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G E T T Y I M A G E S /A I N S L I E B R E N N A N

DECEMBER F E AT U R E S

D E PA RT M E N T S

12 | Gift Outside the Box

4 |

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Reader holiday contest

Do you have someone on your gift list difficult to buy for? Or someone who has everything? Sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages but rather in unique experiences.

6 | 8 |

20 | Electrifying Gift Ideas

10 |

Electricity doesn’t have to just light up your tree this Christmas; it can also power your holiday gift list.

A RO U N D K A N S A S

Holiday happenings CO M M E N TA RY

Elections and alliances E N E RGY W I S E

Garage door efficiency

Consider an insulation kit vs. a new door.

22 | Small Heater, Big Bills?

18 |

While adding space heaters to supplement your central heating system can drive up your energy costs, selective use might help you save money.

YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N

Terrariums brighten winter days Low-maintenance miniature gardens offer respite from the cold.

24 |

GET TY IMAGES/EVGEN_PROZHYRKO

PROVIDENCE HILL FARMS

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Stop, drop, roll, mold and bake It’s Christmas cookie baking season.

26 | 28 |

M A R K E T P L AC E

Find products, services you need SAFETY

6 steps to safer winter driving

Don’t tread on thin ice with your tires.

29 |

M O N T H LY R E C I P E S

ON THE COVER Sometimes the best gifts aren’t wrapped in paper and bows. Think outside of the box this holiday season and give the gift of an experience. P H OTO BY G E T T Y I M AG E S / G A L I YA H A S S A N

DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

It’s the Holidays—Let’s Have Some Fun with a Reader Contest

(ISSN 0091-9586) DECEMBER 2018 VOL. 68, NO. 12 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2018 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Vicki Estes

Director of Communications, Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

closer to Christmas, I’m giddy my daughter will be home from college for nearly a month and excited to see my brothers who live out of state. I love spending time with family, especially my siblings, during the holidays. We’ve matured, but when we’re in a room together we haven’t grown up. We still make fun of each other but now it’s more civil. Gone are the days of teasing about someone’s choice in fashion. Instead, we poke fun at our aging status, inability to stay up past 10 p.m. and weatherinduced aches and pains. We’ve learned to avoid hot button issues—politics, religion, sporting team alliances—to keep the peace while we’re once again sharing space under the same roof. I think most families can relate. No matter how much time passes—whether we see each other once a year or once a decade—we pick up where we left off.

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

AS WE INCH

Reader Contest

To celebrate the gathering of families this holiday season, Kansas Country Living is sponsoring “Name That Family” contest. It’s easy. All you need to do is guess which famous family the gift list on the cover of this issue belongs to and send your

Keith McNickle President

Terry Hobbs

Vice President

Craig Kostman

Secretary

Teresa Miller Treasurer

answer to editor@kec.org. The first five correct guesses will receive a 2018 Willie Wiredhand Christmas ornament (shown above). In this issue, you’ll find gift ideas for your siblings and others including suggestions for “gifting outside the box” and “electrifying” gifts. And be sure to read Page 22 to learn the selective and safe use of space heaters to keep your family safe and your heating bills in check. As we close 2018, I’d like to wish you, our readers, a blessed holiday season, abundant with family love and laughter. KCL

VICKI ESTES , EDITOR

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: 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 Lyon-Coffey, Burlington Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Radiant, Fredonia 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 $5.88 per year. Individual 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 more than 27 million readers monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

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THROUGH DEC. 15 Chipping the Block,

Painting the Silk: The Prints of Norma Bassett Hall, Manhattan. American artist Norma Bassett Hall created nearly 100 print designs inspired by the diverse landscapes encountered during travels including Kansas. Tuesdays-Saturdays at Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. 14th and Lane streets. THROUGH JAN. 1 Trail of Lights, Great

Bend. V iew the animated lights winding through the community featuring the Twelve Days of Christmas, Christmas Nativity and Historical Village Lights. 620-793-4111. THROUGH DEC. 21 Santas Around the

World, Great Bend. V iew 23 life-size Santas showcasing stories and traditions from around the world. Children can visit Santa! Thurs.-Fri. from 4-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 1-6 p.m. 1223 Main St., 620-796-2242. THROUGH DEC. 23 Holly Jolly Jurassic

Holiday, Wichita. When dinosaurs deck the halls, you never know what to expect next as they prepare for a hilarious, unforgettable holiday celebration. Open 5-9 p.m. Field Station, 2999 Rock Rd., www.visitwichita.com. THROUGH DEC. 30 Isle of Lights, Winfield.

