This Holiday Season, wrap up the experience of true gift-giving, sharing & caring and serve up some incredible flavors for you and yours.
H. Luiz Martinez
Editor
Happy Holidays to you and yours! I am so excited that Eat Your Colors magazine is celebrating another year in digital publication. I really can’t believe my Baby is 3. We have grown togetherI’m a little older than 3- jajaja. Let the celebrations begin. Thank you again for your continuous support and your readership. Appreciate you!
This Holiday- Double Month Issue is pack with lots of recipes, trips, tips and howto’s for the season.
Check out a beautiful but inexpensive way to wrap gifts, how to make my pernil asado (a must for most family parties) and how to make my delicious but classic Linzer Tart Cookies.
You also get to see (and make) my dairy-free coquito. It won’t be as heavy nor as sweet as my family’s recipe for coquito- but you can make it as strong as you like with the best rum!
You have to check out my visit to the Walt Disney Family Museum. It was incredible and it inspired a whole new medium of story-telling for H. Luiz Presents.
Oh and did I mention that we have a new Sponsor? Stay tuned!
Get in here!!
‘Tis the Season Happy Holidays
Happy Birthday, EYC!
Eat Your Colors magazine is now 3 Years New and I can’t hardly believe it! I’m a little bit older but EYC premiered on my birthday just3 years ago and it has been such a beautiful labor of love and experience. The standards have been the same (thank goodness) but each year, I feel that EYC mag gets better and better. EYC has grown from a little spark of an idea to what it is today.
Not that I was tired of writing for others, but I really knew what the Followers wanted and so I set out to create this publication. Writing for others allowed me to grow and fine tune my craft- but with EYC, it is clearly and emphatically my voice. I believe the people who follow my social media presence really connect with that.
Thank you again for giving this magazine your loyalty and support. Now let’s keep it going.
Thank You so Much! Xoxo
Pernil Asado (Pork Roast)
In my childhood home, a pork roast in the oven was what we had, along with pulpo (octopus) salad, chicken & rice, lasagna, and every else. But somehow, pernil asado was and still remains the star of the holiday.
Pork shoulder, a primal cut category, is further broken down to two or more subcategories- the picnic shoulder and the pork butt (also known as the Boston butt.) The butt has nothing to do with the hindquarters of the pig, it really is all about the shoulders. Cheap “cuts” were packed into barrels called butts for storage. In fact, “hams” are what we get from the hindquarters. Now a “picnic” shoulder cut is from the lower part of the shoulder butt and includes all of the leg until the hock. The inexpensive picnic shoulder is what pernil asado is made from. The reason why it’s so cheap is because it’s a tougher meat. However, it is the best cut to make this dish because it requires slow-roasting methods. The fatty top layer assists in keeping the meat moist, as well as providing another highly praised pork treat. We call it cuerito but you may know it as fried pork cracklings.
There are many ways to prepare a picnic shoulder, from the marinade to the method of cooking. A picnic shoulder roast will feed a small army- trust me on that. The meat is usually prepared with a sofrito and mojo criollo (creole garlic sauce) as a marinade, braising liquid and post-braising dressing. Now I make my homemade mojo criollo but there are some quality-good brands out there to choose from. It gives the pork the herbs, spices and acidity that it really needs.
Rice & beans or rice & gandules (pigeon peas) with slices of avocado (or an avocado salad) are the usual accompaniments to the pork roast. Then there’s the fried plantains (unripen salty tostones or ripen sweet maduros), macaroni salad and a bevy of other starches for the holiday in most Latino and Latin-American homes.
In my home, I make just the pork roast, white rice & black beans, avocado and a little cherry-tomato salad. Sometimes, I’ll add plantain chips to give a nod to tradition, but other than that, that’s really all you need on a Christmas plate.
mojo criollo (garlic creole marinade) & pork prep
• picnic pork shoulder (a small one can feed 6-8 people)
• olive oil
• garlic
• oranges lemons/limes (juice)
• cilantro (or parsley if you prefer)
• cumin (dry seeds crushed or powdered cumin spice)
• paprika (smoked or regular)
• salt & pepper to taste (I use kosher salt and cracked pepper)
*or buy a store-bought brand labeled Mojo Criollo instead
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees
In a bowl, combine the juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon or lime with ¾ cup of olive oil. Chop 5 garlic cloves into shards and 1 bunch of cilantro. Crush a handful of cumin seeds or add 2 tablespoons of cumin. Smoked paprika, salt & pepper goes in next. Add more splashes of olive oil to the mix and stir well. Set aside.
