So many moments happen around a kitchen. It is a gathering place for friends and family to share both food and conversation. It is the place where my family seems to congregate most often. Food was always an important part of every family get-together on both sides of my family when I was growing up. Both sets of grandparents were known for certain signature dishes that became traditions to enjoy at family events.
My grandmother was known for her gourmet cooking and always had a spattering of appetizers available at any time of the day. Everything she made was perfection, and she always had just a little extra something to add to every dish that made it just that much better. Watching her cook was like watching a work of art in progress. With every change of season, I still think of my grandmother and the foods that she prepared during each time of the year. It is amazing how the senses can evoke such strong memories, and the aroma of certain foods take me right back to her kitchen.
My grandfather on my dad’s side was the opposite. My dad’s mom died when she was pretty young, so my grandfather lived alone for many years. He lived right down the street from my family when I was growing up and since he was alone, we spent a lot of time at his house. He didn’t prepare extravagant food, but he did like to bake and cook, and without fail, he always had a fresh cake on his counter ready for guests to enjoy with him. His cake wasn’t anything fancy at all—just a box cake mix with store bought icing, but I often walked down to his house, to share a slice of cake and glass of milk with him at his kitchen table. He would put on a record and we would just sit and listen to music and eat cake. So many of my treasured moments with my grandfather happened around his kitchen table. Still to this day, I think of my grandfather every time I pass by the box cake mixes at the grocery store. It’s interesting that even the simplest things can hold such significance and nostalgia. Sometimes the food is the memory, but often for me, it was the moments while sharing the meal that stuck with me.
Our October is our foodie issue. We wanted to share some of the local food and drink fests coming in October as well as a few of our favorite spots around town to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
October 2023
PUBLISHER
Wade Kotarba | wade.kotarba@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mindy Hargesheimer, D. Leon, Angela Broockerd, Allison Swan
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
ANGELA BROOCKERD, EDITOR @JOHNSONCOUNTYCITYLIFESTYLE
Learn
Proverbs 3:5-6
Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.
round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Liquid Mobile, formerly Liquid Mobile IV, is revolutionizing access to health and wellness by expanding offerings and changing its name to better represent a commitment to providing groundbreaking access to whole-body wellness. The KansasCity based company is launching new services straight to consumers’ doorsteps via mobile nurses, telehealth and clinic, including labs, medical weight loss, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, telehealth hormone therapy and IV hydration.
Scan to read more.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/JohnsonCounty
“ DataMap is a technology and consulting company. We maximize the return on our customers’ cloud investments. We spent a lot of time finding a space that would fulfill our company needs. We fell in love with the Aspiria NOW space almost immediately. It has an incredible technology infrastructure, ergonomic workstations and collaborative meeting spaces. We have a passion for wellness and health, so having access to the state-of-the-art fitness center was also important in our decision to move here.
Lenny Lee President and CEO DataMap LLC
Saint Luke’s is dedicated to offering the latest innovations and technology to deliver the best care to our community.
Saint Luke’s Hospital In Your Home combines state-ofthe-art virtual monitoring and in-person visits to bring hospital-level care to your home. It’s a potential option for patients with conditions that require hospital-level monitoring, such as congestive heart failure, pneumonia, COPD, and COVID-19.
Hospital In Your Home is available at all Saint Luke’s hospitals in the Kansas City metro.
Learn more saintlukeskc.org/homehospital
South OP Of Course Offers an Indian-American Culinary Fusion You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
When an inside joke becomes the namesake of a new restaurant, you know it’s going to deliver - figuratively of course; have you dined in at our newest gem of a restaurant inside Bluhawk? Of course, I have and it’s absolutely outstanding!!
Whether it’s the innovative menu you’re excited for or the elevated aesthetic, owner and chef, Swetha Newcomb, brings both together so beautifully to South Johnson County.
MH: “WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SOUTH KC?”
SN: “With the immense amount of new neighborhoods and people building homes, the opportunity was obvious. Everyone drives downtown because we don’t have access to much out here. We are bringing that wine, cocktail bar, and fine dining experience to everyone out South so they don’t have to drive super far and we are already seeing a huge success. They are happy to have options now!”
