EAT YOUR COLORS - Thanksgiving

H. Luiz Presents…

EAT YOUR COLORS November 2023

THE COVER:

My turkey roulade with homemade stuffing (page 6 ), sautéed asparagus and brandy-glazed carrots

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Low Calorie Rice Bites: Make A Tater-Tot like Nibble that’s Light on Calories, Heavy in Flavor

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Touring Harlem: Tasting Great coffees Harlem has to offer with TRAVEL JUNKIE 331

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Travel Tips: 13 Travel Tips plus the Stories Behind Them

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My Favorite Soup: My Split Pea with Ham Soup is Delish

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Strawberry Cheesecake Lighten Up this Holiday Favorite with Smaller Portions & Vegan Cream Cheese

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New Art Book: Meditative Art and Positive Vibes #HLuizBooks

Thanksgiving a letter from the editor H. LUIZ MARTINEZ

No surprise that like many of you, Thanksgiving is my favorite food holiday, celebrated with huge family gathering around a table with tons of food that can feed a small village.

Well, those were the Thanksgivings of yesteryear. Now I celebrate the holiday with just my beautiful Partner and I by ourselves for the past 9 years now.

We eat what we like, where we like (sometimes the dining room, sometimes the sunroom or the the living room in front of a good movie) and when we like- usually around 2pm. And we don’t have to wait for late-comers! This is a very special bonus because we’re born into families that never arrive on time- not even on accident. jajajaja!

Our Thanksgiving was pretty typical the first 5 years we were together. It was all we knew, which was a much-too-big turkey, sometimes coupled with a ham. Mashed sweet potatoes and regular mashed potatoes were just 2 of the many sides. Baked macaroni and cheese was a must. And of course, there was rice and peas (sometimes beans) and always a pot of white rice just in case. Holy CARB load, Batman! There was also a huge salad that no one hardly touched (incidentally, no one touched the white rice either.)

Then there was my famous cranberry-grape compote made from scratch. Why was it famous? It was famous because I was verbally reminded by my In-Laws every year that Latinos just did not eat cranberry sauce. When I exclaimed that I’m Latino and I eat cranberry sauce, I was told to enjoy myselfAnd I didn’t mention the appetizers and starters before the Thanksgiving meal? How about after? There was also pies, cookies and sometimes cake! I feel sick thinking about it now.

Today, I create lighter fares that are a bit easier on the wallet and the waistline. I have not made a whole turkey for Thanksgiving in over 9 years. Again, it’s just my Partner and I so now we enjoy a turkey roulade. Desserts are whittled down to maybe a delicious fruit tart, non-dairy rice pudding or maybe just a no-bake strawberry cheesecake dessert (made with vegan cream cheese) elegantly served in a beautiful glass.

I can’t wait for you to experience just how great Thanksgiving could really be!

Turkey Roulade

Making a turkey roulade instead of a whole turkey is a great way to save money, cooking time, carbs and calories. I’ve been making a rolled up, stuffed turkey breast for the last 8 years!

We absolutely love it. Best part? No need for a side dish of stuffing- save even more money, time, carbs and calories!

I compliment my Turkey Roulade with fresh roasted carrots and asparagus. Since I also make the stuffing (dressing is made outside on it’s own), you get a minimal amount of carbs per serving and trust me- you’ll digestion will thank you for it.

Here’s what you’ll need...

• deboned turkey breast meat (1 breast can feed 6-8 people) • 7oz. box/bag of rice blend or chickpea “rice” • half of an apple (I use Granny Smith) • dried cherries or dried cranberries • a handful of nuts (I use pistachios) • olive oil (a splash) • chicken stock • salt and pepper to taste (I use kosher salt & cracked pepper) 6

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

After you preheat the oven, get a sheet pan sprayed with non-stick oil ready. You also want to get some kitchen twine at the ready to tie up your roulades. You’re also going to need a large bowl to mix your filling.

Carefully remove the skin of the turkey breast, you’re going to cover the meat with it after you roll it up. It will keep the meat moist in the oven. It will crisp up beautifully as well so try to remove the skin in one piece. Set the skin aside. Now take the meat and pound it out evenly. I place it in a plastic storage bag and use a rubber mallet for this procedure. it’s the easiest way.