In a roasting pan, place the pork with the fatty skin on top. Carefully slice back that fat but do not cut it off, just peel it back with your knife. Salt the pork on all sides. Take a sharp knife and poke holes into the pork, be careful of the bone. Stick the shards of garlic in the holes then slather the rest of the marinade all over the pork. Place the fatty layer back over the meat- salt and slather that too. Add orange slices on top, then cover tightly with foil. The orange slices prevent the foil from sticking to the pork. Place in the oven at 350 degrees for about 3 hours. Take the pork out of the oven and raise the temperature to 400 degrees. Discard the foil and orange slices. Salt the fatty layer again. Return the pork uncovered for another hour. Then take the pork out of the oven and slice off the now crispy fatty layer. Cut the meat off the bone, then slice and shred it into smaller pieces. Add a pinch of salt, a splash more of olive oil and the juice of a lemon or lime. Return to the oven (cracklings on top) for the last 20 minutes. I serve my pernil asado with white rice & black beans, avocado slices and a tomato lettuce salad. To give it a nod to traditional tostones, I add some natural plantain chips.
Pernil Asado / Roast Pork Video Recipe
St. Augustine Distillery
We were invited to a Spirit Tasting, and before you say, “But H. Luiz, you don’t drink like that!” let me just tell you- it was a whole lot of fun. It was also a crash course on how spirits are made at the St. Augustine Distillery in Florida. Before I get into the tasting tour, let me tell you a little bit about the historic building that we were honored to be in.
Formerly, the FP&L Ice Plant, part of St. Augustine’s 1st power and ice complex in 1917, St. Augustine Distillery has restored and brought the building back into service. Bottling operations started in 2013 and by 2014, St. Augustine Distillery officially opened to the public.
Many years, accolades and awards later, St. Augustine Distillery has grown to become one of Florida’s top-ranking distilleries.
I also absolutely love that they are committed to their environment, communities, and sustainable ingredients. We had the pleasure to attend one of their tours, let me tell you about it.
St. Augustine Distillery Spirit Tastings
Our little group was invited to “THE PERFECT PAIR TASTING EXPERIENCE” at the very popular St. Augustine Distillery in Florida. I’m really confused (in the best way) about how it made me feel- but I’m going to try to explain it.
First let me say, that St. Augustine Distillery currently offers self-guided tours and at least 5 hand-crafted experiences- 3 guided tours & 2 courses:
The Spirit of Florida Bourbon Experience, The Perfect Pair Tasting Experience, Bottle Your Own Experience, EXECUTIVE Bourbon Steward Course, and CERTIFIED BOURBON STEWARD COURSE
Photos
courtesy
of St. Augustine Distillery Co. website
Okay- so I’m on this tasting tour at the St. Augustine Distillery Co. in Florida and I came away feeling a little surprised.
Now most of you know, I rarely drink (though I craft amazing cocktails for my Boo), so I usually pass on tasting tours. However, this felt different from what I was expecting. The guide made us all feel comfortable. The tasting made me feel empowered to try the varying flavors from Sweet to Fruity and everything in between.
I was given three distinct pairings of bourbons and carefully curated truffles. I learned to use a tasting wheel and was taught how to use my sense of smell and palate in order to identify bourbon for better pairings. It was a total sensory experience of aromatic recognition, flavor nuances, texture and finish.
I was given an introduction to bourbon history & heritage, craftsmanship, styles, flavor profiles, tasting techniques, and even about responsible drinking.
Aren’t these tours about sipping your way to a happy place? I guess I was misguided at what a spirit tour was supposed to be. I am a lightweight when it comes to alcohol consumption- but I was totally fine. My experience was so lovely that I wanted more of the tour- or maybe that was just the bourbon talking? Either way, I would highly recommend a spirit tour at the St. Augustine Distillery Co. It’s so fun and educational.
Tell them H. Luiz sent you!
