Quote of the Week

Paramount

A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest men. 

- Willy Wonka, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

Photo of the Week

I love wandering around Pandora looking at all of the weird and wonderful plants.

These WandaVision Commercials Are So Intriguing

Disney

WandaVision has the most interesting commercials. First up is an ad for a Toast Mate 2000 made by Stark Industries.

The second ad is for a Strucker watch.

And the third ad is for Hydra Soak.

I wonder what clues the next commercial break will provide.

Blue Corn Pupusa Recipe From The Taste Of EPCOT International Festival Of The Arts

Disney

I love trying new foods at the various EPCOT festivals every year. But if you can't make it to this year's Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, you can still try one of the most vibrant dishes at home. Here's the recipe from Disney for Blue Corn Pupusa from the Vibrante & Vívido Food Studio booth.

Blue Corn Pupusa Stuffed With Cheese And Topped With Shredded Pork

Makes 8

Pork with Guajillo-Árbol Chili Sauce

6 dried guajillo chilies

1 chile de árbol

6 cups plus 2 tablespoons water

1 garlic clove

2-3 pounds pork butt, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces

Coarse salt, to taste

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Remove stems from guajillo and árbol chiles. Heat large sauté pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add chilies and toast for 1-2 minutes on each side, until darker in color. Place chilies in large pot with 6 cups of the water and garlic clove. Bring to simmer and cook, covered, for 20 minutes, until soft. Blend with immersion blender until smooth.

Season pork generously with salt. Add to pot of water. Bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1 hour, until pork is tender. Remove from liquid and cool for 20 minutes. Do not discard cooking liquid. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons of water with cornstarch in small bowl. Bring pork liquid back to a boil. Add cornstarch and water and stir until sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low. Shred pork and add to sauce. Season with additional salt, to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Cabbage Slaw

2 cups red cabbage, shredded

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 carrot, julienne

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

3/4 teaspoon brown sugar

Pinch red pepper flakes

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine apple cider vinegar, water, salt, oregano, brown sugar, and chili flakes in small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Mix shredded cabbage, onions, and carrots in large bowl. Add cooled dressing and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to one day, before serving. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Aji Amarillo Cream

1 cup sour cream

2 3/4 teaspoons aji amarillo paste

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more, to taste

Combine sour cream, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, and salt in medium bowl. Season with additional salt, to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Blue Corn Pupusa

2 cups blue corn masa

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon coarse salt

3/4 – 1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup grated white cheddar cheese

1/4 cup canola oil

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Combine masa, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in mixing bowl. Pour in 3/4 cups of water and stir to combine. Slowly add additional water, 1/4 cup at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. 

Scoop dough into 1/4 cup balls and place on reserved baking sheet. Using your fingers, make a well in the center of each ball of dough. Fill each well with 1 tablespoon of cheddar cheese. Pinch to close dough around the well. Gently flatten into disks, making sure no cheese is showing.

With caution, heat canola oil in large non-stick skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cook pupusa for 2-3 minutes on each side, until dark blue in color and crispy on the outside. Keep warm until ready to serve.

To Serve:

Place pupusa in the center of each plate. Top with pork and red cabbage slaw. Drizzle aji amarillo cream on top. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

Raya And The Last Dragon Looks Ridiculously Fun

Disney

The latest trailer for Disney's upcoming Raya and the Last Dragon is hilarious. It looks like Raya is going on quite the adventure with her motley band of new friends. 

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

“Raya and the Last Dragon” takes us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together long ago in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” features an outstanding voice cast, including:

• Kelly Marie Tran as the voice of the intrepid warrior Raya
• Awkwafina as the legendary dragon, Sisu
• Gemma Chan as Raya’s nemesis, Namaari
• Daniel Dae Kim as Raya’s visionary father, Benja
• Sandra Oh as Namaari’s powerful mother, Virana
• Benedict Wong as Tong, a formidable giant
• Izaac Wang as Boun, a 10-year-old entrepreneur
• Thalia Tran as the mischievous toddler Little Noi
• Alan Tudyk as Tuk Tuk, Raya’s best friend and trusty steed
• Lucille Soong as Dang Hu, the leader of the land of Talon
• Patti Harrison as the chief of the Tail land
• Ross Butler as chief of the Spine land

Raya and the Last Dragon arrives in theaters and on DisneyPlus Premiere Access on March 5.

