EAT YOUR COLORS - August 2023

Editor’s Notes

The day before I was set to cover the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC, I have received the news that I was being asked to also cover the Pride March, Pridefest and the Pride Island featuring Christina Aguilera in NYC.

Let’s GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

As I began walking towards the Pride March, yet another opportunity revealed itself. There was a small group of people looking for an “H. Luiz”. At first, I was concerned. Why are there some folks asking for me? Suddenly a voice that came out of my body stated: I’m H. Luiz!

They turned and said- Hiiii, you don’t know us… (I surely don’t, I thought to myself) but we represent the American LGBTQ+ Museum that’s set to open in 2024- can we talk? We set up some preliminary meetings right after proper introductions. I am so excited. Proof that opportunities are all around us, if we just do our very best whatever it is we do. The universe will notice! These beautiful people heard about me from the National Puerto Rican Parade org and set out to find me since I was doing press for the Pride Parade in NYC.

Also in this issue, Christina Aguilera headlines at Pride Island- she was amazing, looked amazing and allow us to spend a little time with her before slaying the Pride Island stage.

I just received the call to help promote the 1st SuperHero film, written, directed and starring Latinx. Get in here!!!

Luiz Martinez

AUGUST 18TH in THEATERS EVERYWHERE

BLUE BEETLE

(The FIRST SuperHero movie written, directed and starring LATINX)

The premise of the movie, Blue beetle is… after Jaime Reyes graduates from college and returns to his hometown Palmera City, he is chosen to become a symbiotic host to the Scarab, an ancient alien biotechnological relic that grants him a powerful exoskeleton armor, turning him into the superhero Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle, produced by DC Studios and The Safran Company. The film was directed by Angel Manuel Soto and written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer. It is intended to be the fourteenth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle alongside Adriana Barraza, Damián Alcázar, Raoul Max Trujillo, Susan Sarandon, and George Lopez.

Development of a film featuring Reyes began by the end of November 2018 with Dunnet-Alcocer attached. Soto was hired to direct the film in February 2021 for the streaming service HBO Max. Maridueña was cast that August, and the film was changed to have a theatrical release in December. Further casting took place in early 2022, before filming took place from late May to mid-July at Wilder Studios in Decatur, Georgia, as well as in El Paso, Texas, and in Puerto Rico.

Blue Beetle is scheduled to be released this August 18, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures. Please support this film.

2023

NYC Pride 2023 was jam packed with representation, music, celebrities, events, food, activities, beautiful people, fun and of course- Pride (A Deeper Love… you get it? Like the hit song by C+C Music Factory? Man, forget it- but that was/is a great song!) NYC Pride Org produces a series of events happening all over New York City, NY. Here are the ones I’ve covered. #HLuizPRESS Pride March, also called the “Pride Parade” or as we used to call it, the Gay Parade- but we are all about diversity and inclusivity so it’s the Pride Parade.

There’s PrideFest- where Foodies like me can get their grub on. Food vendors and other Artisans are all setup, waiting for us to enjoy their offerings. They have special Performers entertaining us as well on the Stage throughout the event. PrideFest is the perfect place to stop and catch a live performance, grab a bite to eat, shop local, and get some great Pride gear. And the best part is, it's totally FREE!

Bliss Days- NYC Pride's annual celebration of LGBTQIA+ womxn that features rotating DJs, dancers, pop-up performances and special guest appearances.

There’s Youth Pride, the Queer affirming event celebrating our community’s youth. Given today’s political climate, Youth Pride is more important than ever. Youth pride played out in Brooklyn’s Domino Park. Snookie Lanore, Amorphous, Devan Ibizia, Blue Man Group and more performed this year. Then there’s Pride Island that takes place at the Brooklyn Army Terminal with Christina Aguilera as the headliner this year. Pride Island capped off the excitement of Pride Week with an array of dancing, lights and music. Billboard #1 Remixer Guy Scheiman (Tel Aviv) featured Karina Kay and the NYC debut of resident DJ at Forever Tel Aviv, Mor Avrahmi.

Summer Sangria

There’s not much more refreshing in the Summer than a delicious Sangria. I know you can enjoy a Sangria cocktail in other seasons of the year, but babyyyyyy- it just hits different in the Summertime!

I enjoy a glass of Classic Sangria but I also enjoy White Wine Sangria. I make mine with sparkling wine (Prosecco, Spumante, Cava, etc,) or a flat White Wine (sometimes with sparkling water added for a little fizz) and ice.

