Awaken Your Tastebuds With Star Wars™ Cereal, Recipes, And More! Cookiee Chew-Bar-Ccas Recipe!

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Momma Told Me: Fans make the franchise.

These days it seems like everyone is a Fanboy or Fangirl. Some people like to get all uptight about who is a fan, and who is just following the fandom because it's the cool thing to do. But, when you get down to Brass tacks so in my generation actually have rights to claim 'authentic' fandom on a franchise that has been around since the 70s. Sure, we have a title that pays homage directly to the Millennium Falcon, or so I like to think, but millennials have no more ownership to the awesome universe that is Star Wars than the generation after us. Truth be told, a true Star Wars fan loves the characters, the lore, the (let's be honest) franchise so much it matters little who liked it first or the longest, but rather that we all love it so very much.

It's no secret I am a fan of Star Wars™- there have been countless references here and on my social forums for as far back as I existed on social media. Yes, since Disney acquired the rights to the characters and upcoming films merchandise has become, well, much more available- but I was there ranting over Jar-Jar in the midnight release line of 2002, just as I was one of millions crashing online ticketing systems when the The Force Awakens tickets went on pre-sale in October. My childhood was full of images of Ewoks and tenacious space princesses- and every year I dress the pets up for Halloween, or even just because as any character I an justify. But why do I really love Star Wars™?

I love it because it is a universal language so wide in reach a single instrumental can solicit cheers without a single image or word. Because in high school I'd argue with otherwise strangers about 'Who shot first,' until it quite literally became a debate in the debate club. Because those who love it feel so passionately about it I consider them a sibling in a strangely wonderful universe of geekdom that is so mainstream, it's hardly even considered nerding out anymore. And while some who have been in love with the franchise as long as me, may feel disgruntled by the appearance of fresh generations of fans, and daringly new characters and content, I embrace the chance to speak my language with a whole new legion of fans.

I couldn't care less whether you just watched the original films this year for the first time, or were lucky enough to be in the theater during those first 1977 showings. Star Wars™ is amazing because of each and every one of it's fans, so hold that R2-D2 thermos or BB-8 plushie high with pride, because you are a part of something amazing. And, in that spirit, I'm going to share with you some of my own fandom celebration as we count down the days to the big theatrical release this week! But first, you'll have to go to Walmart to snag your favorite General Mills cereal in one of several limited edition boxes with exclusive Star Wars™ Droid Viewer prizes! Whether you love to snack on the sweet and crunchy O's of Honey Nut Cheerios®, or enjoy the crisp crunch of Cinnamon Toast Crunch®, you're sure to find something awesome and plenty of Star Wars™ fun. Just check out the Exclusive Droid Viewer I poured out of my Cinnamon Toast Crunch® box!

You're also going to want to grab a few boxes of specially marked Cookie Crisp® cereal from Walmart- there's an exclusive limited edition Droid Viewer inside and it just so happens to be the secret ingredient in my Cookiee Chew-Bar-Ccas recipe! While you'll need an entire box for the special cookie biscuit base, Cookie Crisp is delicious to snack on without milk- so grab an extra box for that midnight screening line too.

Start by pulverizing an entire box of Cookie Crisp® in a blender or food processor. The mixture should be fine, and even, like a delicious cookie powder.

Next take 2 softened bars of salted butter, flour, and some vanilla extract and smash up the mixture until it is mold-able, but not 'wet.' Press the crust like mixture into the bottom of a well greased 9" x 13" pan and bake it in the oven for 30 minutes at 300F. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

While your cookie 'biscuit' layer is cooling melt your caramels over medium-high heat with half and half, stirring constantly as to not burn the mixture. Once the caramel is an even texture and coats the back of a spoon when turned, remove from heat and pour over your 'biscuit' layer.

Sprinkle a generous layer of sweetened coconut flakes over the warm caramel layer and send the pan to the refrigerator for 45 minutes to an hour. Once the caramel has set run a knife horizontally through the layers, then vertically to create 16 even bars. Carefully remove and separate each bar, placing them 2" apart on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Coat with a thin layer of melted chocolate or chocolate candy coating and return to the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until set.

These Cookiee Chew-Bar-Ccas, as we like to call them, are inspired by two of our favorite candy bars and so addictive, it truly does require use of The Force to refrain from eating half a tray. The buttery, crispy, crunch Cookie Crisp base is the perfect companion to the chewy caramel and melty coconut shell. We cannot get enough, and they are so easy to make, even the youngest of Padawans can help!

Nora, however, was not impressed. She mush prefers the less developed 'cousin' of the Wookiee, the Ewoks, whose primitive ways make them destined for galactic domination- or so she thinks. I can't really give her opinions much weight, after all, she keeps questionable company...

