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JA N UA RY 2 022 | TH E H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S I S S U E

2022 Refresh: A new outlook for a new year

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January 2022 PUBLISHER

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Setting intensions for the year ahead I know New Year’s resolutions are kind of trite, but honestly, I love making them. I don’t do the classic “I’m going to read 20 books this year” sort of resolution — I make it easy on myself by setting low expectations, so it’s more like, “read more.” (This is how I used to make Lenten promises too — an easily-achieved goal is still just as fulfilling to me, apparently!) I love an end-of-the-year round-up, a good reflection — setting intentions for the year ahead. I think it’s a great practice in contemplation — seeing how far you’ve come in the past year and how you’ve grown as a person. It’s great to see how you can continue on that path or recalibrate your trajectory with another year of experience behind you. Our theme for this month is “refresh” — dusting ourselves off and looking at how we can inject some invigoration into our lives at this time of year. This doesn’t mean putting the pedal to the metal — I think one of the things that can be beautiful about January, with its cold temps and lack of sun, is a time to rest. Rejuvenation doesn’t have to mean going nonstop — that’s what we did in December! Winter, after all, is a time of reflection, and with this slow time of year, we have plenty of time to think and set intentions — while we’re cozied up in our heated blankets. This month’s magazine is filled with stories around this idea of the “refresh” — like a financial refresh with some tips from local financial advisors FinanciaLife Outfitters. We also look at bringing sustainability into our homes with the help of new Kansas City transplant Sarah Mayerhofer. If you’re looking for some cozy meals that still provide a little nutrition after all that December indulgence, Brooke Spalding Ford has a great recipe round-up, including a sourdough guide if you missed that bandwagon in 2020. And if you’re still itching to explore this time of year, Diana Lambdin Meyer takes us to a surprising salt mine in Kansas that makes it possible for us to drive in the winter! And if you’re wondering, yes, our magazine got a refresh, too! We’re so excited about our new rebrand and redesign. We hope you love it as much as we do. Cheers to the new year,

Zach Traphagan | zach.traphagan@citylifestyle.com Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Allison Swan | allison.swan@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER

Sara Minor CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Emma Balkenbush, Katie Currid, Diana LambdinMeyer, Brooke Spalding Ford CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Katie Currid, Ashley Elwell

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER Bruce Ianni DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northland City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Health & Wellness Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Going underground at the Strataca Salt Mine Museum

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Travel Journal

Healthy Lifestyle

Discover the Kansas mine where the salt for our roads and bridges comes from

F E ATU R E D

18 A life less wasteful

New KC transplant Sarah Mayerhofer guides us on a more sustainable year

F E ATU R E D

24 Starting fresh financially

A new year means making financial goals — sometimes with the help of a financial planner.

F E ATU R E D

30 Cozy winter recipes

It's soup season, and a hearty meal doesn't have to mean one devoid of nutrition

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Katie Currid 6

24 Expert Help

T R AV EL HEA LT H + W E L L N E SS

FI NA NC E + LEGA L SE RV IC E S

30 Culinary Creations 34 Trend Setter 38 Events

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen in the city. 1

7 5

1: Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Ball 2021. Dr. John D. Hunkeler received the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Pirouette Award 2: Andrew and Guild President Peggy Beal at the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s Nutcracker Ball 2021 3: Sue Ann and Richard Fagerberg, Jeffrey J. Bentley, Nancy Murdock, Barbara and Greg Storm 4: Lilianna Hagerman and Lamin Pereira with Ron Fredman, Tom Whittaker, and Tricia Fredman 5: Devon Carney, Tempe Ostergren Elsberry, Michael D. Fields, Karen Yungmeyer, Jeffrey J. Bentley, Julia Irene Kauffman 6: Kristina Klug, Ashlea Black, Jenny Menka 7: Karen Brown and Jonathan Thomas KENNY JOHNSON

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J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses. Park University volleyball player named NAIA Player of the Year Nada Meawad of Park University has been named the 2021 NAIA Player of the Year and Attacker of the Year. Meawad was also the player of the year in 2018 and 2020. The outside hitter recorded a total of 595 kills on the season for an average of 5.09 kills per set. The senior also posted a season-high of 28 kills vs Providence (Mont.). This is Meawad’s fifth time to be named to the first team NAIA Women’s Volleyball All-America list.