Set the pounded-out turkey breast aside and start on your filling. In a large bowl, add your fully cooked “rice” and fluff it up with a fork. Then finely dice half an apple and add it to the bowl- leave the apple skin on. Diced cherries or cranberries go in next. Sometimes I add golden raisins. I also throw in a handful of nuts- usually pistachios and sometimes pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Add a splash of olive oil and salt, then blend all your ingredients very well.

Now you’re ready to roll!

Place your turkey breast down and salt and pepper it to your taste. Place your filling on the breast.in an even layer. Roll up your turkey breast from shorter end to give your roulade some volume. Try to roll tightly but not too tight. Be as neat as possible and if some of your filling comes out- no problem, stuff it back in. Then take the skin and place it on top of your roulade, salt and pepper to taste.

Tie up your little package with kitchen twine- again tightly but not too tight because your roulade(s) will expand a bit. Place your roulade on a the sheet pan sprayed with non-stick oil or lined with parchment paper. I sometimes make a nest out of vegetable and/or potatoes and place the roulade on top 7

Tie up your little package with kitchen twineagain tightly but not too tight because your roulade(s) will expand a bit. Place your roulade on a the sheet pan sprayed with nonstick oil or lined with parchment paper. I sometimes make a nest out of vegetable and/or potatoes and place the roulade on top.

Into the oven (375 degrees) for about 2 to 2 ½ hours. After an hour, baste the turkey roulade with chicken stock. I usually just pour a ½ cup of stock slowly over the roulade. Then I do it again 45 minutes later, so I end up using a full cup per turkey roulade breast.

After it is beautifully browned in about 2-2 ½ hours, take it out and let rest for 15 minutes.

Cut the strings and slice into 1 inch thick rounds. Serve 1 larger slice per person or 2 smaller slices per person.

Even you will be impressed when you see the result of your turkey roulade. Your family and friends are not going to believe you made it.

Warning: you may never make a whole turkey ever again for Thanksgiving!

A turkey roulade is so moist that a gravy is not really needed. But if you like the taste of gravy with turkey then have it on the side. Place it in a gravy bowl for those that would like some.

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Baked Rice Bites I’ve made these rice bites with “rice” made out of 100% cauliflower or broccoli- any vegetable diced and shaped like rice will work. Then I starting buying rice made out of chickpeas. I also bought rice-blends of 90% vegetable flour, 10% rice and found that this worked out best- for me.

They taste very much like tater-tots but with none of the guilt of eating a bunch of reconstituted potatoes. These rice bites are now a staple in my home and not just for Thanksgiving. They’re so good!

Here’s what you’ll need…

• • • • • • •

2 eggs 7oz. box/bag of rice blend or chickpea “rice” to keep it light ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 bunch of chopped cilantro or parsley 1 lime or lemon (juice) 1 cup of grated cheese (I use a mix of cheddar and gruyere) salt and pepper to taste (I use kosher salt and cracked pepper) Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

After you preheat your oven, cook your rice product according to their directions. In the meantime, get a large bowl for mixing and a sheet pan sprayed with oil or lined with parchment paper ready to go.

In the bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with a pinch of salt. Add the fully cooked rice and blend it well. Next, add your grated Parmesan and your finely chopped herb as well. Squeeze the juice of a lime (or lemon) in. Add a cup of grated cheese. I use a blend of cheddar and gruyere.

Use a kitchen spoon to help shape the rice bites, you want them similar in size. Spoon the mixture in your palms and shape the bites into a rounded shape. Place the bites on your sheet pan (spread them out) and bake for 8 minutes. Flip them over and brown them on the other side for 8 more minutes. Serve these warm with your favorite sauce or dip. Enjoy!

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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF @traveljunkie331

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Harlem has some GREAT coffee shops and cafés

Harlem Coffee Tour

It was a cold and rainy day (sounds like a cheesy novel already) and I’m walking down the wet concrete stairs of beautiful Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. I was there to meet my Companion for the day- @traveljunkie331.

I’ve requested this fellow Traveler and Friend to join me on a classic H. Luiz Gastro-Tour but she was off soaking up the Art Scene in Zurich, Switzerland. (excuuuuse me.)

I could not let it go and so I asked her to join me on a local coffee-tasting tour in Harlem. She said she needed to check her calendar before she gave me an answer. (wait… what??)

It wasn’t until 5 full minutes later that I’ve realized that she was joking. That’s the kind of fun energy she gives every time I see her or connect with her through text messages or via social media.

