The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog Exhibit has returned once again to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. To celebrate the Cranberry Bog, Ocean Spray hosted a private event for media, giving us a taste of dishes created with Ocean Spray Craisins and an opportunity for us to get into the bog. This was the only chance to actually get into the cranberry bog during the festival, so here’s my experience to share with you all.
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The Ocean Spray Cranberry bog is located near the entrance of Epcot’s World Showcase.
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A rack of waders are hanging, waiting for us to put them on and wade through the cranberry bog.
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Keeping with the theme of Epcot Food & Wine Festival, Ocean Spray presented a passport of flavors with tables representing cuisines inspired by different countries and using the Craisin in dishes. The Disney chefs got really creative and found some very unique ways to cook with the Craisins.
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The reception menu for Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog with inspired flavors from Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States.
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Mexico
Mole Shrimp Quesadilla with Cranberry Salsa
Pulled Chicken Craisin Tamales
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France – Artisan Cheese Stuffed Mini Craisin Brioche
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France – Craisin, Bacon, and Brie Potato Gratin
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Japan
Craisin Infused Five Spice Char Kobe Beef with Srirachi
Craisin Vegetable Fried Rice
I really enjoyed this dish. The Craisin Infused Five Spice Char Kobe Beef was very tender and it had just a touch of Craisin flavor on the meat.
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United Kingdom
Beef and Craisin Sheppard’s Pie
English Mustard Dusted Scotch Egg with Cranberry Marmalade
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Canada – Cranberry & Sea Salt Cured Wild Salmon with Maple Sugar Crystals
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Canada – Craisin Glazed Pork Belly with White Cheddar Maple Grits
This was my favorite dish of the evening. Craisin Glazed Pork Belly was rich and tasty, and even better were the White Cheddar Maple Grits. These were probably one of the best grits I’ve ever had and I love eating grits. I really hope to get the recipe and share it.
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Beautiful sunset and clouds above the Ocean Spray private event.
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The sun went down and it was our turn for our group to get into the cranberry bog. We all put on our waders (according to your shoe size) and carefully stepped into the bog. The cranberry always stay afloat and what a unique feeling wading through the water and cranberries. Such a fun and great time in the bog, I am very thankful I can experience it again this year.
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While everyone was wading around, I slowly submerged the lower half of my body into the bog, just to lean back and relax a little bit. Luckily the waders are completely waterproof and go up fairly high on the body.
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The Cranberry bog had a menu itself, with inspired dishes from the United States. The cocktail was refreshing and had some alcohol in it too.
United States
Seared Free Range Chicken with Craisin Moonshine Pearls
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Craisin Ketchup
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My food partner, OD and I got a chance to eat and have some fun in the bog this year.
(Thanks to Julie of TheLittleKitchen for taking the photo!)
Thank you Ocean Spray for hosting us and giving us a new outlook on the cranberry and cooking with the Craisin. I hope to get some recipes and share them here on the blog.
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Make sure to stop by the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog Exhibit at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and say hi to cranberry growers when you see them. They are more than happy to answer any questions you may have about cranberries.
For more about Craisin and cranberry recipes, visit www.oceanspray.com
Connect with Ocean Spray
Facebook.com/OceanSpray
@OceanSprayInc on Twitter
Epcot – World Showcase
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando, FL
Words and photos by Julius Mayo Jr.
Content and photos © Droolius.com 2013
More about Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival Intro & Droolius’ Top 5 Picks
Tasting & Wading In Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog at Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2012
Disclaimer: I was invited to attend this special event. I was not compensated to write this post and all opinions are always my own.
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