Apple Caramel Pie - Whispering Canyon Cafe, Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Just in time for Thanksgiving, here's a pie that fit for the holidays. A clever twist on the classic apple pie, this dessert can usually be found delighting guests at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. It's easy to make, and so, so, so delicious.

Crust

½ cup all purpose flour
13-oz package refrigerated sugar cookie dough

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Coat the bottom and inside of a 9 inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Beat the flour and dough until combined.
4. Press sugar cookie dough into sides and bottom of pan.

Pie Filling

2 ½ pounds apples (take your pick – I used Cortlands), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced.
½ cup granulated sugar
1/8 cup all purpose flour
¾ tablespoon chopped candied ginger
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup caramel topping

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with sugar, flour, ginger, and cinnamon. Spoon into prepared crust.

2. Spoon on caramel topping.

3. Cover with foil and bake for one hour.

 Crumb Topping

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
1 ½ sticks butter, melted
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

1. While the pie is baking, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually add butter and vanilla, until wet crumbs form.

3. Remove pie from oven and uncover.
4. Sprinkle crumb mixture over the top of the warm pie.
5. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.

6. Allow the pie to cool, then mix the confectioners sugar with enough water to make icing. Drizzle over the top of the pie, and enjoy!

(Adapted from Delicious Disney)

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Related Links:
* Strawberry Banana Bread - Whispering Canyon Cafe, Wilderness Lodge
* Apple Cobbler - Liberty Tree Tavern
* Berry Cobbler - Artist Point, Wilderness Lodge

Times Square Disney Store: Pretty Darned Magical

Yesterday, I finally had the time (and courage) to trek to Times Square and see the new Disney Store. I was a die-hard fan and frequent customer of the original World of Disney on 5th Avenue, so I was excited to see what had taken its place.

Those of you who know New York will recognize that the store is in the best location possible to maximize tourist traffic. There are lots of places that claim to be "in Times Square" that aren't (including, let's say, almost every single Broadway theatre), but this store is actually, physically, in Times Square. My advice? Get there early or be trampled at your own risk.

The first thing that struck me upon entering is the adorable new collection of exclusive New York merchandise, which is head and shoulders above the original "I Mickey NY" collection or items that have Minnie dressed as Lady Liberty (although those are still for sale). I mean, how cute are these?

My favorite section of the store is tucked way in the back in the left corner of the first floor. It's one of the only places in the store with just adult items, not to mention one of the only places that appeals to the "Disney Historian" that lives in a lot of Disney fans. And it's paltry, but it packs a punch:

 I love, love, love this collection. There are also a few Disney Couture jewelry items available, but they are hard to see and the price tags are hidden (I'm one of those people who would rather know how much something costs before I track down a sales associate to open the case for me). I'd love to see more items added to this area - adults are people too, you know.

The bottom floor also boasts an impressive Vinylmation display, complete with an exclusive NYC vinyl.

I do not and will never understand the appeal of Vinylmation. I was hoping to see a big selection of Disney pins, but this store only carries the NYC-exclusive ones.

The second floor of the store is mostly kids stuff - including a large selected of Tangled items. There's a station where you can design your own Cars car, listen to interactive stories, and then, there is Princess Land (my title):

Longtime readers of this blog know that I have a tumultuous relationship with the princesses, but dear me, this area of the store is gorgeous. Gorgeous. If you have daughters, prepare to spend a lot of money.

One thing that surprised me is that the store isn't really as big as I expected. I mean, it's big. But everything in Times Square is big. And having been to the Virgin Megastore space that the Disney Store now occupies, it's just smaller than I thought it would be. And I really miss the third floor "Art of Disney" space that the old NYC World of Disney used to have. (Yes, I know there's a difference between a World of Disney and a Disney Store. That doesn't mean I like it.)

Also - and I don't know what's changed between the World of Disney and this new store - but the checkout service is now one of the most efficient things I've ever seen. When I got into line (yes, I bought things - duh), the line extended way past where the queue ropes ended, and within five minutes, I was out the door. That, in itself, was magical.

As for the Store itself? It's pretty awesome. The decor is charming, the selection is vast, and this place is going to be a huge success. If you're planning to visit NYC, it's a must-see. If you're already in New York, it's worth the trip to Times Square - and those are words that I never thought I would say.

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Related Links:
* Meet the New Minnie Mouse. Then Back Away Slowly.
* 10 Signs You Are a Disney Dork
* An Open Letter to 3-D