EAT YOUR COLORS- SEP / OCT

a letter from the editor

H. LUIZ MARTINEZ

WATCHING LEAVES, change from green to gold and yellow and red and orange and brown during the Fall season is one of my favorite things to see.

I believe it’s because I was born in the Fall season, although my birthday month (Dec) is considered a Winter month. Autumn is typically from Sep 22 through to Dec 20 and I was born on Dec 7th. I have always loved cooler weather- not that I don’t enjoy warmer or colder seasons- it’s just that Fall is where it’s at for me.

Soup Season also begins and I start to stock up on my dried peas and lentils. I stock up on fresh garlic, herbs and homemade stocks- I get so ready to create pots of my favorite soups and stews. My Partner and I also love to travel in the Fall. After all, our anniversary date is October 18th (25 Beautiful Years this year) but it’s more than that. We love to travel during the Caribbean rainy season, typically June through to November (rainiest months are September and October). And although the highest chance for tropical storms happen during that time, we have never experienced one while vacationing in the beautiful islands of the Caribbean.

The rainy season is also known as Low Peak season in the Caribbean. This means prices are severely reduced and visitors are at a minimum. Sure it may rain for a few minutes every day (it may not) but I really do feel that you need that relief from the Caribbean sun.

If you’re caught in the rain, just stay under a beach or pool umbrella, or grab a quick lunch or make a quick text and enjoy the reprieve from the heat - it’ll pass in minutes. If you’re indoors during some refreshing rain, you may not even notice that it has rained at all.

Have fun!

BLUE BEETLE

The very 1st SuperHero movie Directed, Written and Starring

LATINX

will likely surpass ‘SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS’ and will become the 2nd highest grossing DC movie of the year. It will be released on MAX on September 26, 2023. Please continue to support it.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUING SUPPORT

*Due to SAG-AFTRA strikes, actors could not actively promote the film, and the studio almost gave up on any promotional efforts. However it was THANKS to General Public interests, People of Color and Latinx Communities along with their Supporters & DC Fans- that this incredible move was a success, bringing in 150M+ in profits.

NYC Pride's Family Movie Night Returns This Fall

Co-presented with Rooftop Cinema Club, families are invited to view Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) and Coraline

NYC Pride is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved LGBTQIA+ familycentric film events, co-presented by Rooftop Cinema Club. Audiences are invited to bid farewell to the summer taking in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) on Saturday, Sep 23, 2023 at 4:15 p.m. and to warmly welcome spooky season with Coraline on Saturday, Oct 14, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.

On Saturday, September 23, 2023, Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2023) tells the story of the youngest and most defiant of King Triton’s daughters, Ariel. She longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. As mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, for a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown –in jeopardy. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 4:15 p.m.

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Coraline reminds audiences to be careful what they wish for. When Coraline moves to an old house, she feels bored and neglected by her parents. She finds a hidden door with a bricked up passage. During the night, she crosses the passage and finds a parallel world where everybody has buttons instead of eyes. In this alternate reality she has caring parents and all her dreams begin coming true. When the Other Mother invites Coraline to stay in the parallel world forever.

Doors open at 1:45 p.m., and the movie begins at 2:30 p.m.

NYC Pride members can enjoy 25% off their cost of admission to these screenings by booking their tickets at rooftopcinemaclub.com/midtown and using code NYCPRIDEFAM at checkout. Both of the 2023 NYC Pride Family Movie Night events will take place at Rooftop Cinema Club Midtown located at 60 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018, which features stunning New York City skyline views as its backdrop. When the movie starts, audiences will be able to completely immerse themselves within the magic of the films through RCC’s state-of-the-art wireless headphones and an intimate view of their LED screen. Please be advised that seating for each film is strictly limited to 108 attendees.

More information about NYC Pride, including how to donate and volunteer, can be found at nycpride.org.

NYC Pride’s family Movie Night

Hispanic Heritage Month, traditionally celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a dedicated period to highlight and cherish the vibrant histories, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. With the Hispanic population continuously growing in influence, both culturally and economically, it’s crucial to understand and honor this rich legacy.

Understanding the Essence of Hispanic Heritage Month

The inception of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968. It begins on September 15, marking the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. As we inch closer to 2023, the significance of this month remains unwavering, echoing the melodies of salsa, the tales of ancient civilizations, the flavors of traditional dishes, and the innovations of modern Hispanic icons.

