Does your family love all things Disney? Do they get nostalgic for the sweet and savory treats they’ve enjoyed while visiting the different parks during the holiday seasons? If the answer to these two questions is “yes,” I highly recommend checking out The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook written by USA TODAY Bestselling author Ashley Craft, published by Simon and Schuster.
Disney Parks celebrate multiple holidays throughout the year by serving special dishes and drinks to complement the holiday spirit. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s Eve, or the Lunar New Year, this book is a culinary carpet ride.
There are even some not-so-traditional holiday foods showcased in the parks and the book. If your family is anything like mine, you celebrate May the Fourth–shoutout to Star Wars fans– and Mardis Gras seasons, so why not create some Baby Grogu apples or some savory shrimp and grits?
From Style to Subject Matter
I was excited to receive my copy of this magical cookbook and dive into its contents. And I wasn’t disappointed at all. The cover is eye-riveting with its vibrant colors and artwork, and the pictures throughout highlight the fabulous foods, which are stunning and may induce some slight drooling.
I also appreciated the author’s commitment to describing all of the various kitchen tools and appliances the end user will require to create some holiday masterpieces. Craft also explains the different holidays celebrated at the parks and the history behind each of them. I found this to be charming and informative–a combo I love.
Additionally, she breaks out the sections by park, what delicious treats are served in each one, and during which holiday season. This format is another excellent idea for those who want to make something specific they enjoyed while at Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
At the end of the cookbook, there is an exceptional General Index and an Index broken out by the specific holiday recipes. In addition, Craft included a nifty Standard US/Metric Measurement Conversion chart, which is a handy tool.
The Recipes I Made
I couldn’t make all of the recipes in the cookbook for this review, but I sure wanted to! I will also be making many more throughout the rest of the year. I chose two specific ones that I knew my family would appreciate and enjoy– Halloween’s Pumpkin Patch Cookies and Shrimp and Grits.
Halloween: Pumpkin Patch Cookies
If you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the spooky season, make sure you stop by Catalina Eddie’s and try their Pumpkin Patch Cookies – you will be happy you did! I made these delicious cookies because I love pumpkin flavor anything and because Halloween is right around the corner. I also wanted to see if they were worth making for the annual block party I host every year. Guess what? They absolutely are worth it.
First, the recipe was so easy to follow. I love how Craft provides a sweet intro for each recipe entry, giving some history to the featured item, suggesting alternative options for decorating, or giving tips on where to purchase supplies. It’s super helpful.
These adorable little treats aren’t too sweet and taste like fall or your favorite pumpkin spice latte in cookie form. I was unable to locate the candy pumpkins in any local store, so I ended up ordering them from Amazon.
My only critique of the recipe is regarding the frosting. It calls for three tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to make the mixture smooth. I used closer to six tablespoons to get the desired result. Don’t let the three cups of confectioner sugar scare you off, either. It’s the perfect amount, and it’s not too sweet at all.
Black History Month: Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp and Grits are hands-down my absolute favorite dish. Maybe because I was born in the South and grew up with family from New Orleans to Pensacola, and seafood (especially shrimp) was a main staple in our home. I look for it on any restaurant menu and will undoubtedly order it if it’s available.
This sinfully scrumptious Cajun dish is available at Cafe Orleans in the main Disneyland Park during Black History Month. The cookbook’s author describes it as “More than just food; it is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the enslaved people who created it.”
Be prepared to use a whole lot of the best ingredients that many health professionals would say are bad for you, but it’s worth every morsel. This Southern dish is not just heavy on cream, butter, salt, and cheese; it is also rich in chili powder, cayenne, garlic, and paprika.
Although the directions consist of multiple steps, the dish is easy to prepare. I did cut back on some of the heavy cream usage; however, the overall flavor of the dish was 10/10, with no notes.
My Final Thoughts
The Unofficial Disney Parks Holidays Cookbook is a fantastic addition to any baker or cook’s kitchen shelf. Its easy-to-follow recipes, helpful park tips, excellent cooking suggestions, and mouthwatering pictures will inspire anyone. Don your aprons and get to creating magical Disney-inspired treats!
