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Epcot Food and Wine Festival fans always anticipate the announcement of the Culinary Demonstrations: low-cost events where guests can enjoy presentations by a Disney or celebrity chef. Food and Wine Festival demonstration kitchen This year, I took the opportunity to purchase a $15 ticket to see Chef Gale Gand: pastry chef, author of cookbooks, 8-year host of the Food Network’s “Sweet Dreams,” as well as a founding partner of the restaurant Tru in Chicago (among a bajillion other accomplishments!). I chose Chef Gand’s session because I love to bake. But I still consider myself a novice with just a few trusty recipes under my belt, and I don’t tend to stray from those. So, I was interested to find out upon arrival that Chef Gand would be sharing her recipe for Salted Caramel Brownies with those of us in the audience. Before Chef Gand came to the stage, we enjoyed a presentation by a Master Sommelier who spoke about the choice of wine that we would enjoy with Chef Gand’s creation. Master Sommelier It really was interesting to hear him speak about the incredibly intense learning and examination process that it takes to become a Master Sommelier. But even with his depth of knowledge and expertise, I was happy to hear him share his favorite piece of advice when it comes to wine selection: “Drink what you like, when you like, with whom you like.” Works for me! Viognier from Cambria Winery In this case, what we were drinking was the Tepusquet Vineyard Viognier from the Cambria Winery. Our Master Sommelier led us through the process of picking up the tropical, fruity notes in the aroma, and the floral notes in the flavor. I can’t claim to have picked up on all that on my own ;). As someone who prefers white wines over red, I can just say I enjoyed the glass. When Chef Gale Gand arrived on stage, she greeted the audience with a smile and immediately continued in the personable, light-hearted tone set by the Sommelier. Chef Gale Gand She also greeted us with a surprise: today, she would be demonstrating two recipes. Even though this was a pastry demonstration, Chef Gand started with a quick recipe of a unique and easy take on a traditional chick pea hummus using frozen peas, garlic, mint, and olive oil to create a Pea and Garlic Dip that maintains its vivid color and flavor for at least 4 days in the refrigerator. (The culinary demonstrations are also presented on screens so everyone can watch the chef’s techniques.) Making Pea and Garlic Dip She kindly brought enough to share ;). Pea and Garlic Dip on a cracker But next it was time for the main event: the Salted Caramel Brownies. Chef Gand demonstrated the entire process, beginning with melting unsweetened chocolate and unsalted butter together for the cocoa base. While this can certainly be done in a microwave, Chef Gand said she prefers using a double broiler, simply for the fun of watching it melt! Chef Gale Gand After the addition of sugar, eggs, and flour, it was time to add the ingredient that really gives these brownies a nice little “wow” factor: bits of chewy caramel pieces (which was especially fitting, since Chef Gand had just made her first ever visit to the Germany Pavilion’s Karamell-Küche that very day). Adding ingredients Werther’s Chewy Caramel And with a sprinkling of sea salt over the top, here is the end result: the Salted Caramel Brownie. Salted Caramel Brownie Can you see the touch of caramel peeking our from the bottom right corner? What’s really cool about this dessert is that it appears pretty basic to the eye. But each time you bite into one of the chewy caramel “surprises” tucked in the brownie, it really delivers a burst of buttery flavor along with a variation in texture from the dense brownie to the gooey caramel. It’s a fun twist on a basic brownie that’s totally do-able. I have to admit to some preconceived notions that I held before attending the demo. I assumed I would enjoy watching a master chef — and I did. Chef Gand was full of fun, and her passion for great food came through in everything she shared. But I hadn’t expected to walk away with a recipe I really could make myself. Yes, I know that’s the point of the whole thing ;), but I walked in assuming everyone around me in the audience likely had a lot more kitchen experience than I. All truths told, I’ve never made brownies that aren’t from a boxed mix, but I will definitely give these a try from my own home, from scratch. If you are interested in giving them a try, too, here is the recipe. Salted Caramel Brownies recipe From what I could gather, this seems to be Gale Gand’s M.O. — approachable, tasty recipes that are still special creations. Gale Gand with new “Lunch!” Cookbook And with that, it’s off to the kitchen… I’ve got some brownies to bake ! Have you attended a culinary demonstration during the Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know about your experience with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Guest Review: Chef Robert Irvine Culinary Demo at Epcot Food & Wine FestivalReview: Cake Boss Buddy Valastro’s Culinary Demo at the Epcot Food and Wine FestivalEpcot Food & Wine Festival Review: Chef Ming Tsai Cooking Demo View the full article