Meanwhile, in my fridge something awesome was about to awaken- the limited edition Star Wars™ Go-Gurt® with Glow-In-The-Dark Light Saber packaging and Blippar app interactivity. Not only do these delicious limited edition flavors have packaging tubes that resemble light sabers and glow-in-the-dark, but I can scan the characters on the front of each tube to bring exclusive content and 3-D models to life! Within seconds I was looking at a 3-D model of the First Order Star Destroyer I could actually transpose over live images and take photos with! This is just one of over a dozen pieces of exclusive Star Wars™ The Force Awakens pieces of content you can unlock with the Blippar app and Star Wars™ Go-Gurt®!

I was so inspired by the fun light saber packaging I decided to whip up some sabers of my own! With some leftover plastic test tubes, from Halloween, food color, washi tape, and powdered milk, I set out to make fun light saber favors perfect for a Star Wars™ themed breakfast. This project really could not be any simpler, and it has impressive impact with fans of any age- after all, who doesn't love playing with a light saber? Even better, the colored powdered milk harnesses the power of the force to turn any breakfast cereal morning into a special event!

While this project is fairly simple and affordable, you will likely run into a snag of you attempt to color 'powdered' anything without some advance tips. First, save time and buy affordable powdered food color, which is high in concentrate and very effective in small pinches. Or, you may color with traditional food color drops- but you will need to be a lot more patient- rubbing the color into the mixture until it clumps and turns into powder once more- Liquid food color will yield a colored result, but it will require significantly more color, and cause your powdered milk to be more clumpy in appearance- this may also diminish the shelf life.

Once you've settled on your method of coloring, combine your powdered milk in a plastic zipper bag and blend until fully colored- for our Light Sabers we went with red, green, and blue. Once colored we portioned the powdered milk into the plastic tubes, taped the ends with black electrical tape and silver washi tape and 'Voila!' Cereal Milk Light Sabers, just pour into your bowl and add water! It's not only a fun way to take your cereal on the go ANYWHERE, but also a fun way to play with the exclusive Star Wars™ limited edition General Mills cereals from Walmart.

No matter what side you are on, you simply must get your hands on these limited edition General Mills Star Wars™ cereals, because they won't be around for long- and cereal makes an awesome Blu-Ray viewing party snack. I know I'll be enjoying a bowl every night this week for dessert in preparation of the theatrical release!

Whether you're young, old, green, or a clone- all you need be is a fan to be among my circle of Star Wars™ friends. It really doesn't matter who your favorite character is, or even your favorite film (though there really is no correct answer other than 'Empire Strikes Back,') as long as you share a love for the series that makes your heart pound when you hear that infamous theme. So, go ahead, leave your comments and thoughts- tell me your first Star Wars™ memory, your favorite scene, the quotes you'll never forget and let's all indulge in a little fandom- because that's what Star Wars™ is all about. Check out the #AwakenYourTastebuds social hub for more awesome recipes, and even party ideas, you're sure to love!


What Daughter Says: The only thing better than celebrating my favorite franchise is enjoying it with family and friends.

Cookiee Chew-Bar-Cca Bars

**Click here for printable coconut caramel cookie candy bar recipe.

Head Into The Woods This Holiday Weekend

Momma Told Me: Stay a child, while you can be a child.

I haven't hit the theaters too hard these past few months with my partners in crime, aka my movie dates (Sabrina and Savannah) having moved to Texas. Truth be told, I was also holding out for those coveted holiday releases; it's sort of a tradition to visit the theater Christmas weekend and explore the blockbuster event of the year. This year heading into the holiday, I was a bit skeptical of what I might be watching. With The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part I already on old rotation from Thanksgiving, and a thirst for something over-the-top-cinematic, Into The Woods was a natural candidate. Luckily, there just so happened to be a screening in Austin last week while I was visiting the family for the holidays.

If you know nothing of the name, the trailers for Into The Woods may elude you to the true focus of music as an element in this film. While I suspect the raving reviews and nomination boasting television spots will soon set things straight, the initial teasers were quite mild in their representation of the film as a musical. That is to say, if you were to buy a ticket, unfamiliar with the theatrical production of the same name, you would have quite a shock as the opening song trails off into yet another melodic section. But fear not- whilst the uninitiated may cringe initially at the first few rhymes, it's nearly impossible not to be won over by the all-star cast and vivid storytelling. From wardrobe to set and cinematography, the film feels like a living storybook,

And it should, after all, Into the Woods is an imagined retelling of the intertwined fates of some of the most beloved fairytales. From Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bag Wolf to Rapunzel and Cinderella, each of these characters find themselves 'in the woods' learning a valuable lesson. And speaking of lessons- you'll find the original themes of each story prominent throughout, but the ultimate message seems to be 'Be Careful What You Wish For.' And, as cliche as that sounds, as the character's actions spiral downward into one greater tale, it's easy to see how we, as viewers are asked to reflect on the inventory of our own lives, and how we prioritize the goals within them.

