Southern Florida was in the eighties all the time we were there. It was heaven for these old bodies, soaking up the sun and tanning in February. I thought this too would be a perfect time to spend five days in Disney World with David and his wife and son. I thought there would be fewer people and not so many children. THINK AGAIN. Are they EVER in school? Evidently all the children there either skipped school or were on spring vacation. Nevertheless, we had a lovely time and the weather was in the high seventies in that spot. Once David arrived Andy would have he and J.D. and sometimes Johnna to run with while I continued to store up vitamin C. (I also read four novels.) A hint here is to not go to Disney for the food. Since there were five of us we bought the meal plan. We didn't go hungry, but SKIP CONTEMPO CAFE at the Contemporary Hotel on the grounds of Disney. The food is ineatable. I mean gaggingly bad. It is a waste of food points. At the Wave we did have nice steak in red wine sauce as pictured. I think Disney figures they cater to children and there is no need for fine dining.
I did get a fabulous idea. When I ordered creme brulee I received this lovely dish with a length wise slice of banana with demerara sugar (partially refined raw cane sugar, naturally light brown in color from the molasses)on the cut side and it had been torched like the creme brulee so that the sugar was crisp and crackly. It is a beautiful presentation and a good trim and tasty idea for a dish.
When I taught school we had a cooking class every Monday. The children learned to cook and to do fractions at the same time. We loved that time together and my former students still comment about that aspect of our time together as well as the afternoon 'read'. I read to them every day after lunch while they digested their school lunch and their love for future reading at the same time. Loved it!
Have you seen Williams-Sonoma's filled-pancake pan? I bought one a couple of years ago when it was $29., now it is $39.95. I am not fond of one purpose kitchen gear, but this one is fun to surprise family and friends with little pockets of pleasure on a Sunday morning at the beach. Williams-Sonoma offers the mix for these little jewels and adds if you have the can of pancake mix all you have to add is milk, butter, eggs, and the filling of your choice...duh! What else is there to add but the flour? So you are paying $10.50 for 1 lb. 3 oz. of flour. I'd like another pan to work at the same time, but I don't think I could stay on top of a second pan. It is a fast process. After the mix is made (you can use bisquick or any pancake concoction you like) you spoon the mix into each of the seven indented rounds in the skillet. Once you are certain the bottom is cooked, quickly add your favorite surprise for the middle, chocolate (chips or other), apple, jams, cinnamon, nuts berries, the list is endless. I use skewers to immediately flip the tasty buns (over), to cook the other side. Never walk away. These things are done in a flash and you need a flash because they are popped into some one's mouth right out of the pan. If you have time, offer various sugars, melted chocolate or carmel sauce or your own berry sauces or syrups. Sonoma offers turning tools for $12.95. Don't fall for that one either.
Pina Coladas (not from a mix)
Crushed pineapple from a can with its juice in a blender with ice, a can of cream of coconut, and lots of dark rum. Pour it in glasses after a good whirl and pop on a pineapple wedge from a fresh golden pineapple( because it has the most intense flavor.)
Note:Idea from the Smitten Kitchen