It’s almost here! The most wonderful time of the year is here, November 13, with the return of Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Through January 6, 2015, the Happiest Place on Earth will get merrier … and yes, even more frozen. Fans of Disney’s “Frozen” will especially love this holiday season, as even more touches inspired by the animated film are woven into the celebration. First, stars Anna and Elsa will be featured in A Christmas Fantasy Parade each day at Disneyland park. Also, over at Disney California Adventure park, more songs from the hit soundtrack have been added to “World of Color – Winter Dreams” for the show’s second season. And returning this year is Olaf’s Frozen Ice Rink, which will return this year as part of the Downtown Disney Winter Village. And that’s not all that’s new this year. Jingle Jangle Jamboree in Frontierland will host an all-new comedy and music show that invites guests to sing along in a wacky tale of Christmas in the West. Here’s a look at this year’s returning favorites: Disneyland Park Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle“Believe … in Holiday Magic” fireworks A Christmas Fantasy Parade “it’s a small world” HolidayHaunted Mansion HolidayJingle CruiseJingle Jangle Jamboree“Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort” guided tourDisney California Adventure Park “World of Color – Winter Dreams”Disney ¡Viva Navidad! (featuring Three Kings Day celebration, January 2-6, 2015)Downtown Disney District Downtown Disney Winter Village, featuring Olaf’s Frozen Ice RinkHolidays at the Disneyland Resort Begins November 13 with ‘Frozen’ Additions and Returning Favorites by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort can now have some Disney animation added to their memories and it is all part of Memory Maker! When visiting one of the locations listed below, simply ask a Disney PhotoPass Photographer for an Animated Magic Shot. Epcot, behind Spaceship EarthDisney’s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood BoulevardEpcot, at Norway PavilionDisney’s Animal Kingdom, bridge near Expedition EverestWhen you visit MyDisneyPhotoPass.com you’ll be surprised to find that we have applied animation to your photo featuring a Disney character. As part of your Memory Maker entitlement you’ll be able to download the video file of your Animated Magic Shot to post online and share with friends. Also, be on the lookout for special Animated Magic Shots coming this holiday season to Magic Kingdom Park and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party nights. I’ll share a sneak peek of those with you soon. New Animated Magic Shots Add Extra Disney Magic to Your Photos by Marie Quintero: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The popular Magic Kingdom Park attraction, Jungle Cruise, has gone “Jingle Cruise” again for the second holiday season in a row! The additions, which debut in the park today, offer guests the chance to experience a holiday transformation of this fan-favorite Disney attraction. Jingle Cruise is again themed as if the Skippers are once again homesick for the holidays and decorated the attraction queue and boathouse with homemade decorations, gifts and items from back home. (If you listen carefully, you may also hear a holiday-themed radio broadcast playing in the background in the queue). The boats have been renamed to receive holiday names and the skippers are getting guests laughing with additional holiday jokes. The jungle has also received new seasonal supplies. Unfortunately, some missed their final destination falling deeper into the jungle. In addition to being open during daily park hours, Jingle Cruise will also be in operation during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. Jingle Cruise Returns to Magic Kingdom Park Today by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

