MARK ALEXANDER
JANUARY F E AT U R E S
“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook. D E PA RT M E N T S
12 | Energizing Issues
4 | 6 |
The 2020 Kansas Legislative Session convenes Jan. 13 with utility-related topics sure to hit the headlines.
16 | If Not You, Who?
8 |
Have you considered running for a seat on your electric co-op’s board? It’s a new generation’s turn to get involved.
10 |
20 | Winning Images
E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
Winning start to the new year A RO U N D K A N S A S
2020 begins with variety CO M M E N TA RY
Kansas’ heritage worth celebrating E N E RGY W I S E
Ring in new year with savings
Steps to take now and later for greater savings.
18 |
The runners-up in the Rural Kansas Photography Contest are equally impressive as the grand-prize winner on the cover.
YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N
Homegrown mushrooms
Add some intrigue to your garden.
22 | A Trusted Source
24 |
CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
A mighty and meaty bun
Bierocks are quintessentially Kansas.
Surveys show electric co-op members across the U.S. are increasingly satisfied with their electric co-ops.
16
26 | 28 |
M A R K E T P L AC E
Barns, buildings and chicks SAFETY
Lighting your fire
For extra value, add extra safety.
29 |
M O N T H LY R E C I P E S
New year dishes
Try these beef bundles and low-fat dip.
ON THE COVER
20
A S H L E Y WA L K E R
“Bison and Kansas Wind” is the grand-prize winning photograph in the 2019 Rural Kansas Photography Contest co-sponsored by Kansas Country Living. P H OTO BY E R I C DYC K , TA K E N AT M A X W E L L WILDLIFE REFUGE IN CANTON.
JANUARY 2020
EYEING
2 02 0
Depth of Field
Photogra yields impr phy contest essive imag es JANUA RY
2020 | BROUG HT
Investing Time Your
TO YOU BY YOUR LOCAL ELECTR IC
co-op need s you
CO-OP | WWW. KEC.CO
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
OP
3
E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
Let’s Start the New Year Off Right: Contest Winners Announced
(ISSN 0091-9586) JANUARY 2020 VOL. 70, NO. 1 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2020 WWW.KEC.COOP
Bruce Graham
Chief Executive Officer
Vicki Estes
Director of Communications, Editor
Carrie Kimberlin
Manager of Creative Solutions
Shaylee Arpin NO MATTER HOW CHALLENGING the
previous 12 months have been, facing a new year with positivity can only create goodwill and hope for the future. Thus, it seems appropriate to begin 2020 on a pleasing note by announcing the winners of two contests sponsored by Kansas Country Living and the associated electric cooperatives that bring you this magazine each month to stay connected with their consumer-members. For the second consecutive year, the magazine cosponsored the Rural Kansas Photography Contest and chose a grand-prize winning photograph to run on this month’s cover. “Bison and Kansas Wind” was captured by Eric Dyck at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in Canton. Eric is a semi-retired physician, and he and his wife are members of the Prairie PastTimes artists cooperative in Cottonwood Falls. As in the previous year, magazine staff found it difficult to choose a winner from all of the quality entries this year. On Pages 20-21, we’ve included the photos that were very close runners-up. Visit www. kumc.edu/community-engagement/ rural-health/rural-kansas-photographycontest to view the winning photos in
SHARE WITH US!
Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
f events@kansascountryliving.com
Keith McNickle
f letters@kansascountryliving.com
Terry Hobbs
f photos@kansascountryliving.com f editor@kansascountryliving.com f recipes@kansascountryliving.com
each category. Get ready to enter your photograph next year. You just might make the cover and win $100! A reader contest in the December issue closed out 2019, with collectible Willie Wiredhand Christmas ornaments at stake. Once again, our readers did not disappoint in participating. In fact, 18 of the entrants answered all 12 questions correctly so, to add more positivity to 2020, we awarded ornaments to all of those 18 co-op members instead of the original 15 we advertised. Look for more contests in 2020 and the launch of the Kansas Country Living website to add an interactive experience for our readers. Our staff wishes you a prosperous new year brimming with joy and hope. KCL
VICKI ESTES, EDITOR
President
Vice President
Craig Kostman
Secretary
Teresa Miller Treasurer
You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: 4 Rivers, Lebo Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DS&O, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington Tri-County, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $5.58 per year. Individual non-member subscriptions are $10 per year (tax included).
Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching an audited circulation of 9,378,177 monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.
4
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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FEB. 1 Foodscape Expert Brie Arthur at the 2020 Design & Grow Gardening Workshop,
Wichita. C elebrated international author and horticulturist Brie Arthur will present as the keynote speaker on her best-selling book “The Foodscape Revolution” and host a breakout session on “Sizzling Succulents” at the 2020 Design & Grow Gardening Workshop Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center. Experts will also cover additional topics in the field of horticulture at this all-day event. Arthur is a leader in the suburban foodscape movement and works with public schools. She studied landscape design at Purdue University, worked as a grower and propagator for leading nurseries, and is a recipient of the American Horticultural Society Award. Arthur is passionate about sustainable land management and promoting the value of gardening across the country. The Design & Grow Gardening Workshop is for both novice and experienced gardeners, and an opportunity to learn from the experts, and gain new concepts for gardening, landscaping, and inspiration in new plants and gardening experiences. Workshop topics include: the foodscape revolution, container gardening, growing herbs, heirloom vegetables, tree selection, hydrangeas, landscaping with natives, sizzling succulents and more. This event is sponsored by K-State Research & Extension, Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 21st & Ridge Rd., Rebecca McMahon at 316-660-0142, rmcmahon@ksu.edu. THROUGH FEB. 2 “The Farmin Artist”,
Logan. USA National Landscape Photographer of the Year finalist, Thomas Zimmerman will be on view at The Dane G. Hansen Museum. 110 W. Main, 785-689-4846, hansenmuseum.org. JAN. 1-FEB. 14 Artist Exhibits, Ellsworth.
T he Ellsworth Area Art Center will host artists with art celebrating Kansas day. Ellsworth Area Art Center, 223 N. Douglas Ave. JAN. 1-31 Pheasant Hunting Contest
– Rooster Roundup & Bounty Bird, Ford County. D uring the 2019-2020 pheasant hunting season, 150 banded pheasants will be released in Ford County. “Bounty Bird” GOLD numbered leg bands will correlated with a predetermined community prize. “Rooster Roundup” RED numbered leg bands will be entered into a grand prize drawing. If you bag one of these banded pheasants, bring the leg band to the Dodge City Visitors Center to register the band and claim your prize. Dodge City Visitors Center, 400 W. Wyatt Earp, 620-225-8186. JAN. 4 Three Kings Day, Wichita. A day of Hispanic cultural awareness to share the array of richness among Hispanic Cultures. The Three Kings will be there to visit and take photos.