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NKCBC "Big Event" a Big Success The North Kansas City Business Council “Big Event” Holiday Reception & Online Silent Auction was held December 2nd at Harrah’s and it was a “Big Success”! After pivoting to a completely virtual experience last year, being back live and in-person this year provided an important and very welcome opportunity to gather to commemorate and celebrate the accomplishments made throughout the year. Pictured: Future Workforce Award: Shawn Torrez, Plant Manager, Arkema Chemical

North Kansas City Public Library's monthly book group Want to be part of a group of thoughtful readers who meet to chat about great fiction and nonfiction? Check out the NKCPL's Book Club for Adults! This group meets the third Saturday of the month at the Library and they'd love to welcome you to their crew! The next meeting is Saturday, January 15, when the group will discuss Women Rowing North: Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher.

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If you want to be included, send us a message! Visit CityLifestyle.com/Northland to get in touch.

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

J A N UA RY 2 0 2 2

local experiences Locals recommending the best places and things to do in the city.

The New Year is the perfect time to make your health and wellness a priority, so why not pamper yourself at one of the many spas around town? Invite a friend for a day of relaxation or take some time for some much needed quality alone time. Whatever you prefer, we have you covered.

Day Spas & Health Treatments SPA AT BR IAR CLIFF: Whether you want a long, luxurious pampering or just an hour to treat yourself, the Spa at Briarcliff is our favorite spot for selfcare. 4133 N Mulberry Dr Kansas City, MO THE ELMS HOTEL & SPA: Visit the historic Elms Spa for one of the best staycations in the Northland — we especially love the grotto experience. 401 Regent St Excelsior Springs, MO SMITHVILLE MED SPA: Smithville Med Spa is perfect for services like dermal filler, waxing, tinting or microneedling. 1103 S. 169 Hwy, Suite G, Smithville, Missouri 64089 SPA WESTON: Take a relaxing day trip to Weston and make sure to stop in for a pedicure at Spa Weston right on Main Street. 517 Main St, Weston, Missouri 64098 SALON ATMOSPHER E STYLE: Visit this hair saslon specializing in cut, color, keratin treatments, and eyebrow threading. 8357 N Congress Ave, Kansas City, MO 64152

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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Going

Underground at the Strataca Salt Mine Museum in Hutchinson

Winter in Kansas City means salt on the roads, bridges and sidewalks — where does it come from? 14

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

It’s winter, so sooner or later we’ll have snow and ice in Kansas City. Our TV meteorologists start warning us about a pending snowstorm, complete with freezing rain, ice, and all of the pleasures of living in the Midwest in January. And then they cut to a reporter standing out on the edge of the interstate talking about the road crews spreading salt and more to keep our highways as safe as possible. But have you ever given a thought to all that salt? Is it the same kind of salt we put on our French fries? Where does salt come from? The answer to these questions and more is about three hours southwest of us in Hutchinson, Kansas. And once you get to Hutch (as the locals call it), put on a hard hat and descend 650 feet below ground. This is where you’ll find the Hutchinson Salt Company, one of 15 mines in the U.S. and one of three in Kansas that produces most of the road salt needed to keep the U.S. moving in winter months. The others are in Kanapolis and Lyons, each producing about 500,000, or nearly 1.5 million tons, of salt each year. Each year, our local municipalities and highway departments take bids for salt that they will later spread on our streets and roads. This year, Clay, Buchanan, and Daviess counties in Missouri have already stockpiled salt from Hutchinson, as have the cities of Liberty, Gladstone, and Parkville. North Kansas City and most communities in Platte County get theirs from the mine in Lyons. The Hutchinson Salt Company is the home base of Strataca, the Underground Salt Mine Museum, where all your questions and curiosities about salt will be answered. When people started drilling for oil in southeast Kansas in the 1880s, they discovered salt instead. Kansas salt was created more than 250 million years ago when the Permian Sea covered this part of the world. It stretches from Kansas to Texas and New Mexico. Significant mining in Hutchinson did not start until the 1920s. CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KANSAS TOURISM JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

“Among the crazy things you see 650 feet underground is a 60-year-old half-eaten roast beef sandwich in perfect condition.”

