Melissa

A Returning Skeleton’s Churro Recipe (Coco)

INTRODUCTION

Welcome back friends! This week we are creating the churros a Skeleton brings back with him to the Land of the Dead in the heartfelt and visually stunning Pixar film, Coco.

Abuelita's Pork Tamale Recipe, Churros and Dante's Concha Bread Recipe from Disney and Pixar's Coco. When Miguel’s family brings him back to the land of the dead to ask Mama Imelda for help, they join a customs line and our friend with the churros is at the front of this line. We never really get to know this Skeleton, but he likes churros and that’s a perfect excuse to make them!

A Returning Skeleton's Churro Recipe from Disney and Pixar's Coco. These are delicious and they taste exactly like churros should taste, but they came out the size of fries due to my pastry tip being small! I plan on buying myself a bigger pastry tip, but the moral of the story is, churros are delicious in any size!

CHURROS

vegetable oil (corn or canola)
1 cup of water
1/2 cup of butter
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/2 cup of sugar
1 cup of all-purpose flour, sifted
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium saucepan, heat the water and butter together until the butter melts.
Add the salt and 1 tablespoon of the sugar, then stir until they’re dissolved.
Bring mixture to a full boil, then mix in the flour, stirring vigorously to blend well. Continue stirring for about a minute or until mixture forms into a doughy ball, but remove from the heat after about 30 seconds or the churros will not puff properly.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue mixing until all the egg is completely incorporated and the dough is glossy. Set aside to cool and rest for about 5 minutes.
Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish and set aside.
In a heavy/deep pan or deep fryer heat at least 2 inches of oil to 375 F.
Test the temperature of your frying oil. Drop a small ball of the dough into the hot oil. It should bubble up to the surface immediately. If is doesn’t, the oil is not hot enough and you’ll end up with soggy, greasy churros.
Spoon the dough mixture into a cake decorators’ piping tube with the largest star tip available. Rolling down from the top, squeeze 4-inch strips of dough into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the churros. 3 or 4 at a time is about right. Fry 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and set onto paper towels to drain. Roll churros in cinnamon/sugar mixture and serve warm.

Abuelita’s Pork Tamale Recipe (Coco)

INTRODUCTION

Welcome back friends! This week we are creating Abuelita’s tamales from the heartfelt and visually stunning Pixar film, Coco.

Our first two recipes from Frankenweenie (the Double Dutch Cherry Muffins and the Dutch Apple Cake) were featured as actual recipes in a cookbook during a scene in the film, but this is the first recipe we are creating based on our interpretation of what is seen in the film.

Abuelita's Pork Tamale Recipe from Disney and Pixar's Coco. Miguel’s family, especially his Abuelita, are very traditional so I tried to find the most traditional recipe for tamales I could. I then took that tamale recipe to my friends and asked them whether or not they believed it was genuine and got a resounding yes!

Tamales take time to make as there are many steps, but if you have family or friends to help, it could go by much quicker! Your reward is a tasty meal that can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for later!

RED CHILI SAUCE

15 large dried chillies (ie: anaheim, new mexico, california or pasilla)
2 teaspoons of ground cumin
4-5 garlic cloves
1 teaspoons of salt
2 teaspoons of melted shortening, or 2 teaspoons of olive oil
2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour

INSTRUCTIONS (SAUCE)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove any stems and seeds from the dried peppers.
Place the peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 2 to 5 minutes, or until you smell a sweet roasted aroma (check often to avoid burning).
Remove the peppers from the oven and soak them in enough hot water to cover for about 30 minutes, or until cool.
Put the peppers, 2 ½ cups of the soaking water, cumin, garlic and salt into blender (save the remaining soaking water).
Cover and blend until smooth.
In a small to medium saucepan, melt the shortening and stir in flour over medium heat until browned.
Gently stir in blended chili mixture.
Simmer uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. If the sauce gets too thick, stir in up to 1 cup of the remaining soaking water until you reach the desired thickness.

