“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to!”

Old Folks Saying

“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to!”

People not committed to understanding you can still look at you poorly no matter how “good” you believe yourself to be. Don’t let the words of others dictate the parts of you that are substantial and seen as valuable to others. Those who matter, will. And those that don’t, their attention shouldn’t matter.

Did You Know?

Halle Bailey, who starred in the reimaging of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, got her start with her sister, Chloe Bailey, through YouTube. After performing a version of “Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé went viral the mega star signed the sister duo to her management company, Parkwood Entertainment, for a reported $1 million deal for six albums.

OR

Although Juneteenth has already passed, just how much do you know about the emancipation holiday?

The Civil War ended in the summer of 1865. Union General Gordon Granger and his troops traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce General Orders No. 3 on June 19, 1865. June 19th would go on to be known and celebrated as Juneteenth. 

General Orders No. 3 stated: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

As of now, Juneteenth has been celebrated under many names such as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Cel-Liberation Day, Second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day.

Recipe

Hey d-mars.com readers! As you know, we’ve been serving it up vegan style lately. Ahh come on! Nothing like a little change, right? We recently interviewed CLEO TV’s Chef Jernard Wells and his southern-inspired dishes. For those who have been considering healthier dishes and ditching the meats, check out the chef’s recipe using cauliflower which costs less than $5 dollars at your local stores.

Quick note: Cauliflower contains anti-inflammatory effects, anti-aging agents, serves as a detox booster and promotes healthy weight loss due to its low calories. How do you like those apples!?

Chunky Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

For the plant-based eaters or even those just looking to incorporate more meatless options in their holiday hosting, Wells’ chunky buffalo cauliflower bites are a great addition.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2⁄3 cup rice flour
• 11⁄2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• 1 cup plain seltzer
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
• 3–4 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
• Carrots and celery sticks, for serving

Vegan Buffalo Sauce

• 1⁄4 cup plus 2 tablespoons non-dairy butter
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 11⁄4 cups hot sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons agave

Instructions:

1. Pour vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot to no more than halfway up the side. Prop or clip in a deep-fry thermometer so that the bulb is submerged in the oil. Heat over medium-high heat until the thermometer registers 350 degrees. (Alternatively, you can use a deep fryer.) Line a plate with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, rice flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Season with salt and black pepper as desired.
3. Add the seltzer a little at a time, whisking after each addition, until the batter reaches the right thickness. Not too thick and not too thin—it should coat the back of a spoon without excess dripping.
4. Dip each piece of cauliflower into the batter, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Working in batches, fry the cauliflower until golden brown all over, 7–9 minutes. Remove the cauliflower with a spider and drain on the paper towels