter's

Contemporary

California Grill
Chef Mickey's
The Wave... of American Flavors

Fort Wilderness

The Fort Wilderness Pavilion - A Thanksgiving Feast at Thanksgiving at the Fort
Trail's End

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

Citricos - Thanksgiving menu only. No regular menu items offered.
Narcoossee's
Victoria & Albert's - Special Thanksgiving menu

Old Key West

Olivia's

Swan Resort

Garden Grove
Il Mulino

Wilderness Lodge

Artist Point - Thanksgiving dinner only. No regular menu items offered.
Whispering Canyon Cafe - Thanksgiving only. No regular menu items offered.

Yacht Club

Captain's Grille
Yachtsman Steakhouse

Downtown Disney

Fulton's Crab House
Portobello Restaurant - Prix Fixe menu
Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant
Wolfgang Puck Cafe

*If you are looking for a quick bite stop by Earl of Sandwich and try the holiday sandwich! It's a turkey sandwich topped with stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy. Delicious!!

My personal favorites... those at Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Both resorts offer a warm holiday feel to them with great selections for Thanksgiving meals.

Will you be spending your Thanksgiving in Disney World? If so, where will you be dining? I'd love to hear about your Thanksgiving plans so please share in the comment section below.

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Eleven Table Manners to Follow

2011-10-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

Many table manners have become outdated and have gone to the wayside. However, according to Reader's Digest Magazine there are 11 manners you should keep.

Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.
Don't blow on your food, let it cool on its own.
Keep your elbows off the table.
Taste everything before you add salt or pepper.
Remove an olive pit with your thumb and index finger.
If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm's length and never drink from it. Simply nod your head and say "Thank you".
Take food out of your mouth the way it went in.
Leave your plate where it is when you are finished. Don't push it away from you.
Ladies, don't put your purse, keys or glasses on the table.
If you wear lipstick, keep if off your plate and napkin by blotting it as soon as you apply it.
Your napkin is there for you to dab your mouth only. Do not use it to wipe off lipstick or blow your nose.

Do you follow these or are you guilty of one or more? Is there something on your list that isn't here? Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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2011-10-24T08:33:00.000-05:00

Escargots Persillade en Brioche

Escargot, French for snail, can be found online and in gourmet markets. This popular French dish from the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival was on the 2008 menu.

DisBoards

Recipe
1/2 cup unsalted butter
24 snails, out of shell
4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup finely diced tomato
Coarse salt, fresh ground black pepper, to taste
8 slices of toasted brioche

Heat the butter over medium heat in a large skillet until bubbly but not brown.
Add the snails and garlic; cook and stir constantly for 2 minutes.
Add the parsley, tomato, salt and pepper to taste; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Place 2 slices of toasted brioche on each plate and spoon escargot mixture over the toast.

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2011-10-23T08:11:00.000-05:00

Belgian Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

Belgium debuted at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in 2010 and featured delicious savory and sweet items. Here is their recipe for the Belgian waffles that have returned for the 2011 festival as well.

Recipe
Belgian Waffles
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon dry active yeast
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons beer
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 stick butter, meltedv
Berry Compote
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon red wine
1/2 cup apple, orange, or cranberry juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh raspberries

For Belgian waffles

Sift flour into a large bowl. Add sugar and yeast. Create a well in the center of mixture.
Add water, milk, beer, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until mixture is just blended. (Don’t worry if there are lumps; they will dissolve as the batter rests overnight.) Add melted butter, and stir until just incorporated.
Refrigerate batter overnight.
Bring mixture to room temperature. Ladle waffle batter into a Belgian waffle maker; cook according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Serve warm with berry compote and whipped cream

For berry compote

Combine cornstarch and red wine in a small bowl, stirring until cornstarch is dissolved. Set aside.
Combine fruit juice, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch mixture, blueberries, and blackberries.
Cook 1 to 2 minutes, until berries are softened and mixture is thickened. Add strawberries, stirring to combine. Remove from heat, and gently fold in raspberries. Serve warm over Belgian waffles.

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2011-10-22T08:16:00.000-05:00

Mango Lassi

Mango Lassi, a chilled mango yogurt drink, was featured on the 2009 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival menu for New Delhi, India.

