Gluten Free Recipes: S'more Pie!

Ingredients

• For the Crust
• 1 1/3 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
• 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• For the Filling and Topping
• 1 3.4 ounce box chocolate pudding* (prepared according to directions for pie filling) OR 2 cups homemade chocolate pudding, chilled
• 1 1/2 cups (approximately) mini-marshmallows
• *Or 1 3.9 box of instant pudding. If you like a generous amount of chocolate filling, make two boxes of pudding. However, you will have leftover pudding that doesn’t fit into the pie shell.

Procedures

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
   
   
2. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
   
   
3. Stir until the crumbs are damp and hold together.
   
   
4. Transfer the crumbs to a 9-inch pie pan.
   
   
   
5. Using the back of a spoon, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and up the sides.
   
   
   
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, place on a wire rack and allow to cool.
   
   
7. Spoon the chilled pudding into the baked pie crust.
   
   
   
8. Cover the top with mini-marshmallows.
   
   
9. Preheat your broiler and toast the marshmallows under the broiler. Serve and enjoy. Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/08/gluten-free-smores-pie-recipe.html?ref=title

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: Looks Like the Firehouse Four are Looking for a New Member or Two or Three!

I'll be there on Thursday to audition! Maybe they can change their name to the Firehouse Five! Wonder if they need any more members than that? Hmmm....

Buena Vista Street History: Hyperion Bridge, crosses Buena Vista Street

Origins of name: This bridge spanning Buena Vista Street is modeled after the Glendale-Hyperion Bridge, a concrete arch-bridge viaduct built in 1928 that carries cars over the Los Angeles River, connecting Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood to Glendale.
Fictional back story: On Buena Vista Street, at least one business advertises its proximity to the bridge. "We're under the bridge," says an ad for Big Top Toys. The store's entrance is, in fact, directly under the bridge.
What it really does: Carries the Disneyland Monorail track.

Review of Kula Revolving Sushi Bar

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar in Irvine where pretty much everything is $2.00 a plate!

If you are not familiar with a revolving sushi restaurant, allow me to explain! The sushi is placed on a revolving conveyor and you pick up which plate you want. The sushi only revolves for a certain period of time before they remove it from the conveyor belt. Each plate is priced differently and you just stack up the plates you finish and they add up your total at the end! But since pretty much everything here is $2 a plate, you can't go wrong!

This is the beef sushi! Raw beef marinated in a ponzo type sauce! It was amazing! The beef was soft and flavorful! I had another plate of this!

Tuna is one of my all-time favorites and this was no exception!

Seared salmon was amazing!

Salmon sushi is another one of my all-time favorites and here the salmon is rich and buttery! High quality sashimi indeed!

A rainbow roll!

Ell! Yes eel! Another favortie of mine! Perfectly seared and nice and buttery as well!

Caramelized sweet potatoes! Delicious! I would definitely order these again!

Kinako covered mochi!

Traditional azuki bean (sweet bean) filled mochi!

A great meal for a relatively low price! Everything was fresh and flavorful! If you don't see what you want on the conveyor belt, ask one of the helpful wait staff and they will bring it to you!

Kula Revolving Sushi Bar

2700 Alton Pkwy
Ste 133
Irvine, CA 92606

(949) 553-0747

http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/us

Hours:

Mon-Thu 11 am - 11 pm

Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am

Sun 11 am - 10:30 pm

Hong Kong Disneyland: Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars Night Version

Published on Jun 28, 2012 by HKMSG2005

香港迪士尼樂園 灰熊山谷 - 灰熊山極速礦車 晚上版本
Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars Night Version, Grizzly Gulch, Hong Kong Disneyland

Production of Hong Kong Main Street Gazette.

Copyright © 2012 Hong Kong Main Street Gazette All Rights Reserved

This channel is operated by HKMSG Team.

Tokyo DisneySea: Mr. Potato Head!

So great to hear Mr. Potato Head in Japanese!

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: Snow White has a Bungalow and Cottage Cleaning Service?

Even Snow White is working hard! Hope someone hires her!