Hispanic Heritage Month has always been a time for Americans to honor and reflect on the Hispanic and Latino influences that have shaped the nation. The month invites us to delve into the colorful tapestry that comprises Hispanic culture – its music, cuisine, arts, and contributions to science, technology, and social justice.

My TOP 8 Travel List

Every traveler knows (or should know) there are some unspoken rules that everyone must follow in order for all of us to have an enjoyable flight. An unruly child left unattended, the smell of someone’s pungent meal or a passenger rushing to grab their bags as soon as the plane lands are all big no-no’s. However, inconsiderate passengers are still committing these deplorable acts and then some. Here is my Top 8 Travel List of things that you should never, ever do on a plane.

The last thing folks want to do, in any tight space, is to inhale strong odors. Some folks already feel queasy when they fly, now imagine sitting next to someone eating a strong-smelling tuna fish sandwich? One time, I sat near a family and the Father asked the kids if they were ready for lunch. I knew that the meal cart was not due for another 40 minutes but he reached into his bag and pulled out a half-dozen carton of hard boiled eggs.

He practically through the eggs at his wife and children. As soon as they got to crackin’ those eggs, I just about lost my earlier breakfast and my manners.

One child exclaimed that his egg was still warm- egg shells flying everywhere. The smell was very nauseating! Some passengers could not take it and told that family just where they can stick those eggs.

A flight attendant looked at me and told me to grab my belongings. She moved me (and a couple of more passengers) to other seats.

PLEASE do not bring pungent meals onboard.

Listen, some children are hard to control and manage, that is just something we have to accept. However, a parent or care-taker cannot handle any child if that parent is sleeping while the child (or children) is running wild through the aisle.

I remember one child walking right up to my seat (cute as can be) and smiled a toothless smile at me. As I warmly said hello, he reached and grabbed a handful of my food and ran into another stranger’s seat and knocked over a coffee. The flight attend it snatched up the kid and brought him to his parents- who were asleep. Could you believe it- asleep?

Then I heard the parents get very vocal because the Flight Attendant woke them up. That was just crazy to witness. If you have children on board (or anywhere), then you have to be awake to tend to them. Other passengers and /or flight attendants are not there to baby-sit your unruly children while you nap. The kicker was, the parents (yes both of them) went back to sleep… until a fellow passenger woke them up again and said, “Your child just spat on me.” Oh Hell No!!

OH MY GOODNESS, my biggest pet peeve is when I see someone (or some two or some three people) place their luggage in overhead bins in the front of the plane and then go sit in their seats at the back of the plane. Then when the folks who have seats in the front of the plane, go to put their luggage up- the bins are full.

Nowadays, I see / hear flight attendants actually say something to those discourteous passengers, but that wasn’t always the case. And while yes, the overhead bins are shared spaces, we have to be cordial to all. Some folks have no home training.

WHILE WE’RE ON THE SUBJECT OF SEATS, do not climb over people or expect folks to climb over you to get in and out of seats. I would hate to have people’s rears or fronts in my face or have my junk all up in someone’s face too. On occasion, when I have to get up, to use the restroom or stretch my legs, I’ll politely ask the passenger next to me to let me out. Actually, what I try first is to wait until that passenger gets up to use the lavatories. But when they try to just scoot their legs over, I look at them as if they’re crazy. I end up telling them- it’s better for both of us if you just simply get up so I may step out instead of trying to climb over you.” Then they get up in like a half a second and I think- now wasn’t that easy enough?

The only time that I would climb over someone is if their elderly or compromised and it’s a bigger hassle for them to actually get out of their seat. However, I do try to time my breaks when those passengers take their breaks. This way, everyone’s happy.

Planes are loud and noisy enough and the pressure that build up in your ears can be deafening. So why try and talk over all of that? I’ve seen flight attendants telling folks to keep it down. In fact, even when I have my headphones on (a must have), I can hear loud mumblings from folks- rows away from me.

People are trying to relax, sleep and even work on these flights. If you can’t keep your voice down then invest in a good book.

Here is the number 1 thing you should not (you better NOT ever) do on an airplane...

when the chime “dings” and people jump out of their seats to reach for the overhead binsSTAY IN YOUR ROW. Now obviously, only 1 or possibly 2 passengers can fit in the row, those passengers in the aisle seats are the ones with that access.. Do not be those people in window and middle seats, trying to be in the aisles. There is not enough room for 3+ people with luggage to be in the aisle of the row at the same time.

