Life on Food: Disney

Showing posts with label Disney. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Vacation to Disney

I haven't posted in forever because we have been busy on vacation. First it was prepping for vacation then it was the vacation and finally it was catching up from vacation. Seriously I need a week before and after just to get it all straight again.

It was well worth the effort though. The fam and I went to Disney. This was a our first real on our own vacation with Miss O. I had some serious anxiety leading up to our departure but in the end it all worked out wonderfully.

Although I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I wanted to, here are a few of the highlights.

We might have had just as much fun in the hotel as in the parks.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Artist Point - Disney's Wilderness Lodge

One of the things Mr. J and I love must about vacations are new restaurants and delicious food. We always have at least one planned out special meal in addition to all of the other random finds along the way.

On our latest trip to Disney we went to Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. Although we had never been before we had heard many good things about this restaurant. I had not been to the Wilderness Lodge before and was eager to explore. Just like everywhere else in Disney this time of year, the lodge was decorated top notch for the holidays.

We started off the meal with some cocktails in the bar. I went plain Jane with a Malbec but Mr. J got a fancy cocktail. I actually forget what he ordered but it wasn't the typical pink drink when it came out. Mr. J is notorious for his pink cocktails. He really enjoyed the arrow that came with his drink.

Dinner started with some delicious, warm Sourdough bread. I had about three pieces and had to make myself stop so I would have room for dinner. It was so good I could have easily had the whole loaf and been satisfied.

The feel of the restaurant was very woodsy, rustic, and just like a big, fancy log cabin in the woods. The back wall had huge windows that looked out into woods and then a lake. You would have never guessed we were in Disney or that the Magic Kingdom was just beyond the trees.

We shared a mixed green salad with fig and pears. Disney makes it somewhat difficult to get your veggies in so salad is a must whenever we can. The dressing on this was light but flavorful. The whole salad was delicious.

I got seared scallops with risotto for my main course. There was four huge scallops bedded on the risotto with sauteed kale and red peppers in between. I was pretty full after this but more so from the bread than the dish. Although I know I would have been satisfied with just the scallops.

After much debate Mr. J ended up with the seafood stew. A combination of seafood and shell fish in a spicy broth. This was served with more sourdough. It was perfect for soaking up the broth.

We were too full for dessert. In the pass I would try to squeeze some in but have learned my lesson many a times that waking up to a full belly the next day is not the best way to start a day in the Disney parks.

We had a nice relaxing evening at Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge. They don't rush you at all. This was a perfect way to recuperate from the crazy crowds of Disney.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

WIAW Disney Edition

We are still in Disney having loads of fun. It might be hot outside but everything around you is so Christmas-y. It would be hard not to get in the holiday spirit.

I haven't been the best about snapping photos of our eats but I did mange one of the Starbucks coffee. Coffee in Disney has been very dismal in the past. You had to go off the property to find a decent cup. This year however they opened one in the Magic Kingdom and in Epcot with a few more to come in Downtown. I just love the cups.

I had a beef stroganoff dish for dinner the other night and it was delicious with homemade papardelle noodles.

My favorite part of the Christmas fun has been dancing lights at Hollywood Studios. There was so many lights I cannot even describe. And then there was was snow. The lights did a little dance to Christmas music. Love it!! I think even the Grinch would have a smile on his face.

Merry Christmas!!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Mini Disney Vacay!

Sorry for the absence. Mr. J and I have been busy gallivanting around Disney for the past few days. It was a quick trip. Much quicker than we are used to but so much fun. And much needed.

It was hot even for Florida standards. I haven't even mentioned the humidity. Basically you started to melt the minute you got outside. Sunscreen stood no chance with my sweat. We had to get creative with our activities. We played mini golf.

Mr. J took his typically 100 plus photos of all the animals on the safari. I got inspired and started taking pictures of him.

He amused me by going on many kiddie rides in the Magic Kingdom. Love the new Ariel ride! Who doesn't love "Kiss the Girl"

We hydrated with some adult beverages. I got my first drink in a fruit. Fun and pretty to look at but I think I would rather just eat the pineapple.

And of course we rode some water rides. Splash Mountain is one of my favorite rides but recently it has been too cold or under repairs. The hot weather made me want to ride this one over and over again.

As I adjust back to the work routine, posts may be a bit sporadic this week. Thanks for your patience.

Monday, March 18, 2013

'Ohana Breakfast Bread

Clearly I am still missing Florida and Disney. Two weeks later, I am trying to relive vacation through food.

A tough job but I am up for the challenge. 'Ohana restaurant at the Polynesian Resort has our most favorite dinner. The dessert is bread pudding made with coconut pineapple bread.

'Ohana means family. Dinner is served in an all you can eat family style bowls. I may be known for getting dessert twice. It is that good.

The bread is a sweet roll with a thickened coconut pineapple mixture. I made a pan with intentions of replicating the bread pudding recipe. Instead we ate all of the bread for breakfast. I guess that is a good thing.

'Ohana Breakfast Bread

by Emily Morris

Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus 2 hours rise

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Keywords: bake bread dessert coconut pineapple

Ingredients (serves 12)

1 3/4 cups warm water
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons butter
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/3 cup sugar, divided
1 (1/4 ounce) package dry yeast
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

For the Pineapple/Coconut Procedure

Combine drained pineapple and coconut in bowl. Combine 1 cup sugar and cornstarch in separate bowl and mix well.

Add sugar and cornstarch mixture with pineapple/coconut mixture and mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

For the Bread

Mix water, 1 tbsp sugar (from 1/3 cup), and yeast in small bowl. Let proof for 5 minutes.

Add egg yolk to yeast mixture.

Put flour in food processor with bread blade.

Add salt, butter, and remainder of sugar and process until incorporated.

While processor is running, slowly add yeast mixture through shoot in top of processor.

Process until a soft ball forms and then run processor for about 2 min longer.

Transfer dough to bowl coated with cooking spray, cover with plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray and let rise in warm area until it doubles in size. (about 1 hour).

Roll dough out onto floured surface until it is a 2" thick rectangle.

Spread the pineapple/coconut mixture over top of dough.

Fold dough onto itself and cut into pieces with pizza cutter.

Place pieces into greased 9 x 13 pan to cover.

Cover pan with plastic wrap coated with cooking spray and let rise in warm place--about 1/2 way up pan.

Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cool, cut and serve.