Changes Are Coming To The Jungle Cruise

Disney

The Jungle Cruise is the latest Disney ride to receive a bit of "plus-ing." It sounds like the Imagineers had a lot of fun keeping the silliness of the original ride intact while adding a little more skipper inspired story. I can't wait to see the end result.

I hope all the new jokes are just as bad as the old ones! The new Jungle Cruise is coming to Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom at Disney World later this year.

Oo-De-Lally - Robin Hood

Disney

Robin Hood is still my favorite Disney cartoon. There's just something about that wily fox robbing the rich to feed the poor that I absolutely love. And the music is so fun to sing along with.

Quote of the Week

One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.

Agatha Christie, An Autobiography

Photo of the Week

I love Marshmallow and all the Snowgies in Frozen Ever After at EPCOT. 

Heigh-Ho, It's Off To Work We Go

Disney

"Heigh-Ho" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is still my favorite work day song.

The Muppet Show Is Coming To DisneyPlus

Jim Henson Company

I loved watching The Muppet Show when I was a kid. It was zany and wild, full of music, silly skits like "Pigs in Space", and crazy guest stars. The series debuted 45 years ago and ran for five seasons. If you loved The Muppet Show as much as I did, then I have some great news for you. Starting on February 19, all five seasons will be available on DisneyPlus. 

When asked how he felt about the news, Kermit said, "It’s going to be great to welcome back longtime fans, and to give a new generation of fans a chance to see how we got our start, how Miss Piggy became a star and so much more. Today, I’m proud to say: ‘It’s time to play the music, light the lights and meet the Muppets on Disney Plus tonight!’  And as for Statler and Waldorf, the two old guys in the balcony,  I can only add: ‘Sorry, guys, but….here we go again."

It's National Cheese Lover's Day!

Today is National Cheese Lover's Day which means it's the perfect day to try all things cheesy. I love trying the various cheese-filled dishes at Disney World, so I thought I'd share a recipe for one of my favorites from last year's Taste of EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival that  you can make at home.

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese with Boursin® Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese topped with Herbed Panko

Serves 6-8

Toasted Panko: 

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup panko
• Coarse salt, to taste

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add panko and stir until combined. Toast in pan for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat; salt to taste. Set aside.

Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese:

• 1 (16 oz) box cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup flour
• 8 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 pound white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 pound yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese wheels, divided
• Coarse salt, to taste
• White pepper, to taste

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain well. Set aside keeping warm.

Melt butter in 5-quart saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a blonde roux, approximately 4 minutes. Add milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, until thickened.

Fold in both shredded cheddar cheeses and two Boursin cheese wheels. Blend with immersion blender until cheese has melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.  

Add hot, cooked pasta with cheese sauce and mix until combined. Divide evenly into 6-8 bowls. Crumble remaining Boursin cheese wheel over each bowl and top with toasted panko. Serve immediately.

Journey Behind The Magic Of Batuu

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, or the outpost Batuu, really is the most incredibly detailed world. Head behind the magic with two of the creators of this amazing land.

Try Everything - Shakira

Disney

Shakira's "Try Everything" music video from Zootopia seems like a good way to start the week.

Quote of the Week

It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all.

- Nelson Mandela

Photo of the Week

The character art displayed at the 2019 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts was so much fun. This portrait of Belle, drawn by an invention created by her father, Maurice, was one of my favorites. 

Are You Ready to Enter The Mysterious World Of WandaVision?

Marvel

Today's the day! After a long delay, Marvel's WandaVision has finally arrived on DisneyPlus. 

