I was invited to a sneak preview of Wreck-It Ralph a few weeks ago, along with a chance to interview the cast of the film. Here are a few things the stars had to say about the making of the film which premieres everywhere today.

John C Reilly (voice of Wreck-It Ralph):

You were so perfect for this character, I’m just wondering, did you know you had the voice for Wreck-it Ralph because it fit you like a charm?

John:It was kinda the process of becoming perfect for the character or the character becoming perfect for me. When I started out I was a bit weary of this animation process, they throw all kinds of crazy ideas around. At one point I was this horned monster with orange skin, it’s a video game character so it could be anything, all I had to be was the bad guy. So I watched all these different versions coming through… That’s the wonderful thing about how they start at the beginning.  The artist can do whatever they want. Whatever comes in their head they do all these crazy experiments, stream of consciousness ideas coming out on paper. So I sort of became Ralph and Ralph became me through the process of doing it.

Sarah Silverman (voice of Vanellope Von Schweetz):

What was your favorite part about playing Vanellope?

Sarah: I think her strength, her perseverance , her scappyness, especially at the beginning she’s obnoxious and precocious and she’s tough, but like any tough kid she’s protecting this scared little girl that’s rejected who just wants to play with everyone else. It’s the survival skill, and you know that kinda makes her every girl.

How does Sarah Silverman go to PG or a Disney film? I would have never pictured you in a Disney movie, do you think it’s logical?

Sarah: They just cut out all the curse words. There’s probably an audio blooper reel. No seriously, on one hand when Disney wanted me, I was like are you sure Sarah Silverman? But I’ve always been a huge Disney fan, I’m a huge baby and kids person, even though I don’t have any of my own. I was really happy they could see beyond those things. Or I was like do they only know me from Monk and Yo Gabba Gabba? But at the same time the filthiest comedian from when I was growing up is Eddie Murphy and he’s made quite a home with Disney. I know how to bite my tongue.

Jane Lynch (voice of Sergeant Calhoun):

Were you ever a gamer?

Jane: NO! I never even stepped foot in an arcade. Maybe except to drag my brother out of there. But I did play Astroids in the 80′s a few times.

How did recording Wreck-It Ralph work with your schedule? I’m sure you are uber busy with Glee. Did they work around your schedule?

Jane: Yeah, I would get an email from my agent saying we’re gonna do a Wreck-It Ralph this week, let me know what your schedule looks like. Then I would say I have Friday morning free and I’d come in and record during my free time from Glee. Then I wouldn’t hear from them for 3  months. Then I’d come in for an hour here and there. By the end they only would need me for 15 minutes.

Would you like to see a spin-off of your character?

Jane: Oh YEAH! I think there are many stories to be told in the arcade world.

For a review of the film and a look at my Sugar Rush inspired cake click here.

I was so inspired by the film I decided to make Ralph a medal… Here is a sugar cookie medal you can make at home with your family to honor the brave Wreck-It Ralph and all his hero characteristics! Take a big heart shaped sugar cookie and decorate it with blue icing. Then with white icing pipe the words “You’re My Hero” on it. Decorate the edge with sugar candy sprinkles and attach a ribbon to it. Or better yet eat it while watching the film. Go see Wreck-It Ralph, it’s sure to touch your heart.

Check out the Wreck-It Ralph trailer here:

It was one of those days…. I was missing my Tio who passed away 3 years ago.  With Dia de Muertos / Day of the Dead (Nov.2nd) around the corner, I decided to start building an alter in his name.  I put on his favorite song “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones and played it loud on repeat.  Choked up with tears stuck in my throat, I tried my best to belt it out and get to the rest of the song without a complete break down.  The title “Miss you” seemed perfectly appropriate.  My Tio loved Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, he use to eat them all the time.  He also loved his caramel, so why not combine the two to make the perfect treat.  My family has always observed Dia de Los Muertos but it takes on a completely different meaning when you are honoring a close family member dearly missed.  I dedicate this recipe to him and hope that where ever he is now, he’s eating his favorite foods with his friends having the best time.

Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Almond Dia de Muertos Rice Krispies Treat:

Non-Stick cooking spray

1 – stick butter (melted)

6 – cups mini marshmallows

2 – tablespoons milk

50 – caramel candies (plastic wrapper off)

1 – box of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal (12 oz.)

1 1/4 – cups whole almonds

2 – cups milk chocolate chips (melted)

I decorated my calavera with the following items:

Royal icing

sugar cookies

smarties

mini marshmallows

raspberry gummies

Kellogg’s Fruit Loops

edible metallic decorative balls

colored sprinkles

pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Spray a 9×13 pyrex glass baking dish, one pot, a big mixing bowl, and mixing utensil with non-stick cooking spray.  Set to the side.

1. In the sprayed pot over a medium flame add butter and marshmallows.  Mix until marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
2. In another pot add milk and caramel over a low flame and mix until melted and smooth.
3. Then take both mixtures and pour into the big sprayed mixing bowl. Mix until combined.
4. Next pour Kellogg’s Rice Krispies and almonds into the marshmallow caramel mixture.

1. Mix until completely combined.  Then pour mixture into 9×13 sprayed pyrex dish and press to make mixture even. Allow to cool completely in baking dish.
2. Once cool, flip over onto a cutting board.
3. I drew a big calavera (skeleton head) on a piece of wax paper, then cut it out and used it as my stencil.  Place stencil on top of rice krispie slab and cut around it.
4. Remove excess pieces and either eat or use later for decoration.  That’s up to you.
5. Once you have cut the calavera, leave the wax paper on it and flip it onto a different cutting board with the wax paper facing the cutting board.
6. Then take the melted chocolate and brush the entire calavera with the chocolate and along the sides as well.  Allow the chocolate to harden for at least 4 hours.

Decorate!

Once the chocolate is completely dried, take a small knife and run it along the edges to detach it from the cutting board.  Then flip it over and remove the wax paper.  Chocolate surface down, exposed Rice Krispies on top.  Then decorate as you wish.  Pull inspiration from my photo or anything else that makes you happy. To you and your loved ones departed or living this Dia de Muertos.

Disclosure: We are one of the Kellogg’s Champions of Great Starts bloggers and proud to have Kellogg’s as a SpanglishBaby sponsor.