Recipe
2 cups ripe mango, chopped
Pinch of salt
1 cup chilled whole milk
1 cup whole-milk plain yogurt
2-3 tsp sugar, optional

If mango has string fibers, push through a nylon sieve with the back of a spoon. The remaining mango should not contain any stringy pulp. Refrigerate until cold.
Combine mango, pinch of salt, milk and yogurt in a blender and puree until smooth. Taste and add sugar to taste. If you would like the lassi a bit coler, add about eith ice cubes to the blender. Can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.

Video on how to make Mango Lassi.

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2011-10-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

Poached Pears with Bay Leaf

Pearville Fair was located outside of the American Adventure Pavilion and featured this recipe at the 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Jan Norris

Recipe
4 Ripe USA Pears (Anjou or Bosc) pears, peeled
2 bay leaves
½ cup water
1 1/2 cups orange juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp nutmeg
Fresh bay leaf to garnish

Combine orange juice, water, brown sugar, bay leaves and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring well to mix.
Add pears. Cook over high heat to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Discard bay leaves.
Serve Anjou pears with juice in individual bowls. Garnish with bay leaves.

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2011-10-20T08:50:00.000-05:00

Greek Salad

This recipe is from the Athens, Greece booth at the 2009 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Inside the Magic

Recipe
3 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 1" wedges
1 red onion, sliced into thin rings
1 cucumber, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
2 small green bell peppers, seeded and cut into thin strips
1 cup kalamata olives
6 oz feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce

Dressing
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tsp dried oregano
Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Pita bread, for serving

Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Drizzle the salad with lemon juice and olive oil; sprinkle with oregano. Toss until ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Divide the salad on 6 plates and serve with warm toasted pita bread.

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2011-10-19T08:17:00.000-05:00

Irish Brown Bread

At the 2009 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Cork, Ireland featured this on their menu. It's delicious with Kerrygold Dubliner cheese!

Recipe
2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking Irish oatmeal, plus 1 tbsp
1/2 cup wheat or oat bran
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
2 cups buttermilk

Preheat over to 400 F. Butter a 9x4x3" loaf pan
Combine the flours, 1/2 cup oatmeal, bran, baking soda, salt and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
Combine the canola oil and buttermilk in a small bowl.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in the liquid with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until a soft dough forms.
Knead gently until smooth.
Spoon batter into prepared pan, and with the back of a spoon make a 1/2" long well in the center of the batter. Sprinkle remaining tbsp of oatmeal down the center.
Bake 50 to 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack int he pan for 10 to 15 minutes.

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2011-10-18T08:38:00.000-05:00

Arroz con Pollo

Arroz con Pollo was one of the items on San Juan, Puerto Rico menu at the 2009 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Dinner Tonight

Recipe
1/2 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 large shallot
5 cloves garlic
1 medium green bell pepper
1 medium red bell pepper
4 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, divided
1/2 cup olive oil
3 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup sliced green olives
1/4 cup drained capers
5 cups chicken broth (I needed about 7 cups before the rice was done)
4 cups short grain white rice
Coarse salt, cracked black pepper, to taste

Place onion, shallots, garlic, green and red peppers and 2 tablespoons cilantro in food processor and pulse to a fine chop. Set aside. (Mine was very fine by the time I was finished - more like a salsa - but it still tasted great).
Heat oil in a 5-quart sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
Add chopped vegetables, tomato paste, olives, and capers, and continue to cook and stir for 6 to 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Stir in broth and rice. Cover and reduce heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the rice has absorbed the liquid, about 10 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and cook, covered, for 10 more minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in remaining cilantro.

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2011-10-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

Strawberry and Mango Salad with Cilantro

This recipe was featured on Chile's menu at the 2007 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I find this salad to be great on hot summer days and a refreshing way to end a picnic.

DisBoards

Recipe
1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
2 medium mangoes, peeled and cut into 1/2" cubes
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 tbsp key lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

Combine the strawberries and mangoes in a large mixing bowl, cover and set aside.
Combine the water, sugar, orange juice and key lime juice in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes or until slightly reduced. Set aside to cool.
To serve, pour the cooled syrup over the fruit and stir in the cilantro.

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2011-10-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

Spicy Beef Empanadas

Buenos Aires, Argentina debuted in 1996 at the Food and Wine Festival and featured this recipe for spicy beef empanadas in 2007.

