Disney4me

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort is such a magical time – even moreso after dark. I love this view of Buena Vista Street, quiet and serene after all of our guests have left for the night to dream of sugar plums and maybe the adventures that await them the following day in the parks. I hope your holiday season is as beautiful, bright and peaceful as this photo! View the full article

Last night, Disneyland Resort made its debut in the 108th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with our Main Street Electrical Parade-inspired boat. Appearing nightly during the Southern California holiday tradition through Dec. 18 in Newport Harbor, Calif., this specially decorated boat brings the magic of the parade to the water! See for yourself in the video below. Main Street Electrical Parade returns to Disneyland park for a limited engagement beginning Jan. 20. View the full article

New Restaurant Inspired By ‘Princess and the Frog’ | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

If ever there was a reason for runners to turn to the dark side, this is it. Our friends at Star Wars recently revealed the 2017 runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side at Walt Disney World Resort medals. The medals were unveiled on the “The Star Wars Show” – which also featured the cast of Rogue One! Here’s a closer look for our Disney Parks Blog fans! runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go: Star Wars 5K & Star Wars 10K: Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side – & Dark Side Challenge: Those who run the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side and the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side will be awarded the Kessel Run Challenge medal: Register now to earn one of the medals, coming April 20-23, 2017, at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Let us know which race you are participating in using the hashtag #StarWarsHalf and make sure to follow runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram as we share more about this exciting event. View the full article

When the weather outside is frightful, Red Mint Marshmallows in a piping hot cup of hot chocolate are so delightful! Today, I’m sharing the second recipe in our Bring Home the Magic: Holiday Edition series, a sweet treat from Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure park. You can find these homemade marshmallows in the white hot chocolate at the Treats for Santa Marketplace, but at home you serve them with your favorite kind of hot chocolate. These minty marshmallows are perfect for treat swaps, a hot cocoa bar at a holiday party or a great gift (package up a few to give with hot cocoa). View the full article

With its typically simple ingredients, slight char to the crust and chewiness, Neapolitan pizza is a hard style to beat. It’s the main event at Epcot's Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. Executive Chef Charlie Restivo walked us through firing up a few of the pizzas in the restaurant’s huge 900-degree... View the full article

After a robust transformation of the ship from bow to stern, Disney Wonder cruisers are having a blast checking out all that’s new for kids, adults and families. And as Cruise Director, I’m having a blast, too! Take a look at this video too see some of the fun you can expect on your next Disney Wonder cruise. One of the coolest parts of a Disney Cruise Line vacation is that you don’t even have to step off the ship to make incredible memories with your family. The ship itself is a fun-filled destination with so much to enjoy for guests of all ages, and that’s one of the reasons we’re constantly adding new spaces and experiences to all of our ships. Tell us, which Disney ship is your favorite? View the full article

Today our countdown to Christmas continues with another holiday graphic produced by Disney artist Simone Miranda and team. In it, Lady, Tramp, Bolt, Zero and more Disney’s pups celebrate together. There may be “Ten Dogs a Barking,” but we wouldn’t mind, as long as it’s this cute bunch. Click below to see previous ‘countdown’ posts: – Holiday Countdown: Eleven Epcot Countries – Holiday Countdown: Twelve Monorail Trains View the full article

Celebrating the season at a Disney Park this month? Keep an eye out for our Disney Gift Card Holiday Pin Series throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. These cards come in four different designs featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, accompanied with coordinating mitten-shaped Disney Trading Pins. All four of these Disney Gift Card designs are loaded with $75 and include a mitten-shaped Disney Trading Pin featuring the same character as the card. Treated with a special glitter layer, these pins can only be purchased as part of this limited-edition Disney Gift Card holiday series. Give the gift of Disney with a Disney Gift Card that is simple for you and perfect for them. It can be used for practically all things Disney at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, Disney PhotoPass, Disney Store locations in the US and online at DisneyStore.com. For more information on the Disney Gift Card and for more holiday designs, please visit DisneyGiftCard.com. View the full article