Buena Vista Street History: Big Top Toys Store, 2642 Buena Vista St.

Origins of name: Big Top Toys is a nod to the Disney animated classic "Dumbo," about a baby elephant who grows up as a circus performer. The 1941 film provided much of the design inspiration for the store, including the background music.
Fictional back story: Big Top Toys bills itself as "the biggest little toy shop in the world," with "three rings of the finest toy selection anywhere."
Street address: The "42" in the address number is a tribute to the year "Dumbo" was released – 1941. However, since only even numbers are used on the east side of Buena Vista Street, the address number was rounded up to "42." Also, "Dumbo" was released in October 1941, so it was still playing in theaters in 1942.
What it really sells: Toys, games, plush, etc.

Disney's PAPERMAN - First Look Images!

Introducing a groundbreaking technique that seamlessly merges computer-generated and hand-drawn animation techniques, first-time director John Kahrs takes the art of animation in a bold new direction with “Paperman.” Using a minimalist black-and-white style, the short follows the story of a lonely young man in mid-century New York City, whose destiny takes an unexpected turn after a chance meeting with a beautiful woman on his morning commute. Convinced the girl of his dreams is gone forever, he gets a second chance when he spots her in a skyscraper window across the avenue from his office. With only his heart, imagination and a stack of papers to get her attention, his efforts are no match for what the fates have in store for him.  Created by a small, innovative team working at Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Paperman” pushes the animation medium in an exciting new direction. It makes its theatrical debut in front of “Wreck-It Ralph” on Nov. 2, 2012.

FRANKENWEENIE - Interactive 360° Tour of the Sets video!

Disney invites you to delve into the stop-motion animation process with an interactive 360° tour of the sets of FRANKENWEENIE. In Tour #1, Producer Allison Abbate takes us to the town of New Holland amidst the annual Dutch Day celebration where you can scroll, point, and click to explore and discover new content in this in-depth experience.

Think Different: Happy 5th Birthday to the iPhone!

Five years ago today, Steve Jobs introduced the world to the iPhone! The world has never been the same!

Strawberry-Blueberry Tart Recipe!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 2 1/2 cups finey crushed grahm crackers
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
• 3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
•  
• For Filling:
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
•  
• For the topping:
• 6 ounces blueberries
• 6 ounces strawberries, cut into quarters
• 1/3 cup apricot jam
• 1 teaspoon water

Procedures

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
   
   
2. In a small bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it coheres. Press mixture into bottom and sides of tart shell. Bake crust until darkened in color, about 15 minutes. Let crust cool.
   
   
3. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese, sour cream, and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy and sugar has dissolved.
   
   
4. Mix in vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
   
   
5. Spread lemon filling evenly over cooled pie crust. Line circumference of tart with strawberries, just barely overlapping the quarters. Pile blueberries into the center of the tart.
   
   
6. Put apricot jam and water in a small bowl and mix to combine. Microwave until jam is loose, about 20 seconds. Brush berries with apricot glaze. Let tart chill in refrigerator for one hour before serving.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/06/strawberry-blueberry-tart-recipe.html

Macadamia Cream Cheese Cookie Recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (10 ounces) all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 6 ounces (170 grams) salted macadamia nuts, very roughly chopped

Procedures

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and sugar and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and egg and beat until combined. Add dry ingredients to bowl and beat until just incorporated. Stir in macadamia nuts. Cover dough with plastic wrap and let chill in refrigerator for at least three hours.
   
   
2. Adjust oven rack to middle and lower positions and preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop dough into 1 1/2-inch balls onto prepared baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden, about 18 minutes. Let cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/06/macadamia-cream-cheese-cookies-recipe.html

Grilled Pound Cake Recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound cake, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups fresh seasonal berries
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ice cream, for serving (optional)

Procedures

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-low. Brush the pound cake slices with melted butter. Grill until the cake is toasted, about 2 minutes on each side.
   
   
2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the berries, the lemon juice, and sugar. Cook until the berries have become soft and have begun to release juice (it's OK to lightly squeeze them), about 10 minutes.
   