Recipe 
1 lb beef sirloin  
Coarse sea salt   

For the Chimichurri Sauce  
1 large white onion, finely chopped  
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped  
1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped  
2 tbsp garlic, finely chopped  
1/2 tsp saffron threads, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water  
1 cup white vinegar  
1 cup olive oil  
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste   

For the Mashed Potatoes  
1 lb boiling potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into small cubes  
1 tsp finely chopped garlic  
1 cup heavy cream  
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste    

Prepare charcoal grill for the beef.
To make the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling salted water for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
Coarsely mash the potatoes with a fork, incorporating the butter, garlic, cream and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside and keep warm.
For the beef, rub the meat all over with the coarse salt and grill over a charcoal heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until desired doneness. Allow to rest for 10 minutes and then carve into thin slices.
If to serve, divide the potatoes and beef among four plates and surf the Chimichurri Sauce on the side.

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2011-10-15T08:40:00.000-05:00

Praline Bread Pudding

Louisiana was the featured state at the 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. One of the most popular items was the praline bread pudding.

Recipe
8 slices bread, cubed
¾ cup sugar
5 eggs
1 ¼ cup heavy cream
½ tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
¼ cup pecan
Cinnamon sugar (4 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon)

Cut bread into cubes and place in baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg and cinnamon together. Pour mixture over bread. Sprinkle pecans and cinnamon sugar on top.
Bake in oven at 300 degrees until to touch.
Cut into squares and serve.

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Raglan Road Pub Meet TONIGHT!

2011-10-15T06:07:00.000-05:00

Tonight join Aljon, Average Disney Dude columnist, Jeff Davis, Sorcerer Radio DJ and myself as we host a meet at Raglan Road to kick off our week long celebration of the 10th anniversary of Sorcerer Radio.

When: Saturday, October 15 at 10 p.m.
Where: Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
Pricing: Free to attend, guest is responsible for food and drinks

Dining at Raglan Road is sure to be a good time with great food, cold beers, Irish whiskey, and lively entertainment. So join us tonight at Raglan Road for a fun night out. We'll be meeting right outside the entrance to the restaurant.

Hope to see you tonight!!

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2011-10-14T08:28:00.000-05:00

Samuel Adams Chocolate Cream Stout Cake

Hops & Barley Market, hosted by Samuel Adams featured this on their 2005 menu for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Recipe
4 tbsp butter
½ c brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ c Samuel Adams Cream Stout
4 tbsp cocoa powder

Garnish
Whipped cream
Chocolate sauce

Butter an 8-inch cake pan with 2 tablespoons of the butter and pre-heat the over to 350 degrees F.
Cream the remaining butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the egg and the egg yolk.
Sift the flour, baking soda and baking powder into a separate bowl.
Stir the Samuel Adams Cream Stout into the cocoa. Alternately fold the flour and beer mixture into the butter and sugar mixture.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before turning the cake onto a wire rack.
Leave the cake to completely cool before slicing. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

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Magical Blogorail - Something Everyone Like But I Don't

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Babies Blog and those of you just hopping aboard. I'm the third stop on the Magical Blogorail.

So this month's Blogorail topic is an easy one. Everyone has something that most people enjoy but you could do without, whether it be an attraction, show, theme park or like me... food.

Some of the most popular restaurants are Le Cellier, Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's and Rose n' Crown to name a few. Personally I like all of these. So I couldn't choose a restaurant but food is much easier. Guest favorites include the premium Mickey bar, Dole whips, school bread and the item I'll be talking about... turkey legs.

I told you it was as big as my head

I know, everyone loves the turkey legs. However this Disney favorite is not mine. It's greasy, messy, greasy, fatty, greasy and has a lot of cartilage in it. This is definitely caveman food. And it's as big as my head! Dark meat has never been a favorite of mine, which is why I skip it on Thanksgiving Day, but it's great to use the next day to make stock. I will give it credit for it's flavor. The smokiness of this turkey leg is great and when you bite in you can see the depth of the smoking, which is perfect.

January 2010, Disney's Hollywood Studios' Toluca Legs Turkey Company was my first and last turkey leg. That leaves one more turkey leg for someone else.