Day-long celebrations thrill both Jedi-in-training and Jedi Masters of the family CELEBRATION, Fla. – In 2017, Disney Cruise Line guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day-long celebration aboard 15 special sailings on the Disney Fantasy: Star Wars Day at Sea. Star Wars Day at Sea combines the power of the Force, the magic of Disney and the excitement of cruising for an out-of-this-galaxy experience unlike any other. Occurring one day during each of 15 Disney Fantasy sailings, Star Wars Day at Sea transports guests to a galaxy far, far away — in the Caribbean. The event features a full day of Star Wars celebrations, including a deck party, encounters with favorite characters, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise. Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive entertainment. Intergalactic highlights include: Force-filled Fun for Everyone Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, Stormtroopers, Boba Fett, Sabine, Ezra and other characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for interactions and photos. Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, putting their knowledge of the film and television sagas to the test. Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and cosplay and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium. Guests can watch “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of standalone Star Wars films, as well as all seven films in the Star Wars Younglings Use Their Power In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and put their skills to the test in a final face-off with Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister. In “Padawan Mind Challenge,” Younglings participate in a fun, brain-bending battle of wits and trivia to become mind challenge masters. “Star Wars Saga: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away” is a guest participation show featuring retelling of favorite Star Wars stories, with the help of props and special effects. Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in all youth spaces. Star Wars Deck Celebration Spectacular The day concludes with more intergalactic fun when the “Summon the Force” deck party blasts off to an exciting evening filled with music, dancing and games. The “Summon the Force” deck show is accompanied by John Williams’ epic score, now including theme music from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The party culminates as Star Wars characters converge for a celebration of the saga in an epic show, complete with fireworks finale. In 2017, there is a new story, with more pyrotechnics, special effects and stunts. Merchandise, Food and Beverage Event merchandise exclusive to Star Wars Day at Sea is available on each sailing, including a range of collectible items, customizable nametags and 11 special trading pins. An epic day is not complete without a feast for the palate, so the dinner menu includes creative fare such as Sand People salad, Bantha steak empanadas, Opee Sea Killer shrimp cocktail and Qui-Gon’s crisp chicken. Sweet endings complete the meal with Calrissian velvet cake, Cloud City macarons and a frozen carbonite sundae. Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages include the colorful Galaxy in a Glass made with rum, coconut, mango and strawberry and a non-alcoholic Planetoid Punch. For sipping, there are non-alcoholic beverages in collectible cups like a BB-8 sipper and Chewbacca stein, and for snacking, popcorn is served in containers themed to Darth Vader’s helmet or a tie fighter. Film Screenings Guests can watch all seven films in the Star Wars saga and follow Darth Vader, Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Rey and Finn along their epic journey. Enjoy the latest Star Wars installment, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Also showing are episodes of the new Disney XD animated series, Star Wars Rebels. Star Wars Day at Sea will be on 15 Disney Fantasy seven-night cruises sailing from Port Canaveral. Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact their travel agent. View the full article

An 81-year-old Disneyland employee celebrated his 60th anniversary of working at the California theme park. KABC-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2hR6D54) Oscar Martinez works at Carnation Cafe along the park's Main Street, U.S.A. He came to work at Disneyland as a busboy only a year after the park's... View the full article

An 81-year-old Disneyland employee celebrated his 60th anniversary of working at the California theme park. KABC-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2hR6D54) Oscar Martinez works at Carnation Cafe along the park's Main Street, U.S.A. He came to work at Disneyland as a busboy only a year after the park's... View the full article

‘Modern Family’ Star Aubrey Anderson-Emmons at Walt Disney World View the full article

