Lee's Summit, MO October 2023

Food & Drink Issue

Lifestyle Letter

Pumpkin spice. Those two words have a way of eliciting strong emotion; some folks are ‘team pumpkin’, embracing all things autumn and eagerly anticipating the return of fall’s most favorite flavor, whose appearance signifies the beginning of the transition to cooler nights, soup, and all things flannel. For others, though, the words pumpkin and spice prompt eye rolls and head shakes as they dread the inevitable fading of fall into winter and the doldrums the season can bring.

Personally, I’m a team pumpkin kind of girl - even though my fall hot beverage go-to is a caramel apple spice rather than a pumpkin latte. Some of my fondest high school memories are the nights spent cheering on our high school football team, pomping floats for the homecoming parade, and smelling the acrid smoke from bonfires burning almost every weekend. I can still vividly recall the night we fit 12 people into my very old, very large Chevy Impala as part of a non-school-sanctioned class competition.

We had to make our own fun in our sleepy little hometown; we didn’t have access to the dozens of fun places our suburban community’s residents can enjoy today. I certainly don’t regret having grown up in a small community, but I do appreciate the diversity of options available here in the metro. My kids grew up enjoying the pumpkin patch at Faulkner’s Ranch, so it makes my heart smile to share the family story behind one of the area’s most successful entertainment venues. I’m also grateful for the variety of options to explore when watching our beloved Chiefs, and I appreciate the local professionals who are willing to share their culinary and cocktail expertise with us.

My hope for you this fall is that whether you’re excited about its arrival or ambivalent about the inevitable season to follow, you’ll find a way to spend some time exploring new places or new recipes as you enjoy time with your friends and family.

Cheers!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Laura Maxwell | laura.maxwell@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alicia Holecek, Laura Maxwell, Angela Broockerd, Mindy Hargesheimer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

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

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Be a Santa to a Senior

Golf Ranch opening in Lee’s Summit

Golf Ranch Lee’s Summit is set to open this September off of US Hwy 40 E. The idea behind Golf Ranch is everyone from the novice to the pro can work on their swing with premium tech, grab an ice cold beer, and feel like they belong at the kind of place you'd want to hangout even if golf didn't exist. Fortunately, this amazing game does. And Golf Ranch is here to introduce it to everyone.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit

Summer Moon Coffee Now Open in Lee’s Summit

OUR

FOCUSED

ON YOU

DENTAL SAVINGS

makes quality dental care affordable for you

PLAN makes quality dental care affordable for you

Summer Moon Coffee Brings Its Famed Oak Roasted Coffee and Sweet Cream to Lee’s Summit, MO. The Austin, Texas-based coffee shop will serve oak roasted coffee and Moon Milk® to the Lee’s Summit community. Owners of the new store location in Summit Fair Shops Shopping Center are a mother and daughter from the Kansas City area who opened their first Summer Moon in Overland Park in January 2021.

This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

This savings plan allows patients and their families to better maintain their lasting oral health and wellness by providing valuable savings on annual exams, cleanings and x-rays, not to mention additional discounts on other dental procedures. With just one low annual payment, patients are covered for the whole year! Enjoy peace of mind and a beautiful smile at a price you can afford!

• No more hassles with claims

• No more hassles with claims

• No more limitations

• No more limitations

• No more exclusions

• No more exclusions

Local Resident Launches Pacific Island American Soy Sauce

• No more deductibles

• No more deductibles

• No pre-authorization requirements

• No pre-authorization requirements

• No yearly maximums

• No yearly maximums

Donny Cruz, founder of Pacific Island, shares an amazing story of how this family recipe from Guam traveled around the world, landing near Whiteman Air Force years ago...Now expanding and available at HyVee, this unique blend of Soy Sauce is also super healthy. All Natural, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, low Sodium, zero sugar and “an awesome story from right down the road.”

“Dr. Matlock and all of his staff are the very best! You are treated very special from the moment you enter till the moment you leave. Wouldn't even think about going any where else”

Chuck F.

Faulkner’s Ranch

25 YEARS OF CELEBRATING THE PUMPKIN FEST

As the leaves turn shades of gold and the air is crisp with the smell of autumn, pumpkins take center stage, reigning as one of the most enduring symbols of fall.

Bob Faulkner and his children Matt and Christine have built a business of hosting western themed events, with pumpkin season as the crown jewel. October is the magical time of year when Faulkner’s Ranch, a private event venue, swings open the gates and invites the public to celebrate their annual Pumpkin Fest. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the celebration.