6
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
Event held from 3-5 p.m. Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 7001 W. 21st St. N., 316-660-0100, www.sedgwick.ksu.edu. JAN. 4 The Spirituality of Winter, Concordia. I t seems at times that our lives mirror the seasons. For many, winter is a season of dread, a time to endure. However, there’s an incredible beauty in the deep freeze of winter. Come and discover what winter can teach us and how to stand in winter in anticipation for the coming of spring. Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Manna House of Prayer, 323 E. Fifth St. JAN. 11 Comedian Lucus Bohn, Junction
City. T eacher-turned-comedian Lucus Bohn will grace the stage with high energy and hilarious impersonations for all ages. C.L. Hoover Opera House, 135 W. Seventh St., 785238-3906, jcoperhouse.org. JAN. 15-19 Winter Quilting Marathon, Concordia. J oin us for an extended quilting retreat. Begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday and concludes at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Manna House of Prayer, 323 E. Fifth St. JAN. 15, 22, 29 AND FEB. 5 Farm Financial
Skills for Women in Ag Workshop Series, Kansas. H osted in conjunction at
31 different locations through the K-State Research and Extension program. Each session builds on the previous material. Robin at 785532-0964, www.agmanager.info. JAN. 16 Justin Moore & Tracy Lawrence Concert, Dodge City. J oin multiplatinumselling country artists Justin Moore and Tracy Lawrence at the Late Nights and Longnecks Tour. United Wireless Arena, 620-371-7390. JAN. 17-19 Southwest Kansas Winter Expo, Dodge City. T ake part in the Annual Winter Expo. Western State Expo Center, 620-338-8284. JAN. 22-23 Mid-American Workforce
Summit, Topeka. T his annual forum discusses realities facing the workforce and economic development issues in Kansas. Held at the Topeka Capitol Plaza Maner Conference Center. Limited to 300 participants. 620-2278082, MidAmericaWorkforceSummit.com. JAN. 23-25 Tournament of Champions,
Dodge City. S chedule TBA. United Wireless Arena, 620-227-1777.
JAN. 24-26 Baking Bread to Satisfy the Soul, Concordia. D o you wish you could learn how to make bread? Or has bread baking
been a reminder of failure? Come to this weekend and pray with and through the art of bread baking! This weekend combines prayer and reflection with making bread. Friday 5 p.m.-Sunday at 1 p.m. Manna House of Prayer, 323 E. Fifth St. JAN. 25 Knights of Columbus Toy Show
and Sale, Dodge City. F rom 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 800 W. Frontview, Kenny Schinstock at 620430-4727, kjschinstock@cox.net. JAN. 25 Eagle Day, Junction City. T ake a
guided bus tour and view Bald Eagles soaring above Milford Lake. Programs feature live raptors through the day. Bus tour begins at 10 a.m. with last tour at 3:30 p.m. No cost to attend. Milford Nature Center, 3415 Hatchery Dr., 785-238-5325, ksoutdoors.com. JAN. 25 The Roaring 20s Party, Junction
City. T he Sundown Salute Kick-Off Party features the Roaring 20s theme, a silent and live auction, raffle, photo booth, dinner and several musical performances. 5:30-11 p.m. Geary County Convention Center, 310 Hammons Dr., 785-238-2885, junctioncity.org. JAN. 26, FEB. 23 AND MARCH 29 Meeting
God in “Reel” Time, Concordia. G od is with us in all times, even through movies! Join us Sunday afternoon for a movie, discussion and popcorn too. Jan. 2-5 p.m. “The Lion King”; Feb. 2-5 p.m. “Beauty and the Beas”; and March 2-5 p.m. “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” For adults only. Manna House of Prayer, 323 E. Fifth St.
STEM activities, craft demonstrations, live performances and more. 6425 S.W. Sixth Ave. FEB. 1-2 The Wichita Train Show & Swap
Meet, Wichita. S how includes operating layouts, model contests, clinics and more than 100 dealer tables. Held Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George Washington Blvd., 316-2595190, aylward1@cox.net. FEB. 6-9 Scrap Happy Quilt Retreat,
Concordia. T ake pieces of scrap material and turn them into quilts, table runners or wall hangings. Bring your scraps and we’ll toss them in a big pile for all to use. Thursday 5 p.m.-Sunday 1 p.m. Manna House of Prayer, 323 E. Fifth St.
record yields in corn and soybeans, through his presentation and a question and answer session. Event begins at 8:30 a.m. Use promo code KSCL for $5 off. United Wireless Arena, 620-225-2233, GrowerFocus.com. FEB. 22 Chamber & Main Street Banquet Celebration, Belleville. A ll are invited to celebrate the successful year in Belleville. Social hour at 6 p.m, meal at 7 p.m. Belleville Country Club, 2208 Country Club Dr. KCL
Kansas Country Living publishes events free as space allows. Send event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@kansascountryliving.com. To guarantee placement of your event, contact advertising at 785-478-4554 or ckimberlin@kec.org.
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close encounter with a live Bald Eagle at 7 p.m. Dane G. Hansen Scout Camp, fws.gov/ refuge/kirwin. JAN. 29 Kansas Day Celebration, Topeka. C elebrate the state’s 159th birthday at the Kansas Museum of History! Enjoy
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The State’s Rich History, Heritage Worth Celebrating is Jan. 29, the date when we commemorate the 1861 admission of Kansas into the United States. It is also an opportunity to celebrate our state’s beauty, Bruce Graham our people and our heritage. The Sunflower State has a rich history and I recently found this list of facts worth sharing. f Dodge City is officially the windiest city in the United States. KANSAS DAY
f The first woman mayor in the U.S.
was Susan Madora Salter who was elected to office in Argonia in 1887.
f Kansas inventors include Almon
Stowger of El Dorado who invented the dial telephone in 1889; and William Purvis and Charles Wilson of Goodland who invented the helicopter in 1909.
f Silent comedian Buster Keaton, of
early film success, was from Piqua.
f Fort Riley was the cradle of the U.S.
