The first time we ever took our kids to Walt Disney World, my oldest son had one single request – visit the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. He had his entire morning all planned out – he’d go on the ride, see the pirates, and shop for an eye patch and hook souvenir afterward. It was all he talked about for weeks leading up to our day at the Magic Kingdom, and it was all he talked about for weeks after. Needless to say, he loved it!
Other obsessions have come and gone for him as he’s grown up, but his passion for all things pirates and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has definitely had staying power. His enthusiasm has been quite infectious too – over the years the Pirates of the Caribbean movies have quickly become solid family favorites in our household. So, it came as no surprise that riding Disneyland Park’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction was at the top of my kids’ must-do list when we started to plan our first visit to the Disneyland Resort last fall. And, wow, what a treat that was! California’s version is almost twice as long as Walt Disney World’s and includes more in-depth scenes showcasing pirate life and an additional drop. My pirate-crazed kids absolutely loved the extra time on this swashbuckling adventure! And, better still, the magic did not end with the ride – further setting Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean apart from its east coast counterpart is the opportunity to dine inside the attraction at the renowned Blue Bayou Restaurant.
Warm lighting cast from lanterns above and the soft nighttime sounds of nature set the mood for a peaceful evening on a New Orleans bayou at this iconic restaurant. This lovely backdrop also serves as the opening scene for guests on the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. In fact, the tables at Blue Bayou overlook the pirate boats beginning their daring journey on the high seas, providing patrons with a truly unique dining experience. Blue Bayou Restaurant became a fixture in Disneyland Park in 1967 and has since been one of the most sought-after reservations for guests visiting Anaheim. Offering exceptional theming, a charming atmosphere, and a terrific menu boasting delicious Creole and Cajun specialties, it is no surprise that Blue Bayou has remained a perennial favorite.
We lucked out and were able to get a reservation for Blue Bayou when we visited Disneyland last year, and our evening was every bit as memorable as I imagined it would be. Not long ago, we were reminiscing about our fabulous dinner there and felt inspired to try our hand at making the entrée we all ordered and couldn’t get enough of – jambalaya! Chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage are mixed with spicy Creole rice to create this flavorful one-pot wonder that hails from Louisiana. We went straight to the source for the recipe we used to try to recreate this delicious dish at home. And while our version did not turn out exactly like the jambalaya we fell in love with on our trip, it was still a big hit and we had a great time filling the house with a little taste of Disneyland. Here is a brief glimpse at our recent culinary adventure!
It all begins with the cornerstone of Creole and Cajun cooking – a mixture of diced onions, green bell pepper, and celery – otherwise known as the Holy Trinity.
This base is sauteed over medium heat until the vegetables are tender. Garlic and shallots are added and sauteed with the Trinity for a few additional minutes.
Once the garlic and shallots have softened, stir in diced tomatoes, salt, and Cajun seasoning and bring to a simmer. This is the Creole sauce that will eventually be added to the rice.
To make the Creole rice, begin by sauteeing your choice of rice over medium heat until it begins to brown.
Add chicken stock and the finished Creole sauce to the rice, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low once the mixture begins to boil, and cover and cook until the rice becomes tender.
While the rice simmers, saute the meats over medium heat until fully cooked. Once the rice is fluffy, mix it in carefully with the chicken, sausage, and shrimp. Add additional salt and seasoning to taste. And then it’s finally time for the best part – enjoying this amazing labor of love!
Be sure to check out the recipe below for complete details and instructions to make this Southern classic in your kitchen! Happy cooking!!
Recipe Source: Disney Parks Blog