I can't wait to discover what it's all about!

Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff

Paul Bettany as Vision

Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau

Kathryn Hahn as Agnes

The first two episodes of WandaVision are now on DisneyPlus. 

WandaVision Calendar Clip

Marvel

In the latest WandaVision clip, both Wanda and Vision seem to have forgotten why they plan to celebrate an important date. 

I wonder what the significance of August 23 is. Marvel's WandaVision arrives on DisneyPlus tomorrow, January 15th.

Hoisin Sticky Spare Rib Recipe From Morimoto Asia

Disney

I love a good spare rib, sticky with some form of barbecue sauce. This recipe for Hoisin Sticky Spare Ribs from Morimoto Asia sounds like it would definitely fit the bill.

Hoisin Sticky Spare Ribs Recipe - Morimoto Asia

Pork Rib Braise

Full rack spare ribs, about 16 ribs

White onion, roughly chopped 

1/2 cup freshly chopped ginger

1/4 cup freshly chopped garlic

1/4 cup cooking wine

2 tablespoons canola oil 

1 cup tamarind paste

Preheat oven to 250°F. Place ribs in baking pan and add onion, ginger, garlic, cooking wine and oil. Cover with water, then gently stir in tamarind paste. Cover with foil and bake 3 ½ hours or until meat easily pulls away from the bone. Remove from oven and cool in braising liquid until cool enough to handle. Slice into individual ribs.

Hoisin Chili Sauce

1/2 cup hoisin

1 1/2 cups sweet chili sauce

1/4 cup rice Vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Whisk together ingredients in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Frying and Garnish

Oil for frying

2 cups of cornstarch

2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

Heat oil to 350°F. Lightly coat each rib in cornstarch and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Place on a wire rack to drain and cool slightly. 

To serve, toss with hoisin chili sauce, (put back under the broiler for a few minutes to get extra crisp), top with cilantro and serve immediately.

Just Three More Days Til WandaVision!

Marvel

It seems like Marvel is releasing a new trailer for WandaVision every day. It really looks intriguing. I can't wait to see the first two episodes this Friday!

WandaVision makes its DisneyPlus debut Friday, January 15, 2021.

When Will My Life Begin? - Tangled

Disney

Today feels like a Tangled sort of day.

Quote of the Week

Lucasfilm

Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you see it, you'll never make it through the night.

- Leia Organa, The Last Jedi

Photo of the Week

This fossil in the queue represents the reason I don't like the Dinosaur ride in Animal Kingdom: the Carnotaurus. Unfortunately, I am unaccountably terrified of the Carnotaurus animatronics, no matter how many times my family has pushed me onto the ride.

Shaun the Sheep Turns 25

Aardman Animation

I absolutely adore Aardman Animation's Shaun the Sheep. There's just something about that wiley wooly that cracks me up without ever saying a word. Recently, Aardman celebrated the 25th anniversary of Shaun's first appearance in Wallace and Gromit's A Close Shave. 

I can't believe Shaun has been delighting us for a quarter of a century. I hope there are many more Adventures from Mossy Bottom to come.

The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Starts Tomorrow

Disney

For the past four years, EPCOT has become a riot of colors and flavors in the midst of winter by holding its Festival of the Arts. This year, the festival will return as the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. This celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts is amazingly entertaining. Favorite Disney artists visit to show off their latest artwork, talk with guests, and even autograph their designs. Guests can become a part of the art by stepping into unique photo spots and can take part in creating gigantic paint-by-number murals.

The Voices of Liberty will perform at the American Gardens Theatre with songs from The Disney Songbook. These songs will celebrate Disney's amazing composers and lyricists and include songs from "When You Wish Upon A Star" to "Let It Go."

If intriguing dishes are what you seek, this Festival has something for everyone. Here are this year's Food Booths and their delicious sounding menus.