I’m taking some extra time this week to share with you some exciting news from Disneynature! Last week, The Walt Disney Studios debuted the first look at the poster for Disneynature “Born in China” and announced that actor John Krasinksi would narrate the English version of the film, in theaters April 21, 2017, for Earth Day. All of us in Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment are excited for the release of the film, and to celebrate, I would like to share with you an additional sneak peek with this look at the animals appearing in the the film. This gorgeous banner art is truly representative of the film, showcasing the wilds of China where few people have ventured. “Born in China” follows the stories of three animal families, transporting audiences to some of the most extreme environments on Earth to meet some amazing characters. A doting giant panda mother guides her growing baby as she begins to explore and seek independence. A 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, or golden monkey, feels displaced by his new baby sister and joins up with a group of free-spirited outcasts. And a mother snow leopard – an elusive animal rarely caught on camera – faces the very real drama of raising her two cubs in one of the harshest and most unforgiving environments on the planet. Other species make cameo appearances as well, in what must be the most beautiful nature film yet! “Born in China” is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan, and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman. You can get more exclusive peeks into “Born in China” by downloading your free copy of the Disneynature “Born in China” Educator’s Guide and Activity Packet, available online at disney.com/nature. This film carries forward a legacy of conservation, core to our efforts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas, and the work of the Disney Conservation Fund. You, too, can make a difference for wildlife and wild places. If you see “Born in China” during its opening week, Disneynature will make a donation in your honor to World Wildlife Fund to help protect wild panda populations and establish new conservation programs for snow leopards in China. View the full article

One of the most rewarding parts of debuting a new show in the Walt Disney Theatre is seeing the reaction of our guests. For many, it is their first Broadway-style show, and we often hear that seeing a musical on a Disney cruise is what sparked their love for theater. There’s no greater feeling for our creative team and cast than seeing both adults and kids walk out of the theater with a huge smile on their face! We captured some of those reactions when we debuted “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” aboard the Disney Wonder, and it came as no surprise that there were smiles all around. Check out this video to hear what guests loved most about this awesome production… View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle focuses on our favorite elves from “Prep & Landing” – Wayne and Lanny! If this dynamic duo of tech-savvy elves had a chance to visit a Disney Park on their free time, where would they head first? According to artist Ashley Taylor, it would have to be Innoventions. “They love gadgets,” she said. “It seemed fitting to draw them at Epcot’s Innoventions! View the full article

The Lunar New Year Celebration in Disney California Adventure Park will expand to 17 days in 2017! Running from Friday, January 20th through Sunday, February 5th, the Festival will offer live performances throughout the Paradise Garden area, extra activities and decorations, special merchandise, and Disney characters — Mickey and Minnie, Mulan and Mushu — all dressed up to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure It will also feature additional food offerings by way of three new Asian Marketplace Booths. These will serve items inspired by the cultures of China, Korea, and Vietnam — the countries which traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year. Finally, there will be a 6-minute pre-show to each evening’s presentation of the World of Color nighttime spectacular. Entitled “Hurry Home,” it will tell the story of a Little Lantern journeying home to join its family for the Lunar New Year celebration using water, animation, and other special effects. World of Color Here’s hoping you enjoy this expanded celebration of the Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure! Will you be participating in the Lunar New Year celebration? Please let us know 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!) News: Festival of Holidays To Bring New Eats to Disney California Adventure Special Snacks: Disneyland’s Lunar New Year Egg Roll View the full article