   
3. You can serve the sauce atop each slice, or sandwich it in the middle of two slices. If desired, serve with ice cream.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/06/grilled-pound-cake-with-berry-compote-recipe.html

Marvel Cinematic Universe - Phase One: Avengers Assembled Preview

Published on Jun 27, 2012 by MARVEL

Pre-order the "Marvel Cinematic Universe - Phase One: Avengers Assembled" Blu-ray box set now at http://www.phase1avengersassembled.com/, and get a sneak peek in this special preview!

Buena Vista Street History: Los Feliz Five & Dime Variety Store, 2628 Buena Vista St.

Origins of name: Los Feliz Five & Dime is themed to a vintage five-and-dime, or variety, store like one that might have been found in Los Angeles' Los Feliz neighborhood in the 1920s. Los Feliz is near the Silver Lake neighborhood, where Walt Disney moved his cartoon studio after it had outgrown its original Los Angeles location on Kingswell Avenue.
Fictional back story: The store bills itself as having the "lowest prices, biggest selection, guaranteed! And remember ... if we don't have what you're looking for, we'll order it!"
Street address: The "28" in the address number represents the year Mickey and Minnie Mouse made their cinematic debut, in the 1928 black-and-white cartoon "Steamboat Willie."
What it really sells: T-shirts, fleece, hats, figurines, souvenirs, etc.

Developing: First Marvel Animated Feature Film?

All signs are pointing to Big Hero 6 to be adapted by Don Hall by Walt Disney Animation Studios for as early as a 2014 release! Developing...

Spiked Savannah Smiles Milkshake

Ingredients

• 3 cups vanilla ice cream (18 ounces / about 6 scoops)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 ounces lemon vodka
• 3 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, from 2 medium lemons
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from two lemons
• Garnish: whipped cream, additional lemon zest, maraschino cherry if desired

Procedures

Add ice cream, milk, vodka, lemon zest, and lemon juice to blender. Purée until smooth. Divide among serving glasses, garnish as desired.

Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/03/spiked-savannah-smiles-milkshake-girl-scout-cookie-lemon-shake-recipe.html?ref=title

Another View of Disney California Adventure from The Air! (June 27, 2012)

One more iPhone photo from above Disney California Adventure! (June 27, 2012)

Disney California Adventure from the Air! (June 27, 2012)

 Another iPhone photo from my friend Chris as he flew over DCA today!

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details:Who Rented a Room from Robert?

A nod to Walt's Uncle Robert who let Roy and Walt rent a place when they came out to L.A.!

And this is 4409 Kingswell Avenue where Walt and his brother Roy rented a room from their Uncle Robert!

Buena Vista Street History: Chamber of Commerce, 2610 Buena Vista St.

 
Origins of name: The theme park's Guest Relations department is headquartered in this building – hence the name Chamber of Commerce.
Street address: The "10" in the address number refers to 1910, the year that a young Walt Disney and his parents and siblings left their home in small-town Marceline, Mo., and relocated to "the big city" – Kansas City.

Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar: Cars Land

Published on Jun 27, 2012 by DisneyParks

Check out this beautiful feature on the creative process behind the design and construction of Cars Land, in which you hear from Imagineers themselves on the inspiration, emotion and rewards of building such an immersive experience for guests. Grab a tissue! Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/MQV1eG

Check out the blog: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/disneyparks
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyparksblog
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=disneyparks
Find more videos: http://www.youtube.com/disneyparks

Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar: Buena Vista Street

Published on Jun 27, 2012 by DisneyParks

Check out this exclusive video from Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar on the development of Buena Vista Street. Read more at the Disney Parks Blog: http://bit.ly/MQV1eG

Check out the blog: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
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Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneyparksblog
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=disneyparks
Find more videos: http://www.youtube.com/disneyparks

Epic - Official Trailer (2013)

Published on Jun 26, 2012 by PromotingMovies

Release Date: May 24, 2013
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: Chris Wedge
Screenwriter: Dan Shere
Starring: Beyonce Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Pitbull, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Blake Anderson, Judah Friedlander
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation
MPAA Rating: Not Available

Official Websites: http://www.epicthemovie.com/

Plot Summary:
"Epic" is a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of "Ice Age" and "Rio," "Epic" tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teen age girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world...and ours.