Cavalry for 83 years. George Custer formed the famed 7th Cavalry there in 1866. Ten years later, at the Battle of the Little Big Horn, the 7th Calvary was virtually wiped out. The only cavalry survivor was a horse named Comanche.
f Handel’s Messiah has been presented
in Lindsborg each Easter since 1889.
BY B R U C E G R A H A M
f Barton County is the only Kansas
county named for a woman; the famous volunteer Civil War nurse Clara Barton.
f The Rock Island Bridge south of
Ashland is the longest railroad bridge of its kind.
f Kansas won the award for most
beautiful license plate for the wheat plate design issued in 1981.
f The Arkansas River may be the only
river whose pronunciation changes as it crosses state lines. In Kansas, it is called the Arkansas (ahr-KAN-zuhs) while in Colorado and Oklahoma, it is called the Arkansaw.
f Kansas has 27 Walnut Creeks. f Morton County sells the most trout
fishing stamps of all Kansas counties.
f The Hugoton Gas Field is the
largest natural gas field in the U.S. It underlies all or parts of 10 southwestern Kansas counties as well as parts of Oklahoma and Texas. The gas field underlies almost 8,500 square miles, an area nearly five times as large as the state of Rhode Island.
f Between 1854 and 1866, 34
steamboats paddled up the Kaw River (Kansas River). One made it as far west as Fort Riley.
f The graham cracker was named
after the Reverend Sylvester Graham (1794-1851). He was a Presbyterian minister who strongly believed in eating whole wheat flour products.
f At one time it was against the law
to serve ice cream on cherry pie in Kansas.
f George Washington Carver, the
famous botanical scientist who discovered more than 300 products made from the peanut, graduated from high school in Minneapolis, Kansas, in 1885.
f The Kansas Speleological Society
has catalogued at least 528 caves in three Kansas counties. Commanche County has at least 128 caves and Barber County has at least 117 caves.
f In Italy the city of Milan is 300 miles
northwest of Rome. In Kansas, Milan is less than 25 miles northwest of Rome, in Sumner County.
f Holy Cross Shrine in Pfeifer, was
known as the 2 Cent Church because the building was built using a 2 cent donation on each bushel of wheat sold by members of the church.
f The rocks at Rock City are huge
sandstone concretions. In an area about the size of two football fields, 200 rocks, some as large as houses, dot the landscape. No other place in the world has so many concretions of such giant size.
f The first United Methodist Church
in Hutchinson was built in 1974 during the time of the grasshopper plagues. The grasshoppers came during the construction of the church’s foundation but the pastor continued with the work. As a result, thousands of grasshoppers are mixed into the mortar of the original building’s foundation. Happy Kansas Day! KCL
BRUCE GRAHAM is CEO of Kansas Electric
Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
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E N E R GY W I S E
Start the New Year Right with Energy Savings
BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N
D E AR PAT AN D B R AD : My neighbor claims
MARCELA GARA, RESOURCE MEDIA
they were able to cut their energy bills nearly in half. Is that even possible? What would I have to do to get there? It sounds like it would take a lot of time and money. — Luke D E AR LU KE : The story you heard is not far-fetched. We’ve been involved with energy efficiency programs that have achieved those kinds of results. Let’s talk about some energysaving measures you can do right away and how you can plan for greater savings down the road.
Dial in Savings
NOW: The first place to start is your home thermostat. In most homes, the largest portion of the energy bill goes toward heating and cooling. Setting back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on heating and cooling. In the winter, you could aim for 56 F at night and when no one is at home, and 68 F when you’re up and around. If you’re used to a warmer house, it may mean throwing on a sweater or pair of slippers. It should be noted this tactic is not as effective for some homes with radiant heat systems. LATER: Make sure to adjust your air conditioning settings next summer. If you have a manual thermostat and don’t always remember to adjust it, consider purchasing a smart thermostat, or at least one that’s programmable.
For maximum efficiency, your fridge should be between 38 F to 40 F, and the freezer compartment should be set to 5 F.
Set Refrigerator and Freezer Temps for Efficiency
NOW: Make sure your refrigerator and freezer aren’t set to a colder temperature than needed. The fridge should be at 38 F to 40 F and the freezer compartment should be 5 F. If you have a separate chest freezer, set it to 0 F. Also check your water heater setting. You should aim for a setting of 120 F. LATER: Old refrigerators and freezers can use a lot of electricity. If yours was made before 1993, you can save more than $65 a year with a new ENERGY STAR® model. If you eliminate a second refrigerator or freezer, you can save even more, especially if they are stored in your garage.
CONSUMERS ENERGY
Maximize the Heat You’ve Got
Setting back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% a year on home heating and cooling.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
NOW: Look around each room and make sure the vents and radiators aren’t blocked by furniture or other objects. If the floors feel cold even when the room is warm, put down area rugs for additional warmth. Open curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in, and close them at night. LATER: Enlist the help of an energy auditor or HVAC specialist to test for duct leakage and ensure your whole system is balanced and running efficiently.
In the winter, you could aim for 56 F at night and when no one is at home, and 68 F when you’re up and around. If you’re used to a warmer house, it may mean throwing on a sweater or pair of slippers.
Make Bright Moves With Your Lights
Eliminate Drafts
Look carefully around your home for signs of air leaks. If you have a gap under an exterior
MARCELA GARA, RESOURCE MEDIA
NOW:
Carefully insulating around outlets on exterior-facing walls is a simple way to eliminate drafts.
G E T T Y I M A G E S /A R T U R S F O T O
NOW: The obvious first step is to make sure lights are turned off when they’re not in use. You can do this manually or employ one of many automated strategies. If you’re still using incandescent bulbs, you could switch the five most-used bulbs to LEDs and save about $75 per year. LEDs last much longer and use about onefourth as much energy. Prices on LED bulbs have decreased in the past few years, and you can save more if you buy them in packs. LATER: Over time, plan to replace all your old incandescent bulbs, and consider smart lighting options that can be programmed to turn off when a room is not in use.