When you first step off the elevator underground, you’ll notice a couple of things simultaneously. If you have sinus problems or a cold, it will dry up almost immediately. Then a little later, your eyes will begin to feel dry. If you wear contacts, you might want to take them out in advance or bring extra drops. Another thing you’ll notice is how sparkly the underground world looks. These are salt crystals in the walls and ceiling reflecting artificial light. It’s fascinating. The Underground Salt Mine Museum is 2 1/2 miles long, so a little train takes you through some of the more remote areas of the tunnel. At one point, they stop and let you collect some salt fragments as a souvenir. Don't eat it. This is heavy-duty road salt and it doesn’t digest well. And don’t touch your eyes after touching the salt. Just ouch!

T R AV E L J OU R N A L | TR AVE L

Among the crazy things you see 650 feet underground is a 60-year-old half-eaten roast beef sandwich in perfect condition. When former employees and others in the community decided to build this museum, they weren’t quite sure what to do with much of the trash and debris from 80 years of people working underground. Those folks never really felt the need to carry their trash up top, only for it to be buried in a nearby landfill. So now the trash exists as kind of a time capsule of candy wrappers, soft drink cans and bottles, old magazines, and more. That includes a half-eaten roast beef sandwich, apparently a part of someone’s lunch, perfectly preserved by salt. Another fun exhibit is a number of Hollywood props and movies. Of course, we know that many of the limestone

caves in Kansas City keep many of Hollywood’s creations safe from the elements. So it is in Hutchinson. Among the items you’ll see are sunglasses and memory-erasing guns from the "Men in Black" franchise, the snowman from the movie "Jack Frost" starring Michael Keaton, and the shield that Brad Pitt carried as Achilles in "Troy." More exhibits showcase all sorts of tools and safety gear used to mine salt. This is an active mine, so every night around midnight, a blast of dynamite shakes a few more tons from the underground cavern. When the roads are free of snow and ice, visit Strataca from Wed – Sat, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or Sundays from 1 – 5 p.m. More information at underkansas.org.

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816.888.5800 • w w w.financialifeoutfitters.com 5921 NW Barry Road, Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64154 • 6900 College Blvd, Ste 520, Overland Park, KS 66211 Securities of fered through Triad Advisors Member FINR A/SIPC; Advisor y Ser vices of fered through Financialife Out fit ters, LLC. Financialife Out fit ters, LLC is not af filiated with Triad Advisors.

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

A LIFE LESS WA S T E F U L ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

N E W KC T R A N S PL A N T SA R A H M AY E R H O F E R G U I D E S U S O N A M O R E S U S TA I N A B L E Y E A R

I just think it’s exciting that once people are aware of issues, they make a conscious effort to change their ways. I think sometimes it just takes someone to highlight issues.”

The new year is often a great place to start fresh on intentions for the year. For some, that may look like making their home more sustainable, but that task can sometimes feel insurmountable. “When I first started [a sustainable lifestyle], I was doing everything at once and it can be really overwhelming,” says Sarah Mayerhofer, the sustainability coordinator of Kanbe’s Markets, a local nonprofit that looks to solve food insecurity. “If you take it section by section and piece by piece, it’s a lot less overwhelming that way.” Sarah, who has a master’s degree in sustainability leadership, moved in Kansas City from Long Island in March for her job with Kanbe’s Markets. She actually met the founder of the nonprofit through Instagram, where she runs an account dedicated to sustainability, @sastinable. “These issues are so overwhelming that people feel like they can’t do anything,” says Sarah. “I like to provide actual tips and action. I just think it’s exciting that once people are aware of issues, they make a conscious effort to change their ways. I think sometimes it just takes someone to highlight issues.” While sometimes it can feel pointless to make sustainable changes at home when just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions, Sarah doesn’t feel that way. She enjoys the responsibility of her job redirecting food waste at Kanbe’s and she’s fostered a community both here in Kansas City and on Instagram among other people who have a similar outlook. “Our vote really is in our dollar,” says Sarah, “So the companies we support, or the food we’re buying or who we’re voting for is the most powerful part of being an individual when it comes to the environment.” CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

S E T T I N G U P YO U R S U S TA I N A B L E H O M E

5 2

1 | REUSABLE COTTON TOTES OR MESH PRODUCE BAGS:

3 | BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSHES: Ditch your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo

5 | BAMBOO UTENSILS: If you’re ready to ditch flimsy plastic

Many of us have been using these for years,

one, which is made of fast-growing wood.

cutlery and don’t love bringing your nice

though pandemic protocol may have you out of

Plus, it’s more aesthetically pleasing, too.

metal silverware into work, bamboo can be a nice lightweight option. Bonus: The wood is

practice with them. It’s time to break them out again (though maybe run them through the washer first).