On top of being a chef by trade, Swetha’s absolute favorite thing to do is go out to dinner. She loves a good restaurant atmosphere, and nothing beats enjoying a glass of wine amongst cozy, dim lights. Before, nothing like the Of Course ambiance was available in the area. Now, Swetha’s eye for design and divine cuisine is unmatched.
including the curry ketchup. We get a lot of world travelers that are here for work, and they say they’ve never found this anywhere else in the world.”
MH: “WHAT
KC?”
SN: “You probably won’t find anywhere in the Midwest an “Indian American fusion” restaurant. It’s not just American, but Midwestern cuisine: It’s a lot of American-heavy dishes with subtle Indian influence, and some very heavy Indian dishes with subtle American influence. We take a lot of pride in what we do in the kitchen; we use a lot of Indian sauces and spices, and blends are all house made,
The menu is also a compliment to her upbringing and her mother’s cooking, and the hospitality is even sweeter thanks to Swetha’s absolute passion for what she is doing. “Everything is a lot of what I grew up eating and also the reason I am a chef today.”
With the restaurant just opening, Swetha wanted to ease into the menu with nothing too crazy or super foreign. “You do have to please the demographic: It’s why you’ll see things like the Mac & Cheese and Chicken Tikka Masala,” which is the most common dish when people think of Indian food.
Swetha designed the first summer menu to be a bit more simple, but the fall menu will be more Indian flavor-forward anticipating that after the trust is built, they’ll all be coming back for more and open to trying things they have never even heard of.
MH: “TELL ME WHAT INSPIRED THE INTERIOR DESIGN AESTHETIC.”
SN: “I told my architect I wanted the design to be very earthy tones, homey, and comfortable, but also bring a lot of Indian design into it as well. The divider wall panels are designed with classic Indian architecture in mind. There are lots of clay pots and heavy wood to feel very earthy because that is what relaxes me. I knew this was going to be a very time consuming project, and whatever I did I was going to spend the majority of my day here. So, how can I make it calm and soothing? BUT, the floors had to make a statement. They are the first thing you see.”
MH: “INCLUDING YOUR INDIAN HERITAGE, TELL ME ABOUT HOW YOU CAME UP WITH THE MENU AND HOW PEOPLE WILL FEEL WALKING AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE?”
SN: “I was born in India and came here when I was one. My parents are hard-working people: Both started companies from the ground up which is where the entrepreneurial blood in me comes from. It only made sense that I would do something like this. I was itching to do this for a long time but was really scared and didn’t know if I could do it. If it wasn’t for my husband constantly pushing me, we would not be here right now.”
Swetha and her husband met in their senior year of college. She had given up on going to culinary school and her hopes and dreams of becoming a chef, she simply didn’t think she could make a career out of it, particularly being a female and a minority. She says he could tell she was really unhappy, so he pushed for her to go to school, supported her every step of the way, and she is unbelievably grateful for him.
“He’s always been there, helping with (Swetha’s prior business endeavor) private dinners, and attending to every inch of the restaurant. He works all day and helps me every night. I am so grateful for him.”
MH: “WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE DISHES AND COCKTAILS YOU SAY ARE A MUST TO TRY?”
SN: Food: “I love the whole fried fish, it’s so, so, so good and simple. It comes with basmati rice, old bay labneh (yogurt), and some escabeche pickled peppers. You get a little bit of everything in a bite; you get the buttery fish, the sweet and salty pickled peppers, and the yogurt is super tangy.”
Drink: “‘The ’Wish You Were Here.’ Jay Sanders (Drastic Measures, Wild Child) wrote the Libations menu and the gin is a favorite. It’s infused with a lot of spices, you get a lot of heavy cardamom flavors. If you are familiar with Indian desserts, the cocktail tastes just like home with the sweetness from the cardamom, a little bit of lemon juice, sugar and milking from the milk soda.”
MH: “WHAT’S BEHIND THE NAME ‘OF COURSE?’”
SN: “During private dinners, I would say “of course” a LOT, and my husband counted and told me I said it about 43 times or so one night. It became an inside joke and as I was driving one day and thinking if I were ever to open a restaurant, what would I name it? And, that is what came to mind. Plus, it’s a play on words for courses of food.”
