Pigs in a Blanket

• 3 Cups Almond Flour
• 4 Tbsp. Cold, Diced Unsalted Butter
• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Stevia
• 2 Eggs
• Around 14 Organic Beef or Turkey Hot Dogs

Preheat oven to 400. Add all ingredients (except hot dogs) into a food processor and pulse until it pulls away from edges and forms a ball. Separate the dough into two balls, cover and place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

While waiting for the dough to cool, slice each hot dog into 4 pieces. Take out the dough and roll out between two pieces of parchment paper until it forms a flat, round circle about 1/8 of an inch thick.

Using a pizza cutter, slice into wedges that are about the width of each hot dog at it’s thickest point. Roll each hot dog in a dough wedge, starting at the widest point. It will look like a crescent roll.

Place all on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. Cool slightly and serve!

As always, Julia Roberts makes for a wonderful leading lady, offering a bit of comedic relief to the title of Evil Queen. This, of course, is in stark contrast to the tone Charlize Theron has set for the Snow White antagonist.

Lilly Collins is going to shine in the lead role of Mirror, Mirror. Not only does she physically fit the part of Snow White down to the smallest detail, but judging from the trailer, her acting skills are already far beyond that of Kristin Stewart. That said, the role of Snow White in Snow White and the Huntsman is pretty intriguing. I love the warrior theme, depicting her clad with shield and sword. We’ll see if she can live up to the armor.

I look forward to seeing them both. With Snow White and the Huntsman releasing June 1, and Mirror, Mirror coming out March 30th, it will be interesting to see which one truly is the fairest in the land (sorry, I just had too!).

ABC Found success with Once Upon a Time, and are hoping that Belle and the Beast can make that happen, as well.

Enter Beauty and the Beast. A Tale as Old as Time, right? Both ABC and the CW have ordered pilots of this fairytale retelling, which will be debuting at the same time this month. ABC’s version will most likely play off of their animated film, while the CW is taking from CBS’s 1980s drama that starred Ron Perlman as Vincent – the Beast – and Linda Hamilton as Catherine – the Beauty.

Does this double debut sound familiar? Think Once Upon a Time and Grimm. Think of the no less than TWO Snow White movies hitting theaters this summer.

CW plans to remake CBS's 1980s version of Beauty and the Beast

A loyal fan of ABC, I admit that I’m excited about the prospect of their Beauty and the Beast concept. I will also be watching the CW’s version, because I distinctly remember being a young girl and sitting with my mom, completely enraptured by Vincent and Catherine’s love affair. My only fear is that soon these fairy tales will fall by the wayside once more, traded in for something a bit more young and fresh. I worry that corporations are doing what they do best – saturating the market.

The question I am asking myself is where this current trend began. I can only assume that Harry Potter led the way into the realm of fantasy, and that corporations hurriedly began snatching up children’s tales as adult entertainment. Will this trend fizzle and a period of realism come next? Will people tire of the fantastic and long for a story of normal people doing normal things? But then again, what’s normal?

In a nutshell, Garden Grocer is an online grocery store that allows vacationers a way to get items they may not be able to find at their resort. This is especially useful when in Walt Disney World, because the small resort markets do not typically offer a wide variety of specialty items (and their prices aren’t very budget friendly). Garden Grocer offers tons of Organic, Gluten Free, and Kosher products that will help to supplement meals while in the World. They also have baby care items, health and beauty products, and prepared meals available.

Their prices are comparable to other grocery stores, and because they charge a minimal delivery fee, the stress of finding transportation to a real grocery store is eliminated! This is a wonderful tool to utilize for longer stays, especially in a villa-style accommodation where some meals will probably be cooked in the room.

I know that I will be using this option for our next trip to Disney World. It simply isn’t worth the hassle of trying to bring in a case of water and my myriad of gluten free snacks! Has anyone else used this before? I would love to learn of your experience with the service.

It all came down to the HOW of traveling. We wanted to go and see and do, but didn’t want the hassle of checking in and out of hotels every few days – not to mention the added expense of trains and Easy Jet flights for two straight weeks. I loved every minute of our last jaunt across the pond, but lugging a carry-on everywhere did manage to get tiring after a few weeks. Visions of laundromats and crowded terminal platforms filled my head. I certainly wanted to pack a little more than three shirts this time around, and definitely didn’t relish the notion of 10 hour train rides. A cruise was sounding better and better.

At first we were settled on a Northern European itinerary. But after the recent Costa cruise fiasco – not to mention the reviews that MSC and Costa cruise lines received on Cruisecritic.com – the low cost, big name European carriers slowly started slipping through our fingers. I didn’t want to gamble on the quality of the cruise simply because it offered a low price, and that seemed to be the overwhelming lament of those reviews, as well.