A wonderful holiday tradition has returned to select Disney World Resorts. It’s time to feast your eyes on the larger-than-life Gingerbread Displays. Let’s take a tour, it’s Gingerbread time!! Beach Club Every year, I look forward to seeing the Gingerbread Carousel found at the Beach Club Resort right next to Disney World’s Epcot. Stop by to see the new horses making their way around the Merry-Go-Round! Gingerbread Carousel at the Beach Club The horses this year were crafted in dark chocolate. They resemble Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. Check out the details! Each character’s signature is included; and even their hooves are designed to resemble their shoes. Meet Mickey Mouse! Mickey Mouse Mickey Details And Minnie. Minnie Mouse Adorable Minnie! Then there’s Donald. Donald And Goofy! Goofy Goofy Up Close Pastry Chef Deran Lanpher was there while I was taking pictures and said this year’s design is his favorite yet! Pastry Chef Deran Lanpher The Beach Club Marketplace has treats available again this year, including shingles with Beach Club and Olaf designs. Pick up treats at Beach Club Marketplace Gingerbread treats for sale Pick up a commemorative pin! Gingerbread Carousel Pin Beach Club pin Yacht Club The train display at the Yacht Club was not up on my visit. I was told it was due to technical problems. 2015 Yacht Club Train Display BoardWalk Inn Instead of the large display at the BoardWalk Inn like past years, they will have small stations set up where guests can sign up for classes on gingerbread house designing. Sounds fun!! Contemporary For the third year in a row, the Contemporary Resort display has received a “Frozen”-themed overlay, featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Sven placed in front of the Mary Blair-inspired gingerbread display. Hidden Olafs are in new spots on the display! Contemporary Gingerbread Display Close Up of Display Kristoff Sven and Olaf Anna and Elsa The lists of ingredients are posted near some of the displays. A lot of time and effort goes into making these gorgeous displays! Ingredients Display details Olaf’s dream sandcastle has returned! Sandcastle Sandcastle Detail Amazing detail on sandcastle Like last year, a “Frozen” blue hue and images of the film’s characters grace many of the snacks at the Contemporary’s display. Mickey Butter Cookie Shortbread Cookies and Krispy Treats Olaf Gingerbread Shingle Lollipops This little “build your own snowman” is a super cute gift or stocking stuffer for someone back home! Build Your Own Snowman There’s a large assortment of goodies. Nordic Cookie Sampler Linzer Cookie Gingerbread Boy The Ganachery Chocolate Bars Frozen S’more Merchandise Holiday Pin A couple of new snacks are available: Gingerbread Gelato (new to the Contemporary but is the same item we tried at the BoardWalk last year). Gingerbread Gelato Close Up Of The Gingerbread Gelato Contemporary Stollen Bread. Stollen Bread Gluten Free Gingerbread Boy – made by Erin McKenna’s. Gluten Free Gingerbread Boy Sven’s Reindeer Smash – snowflake made from pretzels with white chocolate and a Sven candy decoration. Sven’s Reindeer Smash And finally, we’re visiting the grandest stop of all… Grand Floridian As we leave the modern appeal of the Contemporary behind, it’s all tradition at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort’s Gingerbread House. Grand Floridian’s Gingerbread House In its 18th year, the display will be open until January 1, 2017. Close Up of Display Gorgeous detail Ingredients Yep — in true Disney fashion, the attraction is also a store! Unlike the other displays, you really don’t get a chance to see the treats until you walk right up to the store window, which can get crowded at times. The Shop is open from 10AM – 10PM. Grand Floridian Gingerbread Store A glimpse inside Characters featured this year in the display are Bambi and Thumper, Anna, Elsa and Olaf, Rapunzel, Pascal and Flynn Rider, Simba and Nala, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger and Roo, Cinderella, and Aurora and Belle. Disney Princesses See how many Hidden Mickeys you can find! Hidden Mickey Hidden Mickeys There are so many options sold in the shop that not everything can be put out on display, so make sure to grab a menu to look over everything. They also show what items are snack credit eligible on the menus! The chocolate bars listed are from The Ganachery. Gingerbread Menu Gingerbread Ornament Gingerbread Ornament Gingerbread Men Chocolate Dipped Gingerbread Mickey I selected a 1/2 Pound Gingerbread Bag priced at $16.00. They also have a bag with sugar-free options. With an assortment of gingerbread pieces, this is a great option for sharing if you want to try a little bit of everything. It was the Cast Member’s favorite option as well! 1/2 Pound Gingerbread Assortment The assortment includes a Gingerbread Star with frosting and Gingerbread domes with sugar and milk chocolate bottoms. Assortment Close Up Plus… Gingerbread bars covered with dark chocolate and nuts. Gingerbread bars covered with dark chocolate and nuts Dark and white chocolate squares featured gingerbread, fruit jelly, and sugar. The flavors I had were apricot and orange! Dark chocolate square White chocolate square This cute Red Velvet Cupcake cost $5.00 and is snack credit eligible. Prepared on-site, the Red velvet cake featured cream cheese icing, red and white chocolate shavings, and a cute sugar stocking topper. Seemed a little bit larger than other Disney cupcakes so I think this is a great deal! Red Velvet Cupcake The Red Velvet flavor was very prominent and really delicious. Delicious! Truffle Pops are $4.50 each and also snack credit eligible. Truffle Pops The Milk Chocolate version has a soft milk chocolate center. SO yummy, and very rich! Milk Chocolate Truffle Pop Rich center The White Chocolate Peppermint has an outer shell with white chocolate and peppermint flavored shavings. The center is milk chocolate. Also super delicious and SUPER minty! White Chocolate Peppermint Milk chocolate center They do have some of the items for sale in the Sandy Cove merchandise shop, so head there if the line at the display is too long. Sandy Cove store display Oval Chocolate Box with three truffles Oval Chocolate Box with three truffles White Chocolate Pop Peppermint Bark White Chocolate Covered Cookie Sandwiches Don’t forget to pick up your limited edition holiday pins! I love the Mater one! Holiday pins Aren’t they gorgeous?! The gingerbread displays at Disney World are always a memorable part of the holiday season. We hope you’ve enjoyed this 2016 tour, and we can’t wait to bring you more holiday fun soon! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2016 e-Book is now available! This 380+-page guide to all things Disney Holidays related — not just food! — offers you the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! And with 350 full-color photos, it will be like you’re right in the middle of the magic! Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code CANDYCANE at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Happy Holiday planning from all of us here at DFB! What’s your must-see gingerbread display? Let us know in the comments! 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 Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Close-Up! The 2015 Disney World Resort Gingerbread Displays 2014 Gingerbread House Displays at Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays In Disney World 2010, Part 1 View the full article