Henry’s partial to White Sangria and so I make that version most oftenespecially in the Summer. I even make Sangrias (Red or White) with juices and seltzer water for a non-spirited version- people guzzle those down too. It’s all about the fruit anyway so if you use delicious fruits, especially seasonal fruit- you’ll have a hit on your hands every single time.

The fruit I use for the White Sangria may differ from the one I use for Red. But for the Summer Sangria, it’s usually green grapes (any variety, halved), a handful of blueberries, apple (any variety, diced or sliced, but usually it’s green “Granny Smith”apples; Gala apples & Fuji apples are great too), strawberries (sliced thinly or quartered) and orange (sliced and quartered). Sometimes, I’ll add pomegranate seeds or cubed cantaloupe if I have some.

When making Classic (Red) or White Sangria, remember to add a half a cup of brandy and a quarter cup of Quantro (or Triple Sec) orange liqueur. Throw in a couple of cinnamon sticks and the juice of 1 lime too. Fresh mint leaves are a delicious and herbaceous touch. A few times, I’ve added basil leaves and it was amazing. Don’t forget to add lots of ice.

Always use glass (you can actually taste plastics if used for your beverages) and be sure to not overserve your guests and your self. Drink responsibly and enjoy your Summer Sangria.

“Strength and Solidarity”

You may have seen different kinds of Pride flags lately at Pride Events this year. Flags are sociopolitical symbols of community membership and unity. Over the years, the Pride flag has evolved to promote visibility to many communities. The Pride Flag is inclusive and recognizes, supports and celebrates ALL communities.

Christina Aguilera Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera is a seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs. Throughout her career, she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Aguilera has achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making her the third female artist, and fourth overall, to top the chart over three consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).

In 2021 she received the inaugural Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards, followed by the Spirit of Hope Award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards and the Advocate for Change Award at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards.

Out of all the legumes, lentils and peas, the garbanzo (also known as chickpea) may be the most versatile and perhaps the tastiest one of all.

It is a main source of plant protein in many countries. Garbanzos are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats and have a low glycemic index (GI). As a result, garbanzos help manage cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure; maintain healthy body weight; and support gut health

I buy dried garbanzos (chickpeas) and soak them overnight to make hummus. Sure, I add them to rice dishes and quick sauté them with spices for a crunchy snack. But if I’m soaking them, they’re definitely being prepared for my hummus dip. To be clear, the word hummus is the Arabic word for chickpea (garbanzo). They say bi-taḥīnah which translates to “chickpea with tahini” which would refer to hummus dip or hummus as we know it.

Now, have I used canned chickpeas? Yes I have. But that aguafava they’re packed in does leave a taste I am not fond of. It’s been dried bean soaked over night for me since the start of the Pandemic. It makes the very best hummus.

Don’t get me wrong. You can buy some good quality hummus out there, but most of them are so whipped with oils, that’s all one can taste. And word must have gone out, because the price of store-bought hummus is getting high. It really is cheaper (and I believe tastier) to make your own hummus with dried chickpeas.

I promise you- if you make your own hummus, the happier your gut and wallet will be. Also, it is so much easier than one may think to make a delicious hummus from scratch.

Soaking garbanzos and preparing them for your hummus is really very simple. Take your dried garbanzos, sort them for any debris and place them in the same clean pot you want to boil them in. Fill the pot with the freshest water (tap is fine) about 3 inches past the tops of the garbanzos.

It is essential that you do not add any salt or spice to the garbanzos. This will not allow the legume to soften. Do not add anything to the garbanzos but water. Set the pot on the counter.

Soak overnight or at least 10-12 hours for best results.

Drain the water and refill the pot with fresh water to the top again. DO NOT ADD SALT. However, add a teaspoon of baking soda. Boil for about 2 hours (you cannot really overcook this) and the baking soda will break down the outer skin without having you to manually remove it (as I used to do). This will make for a smoother hummus. After the liquid is absorbed. Take the garbanzos out and place in a bowl to cool.

Put the mixture in a food processor. Add salt, cloves of garlic and whatever else you like (I often put in beets.) Purists will say that you must add tahini (sesame paste) to make the best hummus dip but I never found that to be truly necessary. I like to sprinkle pomegranates or pistachios on top. You must make your own great-tasting hummus. Let me know how it goes!