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Even if you’ve paid a visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you may not be familiar with Kona Island. Learn About: Kona Island Sushi BarPolynesian Resort Disney World RestaurantsThis pleasant little stop upstairs in the Great Ceremonial House sits directly next to a much larger restaurant: Kona Cafe. So it can be pretty easy to pass by — unless you are in the know of its reputation for being one of the places on property where you can enjoy some sushi, or even a press pot of Kona Coffee, brewed to order. Kona Island was closed for a while in the late summer to accommodate some of the construction going on at the Polynesian (among those changes, the eagerly-anticipated addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to the resort). Kona Island sign But it reopened by the end of September, and more recently I finally had a chance to stop by and sample something I’d been curious about. Kona Island Kona Island Hawaiian Shaved Ice is now part of the offerings. You can get all one flavor (“Kumau”) for $3.99, or a combo of two flavors (“Haukalima”) for $4.99. Koan Island Hawaiian Shaved ice sign While flavors may vary due to available syrups, I was able to choose from eight on the day of my visit: orange, passion mango, cherry, coconut, blue raspberry, strawberry, pineapple, and pina colada. I could’ve happily tried all eight flavors (and many thanks to the extremely patient Cast Member who waited while I took a crazy long time to decide!). But I ultimately chose a combo of pina colada and cherry. Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada The swirl of white (you can see it much better on the red cherry side) is the cream that was poured on top of the creation once it was flavored (“a me waiu,” or “with milk”). Swirl of cream I abandoned my search for a spoon once I realized that the straw that comes with the ice is one of those handy straw/spoon combos. Spoon straw! I’ve had Shaved Ice previously at Prince Eric’s Village Market in New Fantasyland. But that was almost exactly the same as the Snow Cone at Dino Diner in consistency, with larger granules of ice throughout the cup. The Hawaiian Shave Ice at Kona Island is quite a bit different. While the basic gist is the same (ice with flavored syrup), it’s the consistency of the ice that differs. The very fine granules of the Hawaiian Shaved Ice reminded me more of snow than bits of ice. I know that as a Floridian I can’t claim much “snow cred.” But I spent a good chunk of my life in the northern midwest, so I’ve seen (a little more than ) my fair share. Hawaiian Shaved Ice consistency Hawaiian Shaved Ice consistency I guess this bit of “magic” comes from the specific machine it’s made with. Hawaiian Shaved Ice machine The fine shave held the cherry and pina colada syrups much better than larger chunks, so the flavors were consistent throughout, rather than ending up as a pool of syrup at the bottom of the container. It really helped the flavors “pop”. I also loved the addition of the sweet cream against the bright flavors of the syrup — especially with the cherry. It just gave the whole snack a little something more. Hawaiian Shaved Ice, pina colada and cherry I like my regular old snow cones just fine — when you’re wandering the parks and it’s a bajillion degrees outside, they do the trick when you’re in need of a cold, icy treat to cool down. But that’s about it.  I don’t know if I like the Hawaiian Shaved Ice so much better because of the texture, the sweet cream, the more unique and tropical flavors, or the fun presentation… maybe it’s a combo of all of those things. Whatever it is, this treat is something a little more special that I’ll specifically return for. After all, I’ve got at least six more flavors to try! Have you tried the Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Kona Island? Please let us know what you thought with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Kona Island Sushi Bar Review and PhotosReview: Kona Cafe Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian ResortPhoto Tour and Food Review: Captain Cook’s Reopens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort View the full article

Central Florida, meet the ButterBurger. View the full article

Buoyed by a $1 million commitment from the city of Winter Park and record-setting season-ticket Broadway sales, officials and supporters opened Orlando's long-awaited arts center with smiles on their faces and history on their minds. View the full article

Hiro Hamada and his buddy, a huggable robot named Baymax, are flying into theaters in 3D on Friday in Disney’s new comedy adventure, “Big Hero 6.” And starting this weekend, you’ll be able to see them in person at Disney Parks! At Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, look for Hiro and Baymax inside The Magic of Disney Animation attraction, where you’ll find recreations of Hiro’s garage workshop and the San Fransokyo Institute of Technology labs seen in the film. When Hiro and his robot companion head west to the Disneyland Resort, you’ll find them in Tomorrowland near the Starcade and Magic Eye Theater, where you can also catch a special exclusive sneak peek of “Big Hero 6.” I caught an early preview of “Big Hero 6” myself, and I can tell you the film is fantastic! I can’t wait to take my kids to see it this weekend. They recently got some of the toys for their birthday, and I’m sure we’ll be out at the park soon to spend time with their new favorite characters. The Stars of ‘Big Hero 6′ Are Ready for Their Disney Parks Debut by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

"The Shooter," the Navy SEAL who mortally wounded Osama bin Laden, has been revealed before a big Fox News special next week. View the full article

Be on alert, adventurers! We’ve just received word that the Jungle Navigation Company has done it again … an important shipment has been misplaced somewhere in the jungles of Adventureland at Disneyland park. It’s not Juju headed for the Adventure Trading Company this time, but it’s something almost as valuable! The perpetually homesick skippers at the world-famous Jungle Cruise were hoping to bring a little more holiday cheer to their Disneyland park outpost this season, so they went all-out and ordered a shipment of goodies and garlands to adorn their little corner of the jungle. But somewhere along the way, the shipment was misplaced. When the Jungle Cruise reopens at Disneyland park for the holiday season, keep a keen eye out, adventurers! Let us know if you see any of their misplaced merriment as you explore the wilds of Adventureland this holiday season. Dateline Adventureland: Holiday Shipment Lost in the Jungle at Disneyland Park by Tallahassee Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Dead Men Tell No Tales! Central Park turned into Central pARRRk recently, courtesy of the group Improv Everywhere, showing their Disney Side to New York park goers and vice versa. Such iconic locations as the Central Park Boathouse, Bow Bridge and Bethesda Fountain were overrun by the fiercest scallywags to ever sail “The Lake” in the park – seemingly straight out of our very own Pirates of the Caribbean attraction! Imagine that! Take a look. Improv Everywhere, creators of the “Films in Real Life” viral video series, is a New York City-based “prank collective” that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. As you can see, New Yorkers weren’t afraid to show their Disney Sides, as well. We at the Disney Parks Blog were there to cover all the action. Check back soon for a behind-the-scenes report! New Yorkers Show Their Disney Side as Pirates Takeover Central Park by Charles Stovall, Public Relations, manager: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The owner of a building in downtown Orlando that recently housed Liquid nightclub has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, apparently to stall a foreclosure sale by First Southern Bank. View the full article