Christine Faulkner tells the story of getting a call from her dad while she was at the University of Missouri in the late 90s. “He said, ‘I think if we grow pumpkins and set them up nicely, families will come out and pick them and have an experience. It’s called agritainment. We can make something of this.’ My dad planted those seeds, literally and figuratively. By the time I graduated, we were ready to intentionally build what he envisioned.”

For ten years they operated out of their family farm at the corner of Chipman Road and View High Drive. In 2008 they took a leap and moved Faulkner’s Ranch to its current location just south of I-470 on Raytown Road.

Over the past two and a half decades, agritainment has been the focus. Christine says, “We try to hit all the elements: food, beverages, education, entertainment. Our job is to make this a fun, comfortable experience. That’s hospitality—trying to see beyond the needs and being prepared to make our guests feel really welcomed.”

A visit to Faulkner’s is an immersive journey into the heart of autumn. Christine outlines a typical visit, “Guests start their experience with the petting farm. There

is something so joyful about people and animals together. The family play area is where we pull out all the bells and whistles for pumpkin season. There are 30-plus activities included with admission, and a few optional attractions to complement your experience.” She notes that while there is a full selection of locally grown pumpkins to purchase, picking pumpkins from the patch is reserved for school field trips only. Faulkner’s also offers a selection of food and drink, including the wildly popular pumpkin spiced donuts.

“We are a family-run business. Today my dad, my brother and I are partners in the daily operations, but Matt and I really learned hospitality from our parents,” says Christine.

Under the umbrella of Ranch Entertainment Inc, the Faulkners have long been producing events. Bob got his start in his family’s western wear store, which led to a partnership with Benjamin Ranch. When the store closed, Bob and his wife Marilyn would lease Benjamin Ranch to produce events. This is where Bob and Marilyn fine-tuned their natural hosting skills and developed their innovative concept for team building known as Ranch Chores.

These days, Bob has found his place in the kitchen. “He has always loved to feed people,” says Christine. “He smokes all of our meats, and he is the donut maker extraordinaire!”

Fun at Faulkner’s is not reserved just for the guests. Everyone who works at Faulkner’s Ranch is treated like family. It takes about 140 employees to run Pumpkin Fest during October.

Christine is dedicated to job creation and development, something that was also important to her mother Marilyn, who passed away in 2021. “Since my mom died, my passion is continuing her legacy of leading with love. I watched her always put special cherries on top of everything around here for the employees,” Christine shares. “I am now making the time to do more special touches like she did.”

Not inclined to be complacent, the Faulkner team is always looking for new adventures. Last year they launched a pop-up bar called Jolly, modeled to feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie meets a Nashville honky-tonk. Christine teases of plans for even more expansion next year.

Bob, Matt and Christine are all quick with a smile and a warm ‘hello.’ Every guest is welcomed not just as a visitor but as a cherished part of Faulkner’s story. Christine sums it up by saying, “There is something magical about this place to me, and I think to others that keeps them coming back. It’s a vibe—a safe, wholesome, step-back-in-time place for families and friends.”

For more information on Faulkner’s Ranch or to purchase tickets to Pumpkin Fest, please go to www.faulknersranch.com

“We try to hit all the elements: food, beverages, education, entertainment. Our job is to make this a fun, comfortable experience.”

Game Day Roundup

The best spots around town to watch the game

Let the season commence and the game days BEGIN! We rounded up some of our favorite local watering holes to watch our Chiefs take the field while you take advantage of the game day deals!

Iron Horse Bar and Grill

Iron Horse boasts a lively atmosphere and amplifies the excitement of watching the Chief play on big screens. With extended hours, catch every game, no matter the kickoff time. Experience unique events centered around Chiefs games and celebrating victories!

GAME DAY SPECIALS:

• Exclusive food and drink specials on rotation

Martin City Brewing Company

Martin City’s Lee Summit Pizza & Taproom has a large bar and TVs everywhere you look— it’s family-friendly and plenty of large tables for group dining. Station 7 has both indoor and covered patio options with plenty of TVs to watch the game. When the cold weather hits, they enclose and heat the patio so that it can be enjoyed year-round!

GAME DAY SPECIAL: $49.99

• 2 medium specialty pizzas of your choice

• 2 lbs wings or 20 oz of rib tips in your choice of sauce

• Available for dine-in or carryout

Johnny’s Tavern

Johnny’s in Lee’s Summit has over 65 TVs dedicated to watching the Chiefs on Sundays, They have an amazing patio with a firepit, fireplace and two HUGE overhead heaters. They are proud to call themselves the best place outside of Arrowhead to watch a game.