I couldn’t wait to see her again!

As a smile ran across my face, thinking about the 1st time we have met, I was interrupted by a loud voice: HEY MISTER? Hey! Where are you going??

I laughed and laughed as I hugged my friend in the rain. @traveljunkie331 has bright beautiful eyes, a great smile and a mass of curly hair which seems to be her signature. I was happy to see this globe-trotter and quickly heard stories of how incredible Zurich was on her trip.

Now, we were ready to go and taste great coffees in Harlem.

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We started out towards our 1st coffee house. And even though it was a bit gray outside with lots of rain, Common Good Harlem was bright. They had these beautiful bunches of vibrant flowers out front and in their large windows. Once inside, we were welcomed kindly. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a wooden sign that read: La COLOMBE. I knew right then, we’re in for some great coffee.

@traveljunkie331 and I quickly ordered our coffee and sat down at one of the pretty window areas. As we waited for our coffees, we were greeted and met the Owner, Domingo Mejia. He was very proud of his establishment and shared that he was a customer long before he was to become the owner of Common Good Harlem. He knew the business inside and out from operations, customer service, community inclusivity and of course, the process of full bodies coffee.

Our coffees came and Domingo gave a little more insight to La Colombe coffee.

He also gave a little bit more of his background from the Dominican Republic and his arrival to the States. On the walls, I saw that he was very decorated, honored and appreciated for his community efforts. Every one from the Mayor to local schools to the police dept. to the community of West Harlem honored Domingo Mejia. A man with a business this beloved has got to have great coffee- right? @traveljunkie331 and I were going to be the judge of that. Our coffees came and we could see the steam billowing up over the cups. We were so ready to say goodbye to the Owner, Domingo. and we went in! {*Common Good Harlem offers many flavors but regular coffee is what the tour is about.)

For me, the taste was bold, but that’s what you want in a great cup of coffee. With my 2 nd sip of that cup of coffee, I felt the caffeine lift my spirits. The coffee tasted amazing but we had to try to resist the urge to drink the entire full cup. We had more coffee shops and cafés to visit. But the coffee at Common Ground Harlem café was so rich and creamy, we were nearly finished with the entire cup.

We gathered our umbrellas but no before we noticed just how lovely the space is. There were patrons on laptops, on phones and / or just hanging out with other friends. There were flowers everywhere and behind glass cases, we saw tasty looking pastries and a full menu of savory items made to order. Again, the staff was very friendly.

This was the 1st leg of the coffee tasting tour but we could have stayed with Domingo Mejia, his wonderful staff members and friendly customers all day if we had the time.

We said our goodbyes and promised to check in on Domingo and the Common Ground Harlem café real soon.

After our lengthy and informative conversation with Domingo Mejia, Owner of Common Ground Harlem about La Colombe coffee, I decided to do more research. Turns out that the premium coffee bean roasters have been around since 1994- that’s 30 years in the business.

La Colombe was founded by Todd Carmichael and JP Iberti in 1994, with its first location near Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. In 2015, Hamdi Ulukaya (founder of Chobani) purchased a share of the company. Ulukaya bought out private equity firm Goode Partners to gain his stake, and helped the company raise $28.5 million to help fund plans for expansion.

La Colombe not only continues to expand with their own shops in 30 cities such as Washington, D.C, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, and San Diego; but they supply coffee beans to cafés & coffee shops in various cities including New York City. That’s why Domingo’s Common Ground Harlem has such bold, flavorful and great-tasting coffees.

In 2016, the company began offering a canned version of the Draft Latte, a cold-pressed espresso and frothed milk latte first offered on tap in their cafes. Draft Lattes are produced at La Colombe's manufacturing facility in Norton Shores, Michigan. The cans for the latte were designed by La Colombe CEO Todd Carmichael and produced by Philadelphia-based Crown Holdings. A really unique plastic cover that resembles a go-to-cup adorns the lid. The Draft Latte is produced in multiple flavors.

Other products include Different Drum, a coffee-infused rum, produced at a micro-distillery located in its Fishtown, Philadelphia cafe, and a line of La Colombe single-origin and blended roasted coffees, which are available for purchase in retail stores or via the company's website. The small company also produces a line of ready-to-drink Cold Brew available at grocery stores in larger bottles, as well as cold brew concentrate.