With great weather and theme parks, Orlando is a top destination for winter travel, study says. View the full article

We are stopping into Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to check out a new sweet treat that recently debuted! Although Jolly Holiday is a fairly new addition to Main Street USA, the atmosphere of this spot is so perfectly excecuted that you’d swear it’s been there since Walt Disney walked these streets! Whenever I’m in Disneyland, even if it’s only for a short trip — and on this trip I was there for about 36 hours — I have to make time for this place. Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe The counter service spot celebrates all things Mary Poppins. Seating is outdoors here, but that’s perfectly fine with me — look how cheerful the patio setting is! (Seriously, is the weather EVER bad here?) Outdoor Seating Inside, you’ll find touches everywhere that remind you of the film. Porcelain figurines bring a couple of the best movie scenes to life. I love this one of Mary on her carousel horse! Mary Poppins! After a look around at all the wonderful touches, I wanted to see just what was new in the bakery cases! The lunch menu gives you an idea of the general offerings at Jolly Holiday. But the bakery has also become a landing spot for new and seasonal treats. Heather shared a few of them with you not too long ago! Menu — Click to Enlarge This time out, I saw a bunch of new things. But one treat in particular called my name, and I know it’ll call yours, too! Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie PieSince it opened in a couple of years ago, Jolly Holiday has been a popular spot. But lately, they’ve really stepped up their game by offering some fantastic seasonal and limited-time options. When I heard that they had debuted a Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie? Wild horses and all that. Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie at Jolly Holiday Bakery You know I am all about the Peanut Butter. And Disneyland has some of my favorite PB treats, like the Peanut Butter Sandwich and Peanut Butter Heaven (which is the most perfect sweet treat name ever). Would this one measure up? Let’s see. Two soft, moist, Chocolate Cake Cookies come together with a more than adequate scoop of rich Peanut Butter Filling. A drizzle of Chocolate on top makes it the slightest bit fancy. Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie — Up Close Inside, you can see just how thick and rich this is. And I’m not just talking about the filling! Sometimes in whoopie pies, the cookie part is kind of an afterthought. But here it’s definitely part of the story. Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie — Cross Section And the peanut butter filling is so dense and full of flavor. I hate wimpy peanut butter. This is not wimpy peanut butter. Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie Filling It’s no secret that I go for any treat that involves peanut butter, so this was kind of a no-brainer. And it was definitely worth using one of my 36 hours in Disneyland to seek it out. Will you be stopping by Jolly Holiday for a Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie? Leave a comment and tell us if it’s on your must-have list! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Snack Series: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and Key Lime Pie at Boardwalk BakerySnack Series: Peanut Butter Heaven in DisneylandSnack Series: Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake at Main Street Bakery View the full article

Every Thursday throughout the month of November, I’ll be sharing photographs of our theme park icons “in the making” at Walt Disney World Resort. This week, we’re taking a look at Cinderella Castle. Soaring 189 feet into the sky, this world-famous castle fit for a princess was still under construction in February 1971. Boasting 18 towers, this centerpiece of Walt Disney World Resort and the icon of Magic Kingdom Park had its color palate carefully selected as to complement and not compete with the blue skies of Central Florida. Vintage Walt Disney World: Cinderella Castle is Fit for a Princess by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A woman who described Sean Petrozzino as her best friend said the man now being sought by authorities was suffering from depression after he and his wife of five years recently separated. View the full article

The cast of the TV classic, "The Love Boat," made another run Wednesday, reuniting in Fort Lauderdale to help usher a new Princess Cruises ship into the 21st century. View the full article