Trailer courtesy of GMA and ABC News.

Copyrright © 20th Century Fox, Blue Sky Studios

Frankenweenie - New Full-Length Trailer - From Tim Burton | Official Disney HD

Published on Jun 26, 2012 by WaltDisneyStudiosUK

From creative genius Tim Burton ("Alice in Wonderland," The Nightmare Before Christmas") comes "Frankenweenie," a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor's fellow students, teachers and the entire town all learn that getting a new "leash on life" can be monstrous.

Gluten Free Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake Recipe!

Ingredients

Cake

• 150 grams granulated sugar (3/4 cup)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 175 grams GF AP Flour (87 grams superfine brown rice flour, 44 grams each superfine white rice flour and tapioca/starch flour)(scant 1 1/3 cups)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel powder or zest of one lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 115 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (1 stick)
• 60 grams buttermilk (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 160 grams fresh blueberries (about 1 cup)

Streusel
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 32 grams AP GF flour (16 grams superfine brown rice flour, 8 grams each superfine white rice flour and tapioca/starch flour)(1/4 cup)
• 56 grams light brown sugar (1/4 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• sprinkle of cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg

Instructions

Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9×9 square or round baking pan.
2. Weigh and add sugars, flour, baking powder, lemon peel powder or zest, salt, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg into a medium large bowl. Whisk to combine. In a microwave proof glass container melt butter and cool slightly. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Add butter mixture to the dry and stir with a wooden spoon just until combined. Don’t over mix. Gently stir in most of the blueberries, holding about a 1/4 cup aside.
3. Spoon into prepared pan. Set aside.

Streusel

1. Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse just until mixture looks like coarse peas and ragged. Or whisk dry ingredients together and work butter in with a fork until it looks like coarse large peas.
2. Scatter over the top of the batter. Place remaining 1/4 cup blueberries on top and push in slightly.
3. Bake 25 minutes and rotate pan. Bake about 20 minutes more or just until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out with dry crumbs. Cool slightly, cut and serve.

Source: http://glutenfreecanteen.com/2012/06/07/blueberry-streusel-coffee-cake-gluten-free/#more-9697

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: I Thought He Didn't Work for Toons?

Looks like Eddie Valiant is still here!

Buena Vista Street History: Oswald's Gas Station, 2600 Buena Vista St.

Origins of name: The gas station is named for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who starred in 26 silent cartoons produced by Disney in 1927 and 1928. The rights to the character belonged to the cartoon's distributor, Universal Pictures. Following a contract dispute, Disney walked away from the Oswald series and went on to create Mickey Mouse. In 2006, Disney secured the rights to Oswald.

Fictional back story: "Where can you get all of the necessities of the road?" an ad for Oswald's asks. "Stop on by Oswald's Filling Station!" Oswald's is billed as a one-stop shop for everything you might need for a road trip. To entice customers, Oswald's is running a "Fill'er Up Special" – "Mention this ad and get 5 cents off your next tank of gas!"

Street address: The "00" in the address number represents the start of a new block and does not have a hidden meaning.

What it really sells: Travel mugs, sunscreens, hats, etc.

First Look at Toy Story Mania for Tokyo DisneySea!

The Toyville Trolley Park will soon be the home to Toy Story Mania at Tokyo DisneySea! This new area is part of The American Waterfront and will officially open on July 9th! Thank to the team at Deep Disney for the photos!

The architecture style is based off of the Victorian Coney Island style!

As impressive as this new area looks during the day, take a look below at a picture during the night!

Source: Deep Disney

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: Bigelow's Air Circus from The Rocketeer!

One of several references to The Rocketeer! Can you find this one?

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: An Unusual TV Test Pattern!

Here is a Hidden Mickey! Can you find where it is on Buena Vista Street?