4 | R E U S A B L E Q -T I P S :

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Yes, they make silicone q-tips! These are

2 | S TA I N L E S S S T E E L R A Z O R S :

simple items to introduce into your routine,

Go old school by replacing your disposable razor with

replacing the disposable kind.

6 | BAR SOAP: Soap in solid form fell out of trend for many

a stainless steel one, like this one from LEAF, with

years, but those trying to introduce more sus-

recyclable and reusable blades. Just be careful — they

tainable practices love it for its lack of packaging.

can be much sharper than the disposable kind!

It’s also easy to find from local makers and often has less harmful chemicals than liquid soap.

Introducing more sustainable practices into your home can feel overwhelming. Sarah recommends introducing one thing at a time into your lifestyle. Here are a few great products to start with.

H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | HE ALTH + W E LLNE S S

SIMPLE ITEMS TO REPLACE IN YOUR HOME

REUSABLE FOOD STORAGE: There are some great reusable ways to store food without resorting to plastic wrap or plastic sandwich bags. Glass mason jars are a tried-and-true staple, and silicone plastic bags are great for snacks on the go. Sarah also likes these wax food wraps, which are great for wrapping produce and sandwiches.

S A R A H M AY E R H O F E R ’ S T I P S F O R

a more sustainable lifestyle Be less wasteful

If you’re looking to reduce your waste, look at what you toss — are there a few particular items that you throw out often? If you find you throw out a lot of food, you may want to look into creating a compost pile, compost pick up, or ways to reuse your food scraps. You’d be surprised how many solutions you can create.

Be mindful

SOLAR CHARGER: Introducing a small bit of solar power can be a cool way to experiment with renewable energy in your own home! Sarah places this Grouphug solar charger in a sunny window to charge her phone.

Changing your mindset on how you approach certain tasks can change a great deal of your life and how much you waste. Be intentional with what you purchase. Is there a glass or aluminum option instead of plastic? Can you refill the soap you ran out of before buying a new container?

Be prepared

Set aside items that you need for your everyday life such as utensils, straws, napkins, or produce bags and leave them in your car or purse. If you make a routine out of restocking your supplies, you will drastically cut down on waste.

Be resourceful

R E U S A B L E C O T T O N PA D S : Disposable cotton balls or wipes can be something you use every single day when removing make-up. Sarah made these cotton pads from old bedsheets, but if you don’t want to make your own, you can find them on Etsy.

A common misconception of the low-waste/ zero-waste world is that it must look a certain way. The best way to reduce your waste is to use what you already have. Reusing instead of recycling is also a great way to prevent buying new products. For example, I wash and sanitize my glass containers and use them as drinking glasses, vases, and storage.

Get more tips from Sarah by following her on Instagram @sastinable

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

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JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

ARTICLE BY EMMA BALKENBUSH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY ELWELL

St arting fresh f inancially

EXP E RT H E LP | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

A NEW YEAR MEANS MAKING FINANCIAL GOALS — SOMETIMES WITH THE HELP OF A FINANCIAL PLANNER Making financial changes can be difficult, but it’s possible with discipline. Finances are often an area that many want to improve as a part of their New Year’s resolutions. If you’re wanting to reach goals you haven’t been able to in the past, it may be a good idea to get with a financial professional who can help you think about money objectively. Blake King, a financial planner for FinanciaLife Outfitters, says there can be a lot of emotional attachment involved in spending money that dates back to one’s childhood upbringing. “How was money being discussed from a family standpoint?” says Blake. “Was there even a discussion there? If there was, how did it feel — was it emotional, frustrating, exciting?” Blake says money is very individualized, which is why working with a professional can be key in making changes. FinanciaLife Outfitters helps clients create financial roadmaps and walks them through different tools out there to use, such as tax planning tools, investments, and structuring businesses for success. “We sit beside you on the way and try to nurture a long-term, working relationship to help your future needs,” says Blake. While every person or family’s financial situation will vary, their decisions on how they spend their money drills down to what they find important. For those wanting a fresh start with finances in 2022, Blake said it can be as simple as looking closely at the goals you want to accomplish and getting a plan in place to pursue them.