How much do you know about Castaway Cay? No matter how many times you’ve been to our private island, chances are you learn something new with each visit. If you’re looking forward to your first day at this little slice of paradise in the Bahamas, here’s what you need to know … The island is reserved exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests. If the Castaway Cay post office is open, be sure to stop by to mail a message (and brag) to friends back home. Also check out the merchandise you can only get on the island, like beachwear, hats and collectible pins with our Castaway Cay logo, at She Sells Sea Shells … and Everything Else! You can walk right off the ship to the island. The dock built at Castaway Cay eliminates the need to tender, making the ship easily accessible throughout the day. Trams provide transportation to and from various points on the 1,000-acre island. All you’ll need is your Key to the World card to get on and off the ship as you please. There’s something for everyone. Disney Imagineers designed Castaway Cay much like our ships, with unique activities and areas for every age group. Places for the family to spend time together are plenty, but when it’s time to do your own thing, kids can head to Scuttle’s Cove, teens to the secluded Hide Out and adults to the pristine Serenity Bay. All that you need is included. From complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas to an all-you-care-to-eat lunch buffet and ice cream station, we’ve got you covered. We even provide beach towels, wagons and strollers to make your day more comfortable. There isn’t much you’ll need to bring onto the island with you, except for of course plenty of sunblock and a good book! There are plenty of Port Adventures options for your family. Just like in our other destinations, we work with local operators to offer excursions such as parasailing, deep sea fishing and boat tours. Plus, you won’t want to miss the activities exclusive to the island, including Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, the Castaway Cay Walking and Kayak Nature Adventure and the teen-only Wild Side Adventure. The island is stocked with toys for water sports enthusiasts. Water cycles, paddleboats, sea kayaks, sailboats, stand-up paddle boards, floats and snorkel gear are all available to rent. There’s also a watercraft ski adventure for the chance to drive a personal watercraft through mangroves and around the island. You can stay cool even in the warm sunshine. Besides joining the water fun with one of the many activities listed above, the Pelican Plunge slide is a great way to cool off. When you need a break from the sun, shaded areas are located around the island, including covered seating near the lunch buffets and bars, In Da Shade Game Pavilion and private rental cabanas. Disney cruisers, did I cover everything? If not, tell us what else we need to include to complete this list! Everything You Need to Know About Castaway Cay by Jonathan Frontado: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

The pirates from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction turned Central Park into Central pARRRk recently, showing their “Disney Side” to New York park goers. How do you show your Disney...From:Disney ParksViews:60ratingsTime:00:31More inTravel & Events

Are you excited to see “Big Hero 6” when it opens in theaters this weekend? This week, we began celebrating the film’s upcoming release with a fun addition to Downtown Disney West Side – a 40-foot-tall Baymax! Our cameras were there to see just how this larger-than life, lovable robot was brought to life. Be sure to check out the video below to see for yourself. For more on the film, be sure to check out these blog posts: Get a Taste of Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ at Disneyland Resort ‘Big Hero 6’ Coming to Disney Parks This Fall Disney’s ‘Big Hero 6’ Merchandise Lands at Disney Parks Forty-Foot-Tall Baymax Promotes ‘Big Hero 6’ at Downtown Disney by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We're celebrating the upcoming release of "Big Hero 6" with a fun addition to Downtown Disney West Side – a 40-foot-tall Baymax! Our cameras were there to see just how this larger-than life,...From:Disney ParksViews:24820ratingsTime:00:34More inTravel & Events

Waffles with espresso-mascarpone cream … poached eggs with fennel sausage, Parmesan and tomato gravy over soft polenta … the breakfast menu at the new Trattoria al Forno offers American favorites along with some classic Italian tastes. Opening day is December 18. “Fresh ingredients are key,” says Chef Dee Foundoukis. You can get a classic American breakfast with bacon and eggs, but we wanted to offer some Italian tastes, too.” Like the frittata and the scrambled eggs with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil. (Our favorite is the cured Italian meats with tomatoes, hard-boiled egg and cheese with fonduta, a warm, cheesy sauce for dipping bread.) The spacious, family-friendly dining room is inspired by farms in the Italian countryside, with a big open kitchen and the smell of wood burning in the oven. It’s a terrific spot to fuel up for a day in the theme parks. Trattoria al Forno will be open 7:30-11 a.m. for breakfast, 5-10 p.m. for dinner, and accepts the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or www.disneyworld.com/dine. Here’s a First Look at Breakfast Menu for New Trattoria al Forno Opening in December at Disney’s BoardWalk by Pam Brandon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It's time to vote for your favorite restaurants in the Orlando Sentinel's 17th Annual Foodie Awards. The online ballot has more than 45 categories including fine-dining, wine list, breakfast, brunch, power lunch, food trucks, coffeehouses and bars that serve exceptional food. The results... View the full article

Theme-park fans Shane Lindsay and Ted Tamburo wanted it all. They wanted to ride every ride at Disney World in one day. View the full article