Extraordinary Christmas light display throughout Island Park. Open nightly from 6-10 p.m. 200 Main St. THROUGH DEC. 31 Rocky Pond Christmas

Lights, Belleville. Enjoy the illuminated lights from 6-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs.; 6-10 p.m. Fri.Sat. 785-527-5524, email mainstreet@nckcn.com, Facebook/Rocky Pond Christmas Lights. THROUGH DEC. 31 Chautauqua Isle of

Lights, Beloit. Over 240 lit displays Sun.-Thurs. 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat 6-10 p.m. 301 Chautauqua Dr. THROUGH JAN. 2 Christmas City of the High Plains, WaKeeney. Downtown is magically transformed into a holiday wonderland. 6-10 p.m. each night. 200 Main St. THROUGH JAN. 31 Pheasant Hunting

Contest-Rooster Roundup & Bounty

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Bird, Ford County. Prizes for catching one of 150 banded pheasants released in Ford County. If you bag a banded pheasant, register the band with the Dodge City Visitors Center to claim prizes. 400 W. Wyatt Earp, www. visitdodgecity.org. DEC. 1 Artist’s Studio Open House,

Lindsborg. Various locations 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 785-227-8687. DEC. 1 Snowflake Parade, Lindsborg. All welcome. Entry fee—a creative Christmas costume. 11 a.m. on Main St. 785-227-8687. DEC. 1-2 Young Guns Timed Event

Extravaganza, Dodge City. 10:30 a.m. at Western State Bank Expo Center. Email questions to: younggunsinfo.gmail.com, find us on Facebook/Young Guns. DEC. 2 Juletide, Lindsborg. 4 p.m. Presser Hall, Bethany College. 335 E. Swensson St., 785227-3380 ext. 8235. DEC. 2 Holiday Trail Ride, Canton. Ride our 2,800-acre prairie with glimpses of bison and elk. Lunch provided. Must furnish own horse; no studs allowed. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, reservations required at 620-628-4455 or Friendsofmaxwell@yahoo.com. DEC. 6 Christmas Parade, Caney. Come see the parade at 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Caney Valley Historical Society and the Caney Fire Department. Find us on Facebook/Caney Christmas Parade. DEC. 6-8 Clarion Inn Roundball

Tournament, Garden City. A tournament bringing teams from four states and offers a first-class basketball experience. Thurs. 10 a.m. and Sat. 2 p.m. at Garden City High School. 2720 Buffalo Way, 620-805-5430. DEC. 6-9, 13-16 Depot Theater Production: “Bless Me, Father,” Dodge City. A hilarious Christmas comedy. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Depot Theater Company, Central Ave. and Wyatt Earp St., 620-225-1001, www. depottheaterco.com.

DECEMBER 2018

DEC. 7 SKIL Resource Center’s “Home

for the Holidays,” Parsons. Join the independent living center’s annual holiday celebration. Free hot dinner, prizes, speakers, music, dance, annual meeting. Public welcome. 4:30 p.m. at Parsons VFW. 101 E. Main, 800-6885616, www.skilonline.com. DEC. 7 Christmas Concert, Clay Center.

The Community Chamber Orchestra presents this family-friendly evening beginning at 7 p.m. in the Main Lodge of Life’s Finer Moments. 1285 16th Rd., 785-926-4725, www.kansasmusic.net. DEC. 8 & 15 Annual Christmas on the Prairie, Canton. Celebrate an old-fashioned 1800s Christmas with storytelling, cookies and cocoa. Bison and elk tour at 10 a.m. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Reservations required at 620628-4455 or Friendsofmaxwell@yahoo.com. DEC. 8 St. Lucia Festival, Lindsborg. 10 a.m. -4 p.m. downtown and Bethany Lutheran Church. 320 N. Main St., 785-227-2167. DEC. 8 Old Fashioned Christmas, Lindsborg. 5-8:30 p.m. McPherson County Old Mill Museum , 120 Mill St., 785-227-3595. DEC. 8-9 Merry Christmas Market, St.