Just Announced: Halloween Time and Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates at Disneyland Resort; Tickets on Sale Soon

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is coming – September 14 through October 31! Yes, I know it’s only June, but it’s never too early to start planning your Halloween fun. Disneyland park will be the ultimate “neighborhood” for Trick-or-Treating during Mickey’s Halloween Party on the following dates and times:

• Friday, September 28 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 2 – 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 5 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 9 – 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 12 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Monday, October 15 – 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 19 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Tuesday, October 23 – 6 to 11 p.m.
• Friday, October 26 – 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Monday, October 29 – 6 to 11 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 31 – 6 to 11 p.m.

So start planning your costumes now, and join us at Mickey’s Halloween Party for:

• Halloween Screams fireworks spectacular, exclusively for Mickey’s Halloween Party guests
• Admission to the Disneyland park up to 3 hours prior to the event’s start time
• Meet-and-greets with your Disney and Pixar pals and Disney Villains
• Special treat stations offering both yummy candy and healthy goodies
• Mickey’s Costume Party Cavalcade
• Special dance parties
• Access to nearly all attractions, including all the Halloween-themed attractions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party go on sale for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders on July 9 and for the general public on July 16, so check here on or after those dates to purchase yours. Each ticket is valid for admission to the event and parking for one (1) vehicle (larger vehicles may require an additional fee) on the specified event date. Remember – get your tickets early and save!

Source: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/06/just-announced-halloween-time-and-mickeys-halloween-party-dates-at-disneyland-resort-tickets-on-sale-soon/

Buena Vista Street Hidden Details: Ichabod Crane as a Tutor?

There are so many great details on Buena Vista Street and here is one of them! Apparently Ichabod Crane is doing some tutoring. Wonder if he will accept pumpkin pie as a form of payment?

Learn about the New Dolby Atmos Sound System!

Published on May 11, 2012 by emultstudio

The most significant development in audio since the arrival of surround sound is here. Dolby® Atmos™ delivers audiences a more natural and realistic soundfield, transporting them into the story with a lifelike sensory experience. Developed with input from professionals throughout the movie industry, Dolby Atmos represents a dynamic shift in audio, reinventing the traditional surround sound methodology and offering a complete platform for sound now and well into the future.

Gluten Free Chocolate Strawberry Banana Cupcake Recipe!

Ingredients

• Cupcake
• 142 grams AP GF flour (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) (72 grams superfine brown rice flour plus 35 grams each superfine white rice flour and tapioca flour/starch)
• 57 grams unsweetened cocoa (1/2 cup)
• 200 grams sugar (1 cup)
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 100 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly (7 tablespoons)
• 3 whole extra-large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 114 grams pureed banana (no lumps) (scant 1/2 cup)
• 2 teaspoons brewed coffee
• Strawberry Banana Cream Cheese Buttercream
• 57 grams unsalted butter, chilled room temperature (4 tablespoons)
• 57 grams cold cream cheese, broken into chunks (2 oz.)
• 454 grams powdered sugar, sifted (4.25 cups)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 tablespoons pureed strawberries (not strained)
• 2 tablespoons pureed banana
• Topping
• Chocolate sprinkles or small strawberries

Instructions

Cupcake

1. Preheat oven to 350. Place liners in a muffin (patty) pan. (12-14) Set aside.
2. In a medium large bowl add flour, unsweetened cocoa, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Whisk to combine. In a microwave proof bowl melt butter and cool slightly. Add eggs, vanilla, banana and coffee. Stir to combine. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix with enthusiasm until smooth and shiny, a minute or two. Pour into liners about 2/3 full.
3. Bake 18-22 minutes or just until a toothpick comes out with a few wet crumbs. Don’t over bake because chocolate tastes terrible when it is too brown. Cool on a rack before frosting.

Strawberry Banana Cream Cheese Buttercream

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer using a whip attachment, mix butter. Add chunks of cream cheese and whip with butter until combined. Add sugar and whip on low until sugar is mostly combined. Add vanilla, strawberry and banana puree. Whip on high until the mixture is light and fluffy. If it seems a little too gooey for piping, set in refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Pipe onto cupcakes and top with chocolate sprinkles.
2. Store cupcakes in the refrigerator but serve at room temperature.