HOSPITALITY
We love to travel, especially during the holidays but every now and then we may have guests, family or friends stay in our home for the holidays. How well you treat your guests, depends largely on how you like to be treated.
Do you want to be catered to or be left alone? Do you need assistance with your entertainment or do you prefer to see the town and find those hidden gems yourself? Being the perfect Host or perfect Guest doesn’t exist. But if Hosts and Guests have a clear understanding of expectations while visiting, then all should run smooth. You may even look forward towards the next visit.
“Hey- do you happen to have an extra toothbrush?”
Travelers are a forgetful bunch and Guests are no different some tomes. They may forget a few essentials as well. Put out an amenity kit of those items they’re most likely to forget. Toothbrush and toothpaste are among the top items on that list so pack a basket with those as well as mouth wash, soap, a
little sewing kit (now you can make use of those kits you’ve taken home with you from hotels), aspirin and other health aids. Place some shampoo & conditioner, earplugs, cottonswab tips, and some band-aids in their too.
I also would include some razors, lotions and feminine products if need be. It’s a thoughtful touch.
How many times have your friends come over and asked you for your WIFI password? It’s annoying, especially f you have to repeat it 10 times! But did you know that it’s very easy to create passwords for WIFI guest accounts and tailor it to your Guests?
For instance, if my cousin Samantha were to visit from Puerto Rico, I can create a password on my WIFI Guest account that reads: Samantha or maybe it would just read
PuertoRico (one word). If I have a holiday party, I can create the password to read: Christmas or Navidad. Post it where Guests can readily see it.
“Is there any coffee?”
Most of our coffee machines today have timers, so set it for early hours and set the duration for the lengthiest time- ours is up to 4 hours of heating time. Have some teas on hand as well for those tea-lovers too.
Setup a Breakfast Buffet and / or Smoothie Bar
Stack up little bowls, spoons, and great quality cereals on a tray with a sign that says: Help Yourself! Milk(s) and Juice are in the Fridge. For an extra touch, have clearly marked dairy and plant-based milks in glass containers in the refrigerator. Put some great-tasting green and orange juices in there as well.
You can also create a Continental Breakfast Buffet at home. Just place a cutting board near the toaster with bagels, breads, butters, jams and / or muffins. I like to put pastries out in a basket. Be sure to put out the freshest pastries you can make or find. Your Guests will love you for this. If you want to go that extra mile, setup a fresh-fruit smoothie bar. Pile a cutting board with fruits like bananas, apples, blueberries, strawberries, almond/peanut butter, dates, sugars, and whatever else you’d think they’d like. Have a blender near that fruity cutting board (NOT fruity? jajajaja!) and leave a note telling them that milks (dairy and plant-based) are in the fridge. I also leave a note saying: Blended Smoothies start at 8am.This way the noise of the blender doesn’t disturb the entire house in the wee hours of the morning.
These kinds of setups allow your Guests to help themselves and free you up of valuable time you may not otherwise have to spare. At least for one weekend morning during their stay, offer to make your Guests breakfast- blueberry pancakes and / or some great frittatas or omelets if that’s your thing. Or take everyone out to a great place you know of- everyone loves brunch!
The Best Spots in Town
I'd like to create a concierge listing for my Guests. I’ll use a whiteboard or have a printout that they can take a quick pic of for use when they’re out and about. I list some wonderful restaurants, movie houses, local gyms with day passes, places to shop, and other spaces of special interests- museums, coffee shop, and parks.
I’ll also list local emergency numbers and all the ways I can be reached if needed. Clearly mark your address at the top. Guests usually have no idea of
the actual address they’re staying at. This will come in handy if and when they use their ride-share apps. This also lets my Guests know that they are on their own to entertain themselves, while I work.
It’s also a good idea to set certain days/ nights that you will spend together out on the town or having a great time at home with dinner.
Make Your Own Bed
I usually don’t make the bed for my Guests. Instead, I’ll have neatly folded sheet(s), blankets and/or comforters with great pillows atop of the bed, already outfitted with a fitted sheet of course. It lets them know that they have clean sheets and that they’re responsible for making the bed. I attach a sweet note stating which day is for laundry so that they may wash their own clothes, including their sheets if need be.