Consider switching from incandescent bulbs to LEDs, which last longer and use about one-fourth as much energy.
door, you can block it with a towel or better yet, install some weather stripping. Make sure windows are sealed with caulk, and you can also seal areas around plumbing and wiring penetrations. LATER: Have an energy auditor do a blower door test, which is the best way to identify all air leaks. Taking some of these easy steps now should provide quick energy savings. To save even more, you’ll need a plan that includes the “later” steps we’ve shared above. An energy audit can help you determine a much better plan, and your electric co-op may be able to provide an audit or recommend a qualified local auditor. KCL This column was co-written by PAT KEEGAN and BRAD THIESSEN of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on starting the New Year right with energy saving, please visit: www. collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips. JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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FOCUSING E N E RGY O N
BY K A N S A S E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E S G O V E R N M E N T R E L AT I O N S STA F F
ON JAN. 13, the 88th Kansas Legislature will convene with several easily identified issues to examine. Medicare expansion probably tops that list, several constitutional questions will be reviewed with the intent to get those before Kansas voters, tax debates always make things lively, and votes will be cast carefully with an election later in 2020 that puts all Senate and House seats up for grabs. Utility issues may also hit the headlines again in 2020. The 2019 session of the Kansas Legislature approved a bill that calls for a comprehensive study of 29 electric utility-related topics to be done by an independent consultant. The study was divided into two parts with different due dates. London Economics of Boston is currently working on the first part, which contains about two-thirds of the topics and is due in
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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January 2020. The second phase will be conducted by AECOM Technical Services of Los Angeles, and is due July 1, 2020. “When the 2020 Session starts, the electric cooperatives will be focused on the contents of the London Economics report and possible legislation that could evolve from that document,” said Bruce Graham, CEO, Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC).
Graham noted that electric cooperatives are keenly interested in hearing a forthright opinion on several of the topics such as:
Whether electricity providers in surrounding states are subject to similar state laws, regulations and oversight as Kansas utilities;
How rate increases or the associated rising costs of Kansas investor-owned electric public utilities impact the retail electric rates of Kansas electric co-ops and municipal utilities;
The costs and benefits incurred by Kansas ratepayers for transmission investments in Kansas used to export energy out of Kansas; and
Whether retail electric rates in Kansas are a material barrier to economic development in Kansas. Another of phase one’s study topics is whether “competitive markets for retail electricity can benefit all Kansas consumers.” Sometimes referred to as retail wheeling, this restructuring would require consumers to choose their provider of electricity. Most likely, your current electric provider would still be responsible for maintaining and operating the poles and wires to deliver electricity, but consumers would need to evaluate different rate plans and carefully select another company to secure the kilowatt-hours needed to keep their lights on. Retail wheeling boosters have rosy claims that consumers can save money, even though a comprehensive study completed by Christensen Associates Energy Consulting says otherwise. After reviewing the status of retail choice for the past 20 years, the authors found little evidence that this restructuring has yielded any significant benefits. “A market price doesn’t mean a lower price — it means being subject to the fluctuations of a potentially volatile energy market. Proof of that risk can be found in the market price crisis that shocked Texas this past summer,” Graham said. “Proponents of industry restructuring have regularly pointed to the Lone Star
A market price doesn’t mean a lower price — it means being subject to the fluctuations of a potentially volatile energy market. State as a model for success,” Graham said. “But the proponents have ignored the experience of other states where the promised benefits of choice have failed to materialize. Now, I imagine, they will be cautious about continuing to tout Texas.” To ensure those headlines don’t disappear from public debate, KEC created KSEnergyFacts.com as a resource about the utility industry in Kansas and important issues such as retail wheeling or customer choice. The site includes several recent Texas stories of skyrocketing utility bills and busted budgets because of unfortunate choices and unscrupulous marketers. Continued on page 14
GETTING THE
Join the conversation on utility issues by following KSEnergyFacts.com, ksenergyf acts on Facebook and @ksenergyfacts on Twitter.
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
13
FOCUSING E N E R G Y O N
Continued from page 13
“We will also be using KSEnergyFacts.com to post reaction and opinion on the upcoming rate study, any related legislation and, most importantly, the potential impact on electric cooperative members,” Graham said. Another component of the study will be the opinion of London Economics on whether the rate making practice of electric cooperatives and utilities is in the public interest. Electric cooperatives were granted the ability to self-regulate rates by the Kansas Legislature back in 1992. As not-for-profit utilities, electric cooperative rates do not include an amount to fund dividends for outside investors. Cooperative electric rates are set only to recover the cost of power supply and expenses to build, maintain and operate the infrastructure to deliver this power. Beyond that, any margin left over at the end of the year is allocated back to the consumer-members on a patronage basis. “The rate-setting process is taken very seriously by those cooperative leaders elected by the members to make such decisions. Any legislative initiative to arbitrarily cap or reduce utility rates would interfere with successful governance
and could threaten a co-op’s economic stability,” said Doug Shepherd, Vice President of Management Consulting Services at KEC. Shepherd has conducted numerous cost-of-service studies for electric cooperatives — a thorough process used by locally elected cooperative boards to guide rate decisions. He also notes that electric cooperative members have a voice in the rate-making process as illustrated by the accompanying chart (below). “Suffice it to say, we don’t believe it is in the best interests of the state to undergo an expensive and disruptive restructuring of the utility industry unless it can be proven that all customers will see an opportunity to benefit,” Graham said. “There may be room for improvement though and we believe it is time for state leaders, including the energy industry, to work together on a comprehensive plan that looks at the optimal utilization of our existing resources and opportunities for the future. “I think most people would be surprised to learn that Kansas does not have an energy plan. Governor Kelly has announced her intentions to craft a process for plan development that is ‘as inclusive and collaborative as possible’ and the electric cooperatives stand ready to assist with these important discussions.” KCL
INCOME STATEMENT
Member-elected board approves policies, forecasts and budgets
Charges on a consumermember’s electric bill reflect the entire cost of providing electric service, from generation and/or acquisition of energy to the delivery of it to homes and businesses. Kansas electric co-ops use a thorough process to guide their rate-setting decisions.
BALANCE SHEET
Board monitors financial health of co-op
If necessary, board engages rate consultant
Consultant presents recommendations to board
Consultant prepares rate study
NO TICE
Board finalizes recommendation and provides notice to membership
Co-op opens comment period and may hold informational meetings.
Board discusses and votes upon rate change in meeting
open to membership
*Members have one year to petition the Kansas Corporation Commission for review of rate change
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
New rates implemented*
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MKT-P0107
If Not YOU,
WHO?
Then The board’s fundamental responsibility is to collectively represent the interests of the members in directing the business and affairs of the cooperative within the law.
OWNERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES. It comes with responsibilities but reaps benefits not only for the owner but the community at large. Pride in ownership builds investment in the neighborhood. When neighborhoods thrive, our communities thrive. You might think this describes home ownership, and you would be correct. But it also defines your ownership in your local electric cooperative. As a consumer of an electric co-op you are also a member-owner of an organization that depends on your active participation. Within your electric co-op’s local pages this month beginning on Page 16A, you may find articles about your co-op’s nominating committee or the search for consumer-members to run for a position on the board. A majority of Kansas electric cooperatives’ annual meetings will take place in the next few months and one of the most important meeting agenda items will be for members to elect fellow members to fill vacant or retiring positions on their co-op’s board of directors. Gabe Schlickau, vice president and chief retail delivery officer for Meritrust Credit Union, said he first hesitated to run for a board position for Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Wellington, but after reflection, decided it would be an opportunity rather than a burden. “My first thought was that I didn’t have the time to commit to it. But, the more I thought about it the more I realized it was a great opportunity to serve in a capacity that is very important to the future
of a sustainable rural lifestyle and economy for my local community,” he said. Time, or lack thereof, certainly affects a co-op consumer-member’s decision to get involved in their co-op, especially with competing family activities and work commitments. Katie Eisenhour, who serves on the board for Wheatland Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Scott City, estimated that in an active board year with considerable topics to address she dedicates about an average of seven hours per week to her board duties including reading and preparing for local, state and national meetings, attending community events and completing ongoing training. “It’s my duty to come to meetings prepared and ready for discussion at the board table,” she said. “And I owe it to the membership.” Eisenhour, executive director for Scott County Development Committee Inc., was first appointed to the Wheatland board in 2013 to fill a vacant position, and after fulfilling that term decided to run for the board in 2014. “I was intrigued by the complexity of our industry,” she said. “I loved learning about it, representing the members and being a conscientious well-informed board member and I wanted to remain one.” She was re-elected in 2017 and is up for re-election again this year. Told she was the first female on the board in about two decades, Eisenhour’s community development and farmers cooperative background brought a new mindset to the board table where Continued on page 17
If we don’t collaborate together for the sake of all the members of our cooperatives in Kansas, even nationwide, we lose big time. K AT I E E I S E N H O U R , W H E AT L A N D E L E C T R I C
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The rural lifestyle that our co-ops support will continue to depend upon people who care enough to invest their time in order to maintain a sustainable co-op for their communities and the generations to come. GABE SCHLICKAU, SUMNER-COWLEY ELECTRIC
Continued from page 16
Although Schlickau finds NRECA and KEC training to be very helpful as a new board member, he said discussions with co-op staff and other board members are invaluable. “One thing that has surprised me is how diligent our directors are to be sure they know and Sumner-Cowley Electric board member Gabe Schlickau, fully understand the issues second from right, participates in a panel discussion about attracting the next generation of board members. of the co-op before making a decision,” Schlickau said. “I knew the directors would be highly rural way of life is not a given,” he said. engaged, but I have been surprised “The rural lifestyle that our co-ops and impressed to see how much time support will continue to depend upon they spend proactively learning and people who care enough to invest their educating themselves about the issues time in order to maintain a sustainof the industry.” able co-op for their communities and Electric co-op board members dedithe generations to come. If not you, the cate significant time to the electric member-owner, then who?” he asked. cooperative in the form of regular If serving on a board doesn’t work board meetings, community events, into your schedule now, consider the training and learning about the everopportunity down the road as the changing industry. This time commitfuture of our electric co-ops depend on ment can be a hurdle for some co-op engaged and informed members. members who would otherwise con“The quality of life we enjoy today is sider running for a board position. a direct result of cooperative members Schlickau just like you who built the co-op and acknowledged it’s maintained it to this point,” Schlickau easy to find plenty said. “Now it’s our turn to ensure a of reasons not to sustainable future. Our rural electric be involved in the infrastructure is very reliable and pretty co-op. “However, easy to take for granted.” the more I’ve For Eisenhour, the decision to get become involved, involved comes down to people and the more I realize community. “If you love serving people the future of our and want to be part of making notable rural electric change in your community, I encourage Wheatland Electric board member Katie Eisenhour, left, pitches in at the cooperative’s community events. co-ops and our you to run.” KCL
collaboration is key. “I have the privilege of serving with a board that has great diversity in skill sets. To have people from insurance, banking, construction management, finance, as well as farming and agriculture makes discussion at the board table far more robust,” she said. “If we don’t collaborate together for the sake of all the members of our cooperatives in Kansas, even nationwide, we lose big time,” she added. Eisenhour and Schlickau are committed to continuing their board education and both have completed various courses offered through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Eisenhour recently earned her Director Gold credential, which is the highest education level offered through NRECA and is designed to advance board members’ knowledge of their fiduciary duty in their role as a board member. Schlickau, who is in his second year serving on the Sumner-Cowley board, attended NRECA’s winter school to become a Credentialed Cooperative Director and has attended conferences and training organized by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC).
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N
Add Mushrooms to Your Garden Adventures
you may be interested in adding notice pinheads developing. new crops to your garden adventures. Mushrooms When the mushrooms have reached full size, are interesting to grow and can bring a plentiful they can be harvested by twisting the caps to harvest right in your home. The multiple stages of remove them from the substrate. This should growth for some varieties can require precise conbe done gently to avoid damaging the growing ditions. There are also ways to establish a mushmedium. New mushrooms will continue to room crop with much less effort. Understanding a develop until all of the energy stored in the subbit about the growth stages of mushrooms can help strate has been exhausted. explain the requirements. This is a general overview of mushroom Mycelium is a system of cells that resemble a farming. If you are a beginning grower consider root system. The mycelium absorbs nutrients to purchasing an indoor grow kit for your first promote mushroom growth (fruiting) and reproattempt. Inoculation and incubation steps have duction. Small bumps begin to form on the mycealready been completed in these kits so you’re all lium which denotes the start of fruit. These bumps set to watch for the fruiting phase. This method are known as pinheads and will continue to grow can give you experience with the growth cycle and into full-sized mushrooms and develop spores for preferred conditions of mushrooms before you reproduction. Reproduction happens when spores, attempt to inoculate a substrate on your own. found on the underside of the mushroom caps, fall There are thousands of identified species of to the ground and mix with other spores. A new edible mushrooms and many more that are yet to network of mycelium begins to grow and start the be described. For home growers the most popular growth cycle over again. are Agaricus bisporus which includes button, Growing mushrooms at home requires a proper crimini and portobello mushrooms. Home-grown location. Most mushrooms require temperatures mushrooms can bring a wonderful flavor to your to be around 60 F and shade. Growers also need meals and intrigue to your garden. KCL a suitable substrate, which is any material mycelium can inhabit. Most mushrooms will not grow CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy in regular garden soil. Some species grow well on online certificate program. a substrate of coffee grounds, straw or saw dust. Other species require hardwood logs such as oak. The substrate must be inoculated, which is when the spores of the mushroom are introduced to the growing medium. It is recommended that inoculation take place under sterile conditions to avoid introducing other fungi and bacteria to the growing space. Next, the inoculated substrate needs to be placed in a warm, dark location for a few weeks to months depending on the species and the type of substrate used. This is called the incubation period when the mycelium becomes established. At the end of this time, there will likely be a white mat of mycelium covering the substrate. The myceShiitake mushrooms grow well on hardwood logs. Holes drilled lium should be kept moist throughout into the logs can be inoculated with mushroom spawn. Each log the day by misting. You will begin to can last several years producing multiple mushroom harvests.
