Believe it or not, October 6th is officially National Mad Hatter Day! Yep, straight from the Disney classic Alice in Wonderland, this date marks the official recognition of the character and all the mischief he embodies. It’s time for our usual Saturday Cooking Sesh (only on a Sunday this week), where we take inspiration from our Disney fandom and times recipes straight from the Disney Parks and bring them to life in our kitchens at home. We find it makes for a bit of family fun over the weekend while also giving us all those warm and fuzzy Disney feels that remind us of the parks we love.
I considered a few different options for today, and while a few things sprung to mind, I decided to take a page from Mad Hatter’s book and suggest the unexpected. What’s this? A sweet-tasting Spring Roll? Curiouser and curiouser… While I’ve never had these sweet treats in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, I simply won’t be going another day without trying the Pongu Lumpia from Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of Avatar! I know Jackie shared this one with you many years ago, but this weekend will be my chance to try this one, and I hope you will give it a go, too!
Pongu Lumpia (Pineapple Cream Cheese Spring Rolls)
Pongu Pongu, Pandora—The World of Avatar From Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Makes 10 Lumpia
- 10 spring roll wrappers
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- Oil for frying
- 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- 2. Carefully separate spring roll wrappers. Cover wrappers with moist paper towel to prevent drying.
- 3. Cut softened cream cheese into 10 equal pieces.
- 4. Place one spring roll wrapper on a cutting board. Place one piece of cream cheese in the center of the spring roll and spread evenly on wrapper, leaving a 3/4-inch border around the edges. Add 3 tablespoons of diced pineapple and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sugar.
- 5. Roll one edge of the wrapper towards the center. Fold in both sides and continue rolling. Moisten the edge with water to seal the lumpia.
- 6. Repeat with remaining spring roll wrappers.
- 7. Place lumpia on prepared baking sheet and freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
- 8. Preheat 1 inch of oil in a frying pan to 350°F. Fry lumpia for 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- 9. Roll in remaining sugar before serving.
Please note: “This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. All recipes are the property of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., and may not be reproduced without express permission.”