La Colombe collaborated with Yards Brewing Company, another Philadelphia-area company, in 2016 to produce a coffee stout to be served in local Shake Shack branches.

The Chipped Cup is a Victorian-style coffee shop with a touch of whimsy flea-market and a touch of vintage savoir-faire. @traveljunkie331 really got into the décor, snapping away with her camera-phone. She takes great videos too!

It was pretty crowded and we were advised to order our coffees quickly. The kitchen was closing and the establishment was too.

We ordered our two regular coffees and inched our way through the space for a nearby counter with 2 stools.

The place was jumping and the music that was being played was pretty good too. They called my name and I grabbed the two piping hot coffees.

The coffee was wonderful. No wonder- there coffee beans come from a private roaster in Brazil. The beans there always have a robust flavor. The place was bursting at the seams with customers and they were closing and still servicing last-minute walk-ins (like us) that had to have their coffee fix.

On this tour, we decided to have use plant-based milk (oat) as to not influence the coffee’s flavor too much with dairy. I discussed with @traveljunkie331 that I know so many people who do a 1 part coffee to about a 2 or 3 part milk/ cream ratio- talking about they love coffee. At that point, they’re just having coffee-flavored milk. When you use plant-based milk, you really taste the full flavor of the coffee(s). Again, the coffee was robust in flavor, heavy with bitter notes- but in a good, delicious way.

We grabbed our umbrellas and went towards the next coffee-tasting tour destination in Harlem.

HEX & Co. boasts the largest collection of board games in Manhattan. They have three locations and they are top-rated for their special events in all of their spaces. Hex & Co. was definitely up and popping!

In fact, it was so busy with customers, as well as customers trying to get a table that we had to wait in a line. And we were there to taste coffee- not to play any board games. The energy was electric and that’s before we had any caffeine. We couldn’t sit in the café even if we wanted because the tables were reserved for those playing games. We ordered our coffees to go (if we sat, we would have been charged a gaming fee) but we could sit outside.

Even though it was raining, the outside seating area had plenty of umbrellas and canopies so we said that would be just fine- the TOUR must go on! As we waited for the coffees, someone in a group recognized me and invited us to join them. It was very sweet but I kindly declined (we were on a time schedule). Our coffees came and we headed outside to drink them under the canopies.

The coffee was delicious but very familiar to me. Then @traveljunkie331 stated: ahhh this coffee is La Columbe.

She was so right. The bold flavor was undeniable. Was I developing a palette for coffee or was it simply that the brand La Columbe was just top-tier coffee? On to the next!

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When @traveljunkie331 and I visited Dear Mama NYC, it left quite an impression. The cool property, the friendly staff members, the tree growing in the middle of the space, the satisfied happy customers, the trendy merchandise, the energy and the vibe- all cumulated into an amazing experience- and that was before we tasted a drop of coffee.

Dear Mama NYC sources its coffee beans from Columbia (that’s Columbia the country not Columbia the University… see what I did there? jajajaja) and sources it locally in Brooklyn with a company called Devocion. Devocion is the only company in the world that roasts true farm-fresh coffee only 10 days after leaving origin. How’s that for true-fresh flavor in coffee?

We ordered a regular coffee (as it was stated in the tour’s guidelines) but that @traveljunkie331 had to have another coffee beverage. It caught her eye on the menu and said: I HAVE TO HAVE IT! That was The Louie Brew but more on that later.

We waited at the central counter, placed our bags and umbrellas down as we turned to check out the rest of the expansive space. We headed toward the merchandise area as we picked up shirts and bags to show each other- like little children in a toy store. But then we both stopped, with jaws opened at this beautiful living tree. It was growing right from the ground, up through the floor and into the middle of the large space. We were not ready for that! Dear Mama NYC is a magical place,

The coffee beverages came, served by what seemed to be our new best friends, and we were not disappointed.

I noticed right away that the hot coffee we tasted, had a faint but pleasant acidity to it. It was explained to me that coffee gets this flavor-note when roasted fresh within days of local delivery. The taste was so smooth though bold and dare I say “nutty” in flavor. This coffee really does taste as if the beans were just picked in Columbia and roasted and ground minutes before they served it.

Not only did we like the coffee, we loved the coffee shop itself. We told our new Besties, we’d return soon. We really loved the space- especially the people and the big tree.