Also. everyone exists the plane by row. This means that everyone in front of you, exits before you. Give the window and middle seat people time to gather their things and exit the plane if they are in front of you.

Now you won’t believe, how many people still try to come barreling up front, from the back, and trying so hard to get off the plane before their due. Someone even try to barrel past me once, years back. He said: excuse me. I responded with a puzzled tone- yes? I’m trying to get through. I sighed, “Hey man, I am too- but there’s so many passengers in front of us that we have to wait for.”

Studies have actually found that if we all wait for the ones in front of us, we can all actually get off the plane faster.

WHAT IS PUMPKIN SPICE ANYWAY?

Pumpkin-spice is a blend of spices that I really enjoy. But It’s when they put tons of it in everything that it becomes a real problem. Spices are supposed to enhance the flavor(s) of the foods we eat. I’ve had pumpkin-spiced brownies, where you couldn’t taste the chocolate in the treat. I‘ve had pumpkin-spiced coffees where you could not taste any coffee flavor. It was like drinking liquid pumpkin-spice. I’ve even seen pumpkin-spiced bread tunamelt sandwiches- which I refused to try. I don’t even like tunamelts without pumpkin spice.

The spices in pumpkin spice are great aromatics. The spices are quite enjoyable separately but when blended together with the right proportions- they’re great!

Quite simply, pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove and allspice.

BOURBON HARD CIDER

Forget the pumpkin spice iced lattes and indulge in my Bourbon Hard Cider:

Combine 2oz of chilled apple cider, 1oz bourbon, and 1 tsp. maple syrup in a cocktail shakerfilled with ice and shake until very cold. Strain mixture into an ice filled glass and top with 2oz of chilled ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish wedges of apple.

Maple

Maple flavor invokes visions of breakfast pancakes on Fall days. What better flavor to represent the fall season? Maple has recently moved into the spotlight thanks to delicious concoctions like plant-based maple creamers for coffee and maple syrup cocktails. Try it with desserts like a maple pecan pie or whipped into sweet potatoes. Be sure it’s 100% maple and not maple flavored corn syrup.

Hazelnut

The sweet, buttery flavor of hazelnut pairs well with coffee or hot chocolate. Hazelnuts can be used in sweet or savory recipes and add a rich, nutty flavor that befits the harvest season. Just be careful of the US leading brand. It has way too much sugar and not enough nuts.

Salted Caramel

Salted caramel is a sweet and salty treat perfect for those craving an escape from pumpkin spice. Caramel candies, cookies, and hot drinks are all good ideas. I particularly like salted caramel lattes. But just like that pumpkin spice, you can also overdo it. A little goes a long way.

Pear

The flavor of pears is a great option for Fall and it tastes great with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, star anise, and vanilla. We love a warm pear tarts and you already know about my cocktail “Henry’s Sparkling Pear”.

Fall Flavors that Aren't Pumpkin Spice

Easy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Everybody knows that I love a sweet-potato pie for November, but for October (and more specifically) around Halloween- make mine pumpkinpie. And yes, I am one of those people that can really tell the difference. Here’s my simple & quick recipe- it’s easy as pie!

5 Simple Ingredients

- 1 (9inch unbaked pie crust)

- 1 (16oz can pumpkin puree)

- 1 (14oz can condensed sweetened milk)

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

*now I can show you how to puree your own pumpkin and demonstrate how to bake your own crust- but then it wouldn’t be “simple & quick”.

Pre-Heat

Directions

After you preheat your oven, gather and mix all ingredients in a bowl. Combine and mix very well.

Pour the mixture onto the unbaked pie crust and set it on a cookie sheet pan.

Place the pan into your preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350° F and continue to bake until the pie filling is set- should be another 35 to 40 more minutes.

Carefully remove the pie from the oven and please let it cool completely before serving.

*dollop with whip cream or a mini scoop of ice cream but I like it just plain- maybesprinkled with nuts

*see what I did there?

TOUR DATES 2023

Tickets are going fast so please book as soon as you can. We will update this listing when and if NEW dates are added.