TAMALES

3 ½ lb. of pork shoulder or butt, cut up and trimmed of fat
10 cups of water
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 ½ teaspoons of salt
3 to 4 cups of red chili sauce (see above)
¾ cup of shortening
6 cups of masa harina
1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
50 dried corn husks (8 inches)

INSTRUCTIONS (TAMALES)

In a Dutch oven, bring the pork, water, onion, garlic and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt to boil.
Simmer covered for about 2 ½ hours or until the meat is very tender.
Remove the meat from the broth and allow both to cool.
Using two forks, shred the meat.
Strain the broth and reserve 6 cups.
Start to soak corn husks in warm water for at least 20 minutes; rinse to remove any corn silk and drain well.
In a large sauce pan, heat the red chili sauce and add the shredded meat; simmer, covered for 10 minutes.
To make the masa, beat shortening on medium speed in a large bowl for 1 minute.
In separate bowl, stir together masa harina, baking powder and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Alternately add the masa harina mixture and broth to shortening, beating well after each addition. Add just enough broth to make a thick, creamy paste.
To assemble each tamale, spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa mixture on the center of the corn husk.
Place about 1 tablespoon of the meat and sauce mixture in the middle of the masa.
Fold in the sides of the husk and then fold up the bottom.
Using strips of corn husk, tie each tamale together.
Place a mound of husks or a foil ball in the center of your steamer basket.
Lean the tamales in the basket, open side up.
Add water to your steamer to just below the basket.
Bring the water to a boil and reduce heat.
Cover and steam for 40 minutes, adding water when necessary.
You can freeze these for future meals, leave them in the husks and place them in freezer bags.

Mrs. Frankenstein’s Dutch Apple Cake Recipe (FrankenWeenie)

INTRODUCTION

Hello friends! This week we’re going to be making Dutch Apple Cake from Tim Burton’s stop motion animated film, Frankenweenie.

Mrs. Frankenstein's Double Dutch Cherry Muffins and Dutch Apple Cake from Disney and Tim Burton's FrankenWeenie. Like our first recipe, this recipe is featured in Mrs. Frankenstein’s cookbook, along with the Double Dutch Cherry Muffins we made last week!

Unfortunately, I was unable to keep this recipe true to the film’s version. I attempted to bake this cake twice, first following the recipe as is and the second time I removed the apples from the batter as I suspected they were adding too much moisture to the batter as they baked. Both experiments ended up as very un-cake-like brown masses; what a bummer!

I took another look at the recipe’s image, and judging by the slice it looks like the cake has apples layered on the top outer edges. I decided to rework the recipe with a simple cinnamon cake with the apples cooked separately and then arranged on top.

DUTCH APPLE CAKE

1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
2 cups of all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon of salt
2/3 cups of butter, softened
1 1/3 cups of sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3 large eggs
1 cup of whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Using butter, or shortening, generously grease and lightly flour a 10-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking powder, cinnamon, flour, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each one.
Slowly beat in the flour mixture, roughly a third at a time, alternating with 1/3 cup milk each time.
Pour the batter in the prepared pan and bake for about 40 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and, taking a regular fork, poke the top of the cake as many times as desired. This will allow the juices from the apple topping to seep their way into the cake. Making it tasty and moist.
Allow for the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and applying the topping.

APPLE TOPPING

4 apples (I used Granny Smith), cored, peeled and thinly sliced
4-6 tablespoons of brown sugar (to taste)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon of butter

INSTRUCTIONS (TOPPING)

In a medium to heavy saucepan on medium to high heat, add the apples, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon.
Stir to distribute the sugar and cinnamon and then cover for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the juices released from the apples cook down into a slightly thick syrup.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the filling to cool enough so it’s comfortable to handle.
Carefully begin to arrange the apple slices in a circle around the outer edge of the cake , tip to tip, and work your way inwards until you’ve run out of slices.

Mrs. Frankenstein’s Double Dutch Cherry Muffin Recipe (FrankenWeenie)

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my very first recipe post! This week we are baking Mrs. Frankenstein’s Double Dutch Cherry Muffin’s from Tim Burton’s stop-motion animated film, Frankenweenie.

Mrs. Frankenstein's Double Dutch Cherry Muffins from Disney and Tim Burton's FrankenWeenie. This recipe is featured in Mrs. Frankenstein’s cookbook, along with the Dutch Apple cake we’ll be making next week. I kept the recipe as true to the film’s version as possible with a few minor differences. Firstly, I expanded on the instructions. Secondly, I added 1/2 tsp. of salt to the batter to help enhance flavor and thirdly, I substituted whipped heavy cream for the double cream. Double cream, I found, is more so common in the United Kingdom and not so easily obtainable here in the United States.