GAME DAY SPECIALS:

• Exclusive bucket and pitcher specials

Third Street Social

Third Street Social is a family-friendly game day hot spot for Lee’s Summit locals. They have various TVs for people to view the game on, as well as daily happy hour (3-6 p.m.) and weekend brunch starting at 11 a.m.

Summit Grill

Summit Grill is a popular spot in the KC metro for families to enjoy classic American fare and cheer on the Chiefs! The dining room offers many large TVs, perfect for viewing the game. Summit Grill also boasts an award-winning daily happy hour from 3-6pm and weekend brunch starting at 11 am.

Sharkeez

Sharkeez is a local favorite with a casual setting to meet up and cheer on your favorite team. There are plenty of TVs to catch a game from any seat in the house and a solid liquor and beer selection!

GAME DAY SPECIALS:

• $2.50 Sharkeez shot

• Drink specials vary

Konrad’s Kitchen and Tap House

They are a family owned restaurant and pub in downtown Lee’s Summit. They have an electric atmosphere for our Sunday games. They have 11 TVs with a great view from every table and offer a scratch kitchen and a full bar with house cocktails.

Tiff N Jays

Tiff N Jays offers great Food, multiple screens, is reasonably priced, has the best nachos, and their patio overlooks the golf course.

Smoke Brewing Company

Smoke Brewing Company fuses championship, competitive barbecue with fresh craft brew to deliver one of the most unique restaurant perspectives in Lee’s Summit. Smoke Brewing combines the passion of competition BBQ with new culinary concepts and craft brew to offer a menu, style and atmosphere unlike any other in Downtown Lee’s Summit.

GAME DAY SPECIALS:

• Exclusive food and drink specials on rotation

• *all food items are happy hour sized

54th Street

54th Street is the perfect neighborhood destination to watch the game with over a dozen large format TVs from 65 to 85’ and a heated patio area that opens to outdoor table. Come enjoy scratch made food, craft cocktails, 16 draft beer choices and lots of bottled beer options.

Grains & Taps Pine Tree Plaza

Grains & Taps Pine Tree Plaza is the perfect place to spend your football Sundays. With plenty of TVs, there’s not a bad seat in the house. Every Sunday this fall is RedZone Sunday as we will be showing NFL Redzone.

Sunday specials this fall are:

• BOGO dogs/sausages and signature dog platters all day long, which includes the game day favorite, Red Kingdog! The Red Kingdog consists of a Beef Hot Link split and seared on a toasted bun, topped with chili, onions, beer cheese, and Fritos.

• $3.50 pints of Trains & Gaps Red Ale during KC football games

ATTACK COFFEE

situations can make you really look forward to the small things. Everyone looked forward to Double’s coffee. It was then that we realized we could be on to something great.”

Double had been roasting his own coffee for years as an alternative to base coffee, using small batches of beans and an air popcorn popper.

Blending the worlds of adrenaline and aroma, Attack Coffee bears the indelible marks of its founders, ‘Double’ and ‘Zero.’ While their true identities remain shielded behind their call signs, their passion for crafting excellent coffee is on full display.

This dynamic duo, both active military fighter pilots, have been best friends since college. Their lives have intersected at every point: best man in each other’s wedding, joined the same fighter squadron, fly for the same commercial airline, live in the same neighborhood. Like best friends often do, they have been scheming ‘great ideas’ for decades.

Zero explains that their a-ha moment came in the Afghanistan desert, waiting out a Covid quarantine period before gaining access to the air force base. “We were in a warehouse with cots and 180 other people. It was HOT during the day, so we turned nocturnal. We would get up at midnight and Double would make awesome coffee. People started to notice. It is amazing how the human body adapts, and how stressful

Appealing to their entrepreneurial spirits, they began to explore coffee crafting in earnest. They found a local distributor, Anthem Coffee, who has been instrumental in their success. Both Zero and Double commend the entire coffee industry for being generous with time and advice to novice roasters.

“Most of our roasts are single origin, so from one country or one farm. We generally produce medium roasts, though we do have some dark roast blends that we just launched,” says Double. Their goal is to have coffee beans delivered to customers within two weeks of roasting.

From straight black to cream and sugar, Zero and Double are the anti-snob coffee guys. “You can put whatever you want in your coffee to make it taste great. It’s that simple,” says Zero. In fact, Double drinks his coffee with two ice cubes.