Are you a fan of the turkey leg or are you like me and can live without it? What is your food item or restaurant that others love but you hate? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. I've love to read them!

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Meet the Magic.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

The CanaDisneyBlog
Disney Babies Blog
Cooking with Mickey
Meet the Magic
Pursuing the Magic
Days in the Park

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2011-10-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

Asian Pear and Kiwi Salsa

Featured at the 2004 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival this salsa was served with lamb chops.

Stacey Siegal

Recipe
2 small Asian pears, cored and diced
3 large kiwis, peeled and diced
6 tbsp dried cranberries
1 shallot, minced
¼ cup chives, chopped
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp Orange Blossom Honey
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Combine pears, kiwis, cranberries, shallot, chives, sherry vinegar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons honey (hold 1 tablespoon in reserve), mint, cilantro, and basil. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Let stand, tossing occasionally.
Preheat broiler.
Brush chops lightly on both sides with the remaining 1 tablespoon honey; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil chops until cooked to desired temperature, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Transfer 2 1-inch thick lamb chops to each plate. Spoon salsa alongside and serve.

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Heimlich Chew Chew Train - An Attraction for Foodies

2011-10-13T06:24:00.000-05:00

When you think of Disney attractions the last thing you think about is food. However at Disney California Adventure there is one attraction that is focused around food - Heimlich Chew Chew Train. Here Heimlich takes you on a journey as he snacks his way through the land.

Heimlich Chew Chew Train

Carrots

Apples are a healthy snack

The smell of watermelon, yum!

Animal crackers

Cupcakes

Not so healthy, candy

Candy Corns, Heimlich's favorite!

Next time your at Disney California Adventure take a culinary journey with Heimlich through some of his favorite snacks.

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Foodie World Tour - La Cava del Tequila Meet

2011-10-12T15:19:00.002-05:00

La Cava del Tequila will be featuring specials for those attending the Foodie World Tour! La Cava is the first stop on tour and will be a great way to kick things off. Aljon, host of WDW Tiki Room and Jeff, host of DW:60 on Sorcerer Radio will be joining me for this full day of events. For those who seek adventure... join Aljon and Jeff as they dine on drunk worms and scorpions. Me? I'll be sampling the wonderful tequilas or having a Hibiscus Margarita. Did I tell you that they have wonderful drinks? Well, they do!

La Cava del Tequila's bar

When: Wednesday, October 19th at 12 p.m.
Where: La Cava del Tequila
Cost: Free to attend, budget for drinks and foods

Specials include:
$11 Hibiscus Margaritas
$5 El Mayor Silver Tequila Shots
Free chips and salsa

Hilda Castillo, the tequila ambassador for La Cava del Tequila will also be around that day.

So don't miss out on this great event! For those planning to attend please R.S.V.P. by email to Kristen or on Twitter @cookingwmickey.

Hope to see you there!

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Disney Dining Changes Effective October 26, 2011

2011-10-12T11:35:00.003-05:00

Walt Disney World has announced changes to the dining cancellation policy. These changes will take effect starting October 26, 2011. These changes will be using the cancellation policy already in place at select restaurants on property. When booking an Advanced Dining Reservation guests will be required to provide a credit card to hold a reservation and will be charged $10 per person if the cancellation isn’t made at least one day in advance.

Locations that already retain a pre-paid amount at booking will remain the same. Special dining events and packages such as Fantasmic! packages, New Year’s Eve dinners, Victoria & Albert’s reservations may have different cancellation requirements.

Dining locations participating in the credit card guarantee policy include:

Pre-Paid Locations

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ

Credit Card Guarantee Locations

1900 Park Fare
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Artist Point
California Grill
Cape May Café
Chef Mickey’s
Cítricos
The Crystal Palace
Flying Fish Café
The Garden Grill
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood & Vine
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Narcoossee’s
‘Ohana
Tusker House Restaurant
Yachtsman Steakhouse

For convenience Disney has set up a special phone line that only handles dining cancellations (407) WDW-CNCL.

Questions abut the cancellation policy or to cancel reservations, may be done by visiting any table service restaurant podium, Guest Relations, Walt Disney World Resort Hotel front desk, concierge or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Guests may also make and cancel reservations by visiting www.DisneyWorld.com/Dining.

