Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Disney Parks Set to Debut Hundreds of New Plant-Based Food Options

The happiest places on Earth are about to dive ears first into the latest meatless food craze. Beginning next month, Walt Disney World Resort will introduce more than 400 (not a typo!) plant-based items property-wide. The rollout officially launches at quick service locations Oct. 1 with table service eateries following suit Oct. 3. Restaurants at California’s Disneyland Resort will join the fun beginning next spring featuring a brand new set of offerings—menu overlap with its Florida-based sibling will be minimal.

All these new options, along with previously available plant-based selections, will be designated on menus with a green-leaf icon which will indicate that the item was prepared without animal meat, dairy, eggs, or honey. Though vegetarian and vegan-friendly, these dishes were conceived with all diners in mind, says Cheryl Dolven, manager of food & beverage health and wellness for Disney Parks and Resorts.

Related Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Eating & Drinking at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

This ambitious plant-based initiative, which, according to Dolven, has been more than two years in the making, will ultimately encompass every major quick and table service restaurant across both resorts.

What to Expect

“You’re going to find a wide variety of executions,” says Dolven who reveals that along with a number of plant-based options that “eat and taste like meat … we’re also going to celebrate veggies in a new way and use things that have been around a long time, like tofu, jackfruit, mushrooms, [and] seitan.”

Disney World Resort

Items will span the globe and cover the familiar, like Sicilian-style pizza and cauliflower tacos to more whimsical fare (this is Disney, after all) such as fruit nachos and a plant-based take on Korean beef bulgogi. Dolven notes that the new offerings will run the gamut from “light and healthy” to “really indulgent” and cover a full menu range of snacks, apps, mains, and, of course, plenty of desserts.

Though Dolven admits she was initially concerned about dealing with the sweeter side of things without dessert staples such as eggs, milk, and butter, she’s thrilled with the end results. “Our pastry chefs have just knocked it out of the park,” she says. “They could just put sorbet on the menu. But they have not taken the easy route out.”

Below is just a taste of some of the plant-based items that will be making their Disney debut:

  • Eggless Florentine (The Crystal Palace at The Magic Kingdom)
  • Mushroom Lobster-Style Sandwich (Coral Reef at Epcot)
  • Kushari (Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
  • Carrot Gnocchi (The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa)
  • Passion Fruit Tapioca Crème (Tiffins Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
  • Johnny Appleseed’s Warm Apple Cake (Liberty Tree Tavern at the Magic Kingdom)

Disney The Simple Family Cookbook, $10.87

Bring the magic of Disney dining to your own kitchen.
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Don’t Forget the Classics

Along with the hundreds of new items that will be introduced in October, next month’s rollout is also sure to draw attention to current Disney dining mainstays that already carry the plant-based flag such as the Mickey pretzel and Dole Whip.

Disneyland Resort

Some of the other (many) plant-based options currently available on both coasts include:

  • Enchanted Cauli-Flower (Red Rose Taverne at Disneyland Park)
  • Potato Flautas (Lamplight Lounge at California Adventure)
  • Felucian Garden Spread (Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge)
  • Vegetable Korma with Plant-based Chicken and Cashews (Sunshine Seasons at Epcot)
  • Coconut Mango Custard Tart, Boma (Flavors of Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge)

According to Dolven, this is just the latest step when it comes to Disney’s foray into plant-based fare. “We’re constantly evolving our menus to the guests,” she says. “We’ll be continuing to look out for where we can take that next step.”

Related Reading: 12 Easy Ways to Eat a More Plant-Based Diet



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Making a Clear Case for Moonshine

In our latest Chow-To episode, Senior Video Producer Guillermo Riveros visits Brooklyn’s acclaimed Kings County Distillery for a deep dive into the art of producing its award-winning moonshine. He joins head distiller and co-owner Colin Spoelman who offers a step-by-step demonstration of the time-honored process of transforming grain to whiskey. The two also clear up some of the many misconceptions associated with moonshine, also known as the “illegal spirit,” and discuss the brief, yet storied, history of the distillery.

Despite being less than a decade old, Kings County has the distinction of being the oldest active distillery in New York City. Its opening in 2010 just so happens to be the year the United States deemed moonshine legal.

