Spring Break Memories and Broccoli with Puri-Puri & Key Lime Ponzu (for my sweet girl Taylor)!

We headed to the “happiest place on earth” for Spring Break last week. The trip was made extra special because our oldest daughter, Taylor was able to come with us. The kiddos LOVED hanging with big sister. Emily earned the nickname “Sticky Blob”, not only because she was a sticky mess from all the sugary treats, but because she was stuck to Taylor’s side the entire week!

Our first day in Orlando found us at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal Studios). We had a blast…from the wand demonstration at Olivander’s to the Forbidden Journey ride to sipping pumpkin juice and butter beer, a great time was had by all!

On Monday morning we had breakfast at the Grand Floridian. Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and Tigger made the morning quite memorable. This is the kids FAVE breakfast spot in Disney…who wouldn’t love breakfast pizza, Mickey Mouse waffles and ice cream for breakfast, I mean really?!

Name a ride or show in the Magic Kingdom and we did it…Space Mountain (family favorite), Thunder Mountain, It’s A Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean, Philharmagic…you get the idea. The Electric Light Parade and Wishes Fireworks show were as always spectacular and truly magical!

Lunch with Pooh and friends at Crystal Palace is a must for my kiddos. The food is amazing, the characters precious (Pooh, Eyore, Tigger and Piglet). On the menu this year was the most fabulous broccoli I have ever eaten….seriously! Broccoli with Puri-Puri and Key Lime Ponzu…soooo yumm-o! Taylor and I both adore broccoli and neither of us could quit eating this stuff! I immediately began searching for a recipe. I found one and made it last night…once again, I just couldn’t quit eating it…sweet, salty, spicy, garlicky goodness! Check out the recipe below. I am thinking about adding some red bell peppers, mushrooms and chicken to make a fabu stir-fry!

Epcot was also a magical, memory making day for the Camdens. We ate our way around the world…Canada to Mexico and every country in between!

We are already talking about next Spring Break…Harrison will be in New York for his theatre class trip over Spring Break 2012…the entire family plans to head to the Big Apple…so very excited!


Have a blessed and beautiful day!


Broccoli with Puri-Puri and Key Lime Ponzu


Key Lime Ponzu Sauce

1/2 cups orange juice
3/4 cup soy sauce
1 1/2 tbsp key lime juice
1 1/2 tbsp mirin
1 1/2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
3 1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch



Combine ingredients except key lime juice and cornstarch. Bring items to a simmer for 30 minutes. Do not boil. Mix cornstarch and lime juice until completely blended and immediately add to the simmering sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Puri-Puri Sauce

6 1/4 tbsp canola oil
1/3 tsp crushed red pepper
2 1/2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
3/4 tbsp kosher salt


Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Boil for 2-3 minutes, stir occasionally. Watch the garlic carefully. You want to have pale golden colored garlic. If you overcook the garlic, it will be crunchy and bitter. Pour into a bowl or heat proof containerand set aside until ready to serve.

To Serve

Take 2 bunches fresh broccoli (about 2 pounds), cut into spears.

Steam the broccoli until the broccoli is al dente. Toss the broccoli in the Puri-Puri. Place broccoli in a serving dish and top with the Key Lime Ponzu.