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2011-10-12T08:53:00.000-05:00

Spaetzle Gratin

Germany has been represented at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival since the beginning and this recipe was featured on their 2009 menu.

Recipe
2 tbsp butter
¼ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced ham
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
¾ cup whole eggs
2 cups Spaetzle (home made or purchased)
¼ cup Gruyere cheese
½ cup or more Cheddar cheese for topping
Salt and pepper to taste

Spaetzle noodles
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups whole milk
3 large eggs
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil

Prepare the Spaetzle noodles first. To make the pasta, first bring a pot of salted water to a boil and keep at a bare simmer. Fill another large bowl with very cold water and set aside.
Whisk together flour and 1 tsp salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together milk, eggs, and heavy cream in another bowl, then whisk into flour until batter is smooth.
In the pot with simmering water, push the pasta through the Spaetzle machine. You could also use a colander with larger holes to create the noodle strands. When they start floating to the surface after about a minute, transfer the noodles to the bowl of cold water.
Toss the drained Spaetzle with a little oil. You can find Spaetzle at a German Specialty store if you prefer to purchase them.

Sauce

Start by adding butter to a sauté pan. Sauté diced onions and ham in butter. In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, milk and whole eggs. That is going to help congeal the pasta together and give the dish its binding and great flavor.
Add the sautéed ham and onions and Gruyere cheese to the Spaetzle. Add the cream-milk-eggs liquid inside the casserole dish and mix together. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
The last step is to add extra aged cheddar cheese over the top of the mixed Spaetzle.
Put in a 350-degree oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

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Guest Review: Le Chef de France

2011-10-12T06:35:00.000-05:00

Please welcome Melissa as a guest reviewer to Cooking with Mickey. Melissa is a Disney enthusiast who writes about her experiences at Walt Disney World from the perspective of a wheelchair user. She started her blog, Disney on Wheels, to not only share her love for all things Disney but to give tips and advice to others who visit Walt Disney World with physical limitations. You can also find Melissa on Facebook and Twitter. She's sharing her experience at Le Chefs de France in Epcot's France Pavilion.

Le Chefs de France in located in the heart of the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. The exterior of the restaurant is beautiful with windows lining the entire seating area of the restaurant.

Ambiance

You feel as if you are entering a small cafe in Paris when you dine at Chefs de France. While the restaurant is quite large, it is divided well so you still get the feeling of an intimate dining experience. From the beautiful tiled floors, the dark woods, to the view, I love the feeling the restaurant evokes.

One of the best parts of the experience was meeting the Little Chef himself, Remy. He and his interpreter visit each table in the restaurant. Since it was not very busy while we were there, we were able to spend several minutes with him and take lots of photos. It is a unique experience that adds to the restaurant in my opinion.

Menu

You can choose from several appetizers that include various soups, salads, escargot, and a cheese plate. The lunch menu also offers sandwiches and quiche that are somewhat lighter in addition to more hearty options such as filet and braised short ribs. Something I really liked about the menu at Chefs de France is that there are two vegetarian entrees, that is not something you find at every Walt Disney World Restaurant.

You also have the option to order from the prix fix menu so you can enjoy three courses. There are no substitutions and it is included with the Disney Dining Plan. We opted against this choice simply because it was just too much food for us.

Food and Drink

I ordered a St. Germain cocktail to start off the meal. This is one of my new favorites. St. Germain is a liquor made in France from the elderflower which gives it a distinct taste. The cocktail was light and refreshing which made it perfect for a hot September day.

For my entree I ordered the gratin de macaroni which is macaroni baked in cream with Gruyere cheese. It was wonderful. The pasta was cooked beautifully and the dish had a slightly tart taste to it. However, it is a very heavy dish and wouldn’t recommend it if you are planning on continuing your journey through the World Showcase.

My husband had the quiche Lorriane, which is a ham and cheese quiche. While he enjoyed the dish it was not the the most flavorful. Given the chance to do it again, he would probably order something else.