The fundamental message behind Attack Coffee is personal empowerment. Both men are grateful for their time in the service and hope the motto ‘Attack Your Day’ is a rally cry for people to seize all of life’s activities with the same fervor that propels them.

“We want everyone to attack their day with our coffee; attack your passions; do what makes you happy. Our number one goal is to give people delicious coffee so they can get out there and do what they need to do,” says Zero. “I am a mega believer in the pursuit of happiness in my life, for my family. We stress you need to do what makes you happy.”

As their time in the military winds down, Zero and Double intend to use Attack Coffee as a vehicle to continue their service. “I have some pretty crazy ideas for what I would like to see us do with Attack Coffee,” Double says. High on their list is figuring out a way to incorporate their unique skill set and Attack Coffee with disaster relief programs. According to Double, “We would really like to go help people, so the details are percolating in the back of our brains.”

Zero agrees, “I don’t think we will ever stop wanting to serve....”

Without missing a beat, Double adds, “great coffee.”

For more information on their coffee, subscription plan or to place an order, check out their website at Attackcoffee.com

ROCK SOLID

Building or renovating a home is a huge investment of time and energy, requiring a mutual relationship between homeowner and contractor, and as a former home builder and remodeler himself, Mike Hyer founded Rocktops with a commitment to customer service. In October, Lee’s Summit residents will be able to experience that commitment firsthand as the company opens its second location.

An Olathe native, Hyer entered the industry in 2009 after the housing market collapsed. He quickly found his interest in granite fabrication turning into a passion. “I love the complexity of our industry and the challenges of taking blocks of rock out of the earth, transforming them into works of art,” he says.

Success came swiftly for the burgeoning business, and Rocktops has helped transform spaces in both homes and businesses. “We’ve installed countertops in thousands of homes across the metro; we’ve worked in large commercial projects like Arrowhead stadium and the Sporting KC complex; we’ve been in celebrity homes and have been featured on TV shows. We work with the best designers, builders and professional remodelers in Kansas City.”

As the business grew, so did the vision. Hyer began dreaming of a second location, and the decision on where to place the new showroom wasn’t taken lightly. “Our Rocktops team researched many communities. Everyone agreed Lee’s Summit was where we belonged: thriving, large city with a small-town feel, a growing community recognized by Fortune in 2023 as one of the Best Places to Live for Families, an award-winning school system, and national accreditations for its public services – we are so excited to be a part of the continued growth!” said Barbie Heniss, VP of Sales and Business Development.

The Lee’s Summit showroom will feature more than 70 styles of full slabs and a beautiful showroom for design appointments. Natural stone options include granite, marble, and quartzite, as well as quartz from Rocktops’ chosen supply partners: MSI, Daltile, Silestone, Cambria, Metro Quartz, and the Symphony Collection by Aurea Stone.

The entrepreneurial spirit is somewhat of a family legacy, as Hyer’s great-great grandfather Charles H. Hyer is credited with inventing the cowboy boot. The son of an immigrant German shoemaker,  he arrived in Leavenworth in 1870 and worked building railroads. He then moved to Olathe and got a job teaching shoe and harness making at the Kansas School for the Deaf. With the money he saved, he opened his shoemaking shop. The Hyer Boot Company, described at one time as the largest manufacturer of handmade boots in America, was born. A cousin of Mike’s has relaunched Hyer Boot and has plans to make a comeback in that space.

“WE’VE INSTALLED COUNTERTOPS IN THOUSANDS OF HOMES ACROSS THE METRO; WE’VE WORKED IN LARGE COMMERCIAL PROJECTS LIKE ARROWHEAD STADIUM AND THE SPORTING KC COMPLEX; WE’VE BEEN IN CELEBRITY HOMES AND HAVE BEEN FEATURED ON TV SHOWS. WE WORK WITH THE BEST DESIGNERS, BUILDERS AND PROFESSIONAL REMODELERS IN KANSAS CITY.”

It’s a bit of a family affair at Rocktops too, as Hyer’s daughter is a marketing assistant at the business, his son is a CAD/CAM programmer and his fiancé is an interior designer who helps clients achieve their vision. They, along with 85+ team members, strive to meet the needs of their customers and partner with suppliers to offer an affordable product and service without compromising craftsmanship.

Rocktops’ motto is ‘making homes look incredible is our thing. We design, fabricate and install stone countertops in Kansas City. Our core focus is to create a great experience for our customers, from start to finish. We specialize in residential homes, both remodel and new construction. Our entire team treats every project as if it was for our family, friends, or neighbors. We promise to do what’s right, beautifully.’