DOUBLE DUTCH CHERRY MUFFINS

1 teaspoon of baking soda
2 cups of flour
½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of sugar
2 eggs
¾ cup of butter
½ cup of milk
½ cup of fresh pitted and quartered sweet cherries

INSTRUCTIONS (MUFFINS)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and place liners in a muffin tin.
Mix the dry ingredients (baking soda, flour, salt, and sugar) together in a bowl.
Whisk liquid ingredients (melted butter, eggs, and milk) together in another bowl.
Pour liquid mixture into the dry mixture; stir gently until incorporated.
Fold the cherries into the batter.
Spoon batter into the muffin liners, filling each 2/3 of the way full.
Sprinkle a pinch of sugar on each muffin top.
Bake muffins in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

WHIPPED HEAVY CREAM TOPPING (OPTIONAL)

½ cup of heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons of sugar, honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon of vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS (TOPPING)

Place mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 20 minutes to chill.
Pour heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla into the cold bowl and whisk on high speed for about 1 minute or until medium to stiff peaks form.
Do not overbeat.

Return to Whole Heartily

Hello friends, I hope this message finds you and yours safe and in good health!

Pardon me, I have to blow a bit of dust off of this blog…PHOO! That’s better!

Like a great many Americans, I have been furloughed/laid off until business improves after COVID-19 reared it’s ugly head and started spreading over the world. We’re doing alright, we have our health and the health of our loved ones to be thankful for, but I’ve started to cut out unnecessary spending here and there; a penny saved is a penny earned!

Which brings me to dusting off this blog I started in 2016 and abandoned at the beginning of 2018 for what I thought were better blogging platforms, but those didn’t work out and aren’t working out. I do not need to be paying for a domain name, and all the other hidden costs they pile on you when registering for one right now. So this is it, this is the final name change and blogging platform I will be using for the foreseeable future.

For those joining us from Just a Spoonful of Sugar, I am transferring over all of the Disney recipes I’ve already shared. Understandably it is harder to find and afford the ingredients needed to create new recipes right now, but I will work on that and I do already have some completed that I can share.

But wait, there’s more!

I am a first-time, freshly minted Mama to our wonderful little girl, Zoey, and I want this blog to be full of the joys we share with her, little and large. Whatever sparks joy: books, crafts, Disney, films, music, tabletop games, television, toys, video games. Living life well through taking care of ourselves, our relationships and the world around us (both indoors and outdoors). We hope that you’ll follow along and grow with us!

Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures Microreview

Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Adventures Microreview – 20/20!

Comment below to start a conversation about this game!

Closure Microreview

Closure Microreview – 16/20!

Closure is a unique independent puzzle/platformer video game developed by programmer Tyler Glaiel and artist Jon Schubbe, with music and sound by Chris Rhyne, that focuses on the concept of light and dark.

Closure reveals a dark world where landscapes and objects only exist when and where the light touches. Gameplay features maneuvering light sources (fixed lamps and light orbs the player can carry) to phase objects in and out and therefore manipulate the environment for platforming. Due to real-time lighting of each level, there can be various solutions to get from point A to B by manipulating portions of platforms. Keep in mind: If it can’t be seen, it doesn’t exist. It’s possible to jump through walls and fall through floors, push boxes through walls, or drop a key through floors and walls to get to the door; just remove or add light.

The main playable character is an amorphous being who explores the stories of three human characters; a factory worker struggling to escape a decrepit factory, a young woman travelling through a murky forest to reunite body and soul after a horrific car crash, and a little girl who leaves the comfort and safety of her home to chase a black cat through an abandoned carnival. Of course, these are my interpretations, many players have speculated what the plot of this game could be. Based on the title of the game I assume each character is seeking “closure”. Although the developers may have had a specific plot in mind, I believe they have left a great deal open to your interpretation.

