December 15, 2012 A Yo-HO-HO-HO Holiday Fantasy!

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Oh well - I'm a porker at the moment. I STILL totally, totally, totally enjoyed that Cheddar Cheese soup!

 

[jilljill]

I probably shouldn't tell you then - that in the oven right now - and smelling absoLUTELY heavenly - are the Garden Grill potatoes! Those are to die for!!!

Actually, at the F&W Festival, the servings they give you are so darned small. (okay, so I know the potatoes I'm making for tonight are beyond caloric and bad for one...but they are so darned good....)

Garden Grill potatoes...?!? Do tell.....
It's been years since we ate there and the only thing I remember was the cinnamon ice cream.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Before they started serving the boring garlic mashed potatoes - they used to have what they called Potato Casserole. Sort of like scalloped potatoes - but much better.

Calorie-wise - the cheddar cheese soup probably is like Lean Cuisine compared to them. They've got two types of cheese, heavy cream, egg yolks, etc. But absolutely yummy.

I have the recipe for both the Cheddar Cheese soup and the Potato casserole.

 

[jilljill]

Oh my....they do sound absolutely devine. I'll have to check my WDW cookbooks and see if I can find the recipe. I know the cheese soup one is in there.

My go to recipe is the Rice Cream from Norway...we all love that. I've made different sauces using different jams when we want something other than strawberry.

 

[davidls]

On my past 14 cruises, only once did I gain any weight (a few pounds), and that was because I was with someone who couldn't do the stairs and wanted me riding the elevator with her. My fear on the Dream and the Fantasy is that since there are so many decks, I won't be doing the stairs much (usually I try to NEVER use the elevators), and that is why I fear any weight gain.

Shari, DW and I used the stairs all of the time on our back2back on the Dream a couple of weeks ago. We very rarely used the elevator. We both know that if we had used the elevators we would have probably gained even more weight!!! Our biggest problem were the desserts and dinner. If you had a hard time deciding which one you wanted, Gilbert our waiter asked which ones you were trying to decide on. If you said I like this one and that one - Gilbert would bring out both of them. The first night he brought me 3 different desserts!!! (Of course I couldn't let good food go to waste!!!)

 

[taswira]

davidls - I am HOPING to use the stairs as much as possible. On the Dream in February I'll be on Deck 9. Considering that Enchanted Garden is on Deck 2, I'm just not picturing myself making the climb back up another 7 decks after dining. In April, Holly and I are on Deck 12 forward, so a 10-deck climb. She has mobility issues, and I know I'm not going to hike 10 flights without moral support - LOL. Then on next December's we each have a cabin on Deck 10 forward, so almost as bad.

If it works out that I most often am going from wherever I am to not more than 5 decks up, I might manage it. Otherwise, on these new ships you might only see me going DOWN the stairs, not UP!

 

[NWmom]

Note to self: avoid Gilbert as the waiter.

Ok fess up time. I lost 2 pounds on our Alaskan cruise just by adding stair climbing and walking. I was that out of shape (Back injury) it made that much of a difference. I ate whatever I wanted, but was conscious to make good choices and eat slowly. But man did my body hurt, especially my lower legs and feet.

I did decide that on this trip, I would like to see the inside of the exercise room other than on the first day for raffles.

So in planning where to have our stateroom I did figure in how far away it was from the exercise area to encourage me to make the effort to get there.

I also wanted to not have the stateroom be so far back up from meals I would not want to walk the stairs.

We decided deck 6 would be ideal as it was partway up and partway down. Then decided we wanted forward as it would force exercise to get to meals.
So that is my way to control the pounds on board.

In anticipating the ship being much larger than the Wonder, I want to make sure I am fit enough to do all that stairclimbing, plus I am trying to lose a bit before we go. First stop is drink more water. It not only hydrates, it fills you up a little.