Follow: @ofcoursekc on IG
“WE GET A LOT OF WORLD TRAVELERS THAT ARE HERE FOR WORK, AND THEY SAY THEY’VE NEVER FOUND THIS ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.”
- SWETHA NEWCOMB
This year is the eighth annual Botanical Brewfest, which began in 2014. This year, it will be held at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Saturday, October 14 from 6 to 9 p.m., with a VIP event happening at 5 p.m. It is a fundraiser for Friends of the Arboretum.
Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager for the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park, noted that they actually missed a couple years in 2020 and 2022, so are happy to be back.
“The 2021 Brewfest took place on a very hot summer weekend in August, but traditionally the event is held in the fall,” she explained. “With that, we are eager to welcome everyone back this year for a cooler, more beloved fall-fest feel that guests know and love in October! Colorful, fall foliage in the gardens is a cherished and picturesque setting like no other.”
Botanical Brewfest is one of seven key fundraising events for Friends of the Arboretum, a division of The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park. Friends of the Arboretum’s mission and purpose is to preserve, enhance and promote the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Funds for capital improvements, major projects, educational and volunteer programs are made possible by generous donors, membership dues, and special community events such as this.
Botanical Brewfest naturally came to be as a seasonal offering, welcoming folks out to enjoy the gardens, discover and support local breweries and restaurants, celebrate the season with yard games, live music and friendship, all while proceeds support the worthy cause of enhancing the future of the Arboretum.
“We’re looking forward to populating Stous Promenade and the grounds of LongHouse, the magnificent new visitor center, with dozens of vendor tents, live entertainment and yard games. Guests can enjoy over 100 varieties of beer, ciders, hard seltzers and even local Kombucha and non-alcoholic hop-waters from dozens of brewery vendors,” she said. “Vendors are still joining on, and our full list will be updated and found at our website, but here’s what we know now:”
Breweries: * denotes local Abita, Ace, Alaskan, Breckenridge, Brewdog,*Brewery Emperial, Canarchy (Beast, Cigar, Dale, Basin,) Ciderboys, Cigar City Brewing, *Cinderblock, *City Barrel, Cutwater, Deschutes, Goose Island, *KC Bier Co., Kona, Montucky, New Belgium/Bells Nutrl, Odell, Ofallon, Oskar Blues, *Red Crow Brewery, Sierra Nevada, *Stockyards Brewing Co.,*TeaBiotics, *Walnut River Brewing Co.
A wide variety of restaurants on site will include Werner’s Fine Sausages, KC Pretzel Boys, Duck Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Popculture. Live Music will include two live bands, Flashback and The Happy Wanderers.
The various activities of the Brewfest allow guests to cover tons of ground with access open to the entire Arboretum so they can explore the gardens and nature trails as day turns to night.
“String lights, fire pits, and camaraderie paint the evening with a warm glow of fall activity!” she confirmed.
The 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is an educational, recreational and cultural resource for the Kansas City region. At the Arboretum, you’ll experience beautiful gardens with more than 1,700 species of plants, a variety of landscapes, including meticulous gardens, wild hiking trails, and open prairie, and different educational opportunities around every bend in the path. Regardless of the time of year, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers unique and unexpected pleasures to all who visit.
With fall weather upon us, this event will be a chance to get outside and enjoy nature for a good cause. For information on ticket prices and anything else about this unique event, visit their website.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is located at 8909 W. 179th Street, Overland Park, KS. Visit artsandrec-op.org .
“Guests can enjoy over 100 varieties of beer, ciders, hard seltzers and even local Kombucha and non-alcoholic hop-waters from dozens of brewery vendors.”
Refresh Medical Spa is one of the top medical spas in Overland Park! Serving our community since 2012, it has been our mission to provide natural results in a positive environment while building trust and educating our clients to feel confident in their aesthetic journey!
At Refresh, our approach to selecting service and product offerings involves keeping our clients' preferences and desires in mind as well as our providers' goal to offer a variety of well known brands and innovative treatments.
In the heart of Leawood, high-flying acrobatics and intricate performances come to life at Kansas City Aerial Arts, owned by the passionate Daniel Parks. Parks recalls his first introduction to the world of aerial arts, not as a performer but as a theatrical lighting designer. His office sat just a floor above the dynamic circus training, and the allure was simply too much to resist.