Disney

Refreshment Port (Showcase Plaza)

• Lobster Poutine: Lobster, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños, and Citrus Cream 🎨

Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)

• Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup

The Deconstructed Dish (Showcase Plaza)

• Deconstructed Reuben: Rye Popover, Corned Beef, Gryuère Panna Cotta, and Brined Brussels Sprouts with Broken Thousand Island Dressing
• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy Pork Belly, Soft-poached Egg, Brioche, Watercress Espuma, and Tomato Jam
• Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York-style Cheesecake with Fresh Florida Strawberries and Sugar Cookies 
• Rainboba: Fruit Bursting Boba with Sparkling Water
• Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings of London® Chai Tea Shake with Maple Syrup garnished with a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon

Disney

Decadent Delights (Promenade Refreshments)

• Raspberry Soft-serve Ice Cream 🎨
• Lemon Soft-serve Ice Cream 🎨
• Artist Palette Cookie 

Pop Eats (Showcase Plaza)

• Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese 🎨
• Tomato Soup with French Onion and Bacon Grilled Cheese 🎨
• Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam 🥖
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate
• Pop’t Art: Modern-designed Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Filling

Disney

Refreshment Outpost

• Plant-based Bratwurst with Spicy Turmeric Aïoli, Coffee Barbecue Jackfruit, and Slaw 🥬
• Warm Brown Sugar-stuffed Pretzel with Banana Soft-serve Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce 
• Frozen Slushy Coca-Cola® or Minute Maid® Lemonade in a Souvenir Spike The Bee Sipper Cup

Disney

Cuisine Classique 

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes, and Aged Balsamic
• Coq au Vin: Chicken Roulade with Violet Mustard, Candied Carrots, Pancetta Crisp, Marble Potatoes, and Beurre Rouge Sauce 🎨
• Opera Cake: Almond Joconde, Coffee Buttercream, and Chocolate Ganache 🎨
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie 

The Artist’s Table

• Beef Wellington: Mushroom Duxelle, Prosciutto, and Puff Pastry with Red Wine Demi-Glace and Fennel Cream
• Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Parmesan Crisp 🥖
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie
• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk, and Dark Chocolate

Disney

Mosaic Canteen (Morocco)

• Mediterranean Flatbread with Zaatar Pesto, Artichokes, Roasted Peppers, Sundried Tomatoes, and Fennel Cream 🎨
• Harissa-roasted Rack of Lamb with Baba Ganoush, Picholine Olives, Toybox Tomatoes, Preserved Lemons, and Pomegranate 🎨
• Mouskoutchou: Orange Cake with Cinnamon-Chocolate Mousse 🌈 🎨

Disney

Vibrante & Vívido Food Studio (Between Morocco & France) 

• Chilled Seafood Cocktail with Octopus, Scallops, Shrimp, Black Garlic Aïoli, Tomato-Coconut Sauce, and Serrano-Lime Oil 🎨
• Blue Corn Pupusa-stuffed with Cheese and topped with Shredded Pork, Guajillo and Árbol Chile Sauce, Cabbage Slaw, and Aji Amarillo Crema 🎨🥖🌈
• Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam 🌈
• Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie 🌈

Disney

Festival Favorites (World Showplace)

• Remy’s Ratatouille with Eggplant, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Tomatoes, and Red Pepper Piperade 🎨🥬🌈
• Charcuterie with Meats and Cheeses featuring Nueske’s® Applewood Smoked Beef
• Lemon Blood-Orange Tart 
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie
• Blue Sky Black Cherry Boba Freeze

Disney

The Painter’s Palate (World Showplace)

• Prime Steak Tartare with Pickled Vegetables, Parsley Salad, Béarnaise Anglaise, and Sous Vide Quail Egg 🎨
• Salt-roasted Beet Tartare with Pickled Vegetables, Parsley Salad, and Béarnaise Aïoli 🎨🥬
• Pistachio Cake with Cherry Mousse and Morello Cherries 🎨🌈