One goal could be starting to put money aside for something specific if you haven’t already. “Really try to create a process to help you reach that goal, whether it is as simple as systematically setting aside $100 a month, $500 a month, and really earmarking those dollars for something specific,” Blake says. It’s also a good idea to look at how you plan to structure your budget for the year based on how you did the year before. “Maybe identify some specific expenses that were not expected and whether or not you should put that into your budget for 2022,” says Blake. For individuals whose income greatly improves from the previous year, either from an employment or sole proprietor standpoint, Blake suggests starting to save for potential upcoming tax bills. When it comes to tackling debt, Blake says it’s important to understand what your credit score is by either getting your free annual report from a credit rating agency such as Equifax, TransUnion, or FICO. He also recommends creating a Credit Karma account to see if there are any derogatory marks on your credit score. “As your score improves, your ability to be lent money improves as well,” says Blake. As for taking measures to get out of debt, Blake says the most difficult but simplest thing to do is put discipline in place. “The number one piece of financial health is discipline. If you are able to be disciplined in your money management

CONTINUED >

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

and really be mindful of where your money is being spent, whether you are paying for a lot of subscriptions you aren’t utilizing, just being mindful of where each penny goes,” says Blake. He says any excess should be set aside for savings or other things you want to accomplish financially. This is where Blake says it’s important to look at money objectively and try to take the emotional feeling out of it. While reaching financial goals may be difficult on your own, Blake says that’s exactly why it’s nice to have a team of advisers to back you up. “We are a collective effort, and you’ve got multiple heads and multiple eyes walking you through this process,” says Blake. “It’s not just one individual that you’ll be working with.” He highly recommends people work with any financial professional who can give them a valuable second opinion. For Blake, the greatest reward of the job is helping clients pursue their financial goals long-term. “It may not be extremely fruitful at the beginning of working with a client, but ultimately we get to help people, and people get to see the benefit of working with us,” says Blake. “I use my brain and their resources to help them create the life they’re wanting to create.” Securities offered through Triad Advisors Member FINRA/SIPC; Advisory Services offered through FinanciaLife Outfitters, LLC. FinanciaLife Outfitters, LLC is not affiliated with Triad Advisors.

EXP E RT H E LP | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

“The number one piece of financial health is discipline. If you are able to be disciplined in your money management and really be mindful of where your money is being spent, whether you are paying for a lot of subscriptions you aren’t utilizing, just being mindful of where each penny goes,”

JANUARY 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

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IT'S SOUP SEASON, AND A HEARTY MEAL DOESN'T HAVE TO MEAN ONE DEVOID OF NUTRITION

Cozy Winte r RECIPES

As we move deep into the Missouri winter, people tend to crave heartier and filling foods like chili, soup, pasta — basically anything warm and carb-heavy! These carb-laden cravings don’t always have to look unhealthy — you just have to get a bit more creative with what you put in the pot. Whenever I’m craving something filling but healthy, I lean into soup mode, as George Castanza infamously said. Soup is such an easy way to sneak in your vegetables. Whatever veggies are going stale in your fridge can be made new again by soup. This leek and potato soup was inspired by all those forgotten vegetables sitting in the back of the fridge. Its bright green color is fun, and the depth of flavor is found in coconut milk, which is an excellent sub for heavy cream (plus, it’s shelf-stable, too!).

This soup recipe is served with some homemade sourdough bread, which is great for the winter immune system as well. The natural bacteria that develop in the starter are great for the body — not to mention have tons of antioxidants. This soup/bread combination is also accompanied by my favorite sauce ever — yogurt sauce. Yogurt sauce can be used with so many savory foods. It adds a nice, creamy richness needed to balance out heavier, starchy meals. My yogurt sauce is made with Greek yogurt and a few other ingredients, which adds some probiotic tanginess to the soup. So, lean into those winter cravings with me. Find new ways to make hearty meals more nutritious, and top everything with yogurt sauce. I promise it won’t disappoint.

ARTICLE BY BROOKE SPALDING FORD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

QUICKEST SOURDOUGH INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

40g or 2 tbsp sourdough starter (see recipe on next page) 400g or 1 ¾ cups lukewarm water 200g or 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour 200g or 1 ½ cups bread flour 15g or 2 ½ tsp salt Special equipment needed: A kitchen scale and a Dutch oven

Note: You’re going to want to start making this dough the day before, so the dough can rest overnight.

DIRECTIONS 01 Measure all ingredients in a large-sized bowl, and stir with your hands to make sure all ingredients get incorporated. You can use a rubber spatula, but I find my hands are the best tool for this sticky dough. Make sure there is no dry flour left! Weighing ingredients is the best way to make bread, but if you don’t have a scale on hand, you can measure them – though you’ll eventually want a scale if you keep making sourdough.