Don’t Try This at Home  

Though moonshine is now officially designated as “clear, unaged whiskey,” the moniker has also been used as a catch-all term for any liquor distilled illegally. It was often produced in the dead of night (hence the name) to avoid detection from the law and the process largely resulted in barely drinkable hooch which could be composed of anything and everything—that is, of course, if the still didn’t explode during distillation.

Chowhound

Though bootleggers continue to practice their craft illicitly (Spoelman, who grew up in a dry county in Kentucky, is well acquainted with them), there are a number of legal moonshine options available for retail (presuming you purchase your booze from a reputable liquor purveyor). Thanks to the recent bourbon boom, along with the growing trend of prohibition cocktails and “speakeasy” bars, moonshine continues to see a rise in popularity. The good stuff, like the moonshine bottled at Kings County, offers drinkers the opportunity to get a taste of whiskey in its purest form.

Related Reading: Inside the Bourbon Boom: How Old-Fashioned Became Cool

Kings County Distillery Moonshine, $21.99-$39.99 on Drizly

There's a reason this bottle is of sweet corn whiskey is a multi-award winner.
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The Moonshine Mash

Though Kings County’s other offerings such as their flagship straight bourbon and chocolate whiskey take years to produce, that’s not the case with moonshine. Since it complete eschews barrel aging, “white whiskey” can be completed in a matter of days, essentially the spirit straight from the still.

It all starts with the mash, which is almost akin to making a stew. Kings County’s recipe calls for 80 percent New York state organic corn and 20 percent malted barley. As the two are blended in hot water, enzymes from the malted barley help transform the starch in the corn to sugar.

The mixture is cooled and a thimble of yeast is added to begin fermentation which will convert the sugar and oxygen to carbon dioxide and alcohol.

Learn about all things moonshine from recipes to songs.
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From Beer to Wine to Whiskey

After the four-day fermentation process, things start to get boozy. The resulting liquid, known as distillers’ beer (despite its name, avoid imbibing), has around a seven to eight percent alcohol content. But the real magic begins during distillation, which uses a still to remove the alcohol from the liquid by boiling, capturing the steam, and letting it cool. It’s a two-step process: The first distillation results in what’s known as “low wines” as the alcohol content clocks in at a wine-like 20 percent (similar to distillers’ beer, this won’t go down easy). The second round, known as the “spirit run”, results in the finished product. But first, make sure to dispose of the initial part of the run which contains a high concentration of methanol. To put it simply, the alcohol we drink is ethanol, but if you add an “m” to it, that’s not good. Drinking as little as 30 milliliters of methanol causes blindness and its one of the reasons moonshine gets such a bad rap.

Chowhound

It’s during the middle of the run when the whiskey peaks with an aroma of silver tequila or grappa and a mellow corn flavor. It’s perfect for cocktails or can be enjoyed on its own.

Just remember to leave the production of moonshine to the professionals. The “illegal spirit” remains illegal if distilled without a proper license.

Want more great recipes, stories, and insights from chefs? Subscribe to Chow-To so you never miss an episode!



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6 Reasons Why Pumpkin Is the New Superfood

How healthy is pumpkin?

There’s a lot more to pumpkin than flavoring for your coffee or decor for your front stoop. Though the food is so intrinsically tied with all things autumn, and already appears in many of your favorite fall foods, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about it.

For one: pumpkins come in an array of colors, including, green, yellow, white and even blue! Second: pumpkin is “just one of the great winter squash members of the gourd family,” says Emily Melby, R.D.N., of Allergy Associates of La Crosse—which makes pumpkin and its cousins a perfect excuse to visit your favorite farmers market.

Third, and most importantly: Pumpkin packs a major punch when it comes to nutrition.

In fact, pumpkin is rated as a “powerhouse fruit and vegetable,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“These foods are specifically associated with reducing chronic disease risk and are typically full of color,” says Melby. “It’s definitely a superfood because it contains so many nutrients.”

Want to know more about the nutrients pumpkin packs? Read ahead for more on this superfood and the parts of your body it benefits.

1. It Supports Eye Health

Want to keep your peepers working properly? Load up on the orange stuff! “The orange flesh of pumpkin contains the antioxidant beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports eye health,” says Melby.