Hispanic Heritage

National Hispanic Heritage Month

I really enjoy celebrating Hispanic Heritage month (I’ll explain later why it’s from September 15 through to October 15 if you don’t know already) because every year it just grows with countless reasons to be proud of our Hispanic and Latin American people in the USA.

Hispanic Heritage Month actually began as a week-long commemoration. It was first introduced in June of 1968 by California Congressman George E. Brown.

The push to recognize the contributions of the Latinx community had gained momentum throughout the 1960s when the civil rights movement was at its peak and there was a growing awareness of the United States' multicultural identities.

Brown, who represented East Los Angeles and a large portion of the San Gabriel Valley, wanted to recognize the role played by those communities throughout American history.

In 1962, Brown became a member of the United States House of Representatives, where he served from 1963 to 1970. George Edward Brown was an Activist and Pioneer in recognizing and celebrating diversity in the US.

In 1956, George Edward Brown became mayor of Monterey Park, California until 1958.

Brown's activism on behalf of civil rights continued and was evidenced by a report that when the 1st African American family moved to Monterey Park and met with racist protests, Brown drove to the family's home, where he spent the night to protect them.

Later, as a member of the California State Assembly from 1959, The George Brown Act of 1961 was enacted and put into law.

The George Brown Act was one of the first comprehensive public employee labor relations laws in the nation. Other legislative proposals included: the first bills to ban lead in gasoline and the use of the pesticide DDT.

From 1963 to 1970, Brown served as a member of the United States House of Representatives. Brown was involved in other major national policy changes, notably the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

In the 102nd and the 103rd Congresses, he served as chairman of the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, which is now the House Committee on Science.

George Edward Brown established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as other agencies. His legacy has shaped science and science policy in America.

On September 17, 1968, Congress passed Public Law 90-48, officially authorizing and requesting the president to issue annual proclamations declaring September 15 and 16 to mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage .week.

GEORGE EDWARD BROWN

Congress also called upon the “people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week presidential proclamation the same day.

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as Johnson called them Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821.

In his proclamation, Johnson also acknowledged Mexico, which declared its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. Although not mentioned specifically by Johnson, Chile also celebrates its independence during that week (September 18, 1810 from Spain) and Belize, which declared its independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1981, was subsequently added to the list of nations specifically celebrated during what is now Hispanic Heritage Month.

In 1987 U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres of California proposed the expanding the observance to cover its current 31-day period.

In 1988, Senator Paul Simon (D-Illinois), submitted a similar bill that successfully passed Congress and was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988

On September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush (who had been a sponsor of the original Hispanic Heritage Week resolution while serving in the House in 1968) became the first president to declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

In the decades since, National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamations have been made by every sitting president of the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 will last from Thursday, September 15, 2022 through Saturday, October 15, 2022.

We

The timing of Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of several Latin American nations. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five “Central American neighbors,” as Johnson called them—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Those five nations declared their independence from Spain on September 15, 1821 Celebrating

thank George Edward Brown (may he Rest In Power) and all the allies, activists & advocates that helped plant the seed that has bloomed into our National Hispanic Heritage Month.

I just love Autumn weather! I was born in early December, so that’s no surprise. I’d rather it be cool than warm or hot outsideespecially during those holidays where we tend to use the oven on at full blast. Fall also reminds me that the Food Holidays that are coming- starting in the Fall.

As a child, my holiday season started in around Halloween. Sure, we would go “trick-or-treating” with our friends, going door to door with our bags held open for treats. But I don’t mean that. I mean when we would go pumpkin-picking and apple picking with our classmates and then we would make pies at home. We also would make the most-delicious apple cider.

There would also be a party the weekend after Halloween but then again, there was a gathering every weekend when I was growing up. A roast pork (pernil asado) in the oven was a staple. Of course, if Halloween fell on a weekend, it was even better. I remember being proud to see fresh apple sauce on the table. I would tell anyone who would listen that I picked the apples to make the apple sauce. I learned an important lesson. It doesn’t matter what you were celebrating- it could be Arbor Day, but if you include loved ones and lots of good food, you had a “holiday”.