Also on their bed, I place a fluffy towel or two and maybe some slippers (so they don’t wet my floors coming out of the shower). If I’m able to give them their own bathroom, I’ll place the bathroom items right on the sink. On a nearby table or dresser, I place their amenity basket or tray.
Be sure to have lots and lots of toilet paper in the bathroom(s) too. Nobody wants to ask for toilet paper.
COQUITO
Coquito is a very traditional coconut cocktail found in most Puerto Rican and Latin American homes during the holidays.
It’s made with all kinds of dairy, coconut “milk” and lots of rumpa’ que lo sepa’ !!
Coquito is NOT Egg Nog! It is usually our American Anglo folks who describe coquito in this way. Do NOT be that person anymore.
Dairy-Free Coquito Recipe
I make a dairy free version of the delicious COQUITO- don’t get me wrong; coquito is delicious as it is! But some folks, like my aunts, make it with Tres Leches and my stomach can’t take it! In my 20s, I could barely take it, imagine now in my 30s? Okay 50s, but you know what I mean. Click the picture to see how I make a very delicious dairy-free version. These also make great gifts. Enjoy!!
I have not used Holiday Paper for my Christmas gifts in decades. First of all, Holiday paper is expensive, some have ugly prints and garish colors, they’re very seasonal and stores can’t seem to keep them in stock. And if you’re lucky to find some inexpensive beautiful paper, the colors clash with whatever ribbon you may have.
I use parcel paper- you may know it as craft paper or shipping paper. It’s that beautiful brown khaki colored paper, very neutral and just like khaki pants- it goes with everything. Parcel paper is very inexpensive and can be use for any gift- not just holiday gifts. I use them for birthday gifts, Mothers & Fathers Day gifts and Valentines Day gifts as well.
I even used it on a beautiful wedding gift too. I wrapped a book about Puerto Rico with parcel paper and had fresh white gardenias tied up with white silk ribbon. I wrote a beautiful handwritten note in the inside cover and enclosed two tickets to Puerto Rico as well. xoxo
This style of wrapping gifts may be customized for any recipient. For a friend who was having a baby, I brought her a beautiful coffee table book with amazing photographs of babies inside. I tucked in an antique baby rattle that I’ve found with beautiful ribbon. I reminded her that the rattle was a keepsake- not at all hygienic for the baby. For another couple, I did a similar gift, but that time I tucked in an engraved silver spoon. Very cute gifts- the baby books were filled with pictures of beautiful babies The first thing most people say is, “Ahhh this one’s definitely from H. Luiz.” if you do this often enough, people will start to identify it so you don’t even need a card. Have you ever received the same exact card and wrapping paper at a Holiday party? Done this way, it’s never an issue.
Youth Homelessness is Still Rising
I was honored to be a part of raising awareness for Youth Homelessness back in 2022. Sadly, those staggering statistics have climbed even higher in 2023. And although Covenant House is providing more beds, services and health care (medical and mental) for our kids, new reports for 2024 are already showing that the rate of Youth Homelessness is still up and rising.
Every Day, Thousands of Young People Find Themselves Without a Home. As many as 4.2 million young people in the U.S. will experience a period of homelessness each year. The vast majority of youth do not become homeless by choice. There is no one reason why youth experience homelessness. Their stories are complex and vary from person to person.
I had an amazing experience at Covenant House’s Sleep Out in 2022. Sleep Out is a fundraising event where individuals and corporate sponsors donate their time and resources so that CH may continue to provide.
What happens at the Sleep Out?
In short, you’ll receive info from your event coordinator with the schedule, venue, and list of what you need to bring. A typical Sleep Out hosted by a Covenant House site will start around 8pm, for registration and dinner before the program begins. They always take time to thank their sponsors and fundraisers, share about their mission, and show the impact of the funds raised. Covenant House experts, Youth or alumni will speak. Visit Covenant House for more in-depth and up to date information.
The actual Sleep Out starts around 11p. You head out to the secure area with your sleeping bag. Sleep Out is a rain or shine event, though there will always be indoor space available and Covenant House Staff onsite- always!
In the morning, sleepers wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and join a morning reflection group if they want to talk through the experience. They may reflect on how it differs from what our Youth may be experiencing. They can get even more information and ask questions before continuing on with their day. They can also hear from the event coordinator after the Sleep Out with ways to stay involved.