2. It’s Low-Calorie

You may associate pumpkin with heartier dishes like soups, but the veggie is actually pretty waistline friendly. “Pumpkin is naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to your diet for weight control,” Melby says. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest eating about 5 ½ cups of red and orange vegetables each week, according to Melby. “Incorporating pumpkin into your weekly diet definitely coincides with this advice,” she adds.

3. It’s Full of Fiber

Searching for something that will keep you fuller longer? Look no further than pumpkin. In addition to being full of vitamins and minerals while also being a “low calorie superstar,” pumpkin is phenomenal at delivering fiber, which slows digestion and helps you feel fuller longer, says Carol Aguirre M.S, R.D./L.D.N., nutritionist and dietitian at Nutrition Connections.

“There’s seven grams of fiber in a cup of canned pumpkin,” says Aguirre. “That’s more than what you’d get in two slices of whole-grain bread.”

She adds, “The high-fiber content means that the carbohydrate content is absorbed slowly so it’s ideal as a weight loss food, and for diabetics because it maintains stable levels of sugar, averting those unfortunate cravings for sweeter and more calorific foods.”

4. It Boosts Your Immunity

Oranges get all the love for providing vitamin C, but similarly hued pumpkin can also provide major advantages. “Pumpkin is packed with nearly 20 percent of the recommended amount of daily vitamin C, which may help one recover from colds faster,” Aguirre says. Serve yourself up some pumpkin and say buh-bye to your tissues!

5. It Reduces ‘Bad’ Cholesterol

Pumpkin is commonly associated with the scariest holiday of the year—but it can actually help keep some frightening health problems at bay. “Nuts and seeds, including those of pumpkins, are naturally rich in certain plant-based chemicals called phytosterols that have been shown in studies to reduce LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol,” says Aguirre. According to the American Heart Association, LDL cholesterol contributes to fatty buildups in arteries and ups the risk for heart attack or stroke.

6. It’s a One-Stop Shop

Bottom line? Pumpkin pulls double and triple duty in the nutrition department. “I would definitely add pumpkin to the superfood list due to its robust nutrition profile,” says certified nutritional chef of Melissa Eboli of Via Melissa, LLC. “ I define a superfood as foods that are multi-functional, meaning you get a lot of vitamins and minerals from one food source as a one stop shop so to say.”

Pumpkin fits the bill; it’s not only loaded with antioxidants that protect cells from damage, vitamin C that helps shore up immunity, and fiber that helps with digestion—it’s also high in potassium, which is great for lowering blood pressure.

Check out all the best of pumpkins on Chowhound.

Related Video: Healthy Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Fall



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9 Recipes Where Sriracha Mayonnaise Is the Star

Sriracha may have started as a trendy Asian condiment with a fiery kick, but it’s now found a permanent place in pantries nationwide. One of our favorite methods of preparation—if not the best one—is to combine it with mayonnaise for a creamier, sweeter, and more subdued sauce that serves as an excellent dip or spread. We’ve rounded up nine of the most Sriracha mayo-heavy dishes we could find. From fried pickles and burgers to burritos and deviled eggs, one thing’s for certain: The versatile ingredient isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

Related Reading: How to Make Homemade Smoked Sriracha

Slow Cooker Banh Mi Sliders

Chowhound

The power of a slow cooker knows no bounds. Such is the case with this drool-worthy concoction of tender pulled pork topped with cucumber, carrots, cabbage, and—you guessed it—homemade sriracha mayonnaise. Get our Slow Cooker Banh Mi Slider recipe.

Blackened Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Sriracha Mayo

Can we please make #SrirachaSunday a thing so that we can shamelessly enjoy these on two nights of the week? Taco Tuesday just doesn’t cut it. Get the Blackened Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Sriracha Mayo recipe.

Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Chowhound

The most basic of picnic go-tos gets a spicy upgrade with these bad boys. Chop up some jalapeños if you want to get on a Guy Fieri level of craziness. Get our Sriracha Deviled Eggs recipe.

Related Reading: 11 Spicy Snacks for Heat Seekers

Kimchi Chicken Burgers

Chowhound

Kimchi already packs a punch, which means these chicken burgers pair best with a glass of really cold milk. Keep the bottle of Pepto Bismol on standby, as well. Get our Kimchi Chicken Burger recipe.