To learn more about Rocktops, visit their flagship location at 1140 S Enterprise St, Olathe, KS, or explore their website, rocktopskc.com. The Lee’s Summit location will open in October at 2890 NE Independence Avenue.

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook - tails

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

TOASTED MALLOW

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Lee’s Summit.

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

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.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

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.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

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.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

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!

APPLE CHUTNEY

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.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped

• 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

INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

APPLE CIDER BOURBON

This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served hot or cold, it is a crowd pleaser.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• Apple cider (hot or cold)

• 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey

• ½ ounce honey

• ½ ounce lemon juice

• Cinnamon

• Apple slice

Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice. Enjoy!

BAKED APPLES

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: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 3 apples, your choice of variety, halved and cored

• 3 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider

• Fresh rosemary, chopped

• Brie, sliced

• Chopped walnuts or pecans

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!

Understanding Childhood Obesity: Empowering Moms to Promote Healthy Habits.

Childhood obesity has emerged as a significant concern in the United States, impacting around 17 percent of children and adolescents affecting roughly 12.7 million young lives. As parents, we influence our children’s health and well-being substantially. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of childhood obesity, dissect its causes, risks, and complications, and provide actionable strategies to prevent and manage it. Together, let’s embark on a journey to instill healthier habits and secure a brighter future for our children.

Understanding Childhood Obesity

First and foremost, let’s understand what childhood obesity is. A few extra pounds might not necessarily scream obesity, but they might signal a tendency to gain weight more easily. Obesity is generally diagnosed when a child’s weight exceeds at least 10 percent of what’s recommended for their height and body type. It’s crucial to realize that childhood obesity isn’t just a phase; studies indicate that an obese child between the ages of 10 and 13 has an 80 percent likelihood of becoming an obese adult.

Unpacking the Causes

The roots of childhood obesity are intricate, stemming from a blend of genetic, biological, behavioral, and cultural factors. It’s essential to understand that obesity happens when the calories consumed surpass the calories the body burns. Family history plays a role, with a child having a 50 percent chance of obesity if one parent is obese and an 80 percent chance if both parents are. Although some medical conditions can lead to obesity, they account for less than 1% of cases. Common triggers include poor eating habits, lack of exercise, family and peer issues, low self-esteem, and emotional problems such as stress, depression, or anxiety.

Managing and Treating Childhood Obesity

The journey toward addressing childhood obesity commences with a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by a pediatrician or family physician. In cases with no underlying medical condition, the key to successful weight management is making wholesome lifestyle changes. Motivation is critical, and as parents, we can set an example. When obesity affects more than one family member, involving the entire family in adopting healthier eating habits and engaging in regular physical activity can yield positive results.

Practical Tips for Managing Childhood Obesity

• Start a Weight-Management Program: Seek guidance from healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan.

• Change Eating Habits: Encourage slower eating and establish regular meal schedules, emphasizing nutritious food choices.

• Control Portions: Be mindful of portion sizes and limit consumption of fatty and fast foods.

• Increase Physical Activity: Make exercise enjoyable for the entire family, whether going for walks or playing active games together.

• Family Meals: Share meals without distractions like television or computers to foster togetherness.

• Avoid Food as a Reward: Promote alternative forms of encouragement and rewards for positive behavior.

• Limit Snacking: Replace unhealthy snacks with fruits, nuts, and yogurt to inspire healthier alternatives.

• Consider Support Groups: Participate in support groups like Overeaters Anonymous to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Fostering Lasting Change

Obesity often becomes a lifelong issue, making it crucial for us, as parents, to guide our children toward lasting change. By cultivating an appreciation for moderate consumption of healthy foods and promoting regular exercise, we empower our children to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. Equally important is focusing on their strengths and positive qualities, nurturing a positive selfimage that extends beyond physical appearance.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

As parents, we possess the power to significantly impact our children’s lives. By understanding the complexities of childhood obesity and taking proactive steps, we can ensure a healthier and happier future for our children. At Community Choice Pediatrics, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our team of dedicated and experienced practitioners is here to provide comprehensive medical evaluations, personalized weightmanagement programs, and guidance on fostering healthy habits within your family.

Please join us in welcoming Elizabeth Vasquez MPAS, PA-C to our team!

At Community Choice Pediatrics, we know how important quality of care is to our patients. And that’s driven by the people providing the care.

Learn more about Elizabeth on our website at communitychoicepeds.com/our-providers/ along with all of our dedicated practitioners.