Quote of the Week

Very few of us are what we seem.

- Agatha Christie, The Man in the Mist

Photo of the Week

One of my favorite desserts from the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is returning this year. I love the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake!

Luca Looks So Fun!

Pixar

Pixar's next film, Luca, is the story of one boy's incredible, fun-filled summer, and the astounding secret he and his family are hiding. 

Here's the official synopsis from Pixar:

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.

Luca arrives in theaters in June 2021.

Under the Sea

Disney

Today seems like a good day for a little "Under the Sea" fun.

Island Navigator Recipe

Disney

There are many delicious sounding treats aboard the Disney Cruise ships as well as on Castaway Cay. Someday, I hope to have the chance to sample a few of them. Until then, I'll just have to try making them at home. I think I'll start with this recipe for the Island Navigator.

Island Navigator from Disney Cruise Line

Serves 2

1 cup pineapple juice

1/3 cup coconut cream

6 to 8 ice cubes

1 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen vanilla yogurt  Pineapple triangles and maraschino cherries for garnish

Combine pineapple juice and coconut cream in blender. Blend to combine. Add ice and pulse until ice is crushed. Add ice cream and blend until smooth. Garnish with pineapple triangles and maraschino cherries, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Take a Peek Behind the Scenes of Raya and the Last Dragon

Disney

This clip from Raya and the Last Dragon introduces the character Boun, self proclaimed "owner, manager, chef, and captain" of the Shrimporium. It also includes a quick peek behind the scenes. Did you know that over 400 animators, writers, martial arts experts, and more, worked from home to create this animated film? Incredible!

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

Raya and the Last Dragon - Lead The Way

Disney

Here's another trailer for Raya and the Last Dragon. It seems like a new one is released every few days and they just keep getting better. The latest one features a new song from the film, "Lead the Way," by Jhené Aiko.

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

Quote of the Week

CBS

Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived.

- Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: Generations

Photo of the Week

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is an incredible projection and fireworks show at Hollywood Studios. I love to watch it every chance I get.

Bring On The Heat

Disney

Raya and the Last Dragon looks like one amazing, and humorous, adventure. I can't wait to watch it! 

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

Cruella Looks A Bit Mad In This Trailer

Disney

The first trailer for Disney's live-action Cruella has finally been released, and it looks like quite the madcap romp.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

Brilliant. Bad. A little bit mad. May 2021. 

Academy Award winner Emma Stone stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil.

“Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar winner Emma Thompson. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Cruella arrives in theaters on May 28.

Mickey Mouse Beignet Recipe

Disney

I love the beignets from Disneyland's New Orleans Square. The soft pillows of dough are delicious when liberally sprinkled with powdered sugar. And everything tastes better when it's Mickey shaped! Want to try making your own beignets at home? Check out this recipe from Disney.

Mickey Mouse-shaped Beignets

Yield: 10 large Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets or 2 dozen small beignets

1/2 teaspoon dry yeast

1/4 cup warm water (105°)

1/4 cup sugar

2 Tbdp vegetable shortening

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 egg

4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup boiling water

Vegetable oil for frying

Powdered sugar

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve. Let stand for 5 minutes.

Combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream, egg, flour and boiling water in a large bowl; stir in yeast mixture. With the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer on medium speed, mix the dough just until combined and smooth. Let dough rest for 30 minutes.

Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut individual beignets with a Mickey Mouse-shaped cutter or cut into 2 1/2 to 3-inch squares. Cover with a towel and let dough rise until doubled in size in a warm, draft-free area, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Using caution, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, turning as soon as they brown on one side. Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain.  Dust warm beignets with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Raya And The Last Dragon Trailer

Disney

Raya and the Last Dragon looks like a hilariously fun adventure. I can't wait to watch it!

How Does A Moment Last Forever

Disney

I love this song from Disney's live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. 

Quote of the Week

TNT

There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.

- Ebenezer Scrooge, 

A Christmas Carol

Photo of the Week

Mom and I loved becoming a part of the art at the 2019 EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Here we are with George Washington, crossing the Delaware. 

Sven's Carrot Delight Recipe

Disney

If the winter weather is getting you down, why not try a summertime drink from Castaway Cay. Sven's Carrot Delight is a fun mix of carrot juice and pog juice with a bit of  ice cream and coconut cream. I can't wait to try it. 

Sven’s Carrot Delight

3 oz. Odwalla carrot juice

3 oz. vanilla ice cream or drink mix

1.5 oz. coconut cream

.75 oz. passion fruit juice

.75 oz. orange juice

.75 oz. guava juice

Ice

Blend all ingredients together and enjoy!

Ride and Learn Through the Phantom Manor

Disneyland Paris' Phantom Manor is a most eerie version of the Haunted Mansion. It's a bit darker and more sinister than the American versions. I loved it! If you haven't had the chance to check it out for yourself, watch the latest "Ride & Learn" from Disney. You never know what secrets you might uncover.

When the River Meets The Sea

Jim Henson Company

For Mom

Running With The Wolves

Cartoon Saloon

The music from Wolfwalkers is absolutely delightful. I especially liked "Running With The Wolves" by Aurora, who also sang on "Into The Unknown" in Frozen 2.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier Looks Hilarious!

Disney

I love watching the interactions between Sam Wilson, the Falcon, and Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, in the Avengers films. They are a bit snarky and childish, but generally hilarious. In this new trailer for The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, it looks like their uneasy friendship is as complicated as ever.