Plant-based Rice Pudding

I used to be that kid that added sugar to his frosted flakes, but growing up, my family’s rice pudding may have been sweeter than that! Nowadays, I make my rice pudding with plant-based coconut milk. It’s easier on digestion and doesn’t fill you up. I also use a rice-blend or chickpea rice and absolutely no dairy. Don’t get me wrong, I love dairy. It just doesn’t love me back as much. I use some honey if I use a coconut cream canned product which has no sugar and no guar gum. If I use a product called cream of coconut, then I use half a can for sweetener because it’s so incredibly sweet with tons of sugar. I’m sure that growing up, my family used at least 2 cans of that stuff.

Here’s my adult, healthier version…

* 2 qts. coconut milk

* 2 star anise

* 1 cinnamon stick

* nutmeg (powdered)

* 1 can of unsweetened coconut cream or ½ can of coco de crema

* allspice

* 1 cup of golden raisins (or regular raisins- use what you like)

* 7oz bag / box of a rice blend or chickpea “rice” (this makes it lighter)

* vanilla extract

* coconut flakes (optional)

Get a nice size pot and all your ingredients ready to go. I serve these in small 4oz mason jars- you don’t need much to feel satisfied. You can eat this rice pudding hot, warm, cold- it doesn’t matter.

Add the coconut milk into the pan on med-low heat. Then add the star anise, cinnamon stick and a few dashes of nutmeg. Next comes your coconut cream, a dash of allspice and a cup of raisins. Stir until simmering then add your “rice” and bring to another soft boil. It will look liquidy at first but your “rice” will soak up all that flavorful goodness. Cover the pot and remove off the heat. After 10-15 minutes, you’ll see that it has thickened. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and your coconut flakes. Garnish and serve them in little cups.

Facts About Airports You Might Not Know

What’s the world’s oldest airport? Why is there an “X” in PDX? Is there a way to get a nap between flights? And what happens to the change you leave in airport security bins?

The following facts may change the way you catch your next flight or at least end some mysteries.. Here are some facts about airports you may not know..

In Airport Codes, “X” Is Filler

The “X” and the end of “PHX” makes sense for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport but what about “LAX” for Los Angeles and “PDX” for Portland?

Turns out, the “X” is left over from the days when airports used twoletter codes from the National Weather Service. With the rapid growth of air travel, it soon became apparent that two letters wouldn’t be enough. ​​When International Air Transport Association (IATA) 3-letter codes became the norm in the 1930s, so some airports gained an “X”.

Airlines Pay Up to Eight Figures for Slots on the Airport’s Schedule

To keep air traffic running smoothly and safely in more than 200 of the world’s busiest airports, airport operators grant airlines slots that give them authorization to take off or land at certain times. In many places, demand is far outpacing supply.

The most expensive slots are at Heathrow International Airport in London, England. In 2016, Kenya Airways sold its only slot to Oman Air for a whopping $75 million. That’s pretty steep, but eight figures is common.

Your Confiscated Items Might Be at Auction

TSA Collects Your Loose Change

With hundreds of thousands of travelers throwing wallets into bins every day, some loose change is bound to fall out and get left behind. Over time, that really adds up; in 2020 alone, the Transit Security Administration (TSA) gathered more than $500,000 in loose change, and that’s during a pandemic in 2019, they picked up more than $900,000.

Ever wonder where your favorite nail clippers and corkscrews go after airport security confiscated them? In some states, they end up in government auctions and they sell in bulk.

Collections of forbidden goods, from 12 pounds of flashlights to 7 pounds of cigar cutterst o an assortment of foldable shovels end up on government-asset marketplace GovDeals.com.

Lost luggage is also sold if it’s not picked up within 3 months, but the process is a little more streamlined. A reseller called:

Unclaimed Baggage sort, resells, repurposes, or recycles the bags and their contents.

The TSA has to submit reports to Congress every year on how much they’ve gathered and what they spent it on. They ended 2020 with $1.5 million, including money leftover from previous years, and spent much of it on pandemic mitigation measures like masks, gloves, and face shields.

Airport Nap Hotels Exist

If you just need a quick nap or a moment of quiet or you’re worried about oversleeping, transit hotels are located literally inside the airport.

Aerotel has locations throughout Asia (and a few outside) for some sleep and a shower between, before or after flights. Yotel, with airport locations in Amsterdam, London, Istanbul, Paris, and Singapore, fills a similar niche: You can book as little as 4 hours in a room, a bed, shower & Wi-Fi.