About @traveljunkie331’s coffee beverage- The Louie Brew, it’s an iced beverage served in a Mason jar. The cold brew is made out of chicory (much like a New Orleans café au lait) but it’s made with oat cream instead of dairy. @traveljunkie331 could not get enough of the cold brew. I thought it was delicious too.

Dear Mama NYC also has a full food menu as well as other coffee beverages and flavors. Check out their great beers as well as their delicious wines.

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Harlem Coffee Tour Common Good Harlem 2801 Fredrick Douglas Blvd.

(917) 261-6996

The Chipped Cup 3610 Broadway (212) 368-8881

HEX & Co. West 2911 Broadway (212) 439-1008

Dear Mama 611 West 129th St https://dearmama.speedetab.com/

La Columbe Coffee Roasters https://www.lacolombe.com/ 18

This amazing fellow Traveler, known all over social media as @traveljunkie331, is an amazing spirit.

She has shown me that solo-travel can be fun and exciting. Want to check out a new country, interested in new cultures, longing for historical cities? GO FOR IT! Why wait for others to get your travel plans in order?

That should not stop you from packing a bag and heading out to a destination that you are curious about or interested in. The fact that others may not be able to go should not be a reason for not going by yourself. The only person you really have to wait on, rely on, and count on is you.

That’s what @traveljunkie331 has taught me. There are other things that I’ve learned from her as well.

“Take advantage of being lost in a new country. You’re not lost, you just have an opportunity to make the best of an unplanned situation.” @traveljunkie331 has shared that she has had some memorable experiences being socalled lost. The trick, she says, is to not go into a panic. Just accept it and look around- there are gems everywhere.

“Great museums, shops, restaurants, parks and local folks are all around us- go explore… and send me a pic!”

*For media inquiries, private tours and bookings, you may message @traveljunkie331 on social media

My Art

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TRAVEL TIPS

Whether you're an experienced traveler or are embarking on your first vacation, here are some of my travel tips that will make your trip stress-free or at least a little less hectic.

Print Your Docs I know, I know- we use our mobile smart phones now for our documents. But what if you don’t have a signal or worse, your phone dies (loses battery power) or even much worse- you lose your phone altogether? Henry always prints out his boarding pass. I would say: it’s a new world, Boo- join us in the Electronic Age. Until… until we got to the Gate that one time and my phone ran out of battery life. “OK sir, please step over to the counter and get your boarding pass printed out.” the gate-agent said in a stern voice. Uhm- what now? As I picked up my carryon and made my way to the counter (with a long line), someone behind me said: excuse me please. It was Henry. hummph!

That’s a lesson you only need to learn once. Also, take screen shots of your boarding pass in case your travel apps do not have a WIFI signal. This will work with your travel maps too. You may not have a signal in a new place and cell service is very expensive outside of your network.

Take screenshots of your itineraries, schedules, addresses, reservations, or any other important info you may need. AND print those as well. Make copies of your passports and other travel docs and keep them where you’ll be staying- heaven forbid you should lose the originals.

Behave Like A Local You will want to keep up with the news in your home state and country but you also want to know what’s going on in the state or foreign country you are visiting., especially in the destinations you're visiting. It can help you keep safe during an emergency or state of unrest. If you don't know the local language, consider downloading apps that track international alerts to keep travelers informed of developing threats.

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Bring a First Aid Kit Pack a small first aid kit- bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain meds, baby oil (yes- baby oil) and antidiarrheals for easy access if you get hurt or fall ill. There’s nothing worse than getting hurt, feeling sick or in desperate need of help and waiting forever for your hotel’s medics to respond.

Did I ever tell you about the time a large tropical wasp flew into my ear? It was fluttering around in there as Henry ran down to the front desk to get help. He came back to the suite with no one as we tried to kill the wasp with q-tips (something you should not do). After about 10 hours (I had to try to sleep with this bug in my ear during intervals of fluttering) it finally wore itself and me out.

NO ONE EVER CAME TO HELP ME. As we were checking out early the next morning, I was told that the Medic on staff said that there really wasn’t anything he could do and that’s why he didn’t come. I asked: what?? No one at the front desk could have found that out hours ago and told us? Just so that we were not left waiting in desperation on top of the dilemma at hand? Couldn’t the Medic try to find a solution or at least relay the message to you and us? I really could not understand the logic behind that.

