Princess Tiana has officially taken her place in the Magic Kingdom, including starring in her very own show. Orlando Attractions Magazine has a video of the entire performance of Tiana's Showboat Jubilee, which will run through January 3, 2010:
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Related Links:
* Disney's Real Leading Ladies
* The Problem with Disney Princesses
*The Princess and the Frog Art & Designs
October 28, 2009
The Princess Has Arrived
October 27, 2009
Recipe: Shrimp with Tomato-Feta Compote - Citricos, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Sometimes in life, we must do things that scare us. And for me, that means learning to cook shrimp. These tiny shellfish have long been a favorite of mine ... in restaurants. But preparing them at home? It's been one overcooked disaster after another - until now. I faced my fear, Disney style, by taking on the Shrimp with Tomato-Feta Compote from Citricos at the Grand Floridian - and it turned out great!
You can prepare this as an appetizer, or do as I did and kick it up to an entree by adding some pasta. Either way, it's a light, simple, easy-to-prepare dish that goes great with white wine.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 jumbo shrimp, peeled and split in half lengthwise (I used rock shrimp because they're small and in season)
2 Roma tomatoes, diced and seeded
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons butter
Face the fear! Cook the shrimp!
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, until it's very hot. Add the shrimp and saute for one minute.
2. Add the tomatoes and garlic slices and saute 2 minutes longer, until the shrimp are almost cooked.
3. Add the white wine and lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce reduces by half.
4. Add the cilantro, feta cheese, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is creamy. 
5. Serve over pasta, if you're so inclined. Bam!
Shrimply delicious.
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Related Links:
* Cheddar Cheese Soup - Le Cellier
* Macaroni and Cheese - Jiko
* Guinness Stew - Rose & Crown
Related Links:
* Cheddar Cheese Soup - Le Cellier
* Macaroni and Cheese - Jiko
* Guinness Stew - Rose & Crown
October 24, 2009
It's the Great Disney Pumpkins, Charlie Brown
Halloween is a week away, and to be honest - it's a holiday that I've never really been into. Yes, I love fun-size candy, but that's about it. I'm not big on dressing up (especially with the ever-worsening sluttification of Halloween), I don't like haunted houses, I think black cats are friends not foes - I guess you could call me a Halloween Grinch.
Pumpkins, however, are cool. Maybe because they're a staple of fall decoration (and fall is my favorite season). And pumpkins have the possibility to be just about anything - as this video from Disney Parks Blog shows:
This video is presented in memory of the 182 pumpkins that gave up their life in the pumpkin patch so that all WDW guests could have a spooktacular Halloween.
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Related Links:
* Happy Halloween!
* Some Pre-Halloween Fun
October 21, 2009
October 20, 2009
Dancing with the Stars: Everyone has Germs
This week, the ballroom is invaded by the most unfortunate affliction since Drew Lachey ... THE FLU (da da DUM). Will our stars be able to samba while sniffling? Paso while puking? Rhumba with a runny nose? Only time will tell ....
Samantha Harris's hair seems to have caught something of its own ... like a nest of fledgling pigeons. Perhaps she is trying to scare the germs away?
Other scary things - Derek Hough looks a lot like Maks, and Louis Van Amstel is way too into his eye makeup. Enough with the craziness! The show hasn't even started yet!
Natalie and Alec: Paso Doble - Eesh. Timid, stiff, devoid of chemistry, this dance was really awkward. She has amazing potential, I just wish she would live up to it. The judges are all disappointed, and I think this routine plus the fact that they danced first could spell trouble.
Aaron and Karina: Argentine Tango - Could Karina be any hotter? Seriously, I think this is the best she's ever looked. Moving on to the routine - this was an amazing improvement over last week's disaster. It was sleek, sexy, and sultry. Bueno.