Make My Fresh Hummus Dip Make My Fresh Hummus Dip

Hummus is so versatile. I often add other ingredients when I make hummus- like beets or brussels sprouts. But I’m also a big sprinkler on top of my hummus too. Pomegranate seeds are a favorite as well as pistachios. Diced cucumber and / or shredded carrots are good ones to sprinkle on. Try shaved shallots, pickled red onions, dried onions and micro-greens as well.

These all compliment the tasty hummus very, very well.

Here are some other hummus ideas…

A hummus lunch is not only quick and delicious but it’s a great way to get all your nutrients to give you energy for the afternoon. It’s very plant-based so there’s nothing to weigh you down.

We have hummus-lunches for Summers but it can be enjoyed all year round.

You can even surprise your loved one with a romantic hummus board for dinner. Get some bowls, fruits, veggies, nuts and your hummus and create a feast for the eyes.

I like to make these hummus boards when my son comes over to watch or movie or to just catch up.

Hummus for a picnic can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Come on Summer Eats!

Don’t forget to include some infused sparkling waters for your picnic too. Picnic hummus boards come out so beautiful, other folks may disturb you to ooooh & ahhhh over every single thing. You’ve been warned! xo

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What the NEW YORK? is up

“What the F*CK is up New York?” Those were the 1st speaking words, Christina Aguilera shouted as she showered us with her magahits: Your Body; Dirty; Can’t Hold Us Down; Vanity; (and of course) Genie in a Bottle. Let me tell you, the Pride Island 2023 crowd lost their sh*t! Xtina looked and sounded like a Goddess. Her voice was on point (always) and she’s as beautiful as ever.

Christina Aguilera thanked the adoring fans at Pride Island and said,

The Grammy-award winning Best New Artist sauntered into a heartfelt version of What a Girl Wants and a stirring, vibrant rendition of Ain’t No Other Man.

The talented writer and performer, Ian Axel (A Great Big World), joined Xtina on the Pride Island Stage to perform Say Something (I’m Giving Up on You). The crowd was filled with emotions- everyone around me either had tears in their eyes or had their eyes closed. Lots of us were singing our hearts out too.

I could not believe all the hit songs that kept on coming. Christina Aguilera gave Pride Island spectators a damn near full-concert with all her hits.

The lights went dark again and all we can see in a bright red neon-sign was the word BURLESQUE. Xtina sang the Hell out of that number too, the only way Christina can. Nooooooo nope, no lip-syncing tonight at Pride Island.

From there, we hear Xtina say, “Where’s all my Soul Sisters, let me hear y’all flow Sisters” as the crowds sang along to the beginning of Lady Marmalade. Then to everyone’s grand surprise, the booming voice of a Special Guest appeared- ADAM LAMBERT and the crowd goes insane yet again! Not one, but two power-house voices at the same time and on the same stage? It was almost too much to witness, but we ate up every second of the spectacle. There are not many singers that can match and go toe-to-toe with the incredible voice of Christina Aguilera- but Adam Lambert could and did!

“I’m so happy to have you guys as part of my family and a part of my journey. I can do nothing without all of you and your support. I love you!”

Christina Aguilera then went into the powerful message of Beautiful. With what is going on today with the LGBTQ+ Communities, the song touch vital nerves for all of us at Pride Island.

A lot of us felt and championed ever word of that song that night on Pride Island and it was truly magical. I could never forget it.

I still can’t believe that the hits kept on coming and coming. I believe Xtina was scheduled to give us 30 minutes of music, which in fact is a long time to perform for a benefit. We were treated to the Xtina Show and we all loved it

Christina then gave us Fighter, one of my favorite Xtina songs! I remember directing and making videos with my nieces to that incredible song. That song among the crowds and Pride flags felt so empowering.

These were just a few of the songs Christina “Xtina” Aguilera blessed us with but she ended with a final message with her last song of the night-

“Let There Be Love.”

She told us to love ourselves and to love one another. As she left the stage, the band still playing at full throttle, fireworks sparkled through the night at Pride Island (Brooklyn Army Terminal) with brilliance. We all felt lucky, beautiful and proud to experience such an evening with Christina Aguilera

“I am Beautiful, no matter what they say, words can’t bring me down.