Marys. Shop locally! Support the community! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at George J. Perry Memorial Armory 110 S. 5th. DEC. 9 Christmas Open House,

Concordia. Bring the kids for cookies and to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free and open to the public. 1-3 p.m. Nazareth Motherhouse. 785-2432113 ext. 1225, or agilliland@csjkansas.org. DEC. 14 Bonding through Board Games, Wichita. Enjoy a night of family fun! 6:30-9 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Extension Sunflower Room. 7001 W. 21st Street North. DEC. 14-15 First Infantry Division Band

Christmas Concert, Junction City. C.L. Hoover Opera House, 135 W. 7th St., 785-2383906, www.jcoperahouse.org.

DEC. 15 Cookies with Mrs. Claus, Lindsborg. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. First Bank Kansas, 118 N. Main St., 785-227-3344.

DEC. 25 Julotta, Lindsborg. Merry Christmas! 6 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church . 320 N. Main St., 785-227-2167.

DEC. 15-16 Christmas Cantata - “Behold

DEC. 26 Annandag Jul, Lindsborg. 10 a.m.

a Savior!”, Phillipsburg. An unforgettable Christmas performance filled with music and inspiration. Sat. 7 p.m. and Sun. 2 p.m. at Huck Boyd Community Center. 785-543-5535. DEC. 21-22 C&R Railroad Christmas Train

Show, Phillipsburg. Animated 0-scale trains chug through a quaint mountain village to Union Station. Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. at Huck Boyd Community Center. Reservations 785-543-5535. DEC. 22 Grand O’ Opry, Ottawa. Doors

open 6:15 p.m. for 7 p.m. showtime at Memorial Auditorium. 301 S. Hickory, 785-214-0013.

Wichita Boathouse. 515 S. Wichita. Sign up at www.hangoverhalf.com. DEC. 31 Sesquicentennial New Year’s Eve

Party, Lindsborg. Roaring into the future. 8 p.m. - 1 a.m. J. O. Sundstrom Conference Center, 102 N. Main St., 785-227-8687.

at Bethany Lutheran Church. 320 N. Main St., 785-227-2167.

DEC. 31 11th Annual Resolution Run 5K,

El Dorado. Enjoy New Year’s Eve with a run starting at 5 p.m. Includes an optional beer run and post-race chili and cornbread. El Dorado Civic Center, 201 E. Central. Register at www. hangoverhalf.com. DEC. 31 Run in the New Year 5K, Wichita.

Kick start your New Year’s resolution by running “into” 2019 LITERALLY. Enjoy post-race sparkling cider and cookies. Race starts at 11:45 p.m. at the

JAN. 1 Hangover Half Marathon & 5K, Wichita. Start 2019 with a running tour of historic downtown and Riverside Park. Postrace coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts. Half marathon start 9 a.m., 5k start 9:30 a.m. at the Wichita Boathouse. 515 S. Wichita. Sign up at www.hangoverhalf.com. 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.

A Holiday Tradition from the Heartland

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au Marche 931 Massachusetts Downtown Lawrence 785-865-0876 Featured in Kansas Country Living December 2017

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DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O M M E N TA RY

Elections and Alliances: Building Relationships Key for Co-ops

BY B R U C E G R A H A M

THE CONSENSUS AFTER the election is that 100 percent

Bruce Graham

We have worked with both Laura Kelly and Lynn Rogers in the Kansas Senate and they understand the importance of rural Kansas.

of Americans think 50 percent of Americans have lost their minds. That was probably the best analysis I heard after the polls closed on Tuesday, Nov. 6. And while we sort out the state and national impact on our industry, it was clearly a message from the voters that they are active, engaged and paying attention, regardless of how you feel about the results. The headline race in Kansas was for Governor and Lt. Governor and the electric cooperatives have an excellent working relationship with the chosen team of Laura Kelly and Lynn Rogers. We have worked with both of the state leaders in the Kansas Senate and they understand the importance of rural Kansas. In fact, during the new administration’s first news conference, it was announced that as Lt. Governor, Rogers will also run the Rural Prosperity office. Their campaign materials recognize the challenges facing rural Kansas as well as the opportunities. Among the goals set for the office are to ensure that investments by state agencies are aligned with the needs of rural communities as well as to market and promote rural Kansas as a place to live, work and visit. While the election didn’t change the majorities in the Kansas Legislature, it appears to have shifted the House a bit more conservative. Independent of political ideology though, there are several issues of concern brewing and your electric co-ops will be working to communicate with new and returning legislators in both the House and Senate. Another important vote occurred on Monday, Nov. 5, when the members of Lyon-Coffey Electric Cooperative and Radiant Electric Cooperative overwhelmingly supported a consolidation. An economic analysis of the proposal forecasts savings at $9 million over 10 years through unified management, purchasing, accounting, billing, information technology, and member service functions. The new legal entity will be called 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative and the combined best practices and processes will be effective on Jan. 1, 2020. Occasionally I get asked if such unions occur very often. The short answer is the number of distribution co-ops headquartered in Kansas has been reduced over time from 36 to 25, with the latest