06 The next morning, set your oven to 450 degrees and place a lidded Dutch oven inside to heat up. Preheat the baking vessel for at least an hour — this helps the crust become nice and crisp in the oven. 07 Right before you put the dough in the Dutch oven, tear a piece of parchment paper big enough to hold the dough and then some, and flip the dough onto it, seam-side down now. Sprinkle flour over the top of the smooth loaf and score the dough with a razor or very sharp knife. One cut down the length of the bread is perfect for this loaf. Remove your Dutch oven from the oven, and transfer the dough into it, using two corners of the parchment paper to lift the bread into the Dutch oven. Put the lid on and transfer to the oven. 08 Bake for 15 minutes, then take the lid off the Dutch oven. Your crust should be set, and you can clearly see the scoring work. Continue baking the bread in the oven for at least 40 more minutes, or until the crust is nice and dark brown. There is nothing worse than undercooked bread! Now, let your bread cool down before cutting into it. Enjoy with leek soup or any other warm, winter dish you are serving.

02 Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and let sit for about 20 minutes before touching it again. 03 Get your hands wet so they don’t stick to the dough and fold each of the four corners to the middle. We want to stretch the dough like this to build up gluten strength and to shape the bread! Repeat this folding every 30 minutes for 3 hours. 04 Once you have folded the dough a total of 6 times, the shape should take form and the dough should be oh so smooth. Sprinkle some flour on the table and carefully scrape the dough out of the bowl. You don’t want to pop any of the air bubbles that are forming within, so make sure you scrape it out gently. The dough needs to be preshaped. This is done by stretching the four corners into the middle, then, stretching the four diagonal corners into the center of the dough. Repeat this until a circle shape starts to form. Turn the dough over in the flour, and let it rest for 15 minutes with the smooth side up. 05 To shape the dough, flip the dough once again and fold the top two corners over one another, and continue to do so like a two-strand braid. Now, roll the dough into a tight little log, with the braided seam on the bottom. We want the roll to be as tight as possible for a well-shaped loaf. Transfer the little bread log to a proofing basket or floured bowl, seam-side up this time. Tie a grocery sack around the basket/colander and put it in the fridge to proof overnight, anywhere from 8-10 hours.

YOGURT SAUCE INGREDIENTS • • • • • •

2 grated garlic cloves 2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt ¼ cup olive oil 2 tbsp salt ½ cup chopped cilantro ½ cup basil or your herb of choice

DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until well combined. Add salt and olive oil to taste. Spoon this over leek soup, or honestly any other savory dish! Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for one week.

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SOURDOUGH STARTER Making a sourdough starter is easier than most people think. You’ll just need rye flour and lukewarm water.

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP INGREDIENTS

• Rye flour • Water

• • • • • •

DIRECTIONS

• • •

INGREDIENTS

01 Weigh out 50g (or 1/3 cup) of rye flour in a bowl. Then, add 50g (or 3 tbsp) of lukewarm water and stir with a fork until there are no dry spots. 02 Put the starter in a jar, but leave the lid unscrewed just a little so the starter can ferment well. Leave in a warm spot in the house.

• • • •

2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp chili powder ½ tbsp cumin 1 tsp allspice 1 tsp cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy) 1 bunch of hearty greens (kale, spinach, chard, whatever you prefer!) 1 potato, diced 1 leek, chopped 1 bunch cilantro, chopped with some set aside for garnish 1 yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can full-fat coconut milk 2 limes

DIRECTIONS

03 After making your starter, you need to feed it. Feeding your starter looks very similar. Just weigh 50g (or 3 Tbsp) active starter, 50g lukewarm water, and 50g of rye flour and mix in a separate bowl, discarding the excess starter. You can also use the discarded starter to bake with! There are many sourdough discard recipes if you search.

01 Set a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

04 Repeat this feeding for 4 days, and your starter should be ready and active enough to make bread! After 4 days of feeding, your starter should have visible fermentation bubbles. It should also smell a little funky.

03 Next, add the onion and garlic to the oil and spice mixture, stirring constantly so they don’t burn. Add a good tablespoon of salt and some cracked pepper to the garlic and onion.

05 Keep feeding your starter every day to keep it alive, or store it in the fridge and just feed once a week.

02 Let olive oil get up to temp and add the chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and allspice. Stirring constantly, let the spices simmer in the oil for about 2 minutes.

