Also known as … the All in WDW 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Top “25” Desserts!

A funny thing happened on the way to building this luscious list.  We only found 24 dishes that we felt arguably qualified as desserts and subsequently belonged on the menu!

Not to worry, though.  We forged ahead and built our Top “25” with 24 items.  Hey!  We can do that, right?  I mean, when it comes to college football, doesn’t the Big 10 include 12 schools … soon to be 14?

Anyway, I have said that “we” forged ahead.  Usually, that means that Mrs. All in WDW and I have conspired to collaborate on some piece of Disney magic.  This time, however, I had help from a different member of the family.

Our (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law is a whiz with desserts.  Unlucky for us, we don’t often get to experience her baking expertise, but lucky for the All in WDW family that she has applied her pastry-laden genius to build us our official All in WDW 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Top 25 Desserts.

With a “cake mix” of information and commentary, here are the goods … courtesy of our (almost) daughter-in-law, Sarah!

Thank you for welcoming me to the blog!  This was so much fun!  However, it was extremely challenging … like, it was harder than my Analytical Chemistry homework.  Luckily, this was desserts.

The method to my “madness”, in general terms, was:

1. Chocolate

2. Interesting or unique items (meaning, something you can’t find on a regular basis)

3. Regional (you know, like something that is characteristic to a country such as waffles are to Belgium)

4. Berries or Fruit

5. Orange “things”.  I do not like orange.  Although, “hooch” SO automatically trumps the orange rule that a serving of Grand Marnier-drunken bread pudding is a “must have”.

The only thing that disappointed me about 2013’s choices was the lack of peanut butter.  It is the greatest combo of creamy/saltiness and is completely awesome in desserts.  But, then again, I am a peanut butter addict.

You may also notice from my list that I’m not a huge fan of the orange Dole Whips. Don’t get me wrong … I love me a cool, refreshing Dole Whip.  Did I mention that I’m not a terribly huge fan of orange, though?

OK, so, after intense deliberation, here it is!!!  Now, all I want to do is eat a million desserts or, at the very LEAST, my Top 10!

1. Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait – France

This delight will be a chocolate milk crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar.

2. Apple Strudel – Germany

As in the past, this pastry will be smothered with Werther’s caramel and a vanilla sauce.

3. Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam – Cheese

Hmm.  A dessert?  Well, it DOES have almonds.

4. Frozen S’mores – Desserts & Champagne

This one was recently described by the Disney Food Blog as a “… chocolate smoothie [that] tastes like a sweet chocolate marshmallow”.  According to them, it will be [g]arnished with graham crackers, mini-marshmallows, and chocolate shavings.”  I say, Yum!

5. Scottish Banoffee Tart – Scotland

This dessert will be served with bananas, Scotch whisky toffee, shortbread crumbles, and a sweet cream.  Add this one to the “adult” desserts of an intoxicating allure.

6. Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache – Belgium

Served with whipped cream.

7. Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake – Desserts & Champagne

I struggled with whether or not I should include the next one.  In fact, I debated the merits of adding Greece’s Spanakopita to this list as well.  With that being more of a spinach-based dish, though, I finally decided it wasn’t a good fit as a dessert.  The “cheese”, though … well, if I’m going to include a blue cheese soufflé, I think I can add a griddled cheese.

8. Griddled Greek Cheese – Greece

A savory-sweet dish drenched in pistachios and honey.  I’ve also had the griddled cheese at the Greek restaurant where my cousin’s boyfriend is the chef.  It’s REALLY tasty!!

9. Craisin Bread Pudding – Hops & Barley

Covered with a Grand Marnier anglaise.  A what?  An anglaise is a light pouring custard used as a dessert cream or sauce.  How outstanding is it that it contains Grand Marnier?

10. Pavlova – Australia

Expect a crispy meringue shell with fresh Driscoll’s berries and vanilla custard.

11. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles – Desserts & Champagne

12. Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote – Belgium

Like Australia’s Pavlova, this dish will feature Driscoll’s Berries.  Like the “chocolate waffle”, it will be served with whipped cream.

13. Dole Pineapple Fritters – Refreshment Port

It’s got fruit, and it’s got “fritter”.  Doesn’t that make it a dessert?  Kind of?

14. Chocolate Cake – Terra

This vegan dish will be served with a coconut mousse and a sauce made of passion fruit.

15. Frozen Shakin’ Jamaican Coffee – American Adventure Coffee Cart

Made with Kāhlua, Vanilla, and Caramel, it’ll actually be served Hot or Frozen.  As “desserts” go, though, let’s plan on the frozen variety.  Oh, did you see the part about the Kāhlua?

16. Chocolate Cannoli – Italy

17. Baklava – Morocco

18. Warm Chocolate Pudding – Ireland

Another “loaded” dessert, this one contains a custard that includes Baileys Irish Cream.    Wow!  How will you feel after you enjoy a dose of Hops & Barley’s bread pudding and, then, THIS pudding?

19. Silky Spun Ice – China

Served with your choice of three with flavored toppings (Coconut, Strawberry, or Chocolate), I’m visualizing something like Italian Ice, maybe?

20. Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse – Desserts & Champagne

21. Rice Pudding – Mexico

22. Chocolate Orange Cupcake – Desserts & Champagne

23. Orange Dole Whip – Refreshment Port

“Regular” recipe, and …

24. Orange Dole Whip with Crème de Cacao White – Refreshment Port

… the “Jacked Up” version!  The “so-called” Creamsicle Dole Whip.  Crème de Cacao White is a chocolate bean-flavored liqueur that is scented with vanilla.

And, yes, I know I just dropped the Dole Whip at the bottom of the list.  Did I mention that I don’t like orange?

If you’re going to get the chance to attend Food & Wine this year, have a blast.  This year, it’ll mark my first visit … and, I can’t wait!

Now, where’s my chocolate cake?

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