Disney World’s Newest Souvenir Brings a Taste of New Orleans Home – Latest Food News Update

Last summer, Walt Disney World opened its first Princess Tiana ride—Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—complete with music, friendly animals, and, of course, beignets. Given that the star of “The Princess and the Frog” is heralded for her steadfast determination and incredible culinary skills, it’s no surprise her first theme park attraction would provide everything fans have been waiting for—including the cheat codes to making her most famous dessert.

Tiana’s ambitions to become a restaurateur are on full display in the 2009 animated film, which culminates in the opening of her namesake eatery, Tiana’s Place. The new Disney World ride picks up shortly after the film’s end, where guests experience firsthand how she’s grown her business to a full-blown New Orleans co-op. With friends gathering in revelry on the way to a Mardi Gras celebration, it’s a fitting continuance for a princess who takes after an actual culinary hero.

The Chef Behind the Disney Princess

Tiana was inspired by real-life trailblazer Leah Chase, who co-owned and helmed Dooky Chase, a landmark New Orleans restaurant and an essential gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. Chase, respected for the authenticity of her family recipes (she was known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine”) and the courage of her activist convictions, was a powerful inspiration for Disney’s first Black princess. 

A Surprising Souvenir From Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Riders on the new attraction join Tiana and friends on a critter-filled journey through the Louisiana bayou, which includes a jaw-dropping 50-foot plunge. Photos of riders on this iconic drop (in its previous iteration as Splash Mountain) were always popular and remain as beloved with the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It’s no surprise that the Most Magical Place on Earth began offering a Disney PhotoPass souvenir celebrating her arrival, but what is a surprise is what’s secretly tucked inside.

Along with an 8×10-inch photo print of the ride’s most riveting moment, the commemorative print package also features two recipe cards of Tiana’s very own creations, including her famous beignets. (Yes, one of Disney’s best souvenirs actually includes printed recipe cards!)

Parkgoers can buy fresh beignets inside the Magic Kingdom—and even smell them in the ride queue!—but there’s something extra special about bringing home her recipe as a unique memory from your Disney World trip. 

This recipe, which originates from “The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Cookbook: Recipes for Kids,” is all you need to start baking like royalty. Just be sure to add a drizzle of honey on top to finish your pastry the Tiana way!

Princess Tiana’s World Famous Beignets

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• oil of choice, for frying
• confectioners’ sugar

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of flour with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, water, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour mixture.
3. Use some of the remaining flour to dust your work surface. Place the dough on it and pat it into a large 1/2-inch-thick square. Dust the top with more flour if it gets sticky. Next, slice the dough into 2 1/2-inch squares.
4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy saucepan on the stovetop until the temperature reaches 325 degrees F (163 degrees C) on a deep-fat thermometer. Check the temperature every so often while cooking. If it gets too hot, temporarily turn the heat down, or off.
5. Carefully drop three dough squares at a time into the hot oil. Fry them for three minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beignets to a wire rack or set atop paper towels to drain. Dust the beignets with confectioners’ sugar, and enjoy!