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

consolidation, while retaining service to almost all of rural Kansas. Alliances come in many other forms as well— with efficiency as a primary goal. One example of such a partnership is Kansas Electric Cooperatives (KEC) where I have the privilege of working for the cooperatives as chief executive officer. By pooling their resources through our association, co-ops receive essential support in areas that are most effectively and efficiently done as a larger group. Among those benefits are legislative relations, tax and regulatory assistance, continuing education for employees and directors, safety training, youth outreach, communications, public relations, and mutual assistance when storms and other major outages occur. Another demonstration of resource consolidation occurred in the 1950s when co-op administrators were having difficulty obtaining what they felt were equitable rates from large power companies. Their solution? Co-ops decided to generate and transmit their own electricity and formed Sunflower Power Electric Corporation in 1957 to supply power to six distribution cooperatives in western Kansas. In 1975, Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. became the state’s second generation and transmission cooperative and currently serves 19 distribution cooperatives. Electric co-ops have allied to form a national risk management company called Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, headquartered in Shawnee, Kansas, which writes property, liability, workers’ compensation and other insurance lines. Cooperatives across the nation have also come together to create organizations that specialize in lending to rural electrics, group purchasing and maintenance of equipment, data processing, call centers and technology solutions that are all cost saving consolidations of resources. Without a doubt, the future will bring incredible strides in generation, technology, and member service. While those opportunities are unpredictable, one thing is certain: KEC and its members will band together to assure greater efficiency and economy of operations for all. KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas

Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.

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Efficient Garage Doors Reduce Outside Noise, Bring Savings and Comfort BY J A M E S D U L L E Y

ing a garage door insulation kit. Some do-it-yourself kits increase the insulation value by R-8. A typical kit includes vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation batts, retaining clips and tape. Cut the batts to fit the door panels. Apply strips of doublesided tape on two spots on each panel. Stick the retaining clips on the tape and push the insulation over them. A top clip snaps over each retaining clip to hold the insulation securely in place. Also, put one-quarter-inch adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping in the joints. Several other advantages of installing an insulation kit are reduced outdoor noise in the garage (and bedroom above) and reduced lighting costs. The exposed white vinyl backing reflects much light so you should need fewer lights on when working on your woodworking projects. If you decide a new garage door is needed, there are several basic options. The most common garage door materials are wood, insulated steel, insulated fiberglass, and aluminum/glass. Of these, the insulated steel or fiberglass offer the best efficiency with insulation as high as house walls. The overall high efficiency results both from the insulation value and the rigidity of the door, which remains airtight over its life. Many insulated steel doors are “wind-rated” for severe weather areas. Even if your area does not have frequent severe, high-wind storms, install the horizontal galvanized steel supports across the inner surface of the garage if they were included. While the door is rolling up to open, the door edges are not interlocked to support each other. Without the supports, the panels may flex and develop fatigue cracks over time. If you prefer the appearance of wood, but want higher efficiency, select a clad Consider installing a garage door insulation kit. Some do-it-yourself kits increase the insulation insulated steel garage door. A

OWENS CORNING

DEAR JIM: I do woodworking projects in part of my garage, which is beneath two bedrooms. It has an old uninsulated garage door. What should I look for in a new efficient door?– Ronald T. DEAR RONALD: Replacing the inefficient garage door sounds like a good idea. This is both for your comfort when working on projects and to reduce energy losses from your house. If the builder installed such an inexpensive, inefficient garage door, the bedroom floor above the garage may not be properly insulated either. When evaluating energy efficient projects, keep in mind heat energy moves in all direction including downward. If your garage does not have a heating duct leading to it, but it stays reasonably warm, heat is leaking in through adjacent house walls and down from the bedroom floor. This makes your heat pump run more as heat is lost through the old garage door. Before you invest in a new efficient garage door, inspect your existing door. If it is in relatively good condition and there are no significant drafts coming from the joints between the panels, consider install-

value by R-8. A typical kit includes vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation batts, retaining clips and tape. After clips are stuck to garage door, the fiberglass batts are pressed over the clips.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