Michael and Anna: Paso Doble - Do not try to disguise yourself, Anna - going brunette will not save you. I seem to remember someone else doing a disastrous paso to this song a few seasons ago (if anyone can clarify this deja vu, please comment below). Also, the shirtless/suspenders look will. never. be. cool. The judges really liked this routine; I found it a bit frantic, especially when Michael started whipping Anna's skirt/cape/space blanket around. And just to top things off, Michael gave Bruno his butt nickel. I'm speechless.
Mya and Dmitry: Argentine Tango - Dmitry won his Emmy for choreography an Argentine Tango, so I had huge expectations for this. And it turned out to be an impressive routine! I don't know that it was Mya's best dance ever, but it was a solid performance with great choreography.
Mark and Lacey: Paso Doble - Wow, where has that been hiding? This was an explosive paso doble, backed by some incredible choreography (go Lacey!). Definitely his best performance to date.
Donny and Kym: Argentine Tango - Given that sexiness is not Donny's strong suit, this was about as good as could be expected. He tried, but among all the other great tangos we've seen tonight, this one falls short. The judges seem to think otherwise, and then Donny and Bruno continued their awkward flirting. This gag is going to continue every week until he gets kicked off, we better get used to it.
Louie and Chelsie: Argentine Tango - Chelsie KILLED the Argentine Tango when she was on So You Think You Can Dance, so I was really hoping she could make this one work. And hoo boy, they pulled it off! Louie still has problems with his footwork, but this was easily his best performance so far.
Melissa and Mark: Argentine Tango - Mark has the DWTS flu, so Anna filled in as teacher. All things considered, this was okayyy - Melissa lost her footing a few times and was hampered by a matronly costume. It wasn't great, it wasn't terrible, I think they've done enough to keep them safe.
Kelly and Louis: Paso Doble - For a rock n roll paso, this was pretty tame. Kelly looked lost at times, and it was missing the bite of the usual paso. The judges were a little generous in their praise, but they'll definitely be safe for another week.
Joanna and Derek/Maks: Argentine Tango - Derek has been felled by the DWTS flu, so Maks is standing in for this week. Maks says it is "refreshing" how quickly Joanna picks up choreography, which is the Maks way of saying "I wish this show would give me better partners." You stay classy, Maks. As for this dance, I still think Joanna looks awkward (the curse of the tall people) and they had a very obvious stumble, but the sympathy vote should keep her safe.
Group dance: Hustle - Oh, how I hate the group dance. And of course, Disco King Corky Ballas is teaching this one. There weren't any particular standouts or failures, but one group deserves special recognition: the wig department. Ridiculous. Just ridiculous. And kind of amazing.
So if there's any justice in this world, Michael and Anna will go home tomorrow. But the ballroom is a fickle beast, so you never know ...
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Related Links:
* Dancing with the Stars: Donny and Bruno Sittin in a Tree ...
* Dancing with the Stars: Len is Grumpy Edition
* Dancing with the Stars: Razamatazz and Man-Boobs Edition
October 19, 2009
Now Approaching: Updated Tomorrowland Transit Authority
If you've been following this blog for awhile, you know that my favorite ride in all of Walt Disney World is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. And you know that my heart shattered into a million pieces when I found out Space Mountain and the TTA were going to be closed during our most recent trip to WDW.
Months later, courtesy of Orlando Attractions magazine, comes this video of the new and improved Tomorrowland Transit Authority:
Sigh, how I miss thee, TTA. I'm not sure how I feel about the new narration, which is a little too eager beaver and not enough booming Orwellian for me. Granted, the ride is now quieter, making the TTA even more naptime-friendly. But the biggest casualty is my favorite line, the one that I quote vacation after vacation: Now approaching .... Mickey's Star Traders .....
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Related Links:
* The Sob Heard Round the World
* Hell to the No
* Noooooo
October 14, 2009
October 13, 2009
Recipe: Apple Cobbler - Liberty Tree Tavern
Fall is here, which means it's time for apple picking, which means it's time to make apple desserts! So this past weekend I piled into a car with some friends, braved the BQE, and went to New Paltz to pick some organic apples. And so I proudly present to you the recipe for the apple cobbler at the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. It's as American as apple ... cobbler.