“I would watch as the circus training took place right beneath my office. And every time, I thought, “I want to do that!” says Parks.
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWANHis purchase of the studio in 2016 was driven by personal experiences and a desire to share the transformative power of the arts. For anyone new, nerves or hesitations are soon replaced with warmth and assurance—the staff at Kansas City Aerial Arts are committed to ensuring everyone feels welcome, regardless of their skill level.
“We offer a fun means of fitness and an opportunity to learn something new,” Parks explains, emphasizing the importance of community and self-empowerment in what they do.
Whether you’re an experienced gymnast seeking a fresh challenge or a newcomer eager to blend athleticism with artistry, Parks assures there’s a place for you. The community-focused environment encourages growth, self-expression, and personal achievement.
“Whatever your circumstances, we’ve witnessed countless success stories and ensure every student is given the tools to soar,” he adds.
Parks’ commitment to expanding accessibility and outreach is evident, from pilot programs for underserved communities to the establishment of a dedicated non-profit for fundraising and networking.
“We are in the process of adding another studio and enhancing our program offerings, especially for neurodiverse individuals,” Parks shares.
As they continue to elevate the experience of their students and audiences alike, one can only anticipate the heights they’ll reach in the future. The studio takes pride in creating riveting entertainment for local events. With a rich repertoire of skills like aerial silks, trapeze and stilt walking, they promise an unforgettable spectacle tailored to your event’s needs.
Kansas City Aerial Arts is located at 5001 117th Street in Leawood. For more information or to book an event, visit kansascityaerialarts.com .
UPCOMING EVENTS:
• Taste of Leawood (10/6): A showcase of the studio’s offerings for the Leawood Chamber, giving a taste of the excitement within.
• Leawood Live! (10/7): Celebrating 75 years with a VIP experience, captivating aerial acts, mesmerizing fire performances, and enchanting stilt walkers.
• Boo N Brew (10/28): Elevating the atmosphere at Town Center Plaza with thrilling aerial acts during band set breaks.
• “Walking in a Winter Circus Land” (12/1-12/3): A feature-length circus show at City Stage in Union Station, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of aerial acts.
Image Studios has over 30 beauty professionals!
Hair Stylists & Barbers | Lashes | Skin
Botox | Massage | Wax & Sugaring
ROLAN FERNANDEZ & YOHAN KIM
De La Rosa Hair Studio
Skilled barber and stylist. Quality scissor haircuts, precision fades, color, highlights, perms, straight-razor shave.
@de.la.rosa.hair.studio
(913)-735-3447
LESLIE GIARRAPUTO
Lulu Salon
Long Hair Specialist, four different extension applications, grey coverage, highlights. 36 years of experience including salon ownership
V @hair_doululu
(913)-638-6443
SAMANTHA HUNTER Esse Aesthetics Medspa
Botox, injectables, anti-aging, fillers, chemical peels, skin care, beauty & wellness
V @esseaesthetics
(816)-560-4989
IMAGE STUDIOS Overland Park is a community of beauty professionals who are independent mini-salon owners. to book appointments and for Private Suite Leasing Information
11228 Switzer Road | Near College Blvd & HWY69 imagestudios360.com/overlandpark
In Chicago as an anchor and reporter at WGN-TV, Eckert’s commitment to culinary storytelling reached new heights with “What’s Cookin’ Chicago.” Unlike traditional restaurant reviews, his segment delved into the heart of the Chicago food and wine scene, showing viewers a glimpse into the lives and stories behind the food.
After some serious news burnout, Eckert decided to create his own show called Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert.
From newsrooms to kitchens, Dave Eckert’s journey through television news and culinary exploration has been nothing short of remarkable. A distinguished journalist and award-winning TV personality, Eckert’s passion for all things culinary started during his time as a news journalist for KMBC-TV from 1989 to 1994, where he won two regional Emmys.
As he co-anchored the 5:00 news and reported for the 10:00 news, Eckert found a love for the local food and wine scene. His exposure to barbecue, coverage of The American Royal, and encounters with pitmasters and champions ignited a deeper appreciation for culinary craftsmanship. Key figures such as Steve Cole, Charlene Welling, Stephen Molloy, and John Martellaro became pivotal in shaping his culinary trajectory. Doug Frost, George Vessel, Ed “Gomer” Moody, Steve Thomson and others paved the way for an in-depth understanding of the flavors and varietals of wines.