Continued on page 16

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Gifting BY M E L I N DA S C H N Y D E R

Outside the Box I’M NOT A MINIMALIST, but I’m tired of stuff. They say you give the gifts that you also want to receive, so it makes sense that lately I am giving fewer material presents and more experience-type gifts. When my husband and I celebrate a wedding anniversary, we typically enjoy a meal at a new restaurant and plan a vacation together. I travel a lot, and instead of souvenirs, I usually bring back photos or maybe a consumable like a jar of barbecue sauce made in the community I was visiting. This year, I think I’ve brought on board a few of my close girlfriends. We aren’t swapping gift bags full of stuff for Christmas; our gift is time spent together and maybe a local theater production to give us a dose of holiday cheer. I don’t think I’m alone in my preference in experiences over material. It was estimated that

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

four out of 10 consumers would give experiential gifts last holiday season. If you’re not finished with your holiday shopping—or haven’t yet started—we are here to inspire you to give something that doesn’t fit in a box: gift certificates for learning a new skill, doing outdoor activities, attending a concert or exhibit, traveling. Look in your community for ideas, from tickets to events to memberships at museums and cultural attractions to performing and visual arts classes at studios. Find out if your favorite chef in town offers private lessons. Consider a day trip or an even longer trip. It could be an activity you do with your recipients or something for them to do on their own. Here are some ideas across the state to get you started gifting outside the box.

LARK INN

T R AV E L K S

PROVIDENCE HILL FARMS

CHEESE MAKING ON A GOAT FARM

A FLINT HILLS EXPERIENCE

COOKING CLASSES

Most of the women, men and children who sign up for a workshop at Providence Hill Farm are just having fun for the day with supplies, equipment and goats they don’t typically have access to. Some are embracing a new hobby or a new business. Christy Harris welcomes all to experience the art of farmstead living and meet the 15 dairy goats living with her family on this nearly 5-acre property less than 3 miles west of downtown Atchison. Growing food, working with animals and making things by hand are all on display. She teaches private and group workshops on making a variety of artisan products: goat’s milk cheese, soaps and lotions, and bread baked in a wood-fired brick oven. She said she’s constantly developing new workshops. Classes are by appointment and prices vary based on experiences requested. The three-hour soap class, for example, is $125 and includes supplies to make at least a dozen bars of soap. Every Saturday starting in late March when baby goats start appearing, she will offer Goat University for $150 per person. It’s a full day starting with goat yoga, then making mozzarella cheese and creating your own wood-fired pizza for lunch, followed by a walk in the woods with the goats and finishing with making soap.

Explore the Flint Hills in a new way, either during its signature annual event or with a private tour. Gwen Obermeyer, co-owner of Ad Astra Food & Drink in Strong City, will customize a private prairie experience starting at $100 per couple (she’ll also work with family and friend groups). Expect great food—even a cooking class if desired—and exclusive access to ranches, bison and the people who live here. Her husband Brian, a biologist for The Nature Conservancy and stationed at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, will share history and ongoing preservation efforts. Another way to experience this area of the state is accompanied by worldclass music during the 2019 Symphony in the Flint Hills on June 15. Organizers have put together a gift package around next year’s theme: Ad Astra, meaning “to the stars.” Order the $250 package by Dec. 20 and receive a personalized gift box containing goodies with a night sky theme and two general admission tickets for the day-long activities that culminate in a Kansas City Symphony performance.