Sleep Out 2023
The Family Museum
One of the most exciting things I’ve done in my travels as an adult, was to visit The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco. Some of my Disney Adult Friends (I call them Disney Freaks) have not even heard of this museum. Two of them said separately: If I never heard of this museum, it doesn’t exist. I thought that was strange. Some of these friends can sing every Disney song in every Disney Princess movie. They can tell you all about the major (and minor) characters down to the smallest of details. They can school you on all of the Disney Villains and quite a few of them have been to Disney Land and Disney World numerous of times. But not one of them has heard of the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco that opened over 15 years ago?
But then it hit me- the Walt Disney Family Museum is not connected to the mega industry brand- the Walt Disney Company. In fact, not a single person or family member of the late, great Mr. Walt Disney has anything to do with the brand. The family owns less than 3% of the Walt Disney Company today.
The Walt Disney Family Museum was created by Walt's daughter, Diane Disney Miller, and her son, Walter Miller in 2009. The Museum aims to showcase the remarkable achievements of Walt Disney, one of the most iconic entrepreneurs and entertainers of the 20th century.
I am a big fan of the Disney brand but I’m a bigger fan of Walt Disney. He was our modern-day Leonardo Da Vinci (that’s how I thought of him and admired both figures since I was a child), and like Da Vinci, Walt Disney was well ahead of his time. The Walt Disney Family Museum honors that vision and legacy.
I was invited to do a media tour in San Francisco, CA and on my itinerary in bold print was The Walt Disney Family Museum- I became very excited. I’ve been obsessed with Walt Disney, the Visionary, ever since I understood that an actual human was responsible for the concept & creation of Disneyland, The Mickey Mouse Club (Original Program, The New, and The All New), and the movies- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs & Cinderella. That came out of the brilliant mind of one person… and his brother.
I saw every documentary on Walt Disney, read all the books, and heard all the interviews. Walt Disney was born Dec 5th 1901- that’s 2 days and 68 years before me (I’m Dec 7th) and exactly 91 years before my son (he’s Dec 5th). Walt Disney died Dec 15, 1966- three years (minus a week) before I was born.
50+ years later, I’m in San Francisco at the Walt Disney Family Museum, getting my eTicket validated- standing in an entry hall with countless awards, pictures, accolades, and tributes to the genius of Mr. Walter Elias Disney. There I stood, having a very emotional experience with a mix of childhood fascination, all the way through to feeling awestruck as an adult. The magnitude of the legendary Walt Disney flooded my thoughts, captured my brain, and pierced my soul. It was very overwhelming. I didn’t even get to the actual Museum yet, I was in the entry hall with the weight of those awards. I was shaking so much that I actually thought about just turning around and walking right back out. I know I may sound overly dramatic (yes- even for me), but this may be too much for my psyche.
As I started walking, passed the 26 Academy Awards (the record for most individual wins in Academy Awards history) and other honorary accolades towards the EXIT, a friendly voice stopped me and said- may I help you, sir?
This voice was calm and knew to look out for patrons that may be easily over-whelmed. He verified my ticket, I held my breath, and in I went.
The first thing I saw was a picture of a beautiful baby- it was Walt Elias Disney. What a doll!
The Walt Disney Family Museum starts you with the early years of Walt Disney. It even takes you back to Walt Disney’s parents and grandparents as they left Ireland to Canada and eventually settling in the United States.
Walter “Walt” Disney was born on December 5, 1901, in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood in Illinois. He was the fourth child of Elias Disney and Flora (née Call)- an American of German and English descent. When Walt Disney was four, the family moved to a farm in Marceline, Missouri in 1906. His uncle Robert had just purchased land. Walt Disney developed his interest in drawing when he was paid to draw the horse of a retired neighborhood doctor. That may have been the seed that grew into everything Disney came to be- extraordinary!
“Some of this history I knew, but after visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum, I realized- there’s so much more to the genius of Walt Disney.”
But let me tell you what I have found… tucked away in the heart of San Francisco's Presidio, the Walt Disney Family Museum is a treasure trove of animation, innovation, and family legacy. A Museum Like No Other, the 40,000-square-foot facility was designed to resemble a classic Disney animation studio, complete with a charming façade and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Upon entering the museum, I was transported to Walt's childhood in Marceline, Missouri, where his love for drawing and storytelling began. The exhibits seamlessly weaved together rare artifacts, interactive displays, and captivating films to tell the story of Walt's life.