Sriracha Fried Pickles

If your sodium levels are low and you’re looking for a good crunch, look no further than this elevated version of a classic Southern staple. We’re told these wash down best with a beer or seven. Get the Sriracha Fried Pickles recipe.

Salmon Croquettes with Dill and Sriracha Mayo

Salmon croquettes may sound like the most boring, basic menu item, but most aren’t dipped in sriracha mayonnaise. Serve these at your next dinner party and your guests will be swimming upstream for more. Get the Salmon Croquettes with Dill and Sriracha Mayo recipe.

Coconut Crusted Baked Avocado Fries with Sriracha Mayo

For anyone who doubts that avocado isn’t one of the most versatile foods of all time, this recipe will prove you wrong. Coconut crust and oven-baked keeps things healthy. And why not sub the traditional mayo for an avocado variety, while you’re at it? (Or vegan mayo, for that matter.) Get the Coconut Crusted Baked Avocado Fries with Sriracha Mayo recipe.

Korean BBQ Burrito

Step aside, Chipotle. Our new favorite burrito is Korean. Sriracha mayo > sour cream, any day. Get the Korean BBQ Burrito recipe.

Baked Popcorn Chicken with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce

KFC and Sriracha both have cult followings, so one can only imagine what happens when the two flavors meld to create something delicious. Needless to say, the Colonel would approve. Get the Baked Popcorn Chicken with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce recipe.

Related Reading: 5o More Things to Do with Sriracha

Related Video: How to Turn Leftover Sriracha Into Chili Oil



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Mom’s Perfect Pork Chops

Pan-fried pork chops on the stovetop are so quick and easy! Use a homemade dry rub to really bring out the flavor of the chops.

Continue reading "Mom’s Perfect Pork Chops" »



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Make Healthier Fries In This Air Fryer Down Nearly $100 Right Now

There are some kitchen appliances that can really change the way you operate, making cooking easier and the food you make better. Having the right arsenal in your kitchen may mean more time for you to enjoy the rest of your life, sure, but also better results (and fewer flops) when trying out recipes, new and old. Many of that kitchen routine-altering equipment is on deep discount right now during Walmart’s Fall Savings Event.

Read more: The Ultimate “Farewell Summer, Hello Fall” Guide

You can snag a KitchenAid stand mixer for just $199 (normally $279), for instance, or a popular air fryer for making healthier fries and favorite bar snacks, is currently marked down nearly $100. Or perhaps you’re looking to outfit your kitchen from the ground up — in that case, a quality Cuisinart stainless steel 12-piece stainless steel cookware set can be had for just $76 while supplies last. Even the price on the cult-favorite multicooker Instant Pot is down during the limited sales event, including a funky model with vintage floral print. 

Check out some of our top picks for kitchen and cookware deals during the Walmart Fall Savings event.

Instant Pot Lux 6-Quart Multicooker with Vintage Floral Print, $70 (originally $99)

Walmart

You’ve seen the Instant Pot before, but never like this. This vintage floral Instant Pot 6-in-1 multicooker is just as versatile as the chrome version, but with a little extra flair for the colorful at heart.Buy Now

Instant Pot Lux 6-Quart Multicooker, $59 (originally $99)

Walmart

Don’t worry, if the floral print isn’t your thing, the classic chrome Instant Pot 6-quart LUX60 — which functions as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, warmer, steamer and more — is on discount for just $59 (down from $99).Buy Now

Related Reading: Yes, an Instant Pot Is Worth Getting

Cuisinart 12-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $76

Walmart

The Cuisinart 12-piece stainless steel cookware set is the perfect way to outfit your kitchen or that of any new homeowner in your life. Stainless steel is easy to clean and looks sharp as heck hanging above your range. We’ve seen it priced as high as $299 but it’s way down during the fall savings event.Buy Now

Black & Decker 2-Liter Air Fryer, $56 (originally $150)

Walmart

Like Instant Pots, air fryers have made the leap to a cult-phenomenon kitchen appliance. One which some folks swear by as a super fast way to cook craveable foods like french fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks and more, with a fraction of the fat and calories. This B&D model is almost $100 off right now.Buy Now

Realated Reading: Is Getting an Air Fryer Worth the Investment?