 

[davidls]

davidls - I am HOPING to use the stairs as much as possible. On the Dream in February I'll be on Deck 9. Considering that Enchanted Garden is on Deck 2, I'm just not picturing myself making the climb back up another 7 decks after dining. In April, Holly and I are on Deck 12 forward, so a 10-deck climb. She has mobility issues, and I know I'm not going to hike 10 flights without moral support - LOL. Then on next December's we each have a cabin on Deck 10 forward, so almost as bad.

If it works out that I most often am going from wherever I am to not more than 5 decks up, I might manage it. Otherwise, on these new ships you might only see me going DOWN the stairs, not UP!

Well Shari, DW and I did go DOWN pretty much all of the time, and up the stairs I would say about 90% of the time. When we ate in the Enchanted Garden we did ride the elevator the first time. Both times we ate dinner down there, there was always a huge line of people waiting on an elevator - so we took the stairs. When we did the Detective Agency game - we played both games - we always took the stairs. But we found once we got home and got back into our usual eating habits and exercise we got back down pretty easily.

Note to self: avoid Gilbert as the waiter.

Ok fess up time. I lost 2 pounds on our Alaskan cruise just by adding stair climbing and walking. I was that out of shape (Back injury) it made that much of a difference. I ate whatever I wanted, but was conscious to make good choices and eat slowly. But man did my body hurt, especially my lower legs and feet.

I did decide that on this trip, I would like to see the inside of the exercise room other than on the first day for raffles.

So in planning where to have our stateroom I did figure in how far away it was from the exercise area to encourage me to make the effort to get there.

I also wanted to not have the stateroom be so far back up from meals I would not want to walk the stairs.

We decided deck 6 would be ideal as it was partway up and partway down. Then decided we wanted forward as it would force exercise to get to meals.
So that is my way to control the pounds on board.

In anticipating the ship being much larger than the Wonder, I want to make sure I am fit enough to do all that stairclimbing, plus I am trying to lose a bit before we go. First stop is drink more water. It not only hydrates, it fills you up a little.

Good News for you NWmom - we talked to our server Gilbert when we were on the Dream and he is moving over to the Fantasy. He is from the Philippines. You would like him - he is supper nice - does magic tricks to entertain the kids, (us adults too), and he was one of the best servers we have ever had. We are going to request him on this December cruise. We told him we would request him, he gave my wife and I both a big hug on our last day at breakfast. Plus you will get all of the desserts you want to eat!!!

 

[NWDAD]

Note to self: avoid Gilbert as the waiter.

Ok fess up time. I lost 2 pounds on our Alaskan cruise just by adding stair climbing and walking. I was that out of shape (Back injury) it made that much of a difference. I ate whatever I wanted, but was conscious to make good choices and eat slowly. But man did my body hurt, especially my lower legs and feet.

I did decide that on this trip, I would like to see the inside of the exercise room other than on the first day for raffles.

So in planning where to have our stateroom I did figure in how far away it was from the exercise area to encourage me to make the effort to get there.

I also wanted to not have the stateroom be so far back up from meals I would not want to walk the stairs.

We decided deck 6 would be ideal as it was partway up and partway down. Then decided we wanted forward as it would force exercise to get to meals.
So that is my way to control the pounds on board.

In anticipating the ship being much larger than the Wonder, I want to make sure I am fit enough to do all that stairclimbing, plus I am trying to lose a bit before we go. First stop is drink more water. It not only hydrates, it fills you up a little.

I will be there right beside you.

 

[pjstevens]

I'm planning on booking this cruise as soon as I get home this afternoon. We aren't planning a Disney trip next year (we are doing the NYC cruise to Canada) but no trips to the world so I have points to spend and figure this would be a great way to spend them. I signed up on the website too (can you say I'm a little excited). We just cruised the Dream on September 1st and loved it.

 

[taswira]

pjstevens! Let me know your stateroom number and/or deck & category when you have it and I'll add it to your listing on our website.

 

[pjstevens]

pjstevens! Let me know your stateroom number and/or deck & category when you have it and I'll add it to your listing on our website.