Each story consists of twenty four levels that can be accessed through unique doors within surreal central hubs, with ten additional levels designated to the amorphous being. The objective of the 82 levels is to travel from the start of each level to a door, some doors require keys or light sources to open. If the player reaches a dead-end in a puzzle, they can push the R key (PC) or Select button (console). There’s also an additional 30 Silver Moths to collect, where if all are found, a special unlock is rewarded. If the player reaches a dead-end in a puzzle, they can press [Select] to restart the level. A special ending is awarded to those players that also manage to collect thirty silver moths hidden throughout the game.

I really enjoy unique games that really challenge the players to think. Closure is extremely thought provoking. I loved illuminating the surroundings and devolving ways to reach the door and better still, the plot behind each character. Design and sound were also really engaging, it reminded me strongly of something born of Tim Burton’s mind.

Comment below to start a conversation about this game!

Sorcery! Parts 1 – 4 Microreview

Sorcery! Parts 1 – 4 Microreview – 17/20!

Sorcery! Parts 1 through 4 is a series of text / graphic adventure video games developed for iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows and Mac by inkle.

Choosing a male or female character, the player embarks on a text-based fantasy quest inspired by Steve Jackson’s choose-your-own-adventure novels. The gameplay of Sorcery! incorporates audio and visual interactive elements; including character icons, maps, burn-by-turn energy, a spell-casting starscape and more. Much like choose-your-own-adventure novels, the player can choose to turn back the pages (or rewind the game) if they dislike the outcome of their choices along the path.

I used to love choose-your-own-adventure books (I may still own one involving a Unicorn) and I found this game to be charming, yet frustrating. Maybe it’s my obsession with getting everything exactly right, but I found myself rewinding A LOT. And because I rewound a lot, I found myself getting frustrated and bored with the story.

Comment below to start a conversation about this game!

The Last of Us Microreview

The Last of Us Microreview – 20/20!

The Last of Us is an action / adventure survival horror video game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Computer Entertainment.

You play as Joel, a smuggler in a now post-apocalyptic United States, as he escorts a teenage girl named Ellie across the country. Firearms and improvised weapons can be used, in stealth or a more direct approach, against hostile humans and the Infected. The Infected are once human beings who have been exposed to fungus spores that warp their minds and mutate them into cannibalistic creatures akin to zombies.

Naughty Dog is exceptional at bringing all the heart and soul into their stories. I am a total coward when it comes to survival horror games, but I had heard so many good reviews about this game’s story that I had to bold-up and experience it for myself. In terms of emotion and storytelling, this is truly one of the greatest games ever created and I cannot wait for Part II!

Comment below to start a conversation about this game!

Coconut Oil for Health

CoconutOil The more I research and use coconut oil, the more I am convinced it is one of those rare ingredients (much like apple cider vinegar) that can be used for all kinds of good in your life. Some of these remedies will take more than one application to work, so don’t lose hope if you apply once and your acne doesn’t immediately vanish!

