For all the dads that live for the standard hot-dog, hamburger cookout, I extend my sincere apologies. But a true glamping trip deserves at least one seriously over-the-top, five-star dinner with candlelight and fancy accoutrements. Of course, a Disney theme brings an extra magic and adventure. Robin Hood is an easy one – all it takes is re-imagining a tree-lined campsite as Sherwood Forest and adding a little oo-de-lally ambiance. Because we did this one in summer, we included both some traditional medieval fare as well as some lighter options. Continue reading “Disney Glamping Forest Feast: Robin Hood Theme”
Living with the Seas: Mahi-Mahi with Coconut Cilantro Sauce
The Living Seas is the one Epcot pavilion that kind of makes me feel like I’m on a third-grade field trip. The ocean is like a magnet when I need peace and healing and perspective, much in the same way that the forest and the mountains are. Sometimes more – because I feel safe walking miles all alone. But having the chance to “pretend” to be underwater and see these fish up close is something my husband loves. I mean loves, loves, loves. Continue reading “Living with the Seas: Mahi-Mahi with Coconut Cilantro Sauce”
An Epcot International Burger Bar
Nothing says cookout like Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Fourth of July. Whether by the backyard pool or under the pine forests of Disney’s Fort Wilderness, this is a time of family celebration. These days, a burger can mean ground beef, ground turkey, or a vegetarian option, such as a black bean patty. What has changed over the last decade is that the toppings less likely to be ordinary. Ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard remain assumed condiments, but many restaurants, such as Green Truck Pub in Savannah, have made their name with a bold approach to toppings. Yesterday, we remembered our friends and family who served, and then celebrated Memorial Day with a cookout with some of our favorite people. This Epcot-inspired toppings bar was fun to make and was a culinary hit. Continue reading “An Epcot International Burger Bar”
Master’s Pimiento Cheese (Recipe) and the Fairytale Redemption of Tiger Woods
Even more magical than a fairy tale where good triumphs over evil is the redemption of one’s own weakest and darkest times. Unlike Tiger Woods, whose transgressions and physical ailments became an open book upon which we could all gawk and judge, most of ours are safely locked away, occasionally appearing on those nights when sleep eludes us. Today’s win by Tiger Wood is a win for anyone who has ever faced deep regret caused by one’s own shadow – or despair resulting from mortal limitations. As I become older, I learn that there is a Tiger is just about every one of us. Yet some give up, succumb to self-torment, never understanding that within the battle with oneself lies the very purpose of life itself. Continue reading “Master’s Pimiento Cheese (Recipe) and the Fairytale Redemption of Tiger Woods”
Buttery Bob’s Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie and the Songs in My Head
For as long as I can remember, I’ve nearly unconsciously made up nuanced songs about every pet or family member. For some reason, I called my daughter by the name “Bob” in an early ditty about her. Later versions included “Busy Bob” and then “Buttery Bob,” referencing her hair Continue reading “Buttery Bob’s Best-Ever Chicken Pot Pie and the Songs in My Head”
Original Fettucine Alfredo – Epcot’s L’ Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante – With the Secret Step
In spite of our habits that suggest otherwise, a romantic dinner has very little to do with going to a fancy restaurant. Rather it is the scenery itself and the care put into the preparation of the meal that melts the heart. For me, nothing is better than being in the candlelit woods under the stars with a plate of the original version of fresh-prepared Fettucine Alfredo. Oh, and maybe a little salad. And yes, darling – I’ll have a glass as well.
What is amazing (particularly for camping) is that this dish requires only four ingredients – our soggy American versions actually detract from its elegance. But, these ingredients must be selected carefully. We will get to that. Continue reading “Original Fettucine Alfredo – Epcot’s L’ Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante – With the Secret Step”
Banana-Stuffed Tonga Toast Muffins
Of all the foods at Disney World, Tonga Toast is one of the most famous and the oldest (circa 1971). However, it is also one of the more difficult ones to make at home because it is enormous and messy. So, I’ve played around with the original recipe and tweaked it to be able to fit in muffin pans – making it camping friendly. I worried a tiny bit about how it would turn out baking instead of deep frying. Well, the results were Continue reading “Banana-Stuffed Tonga Toast Muffins”
Traditional Hawaiian Loco Moco (Disney’s Aulani)
Loco Moco, a substantial feel-good dish originating from Hilo, Hawaii, has become one of the most common quick dishes served on the islands. The legend is that around 1949, some very hungry teenage boys, showed up in a restaurant in Hilo, and asked the chef to make them a meal that would fill their rumbly tumblies for days. Continue reading “Traditional Hawaiian Loco Moco (Disney’s Aulani)”
12 Meals You Can Make With Food Only From Fort Wilderness Trading Posts
Let’s start with a warning. The choices are limited.
This is not going to be gourmet or royal. And the prices are not cheap, but still less than counter-service.
There are no vegetables (except for frozen broccoli) and little meat in either the Meadow Trading Post or the Settlement Trading Post. And their offerings are very similar – my photos are from the Settlement Post. But there will be times that you want to make something with what is nearby, rather than driving out to the nearest grocery store or paying for delivery. So here are ten twelve meal ideas (and I’ve included photos of most all available groceries).
MEAL Number one
Spaghetti and Italian Bread, Chocolate Chip Cookies
The store has noodles, Prego sauce, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Also available are frozen Spaghetti and Meatballs. Continue reading “12 Meals You Can Make With Food Only From Fort Wilderness Trading Posts”
Monte Cristo Mini Sandwiches – Disney Style
Disneyland’s most famous sandwich is the Monte Cristo, and only appears sporadically around Disney World (it was on the Town Square menu (in Magic Kingdom) back in the 1980s). It may be because it is such a mess to make, so we’re going to make a minnie-version that is even better, nicer to handle and a little less messy. The Monte Cristo has its origins in 1900s France, but it was Disneyland who really popularized in America in the 1960s, so that makes it kind of double magical.
If you aren’t comfortable with pan frying, you may want to skip the butter and only use oil. It is easy to burn the mixture, but the addition of butter gives it a better flavor. Continue reading “Monte Cristo Mini Sandwiches – Disney Style”