04 After the onion is translucent and is coated in the spices, you can add the rest of the veggies — greens, leek, potato, cilantro. Let these veggies cook down, about 5 minutes. 05 Next, add the coconut milk, turn the heat on high and let the mixture come to a boil. 06 After it boils, turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer, with the lid on, for about 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. 07 Remove from the heat, and, working in batches, blend the soup until it’s a creamy consistency — you can do this with a blender or an immersion blender. 08 Pour the soup back into your pan and let simmer a few more minutes before serving. Add salt and lime juice to taste. 09 Garnish soup with yogurt sauce and cilantro leaves. Serve with bread.

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The Cold Plunge

Dive Into The Wellness World’s Hottest (Actually, Coldest) Addition 34

T R E N D SE T T E R | FITNESS

Are you ready to take the plunge? It’s a question you may not have asked yourself before but will now. So what is “The Cold Plunge?” In short, it’s a brisk, three-minute immersion into a cold tub that triggers the body into a state of regulation, greatly improving levels of energy, mental and physical strength and blood circulation. Co-founded by two entrepreneurs who bonded over their love for health and business, Ryan Duey and Mike Garrett found a friendship and created a vision to rejuvenate people. Two to three minutes a day of plunging into 39-55 degrees of cold water stimulates the mind, body and soul and sets your day into optimistic motion. Mike and Ryan both previously owned their own flotation therapy centers. Early pioneers in that space, they discovered they shared many of the same values, business practices and interests. Therefore, the formulation of a business together became inevitable. With finding himself feeling sick on a consistent basis, Ryan found solace in cold plunging. With an engineering background and having built his own chest freezer, Mike found cold plunging tubs on the market unattainable. Together, they set out to create a more realistic solution for half the price. “Everything else on the market was $10k, and it’s not really achievable for a lot of people,” they say. In a short 12 months, The Cold Plunge quickly garnered attention as a result of organic growth, wellness influencers who embraced the product, and a pandemic that forced people to focus on their health and added time at home. It’s also worth noting that the likes of Tony Hawk and Kerri Walsh Jennings swear by their cold plunges for their athletic recovery. “It’s an interesting moment in time. There’s this heightened sense of, ‘how do I become more resilient, how do I boost my immune system?’ Health and wellness is way more in the spotlight, and the trend of more people being at home has launched a new consumer process,” they say. It doesn’t hurt that they are designed with your home in mind. The elegant and unique physique makes it an easy decision for everyone to appreciate. “The design passed the wife test—everyone was happy to have it! We appreciate aesthetics and design, that’s been a key piece. It fits with a beautiful home and we are proud of that.” CONTINUED >

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“What’s also exciting about this is that we have partnered with American Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, who has a very specific protocol: Get in for sixty seconds, get out for sixty, do three to five rotations and get to the point of a shiver.”

Everyone from homeowners to commercial businesses are hopping on the train to add these beautiful accessories into their space. Hot or cold environment, home or commercial studio—the tubs were built with design and longevity in mind. Ryan also compares it to working out, citing weightlifting as an example. “The whole thing is tearing your muscles down so they become stronger. You are going through an intentional stressor. You will get a relaxed response after, but you are intentionally putting yourself into a fight or flight state. The goal with the cold water is to lower your core body temperature, and it takes time to do that. “Water cools your body at 25 times what cold air does. Cold water is the quickest activation to do it.” Ryan shares his sentiment on doing something uncomfortable first thing in the morning to make the biggest, most positive impact on your day. What you can expect to feel is, “I did something first thing in the morning that I didn’t want to do, but I know it is good for me.” Ryan has his own process—getting in, breathing four seconds in and four seconds out, transitioning his hands in and out of the water because their different nerve endings create a different blood flow and kick off the fight or flight mechanism. His nervous system then calms down and his mind sets into calmness roughly two and a half minutes in. After a three minute plunge, he comes out super energized with mental clarity. “It feels like a back door to meditation for people who don’t meditate, i.e. two to three