We weren’t planning on having dessert but our server talked us into it. He recommended we try the sorbet trio since it was a light dessert and it was such a hot day. I am so glad we decided to order it because it is one of our new favorites. It comes with coconut, mango, and passion fruit sorbet and an assortment of berries. It was light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

Overall

This was one of our favorite dining experiences on our recent trip and was one that we had not planned on. After canceling another reservation, we decided on a whim to give it a try and I am so happy we did. The restaurant is beautiful and intimate. Its the perfect place for couples to dine but it is also an experience the entire family can enjoy thanks to Remy. The service was impeccable. The Cast Members were extremely helpful and friendly. Le Chefs de France is one of our new favorites and I am looking forward to dining there in the future.

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2011-10-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

Pierogi

Poland was introduced to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in 1996. This recipe for pierogis was featured on the 1998 menu.

Recipe
2 each eggs
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt

Mound flour on kneading board andmake hole in center. Drop eggs intohole and cut into flour with knife. Addsalt and water and knead until firm.Let rest for 10 minutes covered with awarm bowl.
Divide dough in halvesand roll thin. Cut circles with largebiscuit cutter.
Place a small spoonfulof filling a little to one side on eachround of dough. Moisten edge withwater, fold over and press edgestogether firmly. Be sure they are wellsealed to prevent the filling from running out.
Drop pierogi into salted boiling water. Cook gently for 3 to 5minutes. Lift out of water carefullywith perforated spoon.

Cheese and Potato Filling
2/3 cup mashed potato
1/2 cup dry cottage cheese
1 tbsp sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt, dash

Force cottage cheese through a sieve. Mix with other ingredientsthoroughly.

8 oz Kielbasi
4 oz sour cream

Cut kielbasi into 2 oz. portions. Grill until done. Serve with pierogiand sour cream.

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Belle Caramel Apples

2011-10-11T06:25:00.000-05:00

During my trip to Disneyland in August I discovered a new caramel apple, Belle. At Marceline 's Confectionery in Downtown Disney you can watch the various caramel apples being made. Here is the step by step process of making these beautiful apples. Now you can attempt to make them at home!

So what do you think of the Belle Caramel Apple?

At $14.95 each, will you or have you purchased one of these?

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2011-10-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

Chilaquiles

Mexico is one of marketplace booths to appear in 1996. This dish is typically served for breakfast or brunch and uses leftover salsa and tortillas.

Recipe
1 lb skinned boneless chicken breasts
½ cup thinly sliced onion
1 garlic clove, crushed
Salt, to taste
1 ½ cups water
10 oz corn chips
1 ½ lb Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Put the water, salt, garlic, onion and chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer until chicken breasts are tender. Remove from broth and shred the chicken breasts when they are cool enough to handle. Set aside.
Divide the corn chips among 8 individual ramekins and spoon one tablespoon of green sauce in each ramekin. Divide the chicken among the ramekins, and top with the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
Top with a spoonful of sour cream, drizzle with green sauce, sour cream and sprinkle with green onions.

Green Sauce
2 lb tomatillos, outer skin removed
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded
1 cup water
3 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup onions, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste

In a medium sized pan cook the tomatillos, peppers and water until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the tomatillos are tender-cool. When cool, place in blender and puree.
In a sauté pan, heat the oil and add the onions, garlic and tomatillo puree-sauté for 10 minutes and add cilantro and salt.

Garnish
8 oz sour cream
Green onion, finely sliced

Want to see how to make it? Check out the video here.

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Little Chef Disney Creations ~ Lightning McQueen's High Octane Smoothie

2011-10-10T06:16:00.014-05:00

Joey is more than a fan of Lightning McQueen. I could honestly say he may be Lightning's number 1 super fan. It only took one showing of Disney-Pixar's Cars, and Joey was hooked. Our home is filled with Cars toys. Joey's closet (in his Cars room) is filled with Cars clothes, and his bookshelf is stacked with Cars story books. Needless to say, we love Lightning McQueen. As we were cutting up some strawberries and mangoes one day, Joey noticed that the fruit was the colors of Lightning McQueen - this did not come as a surprise to me since it is a pretty common occurrence around here. I asked him what we could create with this fruit for this month's Little Chef column. He immediately came up with the idea of creating a smoothie. When I asked him what is in a smoothie, he listed the ingredients he thought we needed. We created the smoothie exactly the way he explained it. The recipe below is all Joey's!