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Allow yourself about 30-45 minutes to prepare everything. Do not eat anything, because once you smell this coming out of the oven, your dinner plans are going to go out the window.
Cobbler Crust Dough:
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter cut into ¼ inch pieces
4 tablespoons Crisco – vegetable oil
Do the Dough
1. Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. Using your fingers, work in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons ice water and work with your fingers until the water is incorporated and the dough comes together. Add more water if needed.
2. Spray the inside of a 9x13x2 inch glass or ceramic baking dish with a non-stick coating. Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface and line the baking dish with dough (as for an apple pie)
Apple Filling:
Ingredients
4 pounds Baking Apples – Golden Delicious (I used Cortlands)
½ cup Sugar
1 ½ cups Brown sugar
½ teaspoon Nutmeg – ground
½ cup Flour
Prepare les Pommes
1. Sift dry ingredients together.
2. Put apples in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add dry ingredients and cook until apples are soft and ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Remove apples from heat and chill thoroughly. Place cooled apple filling into dish.
Cream Cheese Filling:
Ingredients
8 ounces Cream cheese – softened at room temperature
1 large egg
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cheese It Up
1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
2. Top apples with cream cheese mixture and swirl into apples slightly.
Oatmeal Streusel:
Ingredients
¾ cup All –purpose flour
½ teaspoon Cinnamon – ground
½ cup Brown Sugar – packed
¾ cup Rolled Oats
½ cup Butter – Unsalted
To Finish
1. Spread streusel mixture evenly over top of apple/cream cheese mixture.
2. Bake in center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
Mmm ... delicious. I'm making this again for Thanksgiving. It's that good.October 6, 2009
Dancing with the Stars: Donny and Bruno, Sittin' in a Tree ...
Len is back, Tom DeLay is injured, and Bruno got some sugah on the judges table .... business as usual on this show.
Mark and Lacey: Ick. The rumba is traditionally a very sexy, romantic dance, and this one was kind of trashy and disconnected. There was no chemistry between these guys, and the choreography seemed kind of easy. Carrie Ann said they made her uncomfortable, and I'm inclined to agree.
Joanna and Derek: For the love of ballroom, Joanna, POINT YOUR TOES. The poor girl appeared to be dragged around through most of this and even had some shades of Holly Madison at times. But Derek definitely earned his keep by Tarzan swinging onto the dance floor.
Mya and Dmitry: Wow, sizzle much? Each week, these two get better and better and I would be shocked if these guys don't end up in the finals. This was a gorgeous, sexy rumba, and well deserving of two 10s (a seven Len? really?)
Melissa Joan and Mark: MJ is so adorably dorky, and Mark is just adorable. Tiki torches whaaat is happening. Someone in the makeup department clearly hates my girl MJ (hot pink lipstick?), but this routine was not quite the hot mess I thought it was going to be. She did a respectable job and she's definitely improving from week to week.
Louie and Chelsie: Squeeeeee I nearly died during their rehearsal footage from all the cute. If they don't become a real-life couple by the end of this season I'll be so surprised. And then all the cuteness melted away, Vito Sauve came out, and things got all hot and steamy in the ballroom. Their chemistry was INSANE, Chelsie looked amazing, and GAH - just - speechless with my love for these two.
Debi and Maks: Yay, Mel B! For the record, Mel B was my favorite DWTS contestant ever. Also, this may have been the corniest samba since Jerry Springer was on the show. Debi looked lost through a lot of this routine, and Maks seems ... off? I don't know, maybe it's the Karina breakup or something. I can't imagine they'll last much longer.
Donny and Kym: Donny's sexy side in 3,2,1 ... okay, it's safe. This was less sexy and more "wedding dance," but I thought he did a decent job. A little stiff in places, but this was much better than expected. Fun fact: want to know how to boost your scores? Mime-smooch Bruno, bend him over the judges table, and do very non TV-PG things to him. Insert awkward pause.
