Paula Deen's Donuts

Canned Biscuit Dough Donuts and HolesRecipe courtesy Paula Deen

Ingredients

• Peanut oil, for frying
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup sugar

Icings:

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
• 5 tablespoons milk, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cans large buttermilk biscuits
• Colored sprinkles
• Chocolate sprinkles

Directions

Heat 2 inches peanut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.

In a shallow bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and sugar and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, set aside. This is the vanilla icing. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners' sugar, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 3 tablespoons of milk and set aside. This is the chocolate icing.

Lay out the biscuits on a cutting board and with a 1 1/2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out a hole from the middle of each biscuit. Fry them in the oil until golden and then flip with tongs to fry the other side. You can even fry the donut holes. Drain on paper towels and then toss in the cinnamon-sugar or ice and decorate with sprinkles, as desired.

Decorating a Christmas tree

Learn How to Design a Story-Themed Tree with Disney Floral & Gifts

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:08 PM PST

Looking for magical holiday tree ideas? So was I, so I spoke with Cindy Braak, Creative Designer atDisney Floral & Gifts, to get some tips. If you're like me, we have lots of ornaments, bows, lights and "stuff"…but how do we put it all together so it warms the heart and creates special memories? Here's what Cindy shared with me.

First, come up with a theme or story you want to tell with your tree. It could reflect a hobby, memories of family or memories from your favorite magical place (I wonder where that would be…hmmmm). Once designed, it reveals those things close to your heart. For me it's all about Disney, draped in all things magical and enchanting. Surprised?

Next, she said to find an inspirational piece. It could be your first Disney ornament, your child's favorite plush or family photos. Then, answer the question of why that is an inspirational piece to you – this will create your story. Once you know what story you want to tell, then look for a tree.

Now that you know what story you want to tell with your tree, you can share it in a number of ways. For example, at Disney Floral & Gifts we created a story with our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Treebeginning with a holiday card.

Then accents were chosen to add to the theme. Since this is a nostalgic Disney Christmas tree designed to create memories, you'll notice some familiar pieces that when combined, help to feature the story such as cranberry and popcorn garland and Mickey ornaments that move.

Personalization creates an endearing opportunity to acknowledge special loved ones. Children always remember their ornaments and love to place them in a special place on the tree, creating another memory.

Tiny woolen stockings holding peppermint candies are an extra special touch because children can enjoy a treat right off the tree – another memory. So consider an edible option for your tree as well.

And now for the topper. It's the coup de gras of the theme and captures the essence of your story. We tend to think of the topper as a particular ornament or star, but she said we can use just about anything – from ribbons, decorative twigs, plush from a certain location that you find magical (wink), and in our case, we used a personalized Mickey Santa hat.

So what do you do about final accents and perhaps skirting? With our Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Tree, Mickey took a ball of yarn as the final garland and laced it around the tree, leaving the rest of the ball at the base of the tree so we can finish it with our family. So as you're on the final design stretch, consider creating a family memory by celebrating with loved ones as they help you place the finishing touches on your tree. Have snacks available and share the story of why it's so special.

We'd love to share our tree with you, so if you're interested in our Christmas tree story there are three types of holiday-themed trees that you can have delivered to your Walt Disney World resort room. They can also be shipped anywhere in the 48 continental U.S. Just call a Dream Maker at 407-WDW-GIFT. You can also view them on our website,Disneyflorist.com.

Learn How to Design a Story-Themed Tree with Disney Floral & Gifts by Jean Volante: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

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Disney tower - cute

Vintage Walt Disney World: Holidays at the Earffel Tower at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 06:00 AM PST

Another big icon here at Walt Disney World Resort used to get into the ho-ho-holiday spirit with a giant 342 3/8th sized Santa hat. I'm talking about the Earffel Tower at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Of course, when this photograph was taken in December 1989, it was Disney-MGM Studios. The ears on this icon weigh 5,000 lbs. – so it's no wonder it takes a hat that is 28.5 feet in diameter to wrap around them!

The holidays weren't the only time in the past that the Earffel Tower has been altered to celebrate a special event.

Back in 1996, spots were added for the opening of Walt Disney Pictures live-action "101 Dalmatians" (and the Backstage Pass attraction on Mickey Avenue).

And in 1998, for the premiere of Fantasmic!, the ears were painted to look like the sorcerer's hat.

And while the Earffel Tower may not get into the holiday spirit any more, I'm pretty sure there aremillions of lights nearby that make up for it during the holiday season. I hear they even dance nowadays.

Vintage Walt Disney World: Holidays at the Earffel Tower at Disney's Hollywood Studios by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

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Cute gift

Something my daughter or I would love. Two for one - cards and a drink.

Sold at uncommongoods.com for $30

Pumpkin donuts

• Home
• Grands!® Pumpkin Doughnuts

Grands!® Pumpkin Doughnuts

	Prep: 20 Min  Total: 20 Min  Makes: 8 doughnuts

Blogger Brooke McLay from Cheeky Kitchen shares a favorite recipe for Grands!® Pumpkin Doughnuts. Pillsbury® biscuits are fried into perfectly plump doughnuts, and then dipped into a splendid pumpkin-spiced glaze.

Ingredients

2cups vegetable oil for frying

4cups powdered sugar

4 1/2teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1tablespoon canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

3to 4 tablespoons half-and-half

1can Pillsbury® Grands!® Flaky Layers refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)

Directions

1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat to 350°F to 375°F.
2. In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin and just enough half-and-half with whisk until smooth and thick glaze forms. Set aside.
3. Separate dough into 8 biscuits. Using small round lid or cookie cutter, cut hole in center of each biscuit.
4. Gently place 2 or 3 biscuits in hot oil. (Biscuit holes can also be fried!) Fry on one side until golden brown. With tongs, gently turn each biscuit over; fry until other side is golden brown. Remove doughnuts from oil; immediately dip into pumpkin glaze. Place doughnuts on cooling rack; cool 3 to 5 minutes or until glaze is set before serving.

Don't have pumpkin in the house? No worries! This recipe tastes just as good when the pumpkin is omitted.

These doughnuts are best warm and fresh. Invite friends and family over for a doughnut party. Hand out a few paper plates, and let everyone fight over the first bite of just-made doughnuts!

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Awesome products. They make me smile.

 

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