But what of the actual film? Is it a success? As a beloved theatrical production on the big screen it is an overwhelming triumph- as a movie, it is sure to not be everyone's cup of tea, but infectious and  nearly impossible to escape should the skeptics sit it out. In the end, the number of characters really are quite small, which allows for them to be properly composed and brought to life on their own, before colliding in the greater tale towards the end. You should expect each and every scene to have a song, which not only tells the story, but has brilliant anecdotes on the human condition peppered in. This is, without a doubt, a comedy just as much as it is a musical.  And the all-star cast that lined up to star in it are so perfect for their roles you'll immediately forget any history of them outside their costume.

As only a theatrical production could, Into The Woods plays with the viewers emotions vacillating from riotous laughter to intense introspection with contrasting scenes such as Chris Pine (Cinderella's Prince) and Billy Magnussen (The Other Prince) belting out 'Agony' alongside Witch Meryl Streep's hauntingly emotional rendition of 'Stay A Child.' It was quite odd indeed to still feel the warm tears of laughter, yes I caught myself clutching my side during the Princes number, as a more poignant and emotional scene unfolded just moments later. As a viewer I was indeed along for the ride from one scene to the next.

Fans of the original 'Into The Woods' theatrical production will surely find enjoyment in this big screen re-imagining, but I fear there are a few theatrical elements that were just a touch too over the top. Some of the Witch's more dramatic scenes could have gone a few seconds shorter for me, while the creepy, almost unnerving, clips with Johnny Depp seemed to work my nerves. Ironically, some of the more absurd moments (Slow Motion Prince and Cinderella In The Tar, Princes On Waterfall) worked quite ingeniously as standout scenes. In all, the film is perfect for families, but perhaps in message a movement easier to follow for kids a little older (7+), while adults will appreciate some of the more cheeky dialogue and music.

Should you see this film? Yes. Be sure to catch it in theaters, and even with a group- everyone is sure to have their thoughts on favorite scenes and theatrical interpretations to discuss after. But be warned, you WILL be singing the songs for days- I've already downloaded the soundtrack on iTunes, and I plan on visiting it in theaters again soon! And my other partners in crime? Mother Savannah admitted she couldn't get the film out of her head and placed it up there with Malificent, while 12 year-old Sabrina called it an 'odd film' that was a 'lot of fun' and 'worth seeing again.'  Into The Woods opened Christmas Day and is playing at theaters nationwide, for more information visit the official website.

What Daughter Says: Recall what it was like to discover your favorite fairytale characters all over again, with Into The Woods.

A Journey to Oz: Film Review and Hollywood Visit

Momma Told Me: We're not in Kansas anymore!

Okay, so the intro quote is a BIG cliche, but my Momma used to tell me this all the time; in fact, I think it's fair to say the original Wizard of Oz is easily one of the most identifiable feature films of all time. If you stop to think of all the media references to key elements (think the yellow brick road and ruby slippers), or even those throughout your own life, you'll probably find this film as iconic as me. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is first most a novel by celebrated author Frank L. Baum, published in 1900, and later adapted first for the stage in 1902, with the classic American film following suit in 1939. The majority of this is common knowledge worldwide, though very few recent generations are aware that there is an entire world of stories, 13 to be exact, based on the characters within, and written by Mr. Baum. The majority of these stories remain fairly short reads, and chronicle simple tales of the arrival and coming to be of those Oz inhabitants we all know and love so much.

I consider myself to be a bit of a quirky old soul, and skeptic when it comes to the recent trend of spin-off and remade popular classics. I was understandably hesitant to embrace the concept of a new Oz feature film series, when it was first announced several years back. Even the beloved Disney Studios name could not put me at ease, thinking my grandchildren might someday lack the basic recognition of the original characters and film. And, while knowing that this would be noted director, Sam Raimi's first foray into a full length 3-D feature film excited the majority of the general public I was also disheartened to think this new Oz feature would fly primarily on overzealous CG visuals and 3-D parlor tricks. Forgive me if I sound cynical- but these are my honest feelings going into our exclusive screening last Monday night.