The museum showcases Walt's innovative spirit and technological advancements that revolutionized the animation industry. On display was the Multiplane CameraI couldn’t believe it! Was it thee camera or was it a replica? The multiplane camera created groundbreaking depth in animation as only Walt (and Roy) Disney could.
As I walked through, like a wide-eyed child, I saw early prototypes of AudioAnimatronics; early renderings of characters; and Lilly Belle- Walt's beloved train which he built in his backyard! Throughout the museum, the other family heirlooms offered a glimpse into Walt Disney’s life beyond the spotlight. I was able to see personal photos and hand-written letters too.
I was very delighted to see a hand-written letter from famed Artist of the Times, Diego Garcia of Mexico. I did some research and found that Walt Disney visited Mexico in 1942 and met with Diego Garcia. Walt spent 2 weeks in Mexico to familiarize himself with Mexican life and culture. He produced his second film, The Three Caballeros (1944) starring Donald Duck in Mexico City, Mexico. The first live action/animated film, Saludos Amigos was released in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1942.
Commissioned by the US Department of State as part of the Good Neighbor policy, the films promoted goodwill towards Latin America.
"The Disneyland of Walt's Imagination"
The Kerner Studio created a model of Disneyland, assembled in 2009 for the Walt Disney Family Museum’s October 1st, 2009 Grand Opening. The model depicts attractions from the park's opening to the end of Walt Disney's life. It was designed to evoke memories and experiences of Disneyland for visitors. The model was built using historic photographs, vintage paintings, sketches, and plan drawings. The model includes two hidden Walt Disneys, one of which is in Sleeping Beauty Castle. They model is a representation of how Walt imagined Disneyland to be.
Disneyland opened in 1955 to Walt Disney’s specifications, and it looks similar to the 14-foot model at the Family Museum. The model is not to scale, and is meant to be a fun map of Disneyland than an actual realistic architectural model. The model also shows the park's attractions from the time it opened through the end of Walt Disney's life, including attractions that were in development or conceptual planning. For example, the model shows the original and redesigned Skyway buckets on the Matterhorn.
Before Walt's untimely death in 1966, he purchased land in Orlando, Florida, for Walt Disney World. While he did not live to see the completion of the park (1971), he was instrumental in its planning. Walt Disney World quickly became one of the world's premier tourist attractions.
Walt Disney passed away on December 15, 1966, due to complications from lung cancer.
The news of Walt Disney’s death sent shockwaves around the world, with fans and admirers mourning the loss of a true visionary. Disney's legacy continues to entertain audiences to this day. He was survived by his wife, and their 2 daughters, Diane Disney Miller and Sharon Disney Lund.
Diane Disney Miller, the daughter of Walt Disney was a devoted philanthropist and patron of the arts. Diane grew up surrounded by the magic of her father's creative world. After Walt's passing in 1966, Diane continued to honor her family's legacy through her charitable work and dedication to the arts.
In 2009, Diane realized her dream of creating a museum dedicated to her father's life. The Walt Disney Family Museum showcases a vast collection of Disney family artifacts, including letters, drawings, and memorabilia.
Diane's son, Walter Miller, has played an integral role in the Walt Disney Family Museum since its inception. With his mother's passing in 2013, Walter has continued to honor her legacy, ensuring that the museum remains a vibrant and engaging destination for Disney fans of all ages.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is an enchanting destination that inspires creativity, innovation, and a deeper appreciation for the Disney legacy. Please visit the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco- it’s so worth it!
I was so inspired, walking through that amazing museum, that I decided to incorporate some of Walt Disney’s ol’ magic making techniques into the new SMM age.
A digital way to tell stories, utilizing paper tools, puppetry, and digital stop-motion has me very excited. With the power, energy, and creativity that I’ve felt in that wonderful Walt Disney Family Museum, I am creating H. Luiz Theater for the new year- 2025.
Stay tuned!
My Classic Linzer Tart Recipe!