KitchenAid 4.5-quart stand mixer, $199 (originally $260)

Walmart

The stand mixer is a kitchen workhorse, and with its attachments for pasta-making and juicing, you can find a way to use it every day. Buy Now

Related Reading: These Are All the KitchenAid Attachments You Need

KithchenAid Deluxe 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer, $199 (originally $280)

Walmart

This deluxe version has 10 optimized speeds for any job and comes in fun and retro pistachio, cobalt blue or silver.Buy Now



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9 Best Quesadilla Recipes for National Quesadilla Day

mushroom chorizo quesadilla recipe

It’s hard to go wrong with a warm, gooey cheese quesadilla. If you’re used to the classic recipe, here are a few simple ways to elevate your quesadilla making (and sneak some vegetables in there too!). Consider it the perfect quick weeknight dinner, with a comfort food twist.

1. Chipotle Pork Quesadillas

chipotle pork quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Kick your quesadillas up a notch. We use spicy and smoky chipotle chiles to create a rich tomato-based sauce for savory pork. Fresh cilantro brightens up dish. The filling makes for excellent leftovers for lunch the next day. Get our Chipotle Pork Quesadilla recipe.

2. Tequila Shrimp and Asadero Quesadillas

Tequila Shrimp Quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Skip the cocktail and put your booze in your dinner tonight. This gooey, toasty quesadilla combines asadero, a mild Mexican cheese that melts beautifully, with tequila-soaked shrimp. Make it for your next potluck or game day and prepare to get some serious compliments. Get our Tequila Shrimp and Asadero Quesadilla recipe.

Related Reading: 11 Tequila Cocktails That Go Beyond the Margarita

3. Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

ham and cheese quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Turn your basic ham and cheese sandwich into a toasty and warm quesadilla. Chopped ham combines with mild melting cheese in this simple three-ingredient recipe. Use the freshest, best quality corn tortillas you can find. Get our Ham and Cheese Quesadilla recipe.

4. Mushroom and Chorizo Quesadillas

mushroom chorizo quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Earthy mushrooms and spicy chorizo turn your average quesadilla into a power lunch. Use cremini mushrooms to get a fuller mushroom flavor, and choose a soft and mild melting cheese like Oaxaca. With only 5 ingredients, this recipe is simple enough to whip up at any time of day. Get our Mushroom and Chorizo Quesadilla recipe.

5. Crunchwrap-Style Quesadillas

homemade crunchwrap recipe

Chowhound

No need to make a Taco Bell run—it’s dangerously easy to make homemade Crunchwraps, which are basically an enclosed quesadilla with a crunchy layer in the middle. Get our Crunchwrap Quesadilla recipe.

6. Pork Chicharron Quesadillas

pork chicharron quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones. With only three ingredients, you can have a crisp, melted cheese quesadilla for dinner. You’ll need corn tortillas, pork chicharron, and a mild cheese like Asadero or Monterey jack. If you want to get fancy, find some spicy salsa or hot sauce for dipping. Get our Pork Chicharron Quesadilla recipe.

Related Reading: 3 Party Salsas in 30 Minutes

7. Grilled Steak Quesadillas

Grilled Steak Quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Your steak dinner just got a serious upgrade. Sandwich smoky chipotle steak slices between two crisp tortillas, and add plenty of cheese. The result is a quick and easy twist on a steak sandwich that’s satisfying, warm, and easy to make. That’s a lunchtime meal we can get behind. Get our Grilled Steak Quesadilla recipe.

8. Poblano Quesadillas

poblano quesadilla recipe

Chowhound

Vegetarians, your perfect quesadilla is here. In this meatless take on a quesadilla, mild roasted poblano peppers are paired with gooey mild cheese inside two crunchy tortillas. This is quick but sophisticated cooking at it’s finest: four ingredients, six steps, tons of flavor. Swap in vegan cheese if you need. Get our Poblano Quesadilla recipe. (And try our Bell Pepper Quesadilla recipe too.)

9. Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas

Can’t decide between pizza and Mexican food tonight? We feel you, and here’s the ultimate solution: pizza quesadillas. The technique couldn’t be simpler; layer pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce between two tortillas and cook until crisp. If you want to get creative, add in your favorite toppings, like black olives or mushrooms. Get the Pizza Quesadilla recipe.

Related Video: A Visit with the Queen of Vegan Cheese, Miyoko Schinner



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