I lied and said that the bug finally came out. It was actually dead in my ear and I had to board the plane with it. At the hospital in my town, they removed it and when they dropped the bug into the medical pail, it made a loud PING! The Doctor said: the good news is, I’m able to get it. The bad news is, the other half of it is still in there. I have to go back in. A minute later- PING! So, what should one do if a tropical wasp, earwig or any bug gets into an ear? According to WebMD and other online sources, drizzle in a small amount of baby oil, that will kill the bug and even make it easier to come out. Use a rubber water syringe ball to flush out the remains.

That’s why our lil’ medical kit includes a travel-size bottle of baby oil… now. Be prepared.

Pack An Outfit in Your Carry On For those that must check large bags (we never check bags, even on 10 day trips) pack an extra outfit and all of your underwear and accessories in a carry-on bag. This way, you’ll have a spare set of clean clothing ready to go, heaven forbid you lose a bag or gets delayed in transit. Even if your bags arrive safely, accidents can happen, and at least you'll have clean clothes with you.

Back Up Critical Docs Scan and store copies of your passport and ID cards in a cloudbased folder so they're accessible should they be stolen. Having copies on hand will significantly expedite the process of replacing your lost or stolen documents.

Be Loyal Pick an airline, stick to it and accumulate points. Earning status with most airlines may result in getting free upgrades, free hotel nights and with most airline loyalty rewards, you can even earn complete flights with enough loyalty points.

Know Your State Department Way before you book a flight, see what’s going on in the places you want to travel to. It helps to at least know some information to stay safe. I always check out what’s going on before I fly. A lot of you get excited, telling me you’re flying overseas and can’t believe it’s $300 for a roundtrip ticket.

“Do you know what’s going on in that country right now?” I’ll skeptically ask.

Then you’ll get back to me later and say- just a civil war. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Great information is available through the U.S. State Department. You’ll learn where is the nearest US Embassy; what phone numbers are used for emergency services; what neighborhoods to avoid and what is the current political climate in terms of picketers, demonstrations, etc.

You should also register with the U.S. Embassy- very important. If you're traveling overseas use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Heaven forbid a natural disaster occurs or war breaks out, the US Embassy will know to look for you and get you to safety. If you don’t register, then they won’t know you’re visiting and can’t account for you.

I was visiting in the Dominican Republic the day they were about to close their Borders during The Pandemic. I’ve received a call from the US Ambassador (He was a friend of mine) and he asked when was my flight back to the States. I said it was the next day- why? Do you want to have lunch?

“Forget the lunch. You’re leaving in about 3 hours.” he said. “They’re closing the Borders tonight.”

If I did not receive that call, I would have been stuck in the Dominican Republic for at least a month.

Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) here: https://step.state.gov/ Bring Laundry Detergent Avoid high laundry fees at hotels and carry a few travel size detergent packets. You can wash some items in the bathroom sink if you really need to. This works well if you just need a few more pairs of clean underwear during your trip. Get the powder kind, we’re still under liquid restrictions.

A Good Book There’s nothing like catching up with a good book while lounging pool or ocean side. But do you know that it’s just as good to help pass away the hours on your flight? And you don’t need a power source for it- take that Kindle! I also create Meditative Artwork (doodles) on long flights too.

Be Nice to Gate Agents It’s free to be nice. But, if you’re rude, especially to gate agents, it may cost you. If your flight is delayed/ cancelled, it is through no fault of the agents.

And do you know that Airlines are not required to give you a hotel stay? If you are rude to the agent, you may find yourself sleeping in the airport.

Most airlines have in their policies that they will give you a stay for late night cancellations- but it not a requirement by US Federal Law. So be nice! Also, airlines will try to rebook you in available seats with their partner airlines at no additional cost to you. However, if you’re rude, you may be given an 800 number to try to rebook yourself via phone which may take forever.

It pays to be nice. Good energy is often recognized by agents dealing with negativity all day.

Almost always, we are given free cocktails, better seating, and other upgrades. Smile!