Those who love to cook can pick up kitchen tips and tricks or learn a new recipe with a cooking class. When Kris and Pat Larkin were revitalizing one of the homes they purchased in Cottonwood Falls to make it a guest inn, they incorporated a semi-professional display kitchen perfect for Kris to offer participatory classes. Guests can book the Lark Inn on Main for $175 a night (it sleeps up to six) and request a gourmet cooking lesson for $50 per person. Overnight stays are not required; the Larkins will host private, customizable cooking sessions for five to eight people as long as the kitchen is unrented. They also regularly offer scheduled classes with a set menu open to individuals. A recent class had students helping prepare a five-course meal using recipes from a cookbook Kris co-wrote called “For the Love of Kenya.” She said fees for the cooking classes go directly to support a sewing school in Kenya. The Larkins own two guesthouses and manage six others, as well share ownership in Ad Astra Food & Drink, a restaurant in nearby Strong City.

ff PROVIDENCEHILLFARM.NET

ff ADASTRAFOODANDDRINK.COM

(Facebook page shows current classes) 913-367-9622 providencehillfarm@sbcglobal.net

ff SYMPHONYINTHEFLINTHILLS.ORG

620-273-8955 ff INFO@ SYMPHONYINTHEFLINTHILLS.ORG

ff LARKINNPROPERTYMANAGEMENT. COM

620-273-1135 info@TheLarkInn.com

620-273-8440 flinthillsadastra@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Heartland Farm started out offering an annual workshop for guests to learn, renew or develop fiber arts skills on an alpaca farm just west of Great Bend. Guests asked for more, so the resident Dominican Sisters of Peace and staff have developed about a dozen workshops across a range of interests. A few examples: beer brewing, making homemade pasta, composting and making your own natural beauty products. There are set dates for the workshops, though many are also available on demand for couples or friends weekends, as are classes in the art studio such as weaving and pottery. The original Fiber Space workshops are still going, too: Jan. 18-19 and Feb. 8-9, $75 per person. You’ll find other things to do on the farm, which is home to 14 alpacas, chickens and organic gardens. Affordable on-site lodging is also available. ff HEARTLANDFARM-KS.ORG

hfarm-ks@gbta.net

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DUFF ’S BUFFALO RANCH

T R AV E L K S

H E A RT L A N D FA R M

ALPACA FARM SKILLS WORKSHOPS

SPACE CAMP If you have a child or adult on your gift list interested in space exploration, they won’t have to travel far to train like an astronaut or navigate the landscape of Mars. The Cosmosphere International SciEd Center & Space Museum in Hutchinson offers day and overnight camps for all ages. These multi-day experiences happen over the summer and start at $129 per person. Visit the website for a listing of 2019 program dates. The Cosmosphere is a Smithsonianaffiliated space museum that has developed a close relationship with NASA. Youth camps range from discovering the secrets of the solar system to training in spacecraft replicas that have interiors used by actual NASA astronauts. An adult astronaut adventure can include mission training that is then tested on the Cosmosphere’s simulators, along with stargazing using high-powered telescopes and behind-the-scenes access to the center.

WESTERN KANSAS BISON RANCH TOUR See wide-open pastures covered in wildflowers, rolling hills and chalk rock formations as you ride through the nearly untouched prairie of Duff’s Buffalo Ranch. As soon as owners Susan and Richard Duff put down cubes around the vehicle, the bison will come running and offer up-close views while enjoying the treats. The 3,600-acre ranch is about 20 miles north of Scott City off Highway 83 along the Western Vistas Historic Byway. From May through October, they’ll take a group of up to four people on a tour in a pickup truck, with seating inside the cab or in the bed of the truck. Cost is $50 per group and is by appointment only. Contact them for pricing on larger groups, which can be taken on trailers with seating on bales of hay. ff DUFFMEATS.COM

620-874-5120 rduff@duffmeats.com

ff COSMO.ORG

620-665-9323 camps@cosmo.org DECEMBER 2018

Continued on page 17

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THE FOLLOWING OFFER EFFICIENT GARAGE DOORS ffAMARR GARAGE DOORS , 800-503-3667, www.amarr.com ffCLOPAY, 800-225-6729, www.clopaydoor.com ffOVERHEAD DOOR , 800-929-1277, www.overheaddoor.com ffRAYNOR GARAGE DOORS , 800-472-9667, www.raynor.com;

one-half-inch-thick polymer coating is applied over the exterior steel skin. It has authentic wood grain molded into the surface so it looks identical to real stained wood. A 2-inch thick door with the polymer coating provides R-20.4 insulation. Another attractive option is an embossed simulated wood painted finish providing R-18.4 insulation. A very popular garage door style today is a simulated swing-open carriage type. It still rolls up like a typical panel garage door, but from the street it appears the two doors would swing open on hinges. These attractive doors often have some type of decorative glass across the top panel for aesthetics and for natural light in the garage. An insulated steel door is probably the least expensive design to meet your efficiency and comfort needs. The foam inside the door can be either preformed rigid polystyrene or foamedin-place urethane foam. The urethane foam has a higher insulation level. A lower-cost 1-3/8-inch thick door with rigid polystyrene still provides R-6.3 insulation. When choosing a steel door, look for one with a polymer thermal break separating the outdoor and indoor metal skins to reduce heat loss. This is not a

R AY N O R

ffWAYNE-DALTON , 800-827-3667, www.wayne-dalton.com.