We’re continuing our countdown to Christmas today with another holiday graphic produced by Disney artist Simone Miranda and team. With 11 days left until Christmas, what better to feature than the 11 “countries” you can visit at World Showcase at Epcot? Click below to see previous ‘Countdown’ posts: – Holiday Countdown: Twelve Monorail Trains View the full article

'Wishes for Wildlife' - Rhino | Disney's Animals, Science & Environment View the full article

We continue to highlight children’s holiday “Wishes for Wildlife” in this new video. Each week during the holiday season, we will share another video of a child’s “Wish for Wildlife” on the Disney Parks Blog. We will also show you some of the more than 100 pieces of art they created to illustrate their wishes. We will post the children’s art on the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page – so be sure to check it often! View the full article

My favorite activity of the holiday season is decorating my home with lights, garland, tinsel, nutcrackers, wreaths and a very embarrassing number of Christmas trees, each with its own meticulous theme and perfectly placed ornaments. It takes me days to get my home completely transformed for the holidays, and I enjoy every minute of it. For a holiday décor enthusiast like myself, there’s no better place to enjoy festive sights than during Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Every inch of the Disneyland Resort seems to be wrapped in yuletide treasure, bringing out the warm nostalgia and splendor of the season in spectacular, twinkling fashion. But enough of my tidings of comfort and joy – check out a few photos of my favorite holiday décor at Disneyland Resort, courtesy of Disney PhotoPass Service! View the full article