Disney

Masterpiece Kitchen 

• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings, and Zinfandel Reduction Salmon and Cream Gâteau with Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar, and Micro-Herbs
• Vanilla, Rose Water, and Pistachio Panna Cotta 🌈

L’Art de la Cuisine Française (France)

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl
• Croissant à la Truffle Noir d’Hiver: Black Winter Truffle Croissant 🎨
• Moelleux à la Framboise et aux Chocolats Valrhona: Molten Chocolate and Raspberry Cake with Pure Origin Valrhona Chocolates 🎨
• Trio de Macarons: Assortment of Three House-made Macarons in a Gift Box 

Disney

El Artista Hambriento (Mexico)

• Chile Relleno: Fried Poblano Pepper filled with Flank Steak, Black Beans, and Tomatoes drizzled with a Poblano Cream Sauce 🎨🥖
• Pork Belly Pastor: Pastor-marinated Pork Belly atop Boniato Purée with Charred Pineapple and Crispy Cilantro 🎨🥖
• Taco de Chocolate: Chocolate Candy Shell filled with Mexican Chocolate Mousse with a touch of Chile topped with Tropical Fruit 🎨🥖

Disney

Goshiki (Japan)

• Stone Garden: Red Bean Mousse with Chocolate Rocks and Arare Rice Cracker Pebbles 🎨
• Sushi Donut: Donut-shaped Sushi featuring Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Cucumber, and Sesame Seed over a decorated plate of Wasabi Aïoli, Sriracha, and Eel Sauce 
• Vegetable Gyoza: Vegetable-filled Spinach Gyoza with Tofu atop Mashed Potatoes with a Kamaboko Fish Cake, Pepper Strings and Tonkatsu Teriyaki Sauce

Disney

The Painted Panda (China)

• Old Shanghai Shi Zi Tou: Pork and Water Chestnut Meatballs served with Taro Root 🎨
• Sichuan Red Hot Mala Shrimp 🎨
• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls

Disney

L’Arte di Mangiare (Italy)

• Arancini: Sweet Sausage fried Risotto Balls with Pomodoro Sauce 🎨
• L’Aragosta: Lobster Ravioli with Vanilla-Saffron Cream Sauce and Shredded Chili Peppers 🎨
• Bomboloni: Cream-filled Italian Doughnut with Raspberry Sauce and Powdered Sugar 🎨

Disney

Funnel Cake

• Red Velvet Funnel Cake topped with Cream Cheese Icing and Pixie Dust 🎨

Disney

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

• Showcase Plaza – Caramel Canvas Latte: Artisan Latte with Peanut Butter Syrup, Caramel, and Dark Chocolate Sauce topped with SNICKERS® Original Candy Pieces paired with a doughnut
• The American Adventure – Color-Me-Latte:  Made for a true artiste with Espresso, Swiss Chocolate Syrup, and Dark Chocolate Sauce sprinkled with M&M’s® Candies paired with a doughnut
• Future World East – Starry Night Latte: Paint the sky with this Espresso beverage with Dulce de Leche, White Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate Sauce topped with MILKY WAY® Bar Pieces paired with a doughnut
• Canada – Creative Twist Latte: Stretch your imagination with this Latte with Brown Butter Toffee Syrup and Swiss Chocolate Syrup topped with TWIX® Bar Pieces paired with a doughnut

New = 🎨

Gluten/Wheat Friendly = 🥖

Plant-based = 🥬

Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine = 🌈

Another fun foodie adventure is the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine. To participate, simply purchase five vibrant dishes from the list in the Festival Passport, collect a stamp for each, and receive an Artist Palette Cookie from the Decadent Delights Food Studio.

Disney

Figment’s Brush with the Masters also returns this year. You can purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly scavenger hunt at one of several merchandise locations. Then, just keep an eye out for Figment as you travel around the World Showcase, learning about art as you go.

Are you ready to explore your artistic side and excite your palate at the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts? The Festival runs from January 8 - February 22, 2021.