I am Beautiful in every single way. ”

Blue Beetle

THEATERS EVERYWHERE

Mini Peach Cobbler

Cobblers may be the easiest desserts to make. Mini’s are even easier because they are already portioned out for servings. You can use any fruit you like and combine fruits that you like. I’m partial to Blueberry

Rhubarb, Raspberry Apple and a cobbler / pie that I call Very Berry (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry). But the classic Peach Cobbler is what I make the most often. Here’s how…

Place a TBLSPN of butter in each individual cup of a muffin pan. Place in a pre-heated oven set to 350. You want to get the butter melted and the pan real hot- 10 minutes.

Use 3 cups of pancake mix for a large six (6) cup muffin pan. Make a batter. Add nutmeg & cinnamon.

Click the pic to make your own pancake mix.

DO NOT MIX

Slice 3 fresh peaches into 8 slices (4 slices per muffin pan. You can also use a jar of peaches (as I often do)- just be sure to drain well.

Carefully take out the heated pan with the melted butter out of the hot oven. Spoon your batter into the cups on top of the butter- DO NOT MIX.

Layer your peach slices or fruit of your liking, on top of the batterDO NOT MIX.

Carefully place the pan back into the hot oven. The cobbler should be done in around 30-35 minutes. You should see a beautiful golden brown color when they’re ready.

LAYER

REMOVE

Carefully take the pan out of the oven. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. Cobblers get very, very hot! Gingerly take out the mini’s. Pair them with ice cream, whip cream, more fruit or eat them on their own. ENJOY!

Cobblers are a favorite, homestyle dessert at Casa Sol- my Henry just loves it! They’re also a great crowd-pleaser. When I take a 9x11 pan or 2 large muffin pans (6 cups to a pan) out of the oven, my Guests go nuts and shout- YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!

For a party, I usually place the Raspberry-Peach Cobbler (very often I pair it with raspberries- a classic flavor combination) in small bowls. I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, then I sprinkle the cobbler with crushed pistachios or pepitas (sunflower seeds).

Once you make your 1st cobbler, you won’t stop!

REAL I.D. iscomingin2025 REAL I.D.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on December 20, 2013 a phased enforcement plan for the REAL ID Act (as passed by Congress), that will implement the REAL ID Act in a measured, fair, and responsible way. Think of it as a passport for national (USA) air travel.

The REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards. The purposes covered by the Act are: accessing certain federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.

Secure driver's licenses and identification documents are a vital component of our national security framework. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the Federal Government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver's licenses.” The Act established minimum security standards for license issuance and production and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for certain purposes driver’s licenses and identification cards from states not meeting the Act’s minimum standards.

“DHS is committed to enforcing the REAL ID Act in accordance with the phased enforcement schedule and regulatory time-frames. It has been 16 years since the REAL ID Act was passed and half of all the states have already met the REAL ID minimum standards.”

So what does that mean for us?

Some states are already REAL ID compliant, meaning they have worked with the Federal Government (I mean it’s been 16 years.) Real ID Driver’s Licenses will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not compliant with the REAL ID Act:

Some states are currently working to get REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses issued to current holders. They may mail REAL ID DL cards to verified DL holders or have you log into your State’s Driver’s License authority.

US Passports can also be used as an alternative to REAL IDs

*REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or other international travel. For more information on other acceptable forms of identification for boarding aircraft, please visit TSA’s website at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

You have about 2 years and your state may be already getting on board with REAL ID requirements- so don’t go into a panic about it. Once we get closer to the date, say by February 7th, if your state has not contacted you or given you REAL ID information, visit your state’s driver’s licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID.

REAL IDs WILL BE REQUIRED BY MAY 7TH 2005

visit the Department of Homeland Security FAQs for more information

#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.

Christina Aguilera finished doing press and stepped out to say hello to some fans and sign her autograph to some merchy things, music covers, posters and to take a few selfies. It was pandemonium! I was so embarrassed to see more than a couple of my fellow journalists in the mob though.

We may be fans, but we’re supposed to be professionals. And here they go, acting like giddy fanbots- carrying on as such. Just ridiculous! Suddenly, Christina looked over her dark glasses- right at me. Maybe she recognized me from the press room? Did she think she knew me from somewhere else? She looked away to take a selfie, but looked up at me again. This time she smiled! I was transfixed. Was this really happening? Or did I just imagine that? But then, she went back to her adoring fans. And although I am a professional, I found myself shouting in my loudest voice, I love you CHRISTINA AGUILERA! Then I quickly coughed into my hand as if I just didn’t scream out her name… like a giddy fanbot! <sigh!>