Now, it wouldn't be a trip to Oz without an exciting visit to the local media capital, Hollywood, where we were set to see Oz The Great and Powerful in Disney Real D at one of the grandest theater houses (in my humble opinion), the El Capitan. For those not lucky enough to be local, the El Capitan is a Disney exclusive theater nestled next to the Disney Soda Shoppe and Gift Store. Originally a grandiose playhouse, opened in 1926 by real estate developer Charles Toberman (the Father of Hollywood), the El Capitan is gorgeously styled in classical theater-house design, and has hosted a myriad of noted actors such as personal favorite Clark Gable. When one attends a digital screening of a Disney film there today they are treated to a pre-show string of Disney songs played atop the in house Wurlitzer Theater Organ, which is often followed by a live show trying into the feature film. I fear my words do not paint a beautiful enough picture of this wonderfully colorful, and arguably magical, venue that seems lost in time and the perfect setting for Oz.

Rated PG for "Sequences of Action, Scary Images, and Brief Mild Language," we decided to take 10 year old Sabrina along. Admittedly, the El Capitan experience was the highlight of our trip for her, including a chance to guess the Disney songs played by the organist, though Sabrina was no stranger to the upcoming Oz film. We had stopped, prior to admittance, in the Disney store and Soda Shoppe, where I informed Sabrina she could select any item of choice from the Oz merchandise line. There were several styles of Witch hats, Elegant Character Dolls, and even a plush winged monkey (which would have been my pick!), I was proud and surprised to see her select the film adapted novel. Yes, by the time the theater's 3 curtains finally drew back to reveal the artsy credits and intro, we were well immersed in the land of Oz.

I try my best to 'review' films without giving away the plot, or enticing crowd moments, though anyone familiar with the Oz novel series will already know the plot line for line. The story is very much true in that sense, and the film seems if anything a bit embellished in length. Disney and the director, as I had anticipated, spent quite a bit of extra time rolling through colorful enchanted landscapes and playing with predictable 3D effects.  I likely don't need to tell you the main cast consists of Oz (James Franco), Theodora The Witch (Mila Kunis), Evanora the Witch (Rachel Weisz), Glinda (Michelle Williams), and comedic sidekick Frank/Finley the Flying Monkey (played by Zach Braff). As you might assume, Finley the monkey is entirely CG, but he is not the only sole CG main character in the film, series classic China Girl is also a unique interpretation of the classic character.

While the rolling scenes of Bubble Travel, Mysterious Mists, and Tornado Tumbling Balloons are set amidst gorgeously painted backdrops and interactive environments, I did feel some of the film's more darker moments were a bit too intense. 10 year-old Sabrina, who watches Zombie films and The Walking Dead, was caught multiple times with her fingers in her ears and wincing at the over-zealous and quite terrifying flying minions (baboons) of the Evil Witch. Also a bit heart-pounding is the Tornado sequence which features many instances of loud noises followed by piercing 3D effects. As someone who does not consider herself sensitive to 'scare tactics' and loud noises, these sequences were equally bothersome for me, and I found myself wishing them over quickly. On a lighter note, the choice (and, really was there any other consideration?) to have the film scored by accredited Danny Elfman truly brought the beautiful characters, makeup, and landscape to life, and helps make the more magical moments of this film more, well, magical.

I may be a bit old-school, but I found myself enjoying the more classical Oz moments, such as this end scene where Glinda reads a decree to the good people of Oz, outside the Emerald palace. I was disappointed there were less nods to traditional Wizard of Oz known characters and moments (I really wanted to see a full munchkin song), but happy to get a sense of where the future films will take us. There was a bit of insight into the beginnings of the Scarecrow, and even the King's trusted Lion (more commonly known as the Cowardly Lion), and in general enough content to please even the staunchest of classical Oz fans. Yes, Oz The Great and Powerful is a much more cinematic endeavor into the world of Oz, but loveable characters like Finley and even China Girl really helped ease the sharpness of Mila Kunis (almost over-the top acting job) and James Franco's jovial presence.

So, is it worth the $13+ average admission price for a 3D Digital Ticket? In my opinion, I could wait a week or two for the buzz to settle down, and still have enjoyed it just as much. I do wish this was offered in a non-3d format, where I feel I might enjoy the costumes and landscape more, without the distraction of digital parlor tricks, but the characters are loveable, and Sabrina seemed to truly enjoy it. In fact, she has been reading the book all week! So long as you hit your set with an open mind to a modern adaptation of a literature classic, you'll be sure to let loose with laughter at Finley's lighthearted jokes, and find yourself anticipating the announcement of the next film.

What Daughter Says: Oz The Great and Powerful is one modern adaptation of beloved classic literature that passes my strict standards.

As Required by The FTC: My family was invited to a pre-screening of the above film. No other compensation was offered. Regardless, all opinions within are mine and mine alone. Screen captures are courtesy of Disney Studios and subject to relevant copyrights.