And then because things were not crazy enough, let's go to Paula Abdul! Paula, in her 4 seconds of screen time, called Len "Mr. Badman," said Donny Osmond was "delusional" and suggested she make out with Carrie Ann. Dear DWTS, please give this woman a job.
Michael and Anna: Oh Michael, you are not Jerry Rice, Emmett Smith, or even LT. Jeez, how about we do some dancing in our dance? Snore. SNORE. Please go home.
Natalie and Alec: If you need to learn how to sexydance, Edyta is the best teacher there is. And it looks like Natalie has learned a thing or two. This was a huge improvement on what she's done in recent weeks, and Bruno was so excited he yelled "SEXY BEAST!" I was hoping for a repeat of my all-time favorite Bruno line - "Sexy! 10!" - but a 9 will do.
Chuck and Anna: On paper, Chuck Liddell + samba = recipe for disaster. I'm still confused as to why he was doing kung-fu kicks during this, but it definitely could have been worse. The judges let him off on the "well, it was entertaining" schtick, but he still has a ways to go if he wants to improve.
Aaron and Karina: Why is Aaron wearing my grandmother's sweater? This was nowhere near as good as their performance last week - his rumba was wild and out of control at times and he was definitely overacting here. Not so good without the Muppets, are we?
And now, the moment we've all be anxiously awaiting - will Tom DeLay dance? Yes!
Tom and Cheryl: Tom keeps doing the robot instead of the samba, which seems strangely appropriate. He has stress fractures in both feet, but has decided to power through - admirable enough. Less admirable, however, was his explanation: "what's a little pain when you can party?" And just when you thought he had hit rock bottom, the routine started. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a political samba. MAKE. IT. STOP.
Kelly and Louis: Oh dear, the wardrobe department has been drinking again. But yay, Kelly is back! Her joy is so infectious that it can make up for the technical oopsies along the way. I'm so glad to see her getting her confidence back.
And then, the results show. Strangely, Chuck and Anna were given the encore performance. Really? Out of all the great performances from Monday night? The judges have gone crazy!
Then, Tom DeLay mercifully announced he would be leaving the competition due to his injuries. But that doesn't mean anyone gets a stay of execution - someone is still going home tonight.
Michael/Anna and Debi/Maks were in the bottom two, no surprises, and then Debi and Maks were sent packing.
Next week I'll be recapping over at The Disney Blog - so be sure to visit!
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Related Links:
* Dancing with the Stars: Len is Grumpy Edition
* Dancing with the Stars: Razamatazz and Man-Boobs Edition
* New Dancing with the Stars Cast Announced
October 4, 2009
Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake - Epcot Food & Wine Festival
The Food & Wine Festival recipes continue with this sinfully simple, sinfully scrumptious Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake from Piedmonte, Italy. Flourless means it's healthy, right?
Ingredients
7 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, melted
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
5 eggs
1/4 cup cocoa
Let's D0 This!
1. Preheat oven to 220F and butter a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together and stir in the hazelnuts.
1. Preheat oven to 220F and butter a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together and stir in the hazelnuts.
Warning: Once you begin licking this bowl, it will become difficult to stop. 3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until fluffy.
4. Fold chocolate and butter mixture into the eggs and blend just until all the ingredients are well-blended.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the center is firm to the touch.
6. Allow to cool at room temperature and then refrigerate overnight.
7. To serve, unmold the cake and sprinkle the top with cocoa.
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Related Links:
* Dulche de Leche - Epcot Food & Wine Festival
* Sam Adams Chocolate Cream Stout Cake - Food and Wine Festival
October 3, 2009
Celebrate a Day in the Magic Kingdom!
I'm in love with this tilt-motion video that chronicles a day in the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy.
(thanks to Disney Parks Blog)
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Related Links:
* Splash Mountain is Not Worth Loss of Life
* Children are Precious Commodities: Try Not to Lose Them
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