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Bring Ear Plugs You want to have a good night’s sleep especially while on vacation. The snoring that you may put up with in your home, may sound just a tad more annoying under different lodgings. But a lovedone snoring near you is the best-case scenario while trying to sleep while away from home. There may be nearby construction going on in the early mornings or loud music playing in your hotel’s lobby while you’re trying to sleep. You may also encounter those next-door room neighbors who just can’t get enough of each-other. And so to shut out all the screams and moans (NOT moans?), they turn their TV volume waaaay up. Or it could simply be a neighbor with a hearing issue. You may also encounter those occasional loud house-keeping and maintenance personnel that feel comfortable shouting BRING ME MORE TOWELS PLEASE at 630 in the morning.

Bringing a pair of ear plugs or two ensures that you will get to sleep and wake up when you are ready. That being said, unplug the hotel’s phone before you go to sleep. I can’t count the number of time when some hotel staff member or activities / attraction(s) concierge would call and ask, “Welcome to _____________ , how was your first night with us?” Uhm…what? It’s 7:30 am.

Talk to the Local Experts.

Locals are the real experts of the destination you’re visiting. Don’t be afraid to befriend some and ask for suggestions on where to eat. They often know better than the guide books on where to uncover hidden gems. You must first know the people to know the country. I often ask the hotel staff members to tell me where are the best places to eat? Then, when they finish giving me their in-case-a-Guest-asks-you-where-to-eat script, I follow up with- now where do you like to go eat.

Airport Currency Exchanges A local bank in the country you are visiting is your best bet in exchanging currency as opposed to exchanging money at the currency exchange when you land at the airport. They charges a hefty fee at the airport. I know that sound counter-intuitive. It’s inside the airport, it should be safeand it is, but they’ll charge you through the roof.

I remember returning to the states and I had about $400 worth of pesos. I saw the currency exchange at the airport and decided to change the pesos into USD. I was handed a receipt and about $346 back. I looked at the cashier- I think you miscounted the money I gave you. He tells me that I’m forgetting to include the fee. WHAT?? About $56 dollars or 14%. Highway robbery.

When visiting, it’s better to ask your hotel concierge to break some $20s into single 1-dollar bills. Use that for tipping in the hotel and outside of the hotel. Then ask where the local banks are to exchange larger bills into local currency if you plan on spending money in town. Usually if you pay with your currency, they give you change in the local currency and you end up in the very short end of the exchange stick. Most local banks will give you the current exchange rate. They’ll ask you for your passport for their records in lieu of having a bank account.

Your best bet is to let your bank know that you will be traveling and you may use the ATMs where you’re visiting- this way you don’t run into any fraud alerts. ATMs in other countries will give you the value of your money in local currency with no markups for the exchange. Your home bank may waive any international fees for ATM use but the country you’re visiting may charge.

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SPLIT-PEA SOUP with HAM Unquestionably, split-pea soup is the one I make most-often in my home. I’m talking at least three times a month and each batch make enough soup for about 8-10 meals easy.

It’s so good too.

Now during the holidays, when I make my Cola Ham, I add lots of leftover juicy ham bits to my split pea soup. The number one question I get in the comments after I post a picture (on Instagram and TikTok) is: how did you make that?

Split-pea soup is great with white rice or served on its own. For lunch, serve a smaller portion. For a fall / winter party, this soup is wonderful served in a ramekin or a double shot glass. It’s kind of unexpected to serve such a homey soup as a party appetizer, but guests really love it. I garnish the soup with a slice of crostini and my vegan version with a slice of carrot.

During the pandemic, my split-pea soup provided such comfort. I knew I was able to stretch out the soup if I really had to. I taught lots of people how to make it, how to stretch it out over days and I even responsibly delivered some to friends. Please do your part in sharing what you know or what you have to help someone else in need. It’s what the Holidays and LIFE is all about.

One story I remember, when I was a child , was when my Grandmother (we called her Mami) would make a very large pot of her split pea and a pot of rice and keep it on her stove. Also near the stove would be these styrofoam cups and plastic spoons. Throughout the day and into the night, her neighbors would come in her back door where the kitchen was located. They would shout out bendiciones, Virginia, grab a cup and serve themselves some soup over rice. My Mami fed the entire neighborhood sometimes. It used to frighten me to see these people coming and going through Mami’s kitchen. One time I said, “You know, that’s really unsafe to do!” She replied without missing a beat- think about how unsafe it is not to eat.