The Piazza of the Ruby Princess - What a Cruise Ship SHOULD Look Like!

It was at this point that we decided to broaden our options. The Mediterannean is filled to the gills with cruises during the summer months, but for good reason. With amazing weather and exotic ports-of-call, some cruise lines even offer floating 5 star resorts that can be your home-base as you embark on a different city each day – leaving the driving to someone else.

Beautiful Mykonos, Greece

Again we had to choose what our non-negotiables were. For me, it was food – hand’s down. One of the joys of going to Europe is experiencing a new culture through its food, and I wanted to make sure I could do this when traveling on a large boat to each country. Jeremy wanted to make sure that the price was right, also a balcony in our room and lots of small amenities. While we won’t be spending too much of our time in the cabin itself, I’m pretty sure there isn’t much that will beat the experience of sitting on a private verandah while viewing the Amalfi coast!

The Commercial Agora in Ephesus - Where Paul most likely had his tent-making business with Priscilla and Aquilla

We finally settled on the Grand Mediterranean itinerary that Princess Cruise Line offers. The Ruby Princess is their newest ship, and received very high marks for ambiance, itinerary, and – you guessed it – food. We’ll start in Barcelona and wind our way throughout the Mediterranean for 12 days, traveling to ports like Rome, Mykonos, Istanbul, and Ephesus. The debarkation point just happens to be in Venice, where we’ll spend a day simply strolling the waterways!

5 full months from today – I have quite a bit of planning and dreaming to do until then!

This short video gives the clear cut, factual story of what caused the American obesity epidemic, heart disease, and our overwhelming fear of healthy fats. It’s amazing how many studies are our there that use false data, and the fact that everyone buys into it!

I waited with baited breath as my husband took the first bite – and it turned out to be more than a success. He’s requesting that it get added to our cookbook!

Sweet Potato, Chicken and Swiss Chard Stuffed Acorn Squash

• 1 Acorn Squash
• 1 Small Sweet Potato (longer and skinnier works well here)
• 4-5 Leaves of Fresh Swiss Chard
• 1/2-3/4 Cup of Roasted, Shredded Chicken
• Handful of Roasted and Salted Pumpkin Seeds (or similar nut/seed)
• 1/2 Can Organic Tomato Sauce
• Goat Cheese to Shred and Coat the Top
• Oil for cooking (Olive, Coconut, Grapeseed)

Preheat oven to 425. Cut Acorn Squash down the middle, scoop out seeds, and place cut side down on a greased baking dish. Place in oven to bake for approx. 20-25 minutes.

While Squash is baking, chop the Sweet Potato into small squares. Rip up the leaves of the Swiss Chard into pieces, and place all in a pan to sauté with seasonings of your choice (I chose salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder). Cook 20 minutes, or until the Sweet Potatoes begin to become tender.

Take Squash out of the oven and turn the temperature down to 375. Flip the Squash over and season with salt and pepper. Turning your attention back to the Sweet Potato mixture, take off the heat and add Tomato Sauce, Chicken, and Pumpkin Seeds. Combine until well-blended and stuff into the Acorn Squash.

Place everything into the oven, cooking for 10-15 minutes more, or until everything begins to look golden and toasty. Take out to sprinkle goat cheese over the mixture, and bake again until cheese melts.

Serve immediately!

Monsanto’s Genetically Modified corn could be in stores this year, but it may be possible to reject it. If the corn makes it into our grocery stores and restaurants, there is no law that says it has to be labeled. Think about it: you have no idea of the food you and your family will be eating.

30,000 have already signed the petition, but before it gets sent to Walmart there has to be at least 100,000 signatures. Would you like to be a part of this huge step towards natural foods? Then, sign the petition!

Tell Walmart to Reject Monsanto’s GM Sweet Corn Now

2011 saw the opening of a more specialized, sophisticated Mexican dining venue in La Hacienda de San Angel, as well as a new Tequila bar in the same Epcot country. La Cava Del Tequila has been quite popular among adults choosing to get away from the crowds and drink their way around the world. Disney also heeded the cry for pizza that actually tasted delicious, and Italy’s Via Napoli emerged with authentic, certified Vera Pizza Napolitana. Baby Cakes, NYC opened its doors in Downtown Disney, offering allergy friendly treats without refined sugar – something anyone would feel healthier indulging in.

Now that a new year is upon us, Disney is proving that they are no where close to finished with making Walt Disney World more than just a theme park. Healthier options, more specialty dining, and another “adult friendly” venue are making debuts this year throughout the world.