“I decided to combine my friendships, contacts, passion, love of food and wine, television training and background to create something that, to my knowledge, had never been done—a food, wine and travel show that took people to the source of the indigenous and delicious the world over,” says Eckert. “Culinary Travels with Dave Eckert was born! Aside from my wife of nearly 40 years and our two children, Conor and Fiona, Culinary Travels is my proudest achievement, with 275 half-hour episodes on six continents produced, directed, written, and hosted by me.”
“Locally, I write articles on food and beverages, which often feature local restaurants, chefs, and cuisine. I also host a monthly dinner at a locally-owned, chef-driven restaurant called Dave’s Dine-Arounds. We keep them very affordable at $40 or $45 dollars, with $5 of each ticket going to a local charity of the restaurant’s choosing.”
Eckert has shaped the way we perceive and engage with cuisine, bringing flavors and cultures from around the world to our screens.
“I love great food, awesome local restaurants, and the amazing people who dedicate their lives to providing the experience they provide. I’m proud to call many area chefs and restaurateurs my friends, and proud to have come to know and feature others around the country and the world.
But, I’m equally pleased to have turned the spotlight on so many other individuals and products that comprise the world’s complex and delicious food and beverage network, including winemakers in California, Oregon, Washington, Chile, Argentina, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand—spirits producers in Kentucky and Scotland, pistachios and raisins from California, Idaho potatoes, mussel and salmon farmers in New Zealand, sake from Japan, street food in Thailand, and on and on.
“I’ve drunk wine made from the same native grapes planted in the same vineyards inside Pompeii once buried by Mount Vesuvius before being researched, replanted, and resurrected by a local winery. I’ve hiked up the side of a mountain in Maui to taste and film a strawberry patch.”
Eckert’s recent venture, KC Foodie Fest, shows his dedication to celebrating artisanal food and beverage producers. A unique event uniting the metro’s finest culinary creators, the festival promises a dynamic blend of tastings, live music, demonstrations, and immersive experiences. From beer to spirits, cheeses to chocolates, the festival showcases our local food scene.
KC Foodie Fest is on October 7th at the ASPIRIA Campus in Overland Park. For more information, visit kcfoodiefest.com
I have over 37 years of experience, the ability to problem solve, and an amazing reputation. I want
Paul Camenzind
NMLS ID# 400310 10740 Nall Ave Suite 150 Overland Park, KS 66211
O: 913 361 7780 pcamenzind@guildmortgage.net
Apply Online www.loanbypaul.com
I am authorized to do business in the states of Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas. Guild Mortgage Company; NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity; www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. For more licensing information, please visit guildmortgage.com/licensing.
Shop for a cause and support breast cancer survivors on their journey to well-being this October with the Hawthorne Plaza Passport.
The passport is filled with 15 exclusive tenant discounts and supports the mission of Back in the Swing , a national nonprofit dedicated to helping women thrive after breast cancer.
Passports are available at select retail locations. Follow @hawthorneplaza on Instagram for more details!
reality.
Steps of Faith CEO Billy Brimblecom, Jr. lost his left leg to Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2005. Driven by his desire to keep drumming and maintain an active lifestyle, he rallied his friends and family to raise over $30,000, securing his first prosthetic limb. This experience solidified his empathy for the financial struggles amputees face, which made him dedicate his life to helping others regain mobility and lead fulfilling lives.
Brimblecom envisions a world where every amputee can access mobility, regardless of their financial means. Two million Americans live with limb loss—500 people in the U.S. lose a limb each day, and 185,000 individuals have an amputation each year. The financial burden that accompanies limb loss can be overwhelming—with prosthetic limbs costing anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000, amputees without health insurance often face insurmountable challenges in securing the devices they require. Simple everyday tasks that most take for granted become nearly impossible feats without the right prosthetic fit and function. Unfortunately, many amputees lack health insurance, and the coverage provided by insurance companies is frequently inadequate to cover the exorbitant costs of prosthetic care. This is where Steps of Faith Foundation steps in to make a difference, providing limbs to amputees who can’t otherwise afford them.