Acid Reflux – Take a small spoonful of coconut oil with meals to help prevent acid reflux and heartburn.
Acne – Coconut oil gently fights the bacteria that cause acne. Dab it directly on the offending pimples and watch them shrink.
After Shave – Coconut oil soothes sensitive skin and promotes healing
Age Spots – Coconut oil has beneficial effects on any skin blemish. Use it to help fade age spots with powerful antioxidants.
Athletes Foot – The powerful antifungal properties of coconut oil make it perfect for any fungal infection. Add a few drops of oregano or tea tree oil for more antifungal power.
Bones – Coconut oil aids the body in the absorption of calcium and magnesium. Both minerals are important for strong bones and teeth.
Bruises – Rub coconut oil into bruised skin to speed healing and watch the bruises fade fast.
Canker Sores – Dab coconut oil on canker sores to kill infection and speed up healing.
Chicken Pox – Ease the itch and encourage healing with dabs of coconut oil.
Cleanser – Coconut oil makes an effective and gentle cleanser to remove the grime of the day.
Cold Sore – Coconut oil has antiviral properties that will help the body get rid of the virus that causes cold sores. Rub it on when needed and add a drop of oregano oil to speed healing.
Conditioner – Coconut oil conditions, strengthens, and repairs hair. Massage it in and rinse it out after ten minutes. A small amount can be rubbed in to dry hair to tame frizz.
Cooking – Coconut oil doesn’t transform into harmful by-products when heated like most other oils and animal fats. Use it to replace butter, cup for cup in recipes. Sauté, cook, bake, broil, braise, and more using coconut oil as a healthier alternative.
Cradle Cap – Coconut oil is gentle and safe for infants and helps ease the itching, pain, redness, and flaking associated with cradle cap.
Curb Appetite – Take a spoonful before meals to curb appetite so you don’t overeat.
Dandruff – Massage coconut oil into the scalp to ease symptoms of dandruff, both itching and flaking.
Deodorant – Mix coconut oil with cornstarch, baking soda, and your favorite essential oils for a natural deodorant that smells fantastic.
Diaper Rash – Coconut oil can help heal mild diaper rash gently and effectively.
Earaches – Earaches, swimmer’s ear, and ear infections clear up fast with a few drops of coconut oil mixed with garlic oil.
Energy – Coconut oil and its medium chain triglycerides make it an excellent energy source to improve stamina, endurance, or just to give you a boost through the day.
Eye Cream – Reduce puffiness and dark circles with a few dabs of coconut oil.
Fitness – Coconut oil boosts energy, increases metabolism, improves thyroid function, and aids healthy weight loss.
Furniture Polish – Coconut oil gives a protective shine to wood furniture. Test on a small area first.
Gum Removal – Coconut oil gets the sticky stuff out of hair, carpet, and anywhere else it doesn’t belong.
Hemorrhoids – Coconut oil eases the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids and encourages natural healing both internally and externally.
Lice – Coconut oil kills and removes this pesky problem.
Lip Balm – Coconut oil hydrates and protects lips and offers some protection from the sun (spf 4).
Lubricant – Coconut makes an all-natural personal lubricant for intimate moments without chemicals.
Makeup Remover – Coconut oil removes oil-based makeup easily, like mascara. It cleans, hydrates, and makes skin glow.
Massage Oil – Coconut oil soothes tired and sore muscles. Add a few drops of essential oils for more effect.
Moisturizer – Coconut oil is an excellent way to soften and hydrate dry, rough, or damaged skin.
Nose Bleeds – Rub a bit of coconut oil in nostrils to fight the dry cracking that can lead to nose bleeds.
Nursing – Coconut oil works great to repair dry, cracked skin, including sore nipples from nursing.
Pet Health – Coconut oil can do a multitude of things for pets, both topically and internally. It improves breath, makes for a shiny coat, eases joint problems, cleans ears, gets rid of fleas, and much more.
Ring Worm – Rub coconut oil onto affected area to kill the fungus that causes ringworm. Add tea tree oil to clear the infection even faster.
Shaving Cream – Coconut oil keeps the razor gliding smoothly while leaving skin smooth and soft.
Skin Condition – Coconut oil reduces the itchiness, pain, flakiness, and dryness of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Skin Irritations – Ease the itch of poison ivy, poison oak, mosquito bites and other insect stings or bites, and encourage healing with dabs of coconut oil.
Sore Throat – Dissolve a spoonful in your mouth and let it slowly roll down the throat. This will coat and protect the throat, boost the health of mucus membranes, and fight any infection.
Stretch Marks – Prevent and soften stretch marks with coconut oil for soft and supple skin.
Stys/Pink Eye – Rub a small amount of coconut oil on the sty or around the eyes to get rid of these infections.
Sunburn – Coconut oil can help prevent sunburn for short exposures. When you are sunburned, applying coconut oil will speed healing and take some of the sting away. Wait 24 to 72 hours after the burn to allow the heat to dissipate rather than seal it in.
Toothaches – Coconut oil strengthens teeth and helps soothe painful toothaches. Adding a drop of clove oil can almost instantly relieve the pain.
Toothpaste – Mix one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and add a couple drops of peppermint oil. This makes a refreshing, natural toothpaste that whitens and cleans without added preservatives, fluoride, sweeteners, or other chemicals.
Urinary Tract – Treat urinary tract infections with a spoonful of coconut oil.
Warts and Moles – Rub oil into area and cover with a bandage. Rub in fresh oil and place a new bandage each day.
Wrinkles – Rub into lines, creases, and wrinkles to rehydrate skin and soften those wrinkles away.
Yeast Infections – Coconut oil fights these fungal infections internally and externally.