CARROT-GINGER SOUP

Though I’m not a Vegan, I do enjoy creating and eating plant-based dishes. We eat vegan dishes for every meal of the week, except for Wednesday & Saturday nights for dinners. So when the Fall hits, soups are very satisfying.

This carrot-ginger soup is one of our favorites. It so easy to make, delicious and oh so beautiful. The addition of coconut or oat milk makes it so creamy in texture without the dairy.

Originally, this soup started out with dairy to make it real creamy. Then I started using almond and oat milks- it was still creamy and it still tasted great. Then I segued to coconut milk and I’ve been making it that way ever since. Whatever dairy or plant-based “milk” you use, your going to love this soup.

I like to garnish with rainbow carrots when I can find them but I always make the base soup with the orange ones. I have Brussels sprouts in this soup and that’s also a new edition.

Fresh ginger gives this soup its kick. I always

Carrot-Ginger Soup

INGREDIENTS

• carrots (about 2 pounds)

• Brussels sprouts (6 large or 8 medium)

• coconut oil (filtered if you don’t want the coconut taste)

• 1 white or Spanish onion (diced)

• 3 to 4 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated, substitute ginger powder)

• fresh thyme (about a stem or two)

• fresh parsley (about a stem- 1 tablespoon)

• powdered coriander (a few shakes)

• vegetable broth (4 cups)

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (or dairy if you prefer)

• salt & pepper (I use Kosher salt)

• lime (1/2 lime juice or ½ lemon)

EQUIPTMENT

You’ll need a pot, a large bowl and a blender for this recipe. You may use an immersion blender too.

DIRECTIONS

This recipe starts in a pot then it goes into a blender, then to a bowl and back to the pot again to heat through. Instead of a stand blender, you can use an immersion blender.

Add your oil to a nice size pot over medium heat. Sauté quartered carrots, Brussels sprouts and diced onions with the garlic and ginger really well. All of the flavors in this delicious soup will come from this base. After your sauté, add 4 cups of vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer then add your thyme, parsley and coriander. Remember to salt to taste as you go along in your cooking. Add your cup of your milk and bring up to a simmer again. Add a fresh squeeze of half of lime or lemon, stir well, turn off the heat and allow your pot to cool.

Get a stand blender ready. Most blenders react (pressure) to hot contents. Be sure your soup is cooled to at least warm before you fill your blender with your soup.

Fill the blender a little more than half wayblend until completely smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Repeat the blending process until all of your soup is smooth. Transfer it back to your pot to heat it back up.

Garnish with sautéed carrot slices and Brussels sprouts leaves. Sometimes I’ll add a splash of olive oil or coconut yogurt.

If there’s any leftover carrot-ginger soup, throw it back in the blender, add some sweetener and refrigerate for a delicious carrot-ginger juice

*you can find the carrot-ginger soup along with other tasty soups & stews in my cookbook

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Hispanic Heritage Month Quotes

15 Meaningful quotes for Hispanic Heritage Month

1. “The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever.”

– Sonia Sotomayor

2. “People think of Latina women as being fiery and fierce, which is usually true. But I think the quality that so many Latinas possess is strength. I’m very proud to have Latin blood.”

– Zoe Saldaña

3. “When opportunity presents itself, grab it. Hold on tight and don’t let go.”

– Celia Cruz

4. “It is through art that we will prevail and we will endure. It lives on after us and defines us as people.”

– Rita Moreno

5. “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”

– Frida Kahlo

6. “I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable –I am an original.”

– Lin-Manuel Miranda

7. “Your great strength is knowing who you are.”

– Oscar de la Renta

8. “Justice is about making sure that being polite is not the same thing as being quiet. In fact, often times, the most righteous thing you can do is shake the table.”

– Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

9. “The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart. The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace.”

– Carlos Santana

10. “Action is the antidote to despair.”

– Joan Baez

11. “Widen the path of opportunities and continue to leave a powerful and positive legacy in this world.”

– Luis Fonsi

12. “Whatever your heart desires, please go for it. It’s yours to have.”

– Gloria Estefan

13.“If you have an opportunity to make things better and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

– Roberto Clemente

14. “We must be impatient for change. Let us remember that our voice is a precious gift and we must use it.”

– Claudia Flores

15. “Yes, I am the first Latino poet laureate in the United States. But I’m also here for everyone and from everyone. My voice is made by everyone’s voices.”