T R E N D SE T T E R | FITNESS

minutes vs twenty,” he says. “It’s a totally different process, but you push out the mental chatter and you become more present.” Cold plunging can be done daily or multiple times a day. It’s all about getting people to explore what works for them. They may offer up recommendations, but ultimately it’s you building a relationship with your cold plunge. Many like the morning plunge, others enjoy nighttime. For some, it cools the body down resulting in better sleep. “A lot of people who come for our product just want to do hard things, uncomfortable things. They say, if it’s good for me AND it’s difficult, then they are completely motivated by that.” The Cold Plunge offers four different models, all the same size, all cold at 39-55 degrees, and one that can turn into a hot tub at 103 degrees. The heat can be great for clients in really cold environments. There is also an app to control the temperature via bluetooth. “One of the things that has been rad that we did not anticipate is parents doing it with their children,” he says. “It’s become this ritual where they do it together, a family plunge.” CrossFit frontman Rich Froning told the team that the coolest thing about having The Plunge is doing the plunge together every night with his daughter. It’s another layered benefit for their clients to know, one of creating special time around doing something uncomfortable and getting healthier, together. You can find The Cold Plunge at thecoldplunge.com and @the.coldplunge on Instagram.

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city. ALL JANUARY LONG

Frank Hamilton Photography Exhibit

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PA R K UNI V E R S I T Y | 9 :0 0 A M View the Frank Hamilton photography art exhibit at Park University in the Campanella Gallery at Norrington Center through the end of February. JANUARY 6TH

Alive After Five Walk

DOWNTOWN L E AV E NWO RT H | 5 :0 0 P M Leavenworth Main Street is hosting Alive After Five on the first Thursday of each month. Various downtown shops are participating. For more information, visit leavenworthmainstreet.com. JANUARY 7TH-8TH

Good Living Expo

OV E R L A ND PA R K C O NV EN T I ON C E NT E R | 3:0 0 P M The Good Living KC Expo features over 150 vendors featuring health, wellness & fitness services & products. Learn more about local fitness centers, personal trainers, nutritionists, physicians, holistic health, healthy food & drinks, organic and all-natural products, and more. Free classes, free seminars, healthy food samples and so much more! JANUARY 7TH

Murder Mystery Dinner

B E LVO I R WI NE RY | 6 :30 P M Join us for a Murder Mystery Dinner at Belvoir Winery! January's show is entitled: Who Wants to Murder a Millionaire. Tickets are $57 CONTINUED >

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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city. JANUARY 8TH

Second Saturdays for Poets

Z& M T WI ST E D V I NE S WI N E RY I N L E AV E NWO RT H | 3:0 0 P M Come collaborate with local poets! Listen, share, and write all things poetry. SATUR DAYS AND SUNDAYS THR OUGHOUT THE WHOLE MON T H

Guided Winery And Wine Cave Tour And Candlelit Tasting

FENCE STILE VINEYARDS, WINERY AND DISTILLERY | 12:00 PM Enjoy a tour of the winery and wine caves. Learn about Fence Stile's wines, the winery's history, Brix (testing the sugar level in grapes), vineyard management, and terroir of the estate. Finish with a candlelit tasting in the CELLAR57 club room and the wine caves. Tickets are $40. JANUARY 9 TH

Saint Luke's North Pickleball Tournament and Chiefs Watch Party

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C H I C K E N A ND P I C KL E | 1 2 : 00 P M The event features a pickleball tournament, Kansas City Chiefs watch party, and an online auction to benefit the behavioral health programming at Saint Luke’s North Hospital. The tournament begins at noon and concludes before the Chiefs take the field against the Denver Broncos.

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in the city. JANUARY 12TH

Pottery Pub Sip & Glaze

CINDER BLOCK BREWERY | 6:00 PM Select from an assortment of pottery and glaze colors to design your very own ceramic masterpiece in this DIY workshop. Great for date night, girls' night or just hanging with the crew! Tickets are $40 and include your choice of pre-made pottery, glazing materials/instruction, and a FREE beer. No experience necessary. JANUARY 14 TH-16TH

Excelsior Springs Second Weekends

DOWNTOWN E XC E L S I O R S P R I NG S | 5 :0 0 P M Enjoy feature artists, music, dining, and shopping in downtown Excelsior Springs. Free Chamber Trolley rides on Friday evening starting at 5:30 pm. JANUARY 15TH

Ghost Tour

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H A L L O F WAT E R S I N E XC E L S I OR S P R I NG S | 7 :0 0 P M Prepare yourself for an evening of fun, scares, and paranormal activity as you are guided through the Historical Hall of Waters. Reservations are required by 4:30 p.m. the day before the scheduled tour. Tours are from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Get more information at visitexcelsior.com

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