It is our #MovieNightFriday or also known as family movie nights. Tonight we bring you Aladdin. I have a love hate with Aladdin the film itself. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Genie. Genie brings the comedy and the hidden Easter eggs (if you want more on that, go check out our sister site alexneznamy.com or our Facebook group The Disney Pixar Connection). Any way, while I can go off on where and when Aladdin takes place and when (Post apocalyptic), what I can tell you is that Aladdin is based in the Middle East. You may not realize that but check out this map and Easter eggs aka references from the film itself.

We did a fun snack box from the Middle East, specifically Asia, and watched the VR videos of the regions.

Then we planned a menu and made middle eastern dishes before we sat down to watch the following films for the day. We did do a compare and contrast on what we liked and why. We also plotted the events on a timeline.

Aladdin Movie Night Menu

Here are recipes you can make for your own movie night.

3-Ingredient Sesame Seed Crunch Candy (Gluten-Free) – Strength & Sunshine

“A popular candy recipe with many variations throughout Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian, and Asian cuisines. This 3-Ingredient Sesame Seed Crunch Candy is perfectly sweet, nutty, gluten-free, paleo, optionally vegan, and top-8 allergy-free! Just toasted sesame seeds, honey, and sugar! Easy to gift or munch!” – Rebecca

Middle Eastern Twice-Baked Baby Eggplants – Strength & Sunshine

“Flavorful Middle Eastern Twice-Baked Baby Eggplants make a delicious gluten-free, vegan, paleo, and allergy-free appetizer or side dish. An easy plant-based recipe that will wow the tastebuds with new exciting flavors!” – Rebecca

Turkish Baklava – House of Nash

“Turkish Baklava, also known as Fistikli Baklava or Pistachio Baklava, is a deliciously rich, buttery, sweet dessert made from phyllo dough, finely ground pistachios, butter, and a syrup made from sugar, water and lemon juice. That’s it!” – Amy

ATAYEF – Pandemonium Noshery

“Eid Mubarak!! Atayef are a middle eastern treat popular for Ramadan and Eid al-fitr. It is believed that atayef comes from the Fatimid Dynasty. The Fatimid’s were Islamic rulers of North Africa, primarily Egypt, from 909 to 1171 AD. Now the pastries are associated with holiday fare, middle eastern Christians eat them during Easter. ” – Juli

Middle Eastern Clove and Cardamon Scented Rice – In the Playhouse

“Rice is a staple food in our home, like many others, and this Middle Eastern Clove and Cardamon Scented Rice recipe is a delicious way to serve it. This rice dish uses caramelised red onions, green lentils & griddled halloumi and is suitable for all the family.” – Anna & Luciana

Lebanese cheese parcels {Fatayer Jibneh} Recipe – In the Playhouse

“I love all types of fatayer (filled pastries) so when I saw Leiths Chef Alison Cavaliero had selected this Lebanese cheese parcels recipe as a pick for Bonfire Night, I just had to share it. Small pies like these are great for get togethers and are normally a hit with all ages. – Anna & Luciana

Lebanese Chicken Shawarma: The Best Authentic Shawarma Recipe – A Pinch of Adventure

Baklawa – The Best Lebanese Baklava Recipe – A Pinch of Adventure

“Lebanese Baklava (Baklawa) is the best of many Middle Eastern sweets. This Lebanese pastry is made with sheets of filo dough (phyllo dough) or puff pastry, layered with clarified butter or ghee, and filled with sugary walnuts and topped with a rose water syrup (ater recipe).” – Emily

Lebanese Falafel (Vegan Falafel Recipe) – A Pinch of Adventure

“It’s got to be one of my favorite things to order at my local Lebanese restaurant! If you have never had it you are missing out! Falafels are a mixture of ground chickpeas (and with this homemade Lebanese falafel recipe it includes fava beans as well), onions and fresh herbs. The mixture is then made into balls and fried then served in a wrap with an amazing creamy tahini sauce.” – Emily

Za’atar Bread- Mediterranean Flat Bread (Manakish) – A Pinch of Adventure

“Traditional Lebanese Za’atar bread (aka manaqish, manakeesh, or manakish) is an incredibly tasty Mediterranean flatbread made with toasty za’atar seasoning of roasted thyme, oregano, sesame and sumac. This savory rustic tart is baked with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice and an incredible spice blend of roasted Mediterranean herbs.” – Emily

Lebanese Hummus Recipe – A Pinch of Adventure

“This Lebanese hummus recipe is the best, easy and smooth hummus recipe. It can be made in 5 minutes and it’s the perfect party appetizer or healthy snack. This is Mediterranean hummus at its finest. Creamy hummus made with canned chickpeas is put in the food processor and is a simple vegan appetizer.” – Emily

LEBANESE HUMMUS RECIPE- A Pinch of Adventure

“This Lebanese hummus recipe is the best, easy and smooth hummus recipe. It can be made in 5 minutes and it’s the perfect party appetizer or healthy snack. This is Mediterranean hummus at its finest. Creamy hummus made with canned chickpeas is put in the food processor and is a simple vegan appetizer.” – Emily

How to Make Falafel and a KoMo Classic Grain Mill Review – Christina’s Cucina

“Learn how to make falafel at home using a Komo Classic Grain Mill. Choose chickpeas, fava beans or a combination of both flours to create the most delicious falafel mix to keep on hand in your pantry.” – Christina

Sabich sandwich – Israeli eggplant and egg stuffed pita – Everyday Delicious

“Sabich sandwich is a delicious Israeli fast food. My recipe is made with pita bread filled with pan-fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, tomato and cucumber salad, and green tahini sauce. It’s delicious and packed with flavor. It’s a really good idea for a meatless dinner or snack, even for meat-eaters.” – Aleksandra

DISNEY INSPIRED SNACK: ALADDIN MAGIC CARPET RECIPE – Brooklyn Active Mama

“It’s been a long time coming but finally friends, the Aladdin movie is here! Personally it’s been such a busy season for all of us, recitals, dance performances, work, doctors appointments—you name it. However, I have been watching the calendar super closely and waiting patiently for this movie to come out and omg it’s finally here! You guys know I like to celebrate Disney movies with treats (like this Disney Inspired Recipe) so I’m bringing a super fun and easy Aladdin Magic Carpet Snack Recipe. This Disney appetizer is simple and it is sure to please!” – Schnelle

Activities

How To Make A Paper Lantern – Printable Fairy

“After getting some requests from my readers to create a Ramadan craft, I came out with the idea of making these easy paper lanterns.” – Mishell

Aladdin Slime – Two Kids and a Coupon

“This jewel-studded Aladdin slime is a fun and easy way to celebrate an Aladdin movie night. Here is how to make it!” – Kim