The Falcon and The Winter Soldier arrives on DisneyPlus on March 19.

Quote of the Week

It takes great courage to see the world in all its tainted glory, and still to love it.

- Oscar Wilde, An Ideal Husband

Photo of the Week

🎶 Let's go explore, explore, explore. Let's go explore the big blue world! 🎶 I love The Seas With Nemo and Friends in EPCOT. 

Wolfwalkers Is Wonderful

Cartoon Saloon

I absolutely adore the Irish folklore films from Cartoon Saloon. The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea are beautiful stories filled with magic and legends. The latest tale is called Wolfwalkers. It's a story about a young hunter, Robyn, who quite unexpectedly meets a creature of myth, a wolfwalker, Mebh, who is a girl by day, but a wolf by night. 

Here's the official synopsis from Cartoon Saloon:

In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the WOLFWALKERS and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

I loved this latest tale of Irish folklore. It is beautiful to look at and a wonderful story of magic and unexpected friendship. I can't wait to watch it again!

Passion Fruit Mousse with Dragon Fruit Jam Recipe From The Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Disney

This year's Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has some amazing new dishes. If you can't make it to the Festival, why not try making this delicious sounding recipe from Disney at home. I don't know about you, but I'm rather partial to dragon fruit.

Passion Fruit Mousse With Dragon Fruit Jam

From the Vibrante and Vívido Booth

Makes 12 Servings 

Dragon Fruit Jam 

1 (12 ounce) bag frozen red dragon fruit

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp lime juice

Combine dragon fruit, sugar, and lime juice in small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until liquid begins to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick. Place in medium bowl and cool for 30 minutes. Blend with immersion blender until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

Mousse de Maracuya 

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup passion fruit purée

1 cup chopped white chocolate

1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

Reserved dragon fruit jam

Combine sugar and passion fruit purée in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot but not boiling. Place white chocolate in medium glass bowl. Pour hot passion fruit mixture on top and rest for 2 minutes. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Whip heavy cream in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into chilled passion fruit mixture. Transfer mousse to piping bag fitted with large round tip. Fill twelve 3 1/4 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/4-inch rectangular silicone molds half way full with mousse. Pour reserved dragon fruit jam into piping bag fitted with small round tip. Carefully pipe a thick strip of jam into the center of each mold, being careful to avoid the edges. Fill each mold with remaining mousse, filling to top. Freeze for a least 4 hours, or overnight. 

Sugar Cookies 

3/4 cups butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Cream together butter and sugar in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add eggs and vanilla and beat on medium speed until mixed. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix on low speed until soft dough forms. Cover and chill dough in refrigerator for at least one hour.Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Roll dough on floured surface into 1/4-inch thick rectangle. Cut into twelve 3 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch rectangles.  Place 6 cookies on each baking sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely. Once cookies are cool, place all 12 cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet. Set aside. 

Dragon Fruit Glaçage 

15 gelatin sheets

2 cups ice water

1 1/4 cups frozen red dragon fruit

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

4 cups chopped white chocolate

Bloom gelatin sheets in ice water. Heat dragon fruit and sugar in small saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Drain excess water from gelatin sheets. Add gelatin and sweetened condensed milk to boiling sugar mixture. Place chopped white chocolate in large bowl. Pour warm mixture over white chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes. Carefully blend with immersion blender until chocolate and dragon fruit are smooth. Cool to 90°F. 

Passion Fruit Sauce 

2/3 cup passion fruit purée

1 Tbsp lime juice

1/2 cup sugar

Place passion fruit purée, lime juice, and sugar in small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, until boiling. Simmer for 5 minutes, until sauce thickens and begins to reduce. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature before use. 

To serve: 

Remove frozen mousse from molds. Place on baking sheet lined with silicone baking mat. Pour 2 1/2 cups of the 90°F dragon fruit glaçage into liquid measuring cup. Carefully pour on top of the frozen mousse, making sure edges and sides are covered. Set in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Reheat remaining glaçage in a saucepan over low heat until it reaches 90°F. Pour into liquid measuring cup and pour over mousse for a second coat. Place one mousse onto the center of each cookie. If mousse is too soft, place in freezer for 10 minutes before moving. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Place 1 tablespoon of passion fruit syrup on each plate. Spread evenly into a circle with a pastry brush or by pressing the flat edge of drinking glass against the syrup. Place cookie with mousse on sauce to serve. 

Cook’s Note: Refrigerate any leftover jam in a sealed container – it’s delicious spread on warm buttered toast.

These its a small world Wishables Are So Cute!

Disney

A new set of Wishables are sailing into shopDisney today and they are adorable. The collection was inspired by it's a small world and features:

• Penguin
• Pink Hippo
• Kangaroo with baby
• Blue Hippo
• Iconic Clock
• Cactus with guitar

These adorable stuffies sell for $9.99 each and come blind bagged, so part of the fun is the surprise you get when you open them. 

The Sword and the Scoob

Warner Brothers

I love Scooby-Doo movies and TV shows, the sillier the better. There's just something wonderful and nostalgic about the Mystery Inc. gang solving another ridiculous mystery. Their latest adventure takes them to the court of King Arthur in Scooby-Doo: The Sword and the Scoob.

Scooby-Doo: The Sword and the Scoob arrives on Digital and DVD on February 23.

Be Our Guest Sing Along

Disney

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale, in any incarnation. And I absolutely adore the music in the Disney versions.