Return to Pandora

20th Century Studios

Avatar: The Way Of Water looks absolutely incredible. I can't wait to finally see more of the Na'vi and Pandora.

Avatar: The Way Of Water arrives in theaters on December 16th.

Alfajores Recipe From Disney

Disney

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays has arrived, bringing so many delicious goodies to eat. One of my favorite delights is the Cookie Stroll. It's so much fun to try different cookies from around the world. But if you'd like to try making one of these cookies at home, here's a recipe for Alfajores from the Disney Chefs. 

Alfajores from the Nochebuena Cocina Holiday Kitchen

Makes 6-8 Alfajores

Cookies

2 c all-purpose flour     

1/2 c cornstarch

3/4 c butter, softened

1/2 c powdered sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside.

Cream butter and powdered sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla and mix on medium speed, scraping sides occasionally, until fully incorporated.

Add reserved flour mixture and beat on low speed until dry dough starts to come together. Remove from bowl and knead of floured surface until dough is soft.

Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into 2 1/2-inch circles. Place on prepared baking pan, leaving 2-inches between each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

Alfajores

1 (14 ounce) can Dulce de Leche

12-16 cookies

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Pour dulce de leche into a piping bag. Place half of the cookies, bottom side up, on a flat surface. Pipe dulce de leche onto each cookie. Top with remaining cookies. Coat sides of cookies with shredded coconut and dust tops with powdered sugar.

Cook’s Note: To enhance the flavor of the coconut, toast it in the oven. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 300ºF, stirring every 3 minutes, until golden brown.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Lucasfilm

I have absolutely adored the Indiana Jones films since the first time I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. They are a fantastic mix of fantasy and adventure, history and romance, with an incredible cast of characters. The fifth, and likely final, movie finally has a trailer and a title: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I can't wait!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny arrives in theaters on June 30, 2023.

Quote of the Week

Dr. Nathan Myhrvold

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake

it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

- Aristotle

Photo of the Week

The kitchy Christmas decor in Jock Lindsey's Hangar Holiday Bar is always a delight.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Trailer

Marvel

The first trailer for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 has arrived. It looks like this one may be a tearjerker, but we may also learn more about Rocket's origins.

Here's the official synopsis from Marvel: 

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team around him to defend the universe and protect one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 arrives in theaters on May 5, 2023.

Night At The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again

Disney

Disney is putting an animated spin on one of my favorite movie series. Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again takes place after the films when the museum exhibits want Larry Daley's son Nick to be their new night guard. It looks rather fun.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

The Original Movie is about the mischief that takes place every night at the American Museum of Natural History when the sun goes down. Nick Daley’s summer gig as night watchman at the museum is a challenging job for a high school student, but he is following in his father’s footsteps and is determined not to let him down. Luckily, he is familiar with the museum’s ancient tablet that brings everything to life when the sun goes down and is happy to see his old friends, including Jedediah, Octavius, and Sacagawea, when he arrives. But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah escapes with plans to unlock the Egyptian underworld and free its Army of the Dead, it is up to Nick to stop the demented overlord and save the museum once and for all.

Night At The Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again arrives on DisneyPlus on December 9th.