“With the help of our Steps of Faith donors, we are able to remove the physical limitations that amputees face, empowering them to focus on overcoming new challenges,” says Brimblecom.
Brimblecom met his childhood friend, actor and Kansas City native Jason Sudeikis doing improv shows in high school and have remained good friends ever since. Wanting to raise funds to help those needing prosthetics in a fun way, the idea for Thundergong! was born.
“It’s a rock and roll variety show—it’s a lot of fun and a unique thing that you can’t get anywhere else.”
Thundergong! is a celebration of resilience, unity, and compassion. Approaching its seventh year, the event grows in both impact and reach. Brimblecom plays the drums
Thundergong! isn’t just your typical night of music and laughs—it’s a powerful event that combines unforgettable performances with a meaningful cause. This unique gathering is a joint effort between passionate individuals and Steps of Faith Foundation, an organization that strives to provide prosthetic limbs to uninsured and underinsured amputees, granting them the mobility they deserve and the possibilities they long for. Through music and laughter, Thundergong! brings people together for one night and makes a real difference in the lives of those in need for a lifetime.
in a local band called Summer Breeze with his wife, Allie, and they perform as the house band. The event features a star-studded lineup of performers and comedians—past performers included the Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, Will Forte, Fred Armisen and Wynonna Judd. With each performance, the audience is reminded of the power of music, laughter, and collective action. The event’s success is a testament to the profound impact that individuals can make when they come together for a common purpose. Thanks to the immense generosity of supporters, the event has brought their six-year total to over $2.1 million.
“Thundergong! Is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s one night. We are in the business of helping amputees that can’t afford their prosthetics across the country. We’ve helped over 1,000 people in ten years, so donating is important year-round.”
Besides donating directly to Steps of Faith, you can also support their mission through The Signatry by giving appreciated stock, mutual funds, real estate, vehicles, and other non-cash donations—The Signatry helps to give more while paying less tax without tapping into personal cash flow.
This year’s Thundergong! is set to take place on Saturday, November 11th at the Uptown Theatre. For more information, visit stepsoffaithfoundation.org and thundergong.org
Inspiration for your best local life.
Exclusive giveaways.
Hidden gem alert!
Good news in your neighborhood.
Local content by local creators.
Inside scoop on all things local.
Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cureall, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.
Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.
Crust:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup iced cold water
Filling:
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Caramel sauce
• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans
Crust:
(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)
Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.
Filling:
Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.
This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.
This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served hot or cold, it is a crowd pleaser.
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:
• Apple cider (hot or cold)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ ounce honey
• Sliced sourdough bread
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons butter
• Cinnamon
• 4 ounces Brie, sliced
• Apple slice
• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam
• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced
• Arugula
• Thinly sliced ham, optional
Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice. Enjoy!
Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!
Baked apples is a great fall side dish or can also be the perfect appetizer to share with others. This dish is surprisingly savory, is simple to make and looks impressive.
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:
INSTRUCTIONS:
• 3 apples, your choice of variety, halved and cored
• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider
This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.
• Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Brie, sliced
• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts
• 1/3 cup apple juice
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice apples in half and remove the core. Set aside. Heat skillet and melt butter. Add brown sugar and lightly stir. Place apples face down in the skillet and add apple juice and a sprig of rosemary. Allow apples to cook on stovetop for 5-10 minutes. Flip apples over and top with Brie, chopped walnuts and chopped rosemary. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the Brie is melted. This is best served warm and is easy to reheat. Enjoy!
Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!
APPLE CRISP A LA MODE
This fall classic is the perfect treat for a cozy fall dessert.
INGREDIENTS:
Filling:
• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping:
• ¾ cup flour
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup cold butter cubed
• 1 cup oats
• ¼ cup pecans, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease pie plate or baking dish. Mix all filling ingredients together and place in baking dish. Prepare topping by combining the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter. Stir in oats and pecans and sprinkle over filling until covered. Bake for 45 minutes and serve with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.
Take a trip down memory lane and flashes of Slim Fast Shakes or Jenny Craig commercials will start to emerge. It’s clear as the years go by, the health and weight management industry continues to evolve. It’s a multifaceted market and the reason there are endless options available is because each body is different. Ultimately, the road to your fitness journey depends on you, the driver.