THIS NEW YEAR
Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.
This method can give you experience with the growth cycle and preferred conditions of mushrooms before you attempt to inoculate a substrate on your own.
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BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
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“CG Silhouettes” by Karla Grimmett, taken in Morris County
Photo Contest
Winners 20
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
“Sunrise after the Storm” by Linda Wilson, taken in Cherokee County KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING magazine staff had the honor of choosing the grand-prize winning photograph in the 14th Annual Rural Kansas Photography Contest sponsored by Rural Health Education and Services at The University of Kansas Medical Center. As was the case last year, staff faced a difficult decision as the quality of the photographs submitted were exceptional and truly representative of the Sunflower State. Eric Dyck’s “Bison and Kansas Wind” taken in Canton, captured the grand prize of $100 and the spot on this month’s magazine cover. Winners in each of the six categories — State of the Storm, Kansas Landscapes, HealthCare Heroes, Friday Night Lights & Weekend Highlights, Wildlife and Critters, Winter Holiday Video Card — can be viewed at www.kumc.edu/ community-engagement/rural-health/rural-kansasphotography-contest/winning-photos; click on the 2019 Photo Contest Winners button. KCL
ABOVE: “ Moon Gazers” by Mark Alexander,
taken in Harvey County RIGHT: “ Tree in an Old Silo” by Wendy Nugent,
taken in McPherson County CENTER: “ Chicken Cuddles” by Ashley Walker, taken in Hodgeman County BELOW: “ Riding Shotgun” by Jaydon Wilson, taken in Crawford County
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
21
YOUR ELECTRIC CO-OP:
A Partner & Trusted Source 93%
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBERS across the country are increasingly satisfied with the performance of their electric co-ops, and more than ever before see them as trusted sources for information on keeping their energy costs low. These are among the key findings of a recent national survey commissioned by the testament to their reputation as honest brokers and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association entities who truly care about their communities.” (NRECA), the national trade association repreA telephone survey, which has been conducted senting more than 900 electric cooperatives, and annually for the past six years, polled 750 co-op conducted by Frederick Polls. members in mid-July 2019. It has a margin of The survey found increased Don’t know error of 3.6%. Disagree satisfaction over 2018 numbers Other data shows electric co-ops holding 4% from respondents who say their steady with prior surveys on overall 8% electric co-op keeps them informed job performance (93% positive), about its actions (84%) and is a providing reliable electric service trusted source for information (95% positive) and quickly about energy use and devices, restoring power after outages Do electric including solar energy (83%). (92% positive). co-ops play a It also recorded an increase More than half (56%) 88% “crucial role” from 2018 in co-op members of the co-op members who agree in your local who say their electric co-op responded said their electric economy? is a partner in understanding bills are “about right” or “a bit energy technologies and conlow” versus 41% who say their trolling energy costs (83%). bills are “too high.” “We hear a lot of stories about Electric co-ops care about the how Americans are losing faith in local communities they serve and institutions like big companies and govwant to be the trusted energy source for ernment, but that’s clearly not the case with electheir members. If you have questions about your tric cooperatives,” says NRECA Communications energy use or ways you can make your home more Senior Vice President Scott Peterson. “The positive efficient to save money on your energy bills, contact view that members have of electric co-ops is a your electric co-op — they’re ready to help. KCL
rate the overall performance of their co-op positively.
84% 22
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
believe co-ops do a good job communicating with them and keeping them informed about co-op actions.
JANUARY 2020
Members Have a High Opinion of Their Co-op Co-op Performance on Specific Traits Consumer-members give co-ops high marks across the board for performance but registered their highest satisfaction ever with co-ops being a “partner” in controlling energy use. Providing RELIABLE electric service.
68%
Quickly RESTORING electric service after an outage.
65%
COMMUNICATING and keeping members INFORMED about actions the co-op is taking.
27% 27%
47%
37%
Total positive
Change from 2018
95%
+1
92%
+2
84%
+5
Being a TRUSTED SOURCE for information about energy use and consumer choices.
39%
44%
83%
+5
Being a PARTNER in helping members control household energy use and save money.
39%
44%
83%
+10
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Perception of Electric Rates More than half of survey respondents said their co-op’s rates are “about right” or “a bit low.” Right/Low
Too High
60
52%
53%
56%
59% 53%
56%
50
40
30
46%
44%
46%
43%
41%
37% Feb. 2014
March 2015
Nov. 2015
83%
June 2016
April 2018
have a positive opinion of their co-op as a trusted source of information about energy use and consumer choices.
