There are so many recipes from the Walt Disney World Resort through the years that bring the culinary magic of Disney to the home kitchen. Next week, Delicious Disney: Recipes & Stories from the Most Magical Place on Earth by Pam Brandon, Marcy Carriker Smothers, and The Disney Chefs will be released, and with it there will be more culinary magic for the kitchen.
Today, DAPS MAGIC is pleased to share a recipe from this book from Empress Lilly Riverboat. This was docked on at what is now known as Disney Springs and named after Walt Disney’s wife Lillian, most affectionally known as Lilly. This riverboat first welcomed guests on May 1, 1977, and Lilly was on hand for the dedication. She was joined by five of her and Walt’s grandchildren. The Empress Lilly had three restaurants and also a jazz lounge. At the time, the Empress Lilly Room was the most elegant dining room in all of Walt Disney World Resort. The Empress Lilly eventually would close on April 22, 1995, and is now home to the Paddlefish.
While The Empress Lilly may no longer be at Disney Springs, some of the recipes live on. The recipe for Empress Lilly Au Gratin Potatoes has been shared with DAPS MAGIC and now is being shared with our readers. Give this recipe a shot and then share how it turned out for you!
Empress Lilly Au Gratin Potatoes – GEEK EATS Disney Recipe
Serves: 4
Notes
Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.
Ingredients
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1 tablespoon finely grated onion, optional
- 3 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake potatoes 50 to 60 minutes, or until soft enough to pierce with a fork. Refrigerate to cool, then peel and coarsely grate.
- Bring half and half almost to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, celery salt, and onion. Mix in grated potatoes.
- Reduce oven heat to 350°F. Spoon potatoes into buttered 1-quart baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until browned and bubbly.
Delicious Disney: Recipes & Stories from the Most Magical Place on Earth will be available on shopDisney.com and Walt Disney World beginning Sept. 28, 2021. It will arrive just ahead of the start of The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Walt Disney World as it celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
Share how the recipe turned out in the comments below!