Source: http://glutenfreecanteen.com/2012/06/05/chocolate-strawberry-banana-cupcake-gluten-free/#more-8346

Zombie Punch Recipe!

Ingredients

• For Cinnamon Syrup:
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 cinnamon stick, crushed
•  
• For Each Drink:
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon syrup
• 2 teaspoons grapefruit juice
• 1 1/2 ounces Jamaican rum (Appleton V/X)
• 1 1/2 ounces gold Puerto Rican rum (Bacardi 8)
• 1 ounce 151-proof Demerara rum (Lemon Hart)
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce Falernum (Fee Brothers is a recommended brand, or make your own)
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 6 drops Herbsaint or Pernod
• 1 teaspoon grenadine
• 3/4 cup crushed ice

Procedures

1. To make cinnamon syrup, combine sugar, water, and crushed cinnamon stick over medium heat. Stir over medium heat until dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, keeping pan covered, for at least two hours. Strain into a bottle.
   
   
2. For the cocktail, combine 1 teaspoon of cinnamon syrup with grapefruit juice, Jamaican rum, Puerto Rican rum, Demerera Rum, lime juice, falernum, Angostura, Herbsaint or Pernod, in a grenadine in a blender, then add the ice. Blend at high for a maximum of 5 seconds. Pour into a tall chimney glass and add ice cubes until full. Garnish with fresh mint.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/10/zombie-punch-halloween-drinks-cocktails-tiki-recipe.html?ref=thumb

Moscow Mule Recipe!

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) vodka
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 1/3 cups chilled ginger beer
• Lime slices for garnish

Procedures

Fill two tall 12-ounce glasses three-quarters full with ice cubes. Add 3 tablespoons vodka, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 2/3 cup ginger beer to each glass. Garnish with lime slices.

Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2009/09/moscow-mule-cocktails-vodka-recipe.html?ref=thumb

The Shirley Temple All Grown Up Recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet cherry brandy (recommended: Leroux)
• Champagne, chilled
• Sugar, for garnish
• Whole red cherries (not Maraschino), for garnish

Procedures

1. Slice one of the whole cherries, and rub the cut cherry around the rims of the champagne flutes. Pour the sugar into a saucer, and dip the wet glass rims into the sugar.
   
   
2. Careful to avoid ruining the rim, pour first the sweet cherry brandy into the champagne flute, and then top with champagne. Pour the champagne slowly, or it will fizz over the top of the glass and ruin the sugar rim. Drop a whole cherry with its stem into the cocktail.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2008/12/new-years-champagne-cocktail-the-shirley-temp.html?ref=thumb

Raspberry and Rum Iced Tea Recipe!

Ingredients

• For the raspberry syrup:
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
•  
• For the cocktail:
• 3 cups brewed black iced tea, cooled
• 1 cup raspberry syrup
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1/2 cup light rum
• Mint leaves to garnish

Procedures

1. Combine raspberries, water, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over high heat until boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce to a simmer and continue to cook until the syrup is a deep red and berries are soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the raspberries. Raspberry syrup will keep for one week in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
   
   
2. To make the cocktail: In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, both rums, and 8 ice cubes. Stir for about 30 seconds, making sure that all ingredients are incorporated and that the ice cubes begin melting. Pour into ice-filled Collins glasses and garnish with a straw and mint leaves.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/06/drinking-in-season-raspberry-and-rum-iced-tea-cocktail-recipe.html?ref=title

Sour Cherry Gin Cocktail Recipe!

Ingredients

• 5 sour cherries, pitted, plus 2 more for garnish
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note above)
• 1/2 ounce fresh juice from 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 ounce gin
• 1 to 2 ounces seltzer

Procedures

1. In the bottom of a highball glass, lightly muddle sour cherries, simple syrup and lemon juice until cherries are gently smashed, not pureed.
   
   
2. Fill the glass with ice, add gin and stir for a few seconds until everything has combined. Top with seltzer, garnish with cherries, and serve.
   
   Source: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/06/drinking-in-season-sour-cherry-and-gin-cocktail-recipe.html