Source: Survey of 750 electric co-op members, July 2019, margin of error +|-3.6% by Frederick Polls
July 2019
C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
Pondering a Mighty, Meaty Bun that is Quintessentially ‘Kansas’
found everywhere from Kansas restaurants and cafes (and even a food truck) to cafeteria lunch trays. In my day, the bierock was cause for cheers when it landed on our high school’s menu. Known also as “runzas,” “bierochen,” “cabbage busters,” “German rocks,” “kraut Bierocks” or “kraut Runzas,” according to the “The Oxford Companion to Food and Drink” (Oxford University Press, Inc.; 2007), the meaty pockets were brought to the Midwest by Germans from Russia Rebecca Howard who settled in the prairie states in the mid- to late1800s. “Bierocks” is a Germanized pronunciation of the Russian word “pirog,” a name for “pie.” The convenient, meal-in-one bierock was a portable, hearty, handheld (and likely hand-warming) lunch that could be carried into the field or workplace. Popularity of bierocks inspired the Runza fast food chain that began in 1949 (serving the beefy cabbage buns with hamburger-esque condiments) and still thrives in enough Midwestern locations that a good friend of mine uses them to chart many of her road trips. A number of other Kansas eateries and grocery stores feature bierocks, and although they have a seasonal fall/winter (and football season) appeal, are popular all year long. Over the summer, I Use your favorite yeast roll recipe or use purchased frozen dough (in rolls could not help but be lured to lunch or loaves, divided into pieces) to make your own bierocks. at Becky’s Bierocks, a food truck and concession trailer that was stationed f Frozen roll dough, f 1 medium onion, chopped f Seasoning salt and pepper at a food festival in Manhattan. Becky thawed, but still cold f 1 medium cabbage, f Worcestershire sauce Roberson, who founded the company (recommended 12 shredded (6 to 8 cups in 1991, was a fan of bierocks and f 16 ounces mozzarella to 16 Rhodes Texas or an equal amount of began making them in large batches cheese, cut into cubes Rolls; see note) coleslaw mix can be used) and freezing them for her family. f Butter (optional) f 2 pounds ground beef Eventually, her bierocks ended up on Brown ground beef and onion, add cabbage and cook until tender. Drain and add seasoning a friend’s restaurant menu and when salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Cool. people began buying them in bulk, her Heat oven to 350 F. Flatten or roll each roll dough into a 6-inch circle, being careful not to business expanded. Based in St. Francis, stretch too thin. Place about 1/3 cup of filling into the center of each circle. Place a cube of Becky’s Bierocks sells fully cooked mozzarella cheese into the middle of the filling. Pull edges of dough over filling and pinch to frozen bierocks to retail and wholesale gather in a bundle to seal, so the filling does not leak out. markets, including grocery stores, meat Place rolls (pinched side down) on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until processing plants, convenience stores, golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Brush baked rolls with melted butter, if desired. hospitals, restaurants, coffee houses, Serve with your favorite condiments. and to schools and organizations for concessions and/or fundraising events, NOTE: If using frozen roll dough other than Texas-sized, use two dough balls per bierock. even shipping to the East and West coasts. She said via email that on proIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL every Jan. 29, we sang songs and celebrated the founding of the sunflower state. I always remember Kansas’ birthday, and the occasion also makes me ponder the foods and recipes that are quintessentially Kansas. In my “deep dive” research in this matter, one food kept surfacing that is a Kansas fave with a regional history — bierocks. For a lot of the country, “bierock” is not a common word (as evidenced by the fact that my “autocorrect” keeps changing it to “bedrock”), but around Kansas (and much of the Midwest), if you say “bierock,” you get immediate recognition — and enthusiasm. Bierocks (pronounced, depending on your region, as B’ROCK, BEE-rok or BEER-rok) those warm, golden-brown buns of soft yeast dough filled with, at their most basic, a delicious steamy meld of cooked ground beef, cabbage and onion (and can include cheese in some variations) are
Bierocks
GETTYIMAGES/RENA-MARIE
BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
Making bierocks, I discovered on a wintry afternoon recently, is a fun cooking project, and for those who love the buns but have never made them, is wellworth giving it a go. duction days her company turns out 75 to 100 dozen bierocks. “A bierock is a complete balanced meal — just add your drink!” Roberson said of their appeal. She recommended home cooks who want to make their own bierocks use the freshest ingredients, and said she thinks her bierocks’ popularity is due to them being as close to homemade as anything that can be purchased. Despite having eaten many bierocks over the years, I had never made them. In California, with nary a bierock in sight, this means being deprived for most of my days. I have always been a little intimidated in making a bierock. Even though it is a seemingly simple food, it does involve bread dough and a process of both cooking and baking. Recipes offer variations on the filling, including using sauerkraut, sausage, mushrooms and different cheeses. So many delicious possibilities. Yet even Roberson admitted it’s a “labor-intensive” process. But I was encouraged by a recipe and instructions (shared here) from my cousins Janice (who gifted my parents homemade bierocks) and Sheryl. Both make the buns regularly for family, and made me aware that one can use thawed frozen bread dough and already shredded cabbage (or even coleslaw mix) to streamline the work. Making bierocks, I discovered on a wintry afternoon recently, is a fun cooking project, and for those who love the buns but have never made them, is well-worth giving it a go. I made my first bierocks, stretching and flattening yeast dough into
six-inch circles and placing a mound of cooked ground beef, onions, and shredded cabbage and carrots into the center, as well as a cube of mozzarella cheese. The most enjoyable part was gathering up the dough to surround the filling, like wrapping a gift, pinching it together into a little bundle that, when turned over, created a perfect round. The bierocks baked off to a beautiful golden brown. With a warm, waiting treasure inside. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
25
protect what matters
mother nature looks like
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Enjoy your time outside playing in the snow, but bundle up before you go. Cover the areas most likely to be affected by frostbite: nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Brought to you by the electric cooperatives of Kansas. Source: cdc.gov
26
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
Pioneer Electric 2019 Rebecca’s Spinach Dip
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JANUARY 2020
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SAFETY
Fireplaces: For Extra Value, Add Extra Safety A FIRE IN THE HEARTH is a warm and welcoming part of winter for many Americans, but open flames inside the home should always be tended safely. Before you light your fireplace, we’re hoping you consider safety first. “Carbon monoxide exposure, burns and fire risks are the major hazards associated with fireplaces, but all of these can be addressed with a little planning and preparation,” said Patty Davis, deputy director of communications for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The federal agency, which monitors risks to consumers and makes recommendations for reducing potential hazards, cites home fireplaces, chimneys and chimney connectors as the leading cause of residential fires attributed to heating equipment. During a two-year period ending in 2016, fireplaces were associated with 19,800 of the more than 44,000 fires caused by heating and cooling equipment, nationwide. Those fires were blamed for 30 deaths and 50 injuries each year, causing more than $127 million in property damage annually. According to the CPSC, an open and properly maintained flue ensures that fireplace gases can be vented to the outside through the chimney and closed to help keep heat inside the home when the fireplace is not in use. “Make sure that you have a protective barrier in front of your fireplace to prevent a child or grandchild from coming into direct contact with
FIREPLACE SAFETY TIPS
CO
Every year, nearly 20,000 residential fires are linked to fireplaces. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to help you keep your family safe:
scheduling a fireplace inspection 1 Consider and cleaning by a certified professional. a carbon monoxide detector on 2 Install every floor of your home. These devices offer low-cost protection and provide early warnings of potential problems.
3 Keep flues, dampers, firestops, flashing and chimney caps in good condition. you have small children and/or pets, consider a secondary screen. A glass 4 Ifscreen can reach temperatures of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so an extra barrier can protect them from serious burns.
