BFF Open House Link Party

Happy Friday Eve all! Apologies for oopsing on last week's party. I have a good excuse though. I got whisked away to Disneyland to celebrate our Anniversary. Had so much fun just the two of us. Not that we didn't miss Phd Boy but two kids at heart on the loose had a great time!  And we got to be there when the park was decorated for Halloween. 

Here are some highlights from the party the week before last!

Let's start with this cute crocheted wreath from Olives and Okra. Perfect for Halloween! Let the countdown begin! 

If you're still getting organized with back to school, this Lolly Jane has a great way to do it with this DIY Wood Caddy

If you're thinking ahead to holiday gifts, you could whip up batches of these glass edged coasters from Love Inspired Details

This week's chocolate features are some treats we enjoyed on our trip! Disney does not disappoint on desserts!

"Darth" Chocolate Mousse at Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland

Chocolate Chip Sundae and Dipped Cone at Gibson Girl Ice Cream on Main Street

Tigger Tails by Marceline's Confectionery

Even though not chocolate, these were the best dessert because our server Kacie at Cafe Orleans treated us to Mickey Beignets to celebrate our Anniversary!

Now, on to this week's party! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Disneyland’s Blue Ribbon Bakery Cinnamon Rolls

One of the things we indulged in our our recent Disneyland trip :

The BEST cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had. Better than Cinnabon in my opinion. Made fresh daily at the Blue Ribbon Bakery on Main Street:

Definitely not something you want to indulge in every day ! So upon returning home, I couldn’t wait to see if I could find the recipe online!!

I haven’t had a chance to try this recipe yet, but I’m going to try this one from keyingredient.com:

Disney Cinnamon Rolls (Main Street Bakery)

½ cup warm water
2 packages yeast
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (3½ ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoon milk
In small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Set aside.
In large bowl, mix pudding according to package instructions with milk. To this add ½ cup melted butter, egg and salt. Mix well, then add yeast
mixture and blend well. Gradually add flour and knead until smooth. Place in a very large greased bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size. Punch down and let rise again for second time.
Roll dough on a very large floured surface. Dough should roll out to a long rectangle, about 34 × 21 inches in size. Take the 1 cup of melted butter and spread over entire dough surface, using a pastry brush.
In small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over top of buttered dough. Roll dough up like a jelly roll.
Measure dough every 2 inches and cut with a knife. Take each roll into the palm of your hand and gently pack the roll (this keeps it from coming apart during baking).
Place each roll in a buttered baking pan and allow to rise in a warm place for about 20 minutes. Bake in a preheated 350ª oven until golden brown in color, about 15-20 minutes. Frost rolls while still warm.
Since we are going to cheat, let’s fo all the way with the frosting. I know
your children will love this production.
Cream Cheese Frosting
In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. Spread on the very warm rolls. Enjoy!

If they turn out half as good as the real thing, they’ll be wonderful!

Back to An Empty Nest

First off, I have to thank my wonderful friends and guest bloggers who shared such amazing ideas with you while I was away for some family time and moving our son into college. I wasn’t able to keep up on all of the comments, but judging from them, everyone enjoyed the guest posts and I am so grateful to Jenn, Kathleen, Carolyn, Jocelyn, Maggie, Christine, Michele, Bev and Doreen! You ladies ROCK!

We had a fantastic road trip from Washington to California where “Chocolate Chip” ( son ) is now loving college life and settling in with a great roommate, academic adviser he really likes, and plenty of food in the dining halls. I’m sure the SoCal weather doesn’t hurt either.

We spent a few days at Disneyland which was way more emotional than I thought it would be. While all of the “classic classics” are still very much alive and we enjoyed the character sightings of pals like Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald etc., I realized on this trip how much of Disney is part of our son’s childhood.

Movies from Pocahontas, all three Toy Stories, Lion King, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Monsters Inc., A Bug’s Life, both Cars,  Up…..all of these were part of his childhood, adolescence and now (YIKES) adulthood.

Woody and Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story

His Royal Highness The Lion King

I love these little alien guys! 

No intro needed...BUZZ

Heimlich from "A Bug's Life"

Every time we saw one of these characters or their attractions, it brought back a wonderful memory. I also love Disneyland and its sister park California Adventure for the friendliness of the “Cast Members”, the cleanliness, the attention to detail and ensuring their guests have a wonderful experience.

It All Started With A Mouse...

and his gal pal

faithful pet ( although someone still needs to explain to me why if Goofy and Pluto are both dogs, one speaks and wears clothes and the other doesn't. Don't even get me started on Pooh's lack of pants)

BFF Donald

You knew I’d find the chocolate right? On Main Street and in the resort kitchens, chocolatiers are busy busy busy!

A candied apple wearing Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast and marshmallow and pretzel confections including one in honor of Tigger!

Good thing there was glass between me and the kitchen