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*RECIPE INGREDIENTS * 16oz bag of dry split-pea (recipe uses ½ a bag) * olive oil (1/2 cup) * 2 white, red or Spanish onions (diced) * 2 carrot sticks (peeled, diced or shredded) * 4-5 garlic cloves (peeled and minced) * mushrooms, sliced (optional) * 5 cups (40oz) of chicken stock * ham (diced or shredded) * parsley bunch (reserve some leaves for garnish) * lime (fresh squeezed juice of 1 lime or lemon) * cumin, coriander and curry powders (to taste) *Before you begin the recipe, rinse your dry splitpeas in a colander and check for fragments to discard. Sometimes you will find a shard of a pebble or something that got in the split-peas.

Soak your dry split-peas in 2 parts water for at least 3-4 hours overnight on your counter.

Half of a 16oz bag (8ozs) may serve 4-5 people.

I garnish my split-pea soup with parsley leaves and red pepper flakes and perhaps a slice of lime.

I also drizzle extra-virgin olive oil on top. I always garnish with ingredients found in the dish that I’m serving.

In a large pot over medium heat, add your olive oil and warm it up. Add your diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent. Next add your diced carrots (lately, I just have been using shredded carrot from a bag for this recipe- easy.)

Then add your minced garlic. I like to add sliced or diced mushrooms at this point into the pot but that’s optional. Sauté the ingredients for about3-4 minutes.

Next add your 5 cups of chicken stock. I never use those bouillon cubes for making stocks because most of them are just MSG and salt. I usually have / make my own stock but there are some good-quality brands you can purchase.

Lately, I’ve been using a product that’s made from actual chicken, vegetables and herbs cooked down into a paste. I use about a teaspoon of this paste for every cup (8oz) of water to make a delicious stock. Add your cumin, coriander and curry powders to taste and of course salt and pepper.

Then add your drained split-peas to the pot and bring to a boil. Add your ham and the squeeze of a lime or lemon. Cover the pot, lower the heat and let simmer until the splitpeas soften and thicken the soup- should be about an hour more or less.

Remove the cover, ad a splash of olive oil and stir your split-pea soup- be sure to scrape the bottom because split-peas tend to hide down there. Then add your chopped parsley and stir that in. Let the soup simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. *Before serving, garnish with parsley leaves and a splash of olive oil. Pepper flakes are optional.

Click for my split pea with ham cooking video

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The Holidays are Coming

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Michelle Buteau TOUR DATES 2023 Sold Out! TOO LATE Nope!

Sorry Sold Out!

Tickets are going fast so please book as soon as you can.

We will update this listing when and if NEW dates are added.

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tap on my favorite IG Videos

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#EatYourColors

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Strawberry Cheesecake Bites Gone are the days where I would make 3 to 4 desserts for the holidaysespecially for Thanksgiving. My stomach hurts just thinking about it. Also, gone are the days where I would make high calorie desserts.

My strawberry cheesecake would get oohs and aahs but then I would see take home containers full of cheesecake slices. Now, I did not cook and bake for days only to have food and dessert(s) leave my house in containers!

So now I make low-calorie “Bites” and everybody’s happy.

With so many of us celebrating holidays with just immediate family and smaller groups, it makes sense to just make less food and even less desserts.

It’s been just my Partner and I alone for so many Thanksgivings, we’re well past used to it. We’ve downsized dessert portions too of course.

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pint of strawberries (or any berry or fruit) graham crackers or dry cookies 8oz package of cream cheese (I’ve been using a vegan cream cheese lately) sweetener (sugar, stevia, agave or honey) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract nuts optional (I use pistachios but use whatever nuts you like)

The beauty of this delicious treat is that it’s a “no-bake” dessert that you can make in minutes. However, after assembly, place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to set the filling. I usually use strawberries but I’ve used blueberries, raspberries, a berry mix and peaches- use what you like.

In a bowl, mix soften cream cheese with your sweetener and vanilla extractset aside. Crumble your graham crackers, slice your fruit and get ready to assemble. I sometimes use a martini glass for an elegant dessert but oftentimes I use half-rock glasses for portion control. Plastic cups work well too, especially for the kiddies. Layer your ingredients in a glass / cupstarting with the graham crackers. Add your sweetened cream cheese filling and place your sliced fruit on top of that. Sprinkle some nuts on the strawberries. I like to use pistachios- the color / flavor combo is amazing.

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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.

*available exclusively on AMAZON

MAR – APR 2022

AUG 2022

NOV 2022

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