28
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2020
the glass front of the fire screen,” said Davis. “The surface temperature of the glass front can heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause very serious burns to a child.” According to Davis, many new fireplace screen sets include protective barriers or external screens designed to add that extra layer of protection to reduce burn risks. “If you use your fireplace for supplemental heating, you should include a full inspection with your system checkups,” said Davis. “You should also make sure you have at least one carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home to reduce the risks of CO exposure.” Odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide can quickly build up in the closed interior spaces of a home, leaving all occupants incapacitated and unable to escape. “When a CO alarm is activated, people can get out and then contact firefighters to deal with the carbon monoxide buildup that prompted the alarm,” Davis said. While carbon monoxide detectors are now required under many building codes for new construction in homes that include fireplaces, they can be installed in older homes or on floors where they are needed. “It’s important that people install them on every level of their homes, outside of sleeping areas,” said Davis. According to the CPSC, fireplaces should be considered fuel-burning appliances, subject to the same safety precautions, inspections and maintenance standards recommended for other items in that category. “Get a regular inspection, just as you would for a furnace or heating system,” said Davis. “The inspection should be done by a qualified professional, so that means you need to call a chimney company do it.” That inspection not only helps to ensure the system is tuned up for efficient operation, but it also gives the homeowner warning of wear or damage that could potentially cause fires or other problems once the season is underway. KCL writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
DERRILL HOLLY
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
29
Buffalo Pork with Blue Cheese
CinnamonPecan Streusel Coffee Cake
KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, JANUARY 2020
Buffalo sauce isn’t just for chicken. Get your buffalo fix with pork and homemade blue cheese sauce.
KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, JANUARY 2020
Enjoy for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy with milk or coffee. Stick with pecans or sub your favorite nuts. So many options.
KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, JAN U ARY 2020
your favorite veggie, cracker or bread to enjoy this delicious snack.
KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, JAN U ARY 2020
A beef spin on a classic Asian dish. Make your own flavors with several sauce options.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip A dip meant for a variety of dippers! Grab
Itty Bitty Beef Bundles
f 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce f 48 wonton wrappers (3-1/4 to 3-1/2-inch squares) f Favorite Asian dipping sauce (such as teriyaki, peanut or sweet and sour)
Itty Bitty Beef Bundles f 1 pound ground beef (95% lean) f 1 Tbs. dark sesame oil f 3 cups broccoli slaw, coarsely chopped f 1 Tbs. minced garlic f 1 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
Heat sesame oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add broccoli slaw, garlic and ginger; stir-fry five to seven minutes or until slaw is crisp-tender. Transfer to large bowl; cool to room temperature. Add ground beef and soy sauce; mix lightly but thoroughly. Spoon one tablespoon beef mixture in center of one wonton wrapper. Moisten edges of wonton wrapper with water. Bring four corners of wrapper up and over filling, forming pyramid shape and pinching edges together to seal. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with remaining wonton wrappers and filling to form 48 dumplings. Spray steamer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place as many dumplings into steamer basket that will fit without touching each other, about 10 to 12. Place basket over 1 inch boiling water (water should not touch bottom of basket.) Cover tightly; reduce heat. Steam six to seven minutes. Carefully remove dumplings to serving plate; keep warm. Repeat with remaining dumplings. Serve with dipping sauce. COURTESY BEEF IT ’S WHAT ’S FOR DINNER
f 1/4 cup pecans, chopped f 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon f 1/4 tsp. salt f 5 Tbs. butter, softened
f 1 whole egg
extract
f 2 tsp. vanilla
f 1 egg yolk
f 1/2 cup sugar
softened
f 3 Tbs. butter,
Cake f 1 1/2 cups flour f 3/4 tsp. baking powder
f 5 Tbs. milk
cheese
f 8 ounces cream
f 1/2 tsp. salt
f 1/4 tsp. baking soda
Cinnamon-Pecan Streusel Coffee Cake Topping f 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats f 1/3 cup flour f 1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
Heat oven 350 F. Spray 9-inch round baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
To make topping: In medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon and salt. Using pastry blender, cut butter into mixture until blended.
To make cake: In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda. In large bowl, mix cream cheese, butter and sugar. Beat mixture until smooth. Add egg and egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract. Beat mixture until smooth. Combine flour mixture with cream cheese mixture.
CO URTESY C ULINARY.NET, A DAP TED FROM WI LTON
Spread mixture in pan. Sprinkle topping over batter. Bake 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool about 10 minutes.
Buffalo Pork with Blue Cheese
f 2/3 cup blue cheese crumbled
f 1/2 cup mayonnaise
f 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
f 1/2 cup sour cream
cut into 1-inch cubes
f 1 cup shredded, low-moisture,
f Oil Spray
part-skim Mozzarella cheese
f 1/4 cup green onion, chopped
f 2 Tbs. milk (low-fat or nonfat is okay)
COURTESY E ATPORK
Serve the skewers and celery sticks with the blue cheese sauce on the side. NOTE: Instead of making the blue cheese sauce from scratch, you can purchase ready-made blue cheese dressing.
In a large bowl, combine the pork and remaining 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Season generously with salt. Thread the pork onto skewers and arrange on prepared baking sheet. Broil for 4 minutes. Turn and broil until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove pork from broiler and let rest at least 3 minutes. While pork is resting, brush both sides with the butter mixture.
Preheat broiler and arrange a rack 4 inches from the heat. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking oil. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the blue cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and milk. Season with salt and set aside. In another small bowl, combine the butter and 2 tablespoons of the hot sauce. Set both mixtures aside.
thirds, then lengthwise into sticks
f 6 ribs celery cut crosswise in halves or
f 2 Tbs. unsalted butter melted
f Salt
f 2 Tbs. red pepper, chopped
f 1 garlic clove, minced
f 1/4 cup hot sauce such as Tabasco, divided
Baked Spinach Artichoke Yogurt Dip f 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped f 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach frozen, thawed and drained f 8 ounces plain low-fat yogurt
Heat oven to 350 F. Combine artichoke hearts, spinach, yogurt, cheese, onion and garlic; mix well. Pour mixture into 1-quart casserole dish or 9-inch pie plate. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Sprinkle with red peppers.
COURTESY CULINARY.NET
JANUARY 2020
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
30
Y OWNED FAMIL
H
KANSAS PROUD SINCE 1917
LUMBER AND HOME IMPROVEMENT
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2263-2273 N. Amidon St. 316-838-8200
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