This garage door panel has polyurethane foam insulation and interlocking seals between the panels to minimize air leakage.

factor on a fiberglass door. A 24- to 27-gauge (lower gauge number is thicker) galvanized steel skin is durable. Hot-dipped galvanized steel tracks and 14-gauge hinges are advisable. If you have children, look for tight-sealing, pinch-resistant panels. The edges are designed to push a finger out of the panel joints as the door closes. Also select a door with an interlocking panel joint design which creates a tight, long air path to minimize leakage. If you want glass in the garage door for natural lighting, select double-pane, insulated glass. KCL Send inquiries to JAMES DULLEY, Kansas Country Living, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

D E AR J I M : Most metal pipe was replaced with plastic when plumbing

was upgraded in my house. The electrical system was grounded to the water pipes. Should I provide a new earth ground? – Kathy G.

D E AR K ATHY: Yes! It is extremely important to have a suitable earth

ES/1287 GETTY IMAG

5116

ground for the electrical circuitry in your house. Without it, an electrical short in a refrigerator, for example, can result in a severe shock. Adding a new ground often involves driving a long copper or copper-plated rod into the ground, or burying a ring of heavy wire around your house. The main copper ground wire is attached to this. KCL

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

B O OT H I L L D I ST I L L E RY

THE SHEPHERD’S MILL

WOOL MARKET & DIY SCHOOL

K S D E P T. O F W I L D L I F E & PA R K S

Continued from page 14

DIY SCHOOL

OUTDOOR SKILLS FOR WOMEN

CREATING FABRIC FROM FLEECE

DISTILLERY TOURS

The Wool Market & DIY School opened at the end of August in downtown Hutchinson with about half of its space devoted to a technical learning center. Owners Andrea Springer and Steve Snook say it’s about community, enjoying time spent with other people, slowing down a little bit and learning new skills. They have craft and art equipment that is often too expensive for individuals to own available for rent and to be used in a steady flow of classes they’ll be offering in 2019. In addition to macrame, knitting, weaving and crocheting, they’ll offer classes in photography, polymer clay and other topics Kansas artisans are interested in teaching. For example, a local angler will be offering a class in tying fishing flies with bits of fiber.

Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a weekend workshop for women age 18 and older who want to try new activities, improve their skills or enjoy the company of like-minded women. Participants get to choose their classes, from wilderness survival to hunting and fishing skills to water activities. It’s offered by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism twice a year at Rock Springs 4-H Center in Junction City. Spring dates are May 3-5 and the fall workshop will take place in September. Registration of $250 per person includes seven meals, two nights lodging, instruction, supplies and use of equipment.

From alpaca to yak, The Shepherd’s Mill in the north Kansas town of Phillipsburg produces yarns and fabrics from natural fibers. Get a look inside the operation during a two-and-a-half-day Fleece to Fabric workshop. Students spend a day in the mill working through the 14-step process to produce their own pound of yarn, then a day using that product in a project of their choosing. It’s customizable based on skill and interest, and costs $400 for up to five people plus supplies. The Shepherd’s Mill also offers on-demand classes covering all fiber arts and ranging from beginner to advanced starting at $25 per person. A popular course is Technicolor weaving, where students hand dye an alpaca wrap then use a weaving loom to create a scarf.