This is the second recipe in our Little Chef series based on the Cars movies. We still make our previous recipe World Grand Prix Sweet & Savory Kabobs pretty often and this recipe is another healthy way to get plenty of fruit in my children's diet. As with all the recipes we share, the flavors and ingredients are all based on my children's favorites, but they can be easily adjusted to match your child's favorite.

I used a mango slicer to cut the mango - it is
one of my favorite kitchen tools
(See my note below on how to dice the mango)

Ingredients
12 to 15 Frozen strawberries
1 mango, diced**
1 - 6oz. cup vanilla or strawberry yogurt
3/4 c. milk

Place all ingredients into a blender
Blend until smooth
Serve immediately

As with our previous Cars post, you can also adjust the flavors and colors of the ingredients to represent your child's favorite Cars character.

Here is a quick list of fruits and yogurt by color if you need a little color inspiration:
Purple/Blue: Blackberries, Blue Berries, Purple Grapes
Green: Green Grapes, Honeydew Melon, Lime
Yellow/Orange: Mango, Pineapple, Nectarines, Peaches, Cantaloupe, Oranges
Red: Strawberries, Watermelon, Cherry
White: Banana, Apple, Vanilla

**The mango slicer is one kitchen tool I use often. My kids love mangoes, and until Kristen told me about the mango slicer, I had no idea it even existed! The easiest way to dice a mango for us is to start by using the slicer (seen in the photo of the ingredients). Then, I use a knife to cut strips horizontally and vertically, represented by the photo to the left. Then, the kids can use spoons to scoop the mango "cubes" from the skin.

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2011-10-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

Shrimp Cakes

Singapore featured these shrimp cakes with noodles at the 2010 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Recipe
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb raw scallops
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 1/2 tsp chives, finely minced
1 1/2 tsp finely grated lemongrass
1 1/2 tsp finely grated ginger
1 1/2 tsp finely grated garlic
1 1/2 tsp chili-garlic sauce (such as sambal olek)
2 egg whites
2 tsp cornstarch

Place shrimp and scallops in the work bowl of a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Add fish sauce, chives, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and chili-garlic sauce. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.
Fill a large sauté pan with deep sides with vegetable oil to a depth of 1/4 inch. Heat oil over medium heat. Form shrimp mixture into 1 1/2 inch wide by 1 inch thick patties. Fry in batches, 4 minutes per side, or until cakes are golden brown and feel firm in the center. Carefully transfer cakes to a plate lined with paper towels.

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2011-10-08T07:16:00.000-05:00

Tortellini di Formaggio

Italy was one of the original countries to debut at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival in 1996.

Recipe
10 oz spinach tortellini
10 oz cheese tortellini
10 oz Bechamelle Sauce
1 pinch nutmeg
3 oz. button mushrooms
3 oz parmigiano cheese
4 oz prosciutto ham
5 leaves fresh sage

Bechamelle Sauce
2 cups milk
3oz butter
3oz flour
1 pinch nutmeg

Bring milk to a boil with a pinch of nutmeg.
In a separate skillet melt the butter and stir the flour in obtaining a roux. Whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Cook on low heat 20-25 minutes.

Clean and slice mushrooms in thin slices and sauté in a small amount of olive oil. Slice the prosciutto in small 3/4 inch strips (julienne).
Grate your Parmigano cheese into a bowl.
Boil the tortellini in salted water.
Drain and combine with prosciutto, mushrooms, and bechamelle together with the sage and parmigiano in a skillet on low flame.

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2011-10-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

Maple Walnut Fudge

Montreal, Canada debuted at the 1996 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. When one thinks of Canada a few things come to mind - hockey (ice), moose and maple leaves. Maple, one of the most delicious treats that I've found many uses for. Featured on the 2004 menu for Canada was this recipe.

Recipe
3 cups pure maple syrup
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt

Generously butter an 8-inch square baking dish.
Put maple syrup and cream in saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Insert a candy thermometer and continue to boil, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 238º F, or the soft-ball stage. (This takes between 30-45 minutes.)
Remove the pan from the heat and add butter, without stirring. When the fudge has cooled to 110º F, add the walnuts and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to lose its gloss and hold its shape.
Turn the fudge into the prepared pan and allow it to cool for several hours. When the surface is firm to the touch, cut the fudge into 16 squares.

Brown Eyed Baker image

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