We talked to three fitness and medical experts to give you a road map of the different
options available to you in the greater Kansas City metro area. There are different concepts you can explore that can help you feel and be confident in your own skin.
For Couture Fitness Coaching, it’s all about making your fitness journey fit within your lifestyle. Allison Sizemore founded the weight management program focusing on developing individualized science-based fitness and nutrition plans for every client.
ARTICLE BY D. LEON
“What inspired this business is to help women understand that you’re making it more difficult on yourself to be fit and look good than what it needs to be,” said Sizemore. ”So getting them away from everything they’ve heard their entire lives about eating less can be really challenging.”
At Couture Fitness and Coaching, clients engage with a personal fitness coach who will go over dieting history, workout routines, and build an individualized plan focusing on metabolic health while incorporating strength training into routines. Clients keep track of their daily food intake, engage in weekly group coaching calls and work on properly understanding how to best fuel their bodies.
“It can be very different from person to person. Some of our clients have to eat more, and they may have to eat more before their metabolism is in a good place again,” explained Sizemore. “Some people might be eating enough that they can eat less and go right into a fat loss phase, and some people may be complete beginners to strength training. That’s why we customize both the fitness and the nutrition component to each individual.”
Coaches are with clients every step of the way and have routine conversations with them if they experience bumps or challenges. The purpose is to simply design the lifestyle that leads you to love yourself in your own skin.
“For some women, it’s finding their ‘why’ and a powerful enough ‘why’ is not just that you want to look good in a swimsuit, that might sustain you for a little while, but it’s probably not going to keep you going for years or keep those habits,” said Sizemore. “I think delving into your deeper “why” is probably what most people need to do to really stay motivated.”
Other wellness programs available in Kansas City offer a different approach like Liquid Mobile. The on-demand program brings a variety of wellness services like IV therapy, medical weight loss, hormone therapy, and telehealth services right to your front door. Co-Founder, Christine Ricci, says her business is geared to deliver an affordable array of services that support overall wellness and a healthy lifestyle.
“We can have a nurse at the doorstep of our consumers typically within two hours after services like IV hydration and aesthetics. Clients also have direct access to clinicians typically within an hour’s time frame for things like telehealth and medical weight management,” said Ricci.
For clients aiming to manage their weight, Liquid Mobile offers services such as semaglutide, peptides, nutritional consultations, and lipo-mino. Ricci says some clients need a complex weight management program due to the chemical makeup of their body and metabolic functions.
Aside from working closely with medical providers, clients can also access Chiefs Fit through Liquid Mobile. The state-of-the-art gym facility features strength and conditioning machines, group fitness classes, trainers, and other amenities to further support a client’s journey.
In Leawood, Optimal Health and Wellness helps clients meet their goals by redefining healthcare. The Johnson County practice is the creation of Amanda and Bryan Woodworth and offers clients an extensive clinical and medical experience through a holistic approach.
“We are a primary care practice that offers preventative care services, chronic disease management, as well as hormone and thyroid function
“When it comes to health and wellness, it is important to treat the whole patient.”
optimization, and peptide weight loss treatment,” explained Amanda Woodworth.
“When it comes to health and wellness, it is important to treat the whole patient. It becomes increasingly difficult to assist in a patient’s weight loss journey if their hormone or thyroid levels are not optimal. These items are just as important when it comes to treating chronic conditions, such as hypertension or high cholesterol. A majority of patients struggle even genetically with their inability to lose weight through diet and exercise alone and most have tried every diet and exercise plan out there. While treating underlying hormone imbalance and insulin resistance becomes the goal, and even though they may see a number lost on the scale, the long term goal in our practice is to get the entire patient feeling their best”.
Medication management is known to help reduce blood glucose and cravings, but patients also have to do their part to maintain results.
In regards to hormone and peptide therapy in weight loss, “You have to maintain an active lifestyle while also maintaining good nutrition, but the medications themselves, through their mechanisms of action, tend to help people eat more appropriate foods.” said Bryan Woodworth. “For example, a lot of people decrease their alcohol consumption, make better food choices, and reduce food cravings.”
The options available are endless because each health journey varies. Once you find your “why” it’ll serve as your compass in finding the right provider or the right team to get you to effectively meet your goals.