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 cup raspberry and/ or apricot jam
• Confectioners' sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Crust
Hey, let's get started! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and confectioners' sugar. Add the softened butter and mix until it's crumbly.
Step 2: Chill the Crust
Time for a chill break! Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Go ahead and grab a snack or dance to your favorite song!
Step 3: Roll Out the Crust
Okay, it's time to get rolling! On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. We're going for rustic charm here, not perfection!
Step 4: Cut Out the Cookie
Time to get your cut on! Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out a circle of dough. You can also use a heart shape, star shape, or even a square. With your fingers, gently press the centers for your filling(s) to make edges.
Step 5: Add the Jam or Chocolate Spread
Time to Jam! Spoon a small amount of jam, chocolate or hazelnut spread onto the center of the dough, careful not to overflow the edges.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!
The final countdown! Place the raw cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F for 45minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve warm. Yum! Happy baking!
5 Great Destinations for Introverts
A Solo Traveler and an introverted traveler are two different things with two different outlooks of what a holiday could / should be.
A solo traveler likes to get out there, see the sights, meet the people, and absorb the culture. They’ll speak with the locals and get the real tea of the Land. Not to say that an introvert would not like the same things- they just don’t want a lot of yada-yada with strangers.
It's a common misconception that introverts are quiet, socially inept types who like to stay at home. Introverts enjoy traveling and exploring, they just prefer to take in things on their own terms and at their own pace. They prefer to plan and organize everything, while a Solo Traveler would not mind getting lost- just to find an unexpected lovely experience. These destinations that I’m going to show you are well suited for every traveler but curated for the introverted one in mind.
New Zealand
In a country where sheep outnumber people- beautiful New Zealand may just be a great destination for an introvert.
Primarily made up of two islands, North Island and South Island, most introverts can get off the beaten path easily. Although Kiwis (locals) are very friendly, the wide-open spaces of New Zealand allows for roaming on your own. For true seclusion, head out to Fiordland National Park, tucked away on the southwestern tip of the country. Home to both of the legendary Milford and Doubtful Sounds, a trip here is the epitome of getting away from it all.
Of course, I have to mention Māori culture- I’m obsessed. The Māori people are the indigenous population of mainland New Zealand, or Aotearoa. To watch a Maori performance in New Zealand, visit a dedicated Maori cultural center like Te Puia in Rotorua which offers regular kapa haka (traditional Maori song and dance) performances. Afterwards, take a sight-seeing trip through Rotorua.
Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated spaces on the planet. It’s perfect for introverts. The skies truly go on forever. The open landscapes sprawl in every direction, and it’s quite possible that you wouldn’t see or hear a local for hours on end. They don’t call Mongolia the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky for nothing. The say that the best way to experience the culture of Mongolia is to spend a day or so with a nomadic family. A guide can help set this up. You may not know the language anyway, so a few phrases may help to know beforehand. Learn basic Mongolian greetings like "Sain bainu" (Hello), "Zugeeree" (It's okay), and "Bayarlaa" (Thank you). It’s also helpful to learn their customs too. Show interest in helping herd and/or milk the animals, tending the farms, or whatever they may need help with. You’ll most likely stay in your own ger (a portable, round tent) to call home and with the wide expanse of Mongolia in every direction, your introverted ways will be wholly satiated.
Kauai (Hawaii)
Oahu and Maui, two of the most popular islands in Hawaii, can at times feel a bit too populated with tourists. But Kauai (aka Garden Island) is covered in green valleys, lush rainforests, magnificent mountains, and unbelievable waterfalls. I particularly love the coconut groves, orchid farms and coffee plantations in Kauai. An introverted person has so much to see and do on their own (if they choose to do so) in Kauai. There are other many amazing, solitary experiences to have in Garden Island. The Hawaiian Islands are true paradises for any traveler.
Camino de Spain
These beautiful walking paths in the northern part of Spain was once one of the most important pilgrimages. Today, thousands still make the epic journey of the 500+ miles. The countryside is just breath-taking with its expansive spaces. Not only for spiritual experiences, Camino de Santiago also attracts hiking and cycling enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Those that seek a retreat from the hectic pace of modern life, will enjoy these serene spaces. There are several different trails referred to as “ways” that all lead to the shrine of St. James the Great at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. You can join a group but It is perfectly fine for introverts to make the journey completely on their own as many do. Relish in the solitude and the chance to unplug in the beautiful Northern countryside of Spain.