I can't wait to get off so I can call (I'd call from work, but my luck, either boss comes in or phones go crazy), lol. So I should be booked by 3:30 (hopefully)! I'll let you know the info as soon as I get it.

 

[jilljill]

I'm planning on booking this cruise as soon as I get home this afternoon. We aren't planning a Disney trip next year (we are doing the NYC cruise to Canada) but no trips to the world so I have points to spend and figure this would be a great way to spend them. I signed up on the website too (can you say I'm a little excited). We just cruised the Dream on September 1st and loved it.

Which NYC cruise are you on? We're on the 9/7 one.

We're also from DE, live in Newark.

 

[pjstevens]

Which NYC cruise are you on? We're on the 9/7 one.

We're also from DE, live in Newark.

We are on the June 10th cruise (didn't realize when we booked it that it was the first one, so no one to give us the 'scoop').

We live in Claymont! Small world

My sister lives in Newark and my parents in Bear.

 

[jilljill]

Yes it is, especially in DE. My DH works in Bear at the Acme.

Can't wait to hear about your June cruise.

 

[pjstevens]

We are booked!!!! I did it as soon as I got in but had to run out since I had class (I'm going to college at night) at 4:30.

I can't wait to hear all about the fantasy. We were on the Dream September 1st. We booked that 17 months in advance, so the wait for the Fantasy should be a breeze, (sure)! I'm already checking out the website.

Our cabin is 8673, I haven't even looked where it is, so I hope it's good.

Looking forward to 'meeting' you all.

 

[NWDAD]

I probably shouldn't tell you then - that in the oven right now - and smelling absoLUTELY heavenly - are the Garden Grill potatoes! Those are to die for!!!

Actually, at the F&W Festival, the servings they give you are so darned small. (okay, so I know the potatoes I'm making for tonight are beyond caloric and bad for one...but they are so darned good....)

Do you happen to have the recipies for the Cheddar Cheese Soup and tge Garden Grill Potatoes? If so can you PM them to me?

TIA Kevin

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

Since a few people may ask, and Disney gives out the recipes if you ask, I'll just put them here:


CANADIAN CHEDDAR CHEESE SOUP
Le Cellier Restaurant, Epcot Canada Pavilion

Ingredients:

5 cups milk, warmed
1/2 pound bacon
10 tablespoons butter
1 cup celery
Chives
2 each red onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups flour
1 quart chicken stock
1 pound cheddar cheese, shredded
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 Tabasco sauce
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces slightly warm ale

Method of Preparation:

1. Slowly heat milk
2. Brown the bacon first, then render until crisp
3. Add the butter and melt
4. Add celery and onions, cook until translucent
5. Add flour and mix thoroughly to form a roux
6. Add chicken stock and simmer for three minutes
7. Add warm milk and stir vigorously to thicken
8. Cook out roux until thickened (it should not have a starchy taste)
9. Reduce heat to low, add cheese, and stir until melted
10. Season with kosher salt, pepper, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce
11. Just prior to serving, add warm ale
12. Garnish with cooked bacon and fresh chives

Cook's Note: When re-heating soup, do not bring to a boil, as it will break down

Yield: 8 servings


Potato Casserole
Garden Grill Restaurant, The Land, Epcot


Ingrediants:

2 pounds potatoes, diced
2 pounds potatoes, shredded
2 cups diced onions
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 quart heavy cream
8 each egg yolks
8 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
6 ounces Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Method of Preparation:

Mix together all ingredients, reserving 2 ounces of cheddar cheese. Spray 2" deep 10X10" pan with non-stick spray. Fill pan 3/4 of the way full with mixed ingredients. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, parchment paper and foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 minutes. Remove foil and paper and bake for additional 10 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

And hello and welcome to PJStevens!

 

[dstevens]

I am here also . pjstevens is my wife and we are so psyched for this "Fantasy". Of course it's going to take me a little time to catch up on all these posts. .