Katsura Grill

Epcot’s quick service venue Yakitori House has been transformed into a healthier, more specialized counter service restaurant. Sushi, Curries, Udon Noodles, Miso Soup, Edamame, and even Sake are served in an environment that was inspired by the Katsura Imperial gardens in Kyoto.

But perhaps the biggest draw to the Katsura Grill is the addition of an outdoor Sake bar. It seems that Disney has taken notice of the popularity of drinks in Epcot and expanded their offerings. While the menu features soft drinks, teas and even smoothies, the main attraction is the Sake Cocktails and selection of Sakes. It seems you can even purchase them by the bottle!

Gusto Wine Bar

Construction is well under way in Epcot’s Italy at the moment, where Tutto Italia is getting a face lift. But that isn’t the only change coming to this popular country. Gusto Wine Bar is scheduled to begin serving thirsty patrons in April 2012. Upon entering, one will get the feeling of being in an Old Country wine cellar. Exposed brick, stone floors and cellar walls with vaulted ceilings will create an authentic atmosphere, along with wine casks that support a vintage-esque bar. Like La Cava Del Tequila, guests will also be able to nibble on tapas and small offerings as they sit around a large fireplace in this cozy, intimate space. I, for one, am looking forward to having this space to relax – away from the outside noise!

Be Our Guest Restaurant

There are also changes taking place outside of Epcot. The Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is undergoing a huge expansion, and along with it will come a few much-needed new restaurants for this theme park. It seems Belle is taking center stage, getting her own castle and restaurant. While it isn’t set to open until late 2012, the attention to detail and unique experience that Be Our Guest will provide will be well worth the wait.

The venue is set within the walls of Beast’s castle, taking up three large rooms – the cozy Library, the elegant Ballroom, or the mysterious West Wing. The West Wing will house the enchanted rose, of course, while the Ballroom will have a snow effect on the windows, making guests feel they are nestled warmly beside a roaring fire while a French winter lies outside. Like La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot, Be Our Guest will be a table service destination during the evening, with counter service during lunch hours. This will allow any budget to experience the floor-t0-ceiling windows and murals throughout the space.

Not to be outdone by the Beast, Gaston will have a tavern located in the same area of Fantasyland, complete with Antlers on the walls and hopefully another large fireplace! This will be a counter service destination.

AMC Fork and Screen Theater

Downtown Disney also has a new addition to add to the mix. AMC Theaters now has a special offering, where guests can dine and watch a movie all-in-one. Of course, AMC already offers more in the way of specialty dining than most theaters – custom popcorn with sweet add-ins, Ice Cream,  a Coke Freestyle station, and even a full bar can be found upon entering. But the latest and greatest is a theater complete with tables and chairs in groupings of four, to allow theater-goers the luxury of the Big Screen and a great meal, too. A full menu – with appetizers, entrees, desserts and specialty drinks – can be ordered from the waitstaff.

Baby Cakes, NYC Cake Orders

Not to be left out, Baby Cakes has expanded their offerings to include custom cakes that can be ordered anywhere on-property. This opens up an entirely new world for parents and guests celebrating with one or multiple allergies. Unbelievably, these cakes taste just as wonderful – if not even better – than the cakes ordered from Disney’s main bakery, and are free of refined sugar, gluten, wheat, soy, casein, eggs… and are mostly vegan and Kosher!

Disney is proving year after year that they are listening to guests. Many of these new restaurants and specialty venues appeal to a growing list of Disney fans who may not fit within the normal mold. I hope to see more of this each year!

The Maker’s Diet is pretty anti-pork, but I had the good fortune of discovering Beef Bacon at Trader Joe’s. It’s also Nitrate free, which works perfectly with a clean eating plan. Beef bacon has more of a “jerky” taste to it than other bacon alternatives (such as turkey), but it worked perfectly for this asparagus recipe, since Prosciutto was what was originally called for.

This was a very easy dish to make, and was surprisingly filling!

Bacon Wrapped Asaparagus

• 1 Bunch of Asparagus
• 4 Slices of Beef Bacon, preferably thinly sliced
• Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Course Sea Salt

Preheat the oven to 425°F, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick spray. Trim the tough ends from the asparagus, wash and pat dry.

Slice the bacon lengthwise into thirds. Working at an angle, wrap each asparagus spear with a strip of bacon and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.

Moderately drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the entire sheet. Grind some pepper over the top, and sprinkle desired amount of salt. Roast for 5 minutes before checking. You might want to shake the pan a bit to distribute the oils at this point. Roast for another 5-10 minutes, or until cooked to your preference. I like my bacon fairly crispy on the ends, so I went a bit longer.

Transfer to a plate and serve!