Known for its stunning red rock landscape and energy vortexes, Sedona, Arizona has a uniquely calming, yet energizing effect on its visitors. Rarely crowded, the area offers an overabundance of things to do, but the most popular activity is simply hiking one of the hundreds of trails and enjoying the splendid surroundings at your own pace. For an extra dose of solitude and magic, head out early in the morning to witness the sunrise or stay out late in the day to catch a sunset. At night, you can chill by a fire pit with a glass of wine or enjoy stargazing. If you prefer organized activities, there are many yoga, meditation and healing retreats, but if not- Sedona is well suited for introverts and Solo Travelers alike.
Sedona
The Holidays are Coming
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Meditative Art and Positive Vibes - Colors
It’s finally here- the coloring book for Meditative Art and Positive Vibes! Some of the tableaus that I’ve done on Live Streams, some postcards that I’ve sent to you, some of the giftbags that I’ve designed and even some new designs and patterns too- all here for you to color.
A lot of you have expressed that coloring is just as therapeutic for you, so this book was created with that in mind. You may color with as many colors as you’d like or as little color as you would like as well.
Doodling, drawing and coloring kept me calm, motivated and positive- I’m sure it can do the same for you. All you need do is give it a try.
Coloring tableaus that I have already created gives me double the calm, twice the meditations and two time all the fun. There’s already a 2nd book in the works- a larger book with bigger spaces to color. Some tips and tricks to blending too. This will be out in 2025.
on AMAZON
Meditative Art and Positive Vibes Coloring Book
I wanted to introduce Meditative Art and Positive Vibes to our youth but on a level that was easy for them to understand. Creating this coloring book with the same principles and meditative properties as the 1st book was really the goal and intention.
This coloring book teaches our children to take ownership of their art work. Which in turn, gives them the very tools that they may internalize to take ownership and some responsibility over their very young lives.
When I was a child, I would color the people, animals and objects in my coloring books(s), colors that were in my imagination. People might be colored a light shade of blue or a dark shade of green with hair colored- orange or pink. Cats and dogs may be purple. The sky may be a cool red or a warm yellow tone, and the sun a bright turquoise.
The actual sky is blue of course but I couldn’t control that but I could control my coloring books though.
*available exclusively on AMAZON
Meditative Art and Positive Vibes by H.Luiz Martinez
Meditative Art, Art Therapy, Mindful Art or simply just Doodling has been around since forever- they're found in caves for goodness sakes. Don't let anyone tell you any different. Create fun, easy patterns and create beautiful designs- I call them tableaus. Inside, I'll tell you how I got started (40+ years ago) and how you too can benefit from creating your own tableaus. I even show you how you can make one-of-a-kind gifts with your artwork.
Over 40 years ago, I used to doodle on everything I can get my hands on. It wasn't until I started doodling on my homemade book covers (I started with brown paper bags but graduated to white kraft paper) that people really started to notice my artwork.
#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.
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Summit Health
I went to my family practitioner for my annual checkup. I complained that I think I have early onset arthritis. I can't unbend my middle finger for like an hour when I wake up. He took my hand, played with my finger, pressed on my palm and said, "No- you have stenosing tenosynovitis." WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?
I was dying- I knew something was wrong , but this? Whatever this was, just sounded like a terminal illness and I was too young to die. No- I can beat this, I KNOW I can. Give me the meds, give me the trials, I'll do anything. I want to live, I want to live!
Then he said that it's commonly know as "trigger-finger" or TF.
Ahhh Ok- so now what? <big sigh of relief> Then he gave me a referral to a Specialist to get a steroid injection ( liquid corticosteroids). I went to my appointment, the shot almost took my life (I knew death was imminent), and I drove myself home 5 minutes later. 35 days later, It came back and was told that surgery may be my best option.
That’s when I met Dr. Boretz and the incredible Jaymes Testa, PA.
READ THE REST OF MY GOOGLE REVIEW HERE.
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HappyNewYear! 2025
Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year. Wherever you may find yourself, we wish you a life full of love, friendship, tranquility and peace. We wish you the very best in the New Year 2025!