– Juan Felipe Herrera

#AskHLuiz

We are bringing back the hashtag #askhluiz to the social media stratosphere. In your own posts and / or comments, if you ask a travel or cooking question that you want me to try to answer, use the hashtag #askhluiz and I may be able to answer your question. Please note that all #askhluiz question may be read by anyone and everyone so please keep it cute or keep it on mute. Your question may be published or posted in Eat Your Colors magazine and / or any “H. Luiz Presents…” media channels in order to answer your question to a broader audience.

Also keep in mind: I am a Travel Journalist and a Publisher. I am not a Travel Agent. You’d be surprised how many people (strangers and friends) ask me if I can get them the best rates for said hotels and resorts. Sometimes they ask me if I can book the cheapest airfare for them too. Or they’ll say/ask: I’m celebrating my [insert milestone event her] and I have only this much [insert amount here] to spend, what’s the best you can do for me? Uhm… what??

Most times, it’s just folks wanting me to do the research for them. Don’t they have the same search engines as the rest of us? Do they have time to price check and price compare their own travel plans? Because I truly don’t. Most places I stay are complimentary because they want content creation, create a video for them or feature them.

All that being said, do not use #askhluiz to make your travel plans and / or make your travel bookings. I am not a Travel Agent.

October 31 Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of "All Hallows’ Evening"), less commonly known as Allhalloween and/or All Hallows’ Eve is a celebration observed in many countries on October 31 , the eve of the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

November 1st All Saints Day, is a day to pray for all souls. It marks the observance dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the departed.

Among Catholics, prayers are offered for those in purgatory, waiting to get into heaven.

November 2nd All Souls Day, Catholic churches have a Book of the Dead, in which parishioners have an opportunity to write the names of relatives to be remembered.

Dia(s) de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a 2 day celebration on November 1 and 2nd . In many countries, it is a national holiday the climax of the Days of the Dead. Some countries celebrate three days: All Hallow's Eve, All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. People often dress as skeletons as a way of remembering the dead and celebrating their past life. It is said that on November 1st the children who have passed come back to visit and celebrate as Little Angels (Angelitos) and on the following day, November 2nd, it’s the adults (Difuntos) turn to show up for the festivities.

Family members prepare for several weeks in advance for the tradition by creating altars, decorating burial sites, and cooking specific Day of the Dead food. I told you that food(s) play an important role in our psyche, nostalgia and past fond memories.

Dia de Los Muertos

When the Spaniards came to Mexico and introduced Catholicism (introduced HELL, they forced that religion upon those enslaved people, but we’ll let history say “introduced”) to the indigenous people they blended traditions and beliefs to create their own customs (can’t enslave my soul now, so there!) Every time I say that, my Mother gets upset.

Dia de Los Muertos came to be from a mixture of the Aztec festival dedicated to the goddess, Mictecacihuatl, with a Catholic influence. Mictecacihuatl is the “lady of the dead” and it is said that she watches over the bones of the dead and swallows the stars during the day- that’s why we can’t see the stars in daylight hours.

The church rejected the Aztec’s beliefs (here they go again!) and turned it into All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day making it on 2 days to fall into the Catholic calendar. Mexicans have since transformed it into a truly unique holiday that they honor every year.

Today’s customs regarding Day of the Dead festivities have morphed over the years to become the distinct tradition it is now. Flowers, altars, food, and music are all integral parts of the holiday.

Families will gather during the night at the cemeteries (panteons), light candles, and place flowers on the burial sites of their lost loved ones. There is festive music and definitely no grieving- just tears of joy in remembrance. This is a reflective and lively get-together honoring the deceased while celebrating life- the Circle of Life really.

I’ve been to the Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico City a couple of times as a single young man in my mid twenties and boy the times I had there!! (now Henry hates that story)

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The Holidays are Coming

Thank You!

When you buy my 1st Holiday Cookbook, please leave an honest reviewit will go a long way! This inexpensive (less than $6) cookbook is very content rich (stories, recipes, pics, videos) and makes a great gift for you and/or a friend. You can send it electronically anywhere.

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This book contains easy recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas with great ideas for Kwanzaa too. The thinking behind this cookbook is that you can impart the practices in all of your holidaysespecially during the pandemic.

The flavors of a great Hummus Platter pairs great with Autumn’s bounty.