Disney Castle By the LEGO Group | Disney Parks View the full article

Some of the most impressive holiday sights and photo ops can be found at our many Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Each resort is decorated in its own themed decor, from Christmas trees and garland, to wreaths and gingerbread creations. Here are five resorts that are impressing us this year! Disney’s Yacht Club Resort – This year, the resort’s lobby tree is decked out in a nautical/ocean theme, with ornaments in gold, and light and navy blue colors. Disney’s Polynesian Resort – This year features a large holiday tree decorated with green ornaments, tiny tikis and tropical flowers. Disney’s Beach Club Resort – This year’s gingerbread and chocolate display is a moving carousel that features four horses. Not only is it a charming and detailed carousel, but each horse is wearing a Mickey ear hat or a Goofy hat this year. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is one of the most popular resorts to stop through this time of year, with a big draw being the larger-than-life gingerbread house that is a staple sight during the holiday season at the Grand. This year’s creation measures 16 feet tall, uses 1,050 pounds of honey and took more than 400 hours just to bake. Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Sporting one of the tallest trees on property, Disney’s Contemporary Resort is home to many amazing holiday decorations. In addition to this masterpiece of colorful light, be sure to check out the resort’s “Frozen”-inspired gingerbread creations – and buy yourself a cookie, too. View the full article

If you have visited Epcot to enjoy the Holidays Around the World, I hope that you stopped at the Feast of the Three Kings marketplace to enjoy the delicious food and drinks inspired by the Caribbean. The kiosk pays homage to the Día de los Reyes Magos, a holiday celebrated in the Caribbean, Latin America and Spain. Guests can visit to enjoy the food and learn about the history of the celebration. The Feast of the Three Kings features drinks like Coquito (with and without rum) and dishes like a roasted pork with mashed yucca and pickled green bananas, the very traditional Three Kings Bread and a shredded beef tamale with avocado crema. Here’s the recipe for the tamale so you can prepare it en casa (makes 12 tamales): Beef Filling 1 medium onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 cup beef broth 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons salt 2 pound beef chuck roast or brisket Tamales 12 dried corn husks 1 3/4 cup masa flour 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening 1/2 tablespoon salt 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1-2 cups warm beef stock Corn salsa 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1 medium tomato, diced 1/4 cup diced red onion 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced 1/4 cup diced green pepper 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Cilantro lime rice 1 1/2 cups water 1 cup basmati rice 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice Avocado crema 1 avocado, diced 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons lime juice For beef filling: Place onions, peppers, diced tomatoes, and beef stock in the bottom of a slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix garlic, tomato paste, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to form a paste. Rub paste on all sides of the roast. Place in slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours, until beef shreds easily with a fork. Shred the beef and stir with vegetables and liquid. Set aside to cool. For tamales: Place corn husks in a large bowl. Cover with boiling water and soak for 2 hours. Drain and set aside. Place masa flour, lard, salt, and baking powder in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until lard is evenly distributed throughout the masa. Add warm beef broth, 1/2 cup at a time, until mixture resembles smooth mashed potatoes. Place one corn husk, concave side up on a plate. Place 2 heaping tablespoons of the masa flour mix in the center of the corn husk. Press with fingers to evenly layer, keeping dough about 1/2 inch from the sides and 2 inches from the top and bottom of the corn husk. Place one level tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of the dough. Bring the sides of the corn husk up to meet, pinching the dough to seal, then roll into a cylinder, folding the bottom and top towards the seam. Place tamale seam side down in a steamer basket. Repeat with remaining corn husks, making sure not to have more than 2 layers of tamales. Add a few inches of water to a large stock pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Place steamer basket inside of pot. Steam tamales for 90 minutes, checking occasionally to see if more water is needed, until tamales start to separate from the corn husk. Set aside. For corn salsa: Combine corn, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, green pepper, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. For cilantro lime rice: Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt, return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes, until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Add additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt, if needed. For avocado crema: Place avocado, sour cream, cilantro, salt, and lime juice in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Set aside. To serve: Evenly divide rice among 4-6 plates. Unwrap tamales and place on top of rice. Top with corn salsa and avocado crema. Cook’s Note: To prepare beef filling in the oven, place onions peppers, diced tomatoes, and beef stock in the bottom of a roasting pan. Wrap seasoned beef in parchment, then seal with foil and place on top of vegetables. Cook at 300°F for 3 hours, until meat shreds with a fork. Holidays Around the World takes place at Epcot until December 30. View the full article