Give the gift of a fun, hourlong tour of the Boot Hill Distillery in Dodge City, or purchase a spot in the family-owned distillery’s new educational series rolling out in 2019. It is Kansas’ only soil-tosip distillery, meaning its three farmer-owners produce every grain used to make the spirits. The owners, father-son Roger and Hayes Kelman of Sublette and Chris Holovach of Scott City, opened the doors in 2016 with Hayes as the head distiller. The tour shares the history and restoration of the site, a historic building that sits atop the former Boot Hill Cemetery, and walks you through the distilling process with tastings along the way of gin, vodka, whiskeys, Prickly Ash bitters and, if you visit once the first barrel is tapped next spring, bourbon. Tours are $10 and offered at 1, 3 and 5 on Friday and Saturday afternoons.

ff THEWOOLMARKET.NET

620-694-3250 wmdiyschool@gmail.com

ff KSOUTDOORS.COM/ BOW

785-845-5052 KansasBOW@sbcglobal.net

ff KANSASFIBER.COM

785-543-3128 sally@ksfiber.com

ff BOOTHILLDISTILLERY. COM

620-371-6309 info@boothilldistillery.com DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N

Terrariums Can Brighten the Harshest Winter Days BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

was classified as a clear open for a few days allowing moisture to escape. container with a sealed lid used to grow plants. This Plants that grow in a humid environment natuconcept was reportedly conceived in the 1800s as a rally can do well in a terrarium. Small, slow-growing method for shipping plant materials. Over time the plants are preferable to avoid crowding. Some good use of the term terrarium has evolved to include options include: croton (Codiaeum variegatum), open containers as well. Contrary to dish gardens, maidenhair fern (Adiantum cuneatum), and spider the sides of an open terrarium container are higher plant (Chlorophytum comosum). When combinthan the plants. ing plants in a single terrarium make selections To start a terrarium garden, choose a transparent with similar growth requirements in terms of light, glass or plastic container with a lid. Creativity can temperature and moisture. Larger plants can be flourish here as you repurpose containers such as a appropriate, but may require occasional pruning. large jug, fish tank or decorative glass. Traditional Succulents and cacti are not suited for terrariums glass terrariums can also be purchased at garden because they require a drier climate. centers and craft stores. The container should not When arranging the plants, decide if the terhave any drainage holes. Selecting a container with rarium will be viewed from all sides. A one-sided a tight fitting lid will allow the interior environment terrarium should have taller plants in the back. to have a high level of humidity. This is a result of The planting medium can be mounded in the back transpiration. As plants release water from the leaves to establish height differences. If viewed from all and stems, the moisture condenses on the glass and sides, taller plants can be placed in the center of then falls back into the soil. This cyclical process can the terrarium. If the opening of the container is continue indefinitely reducing the care required for small, tools such as skewer sticks can be helpful for the terrarium. positioning items. Wipe the insides of the terrarium Begin with clean soil to avoid disease. Pre-sterwith a paper towel to remove any soil that accumuilized peat-based mixes are well-drained and rich lated during planting. in organic matter, which is necessary for terrariumTerrariums require bright, indirect sunlight. grown plants. Along with Establishing your terrarium clean soil, the container can take several weeks so should be cleaned thoroughly monitor the environment prior to planting. This can be regularly during this time. If done with soap and water or the glass becomes foggy, para 10 percent bleach solution. tially open the lid to release Many older publications some humidity. Over time about terrariums instruct you will notice condensation gardeners to layer gravel and forming on the glass indicatcharcoal in the bottom of the ing the terrarium is establishcontainer to improve draining its self-watering process. age. This has been deterThe ecosystem created in a mined ineffective because of healthy terrarium results in a how thoroughly the planting low-maintenance miniature medium retains water. If the garden useful as a centermedium became so saturated piece, gift and indoor accent that water drained into the even during the harshest rock layer the plant roots winter days. KCL would be oxygen-deprived These three terrariums feature various CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an and rot. The better approach container options. The glass jar has a lid instructor and coordinator for is to avoid over-watering. If and a humid interior environment. The K-State’s horticultural therapy the soil becomes too sature-purposed blender and lantern are open online certificate program. and require regular watering. rated leave the container

ORIGINALLY A TERRARIUM

Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.

The ecosystem created in a healthy terrarium results in a lowmaintenance miniature garden useful as a centerpiece, gift and indoor accent even during the harshest winter days.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

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ELECTRIFY YOUR

BY PA U L W E S S L U N D

HOLIDAY GIFT LIST Advances in electronics offer something for everyone. to light up your tree this Christmas; it can also power your holiday gift list. Electric gadgets can cook, entertain, help with chores and improve your health, says Brian Sloboda, a program and product manager at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He says electric devices will almost always get the job done quieter, cheaper and more efficiently. Sloboda has a couple of tips before you head to the store or online to start shopping: Don’t always buy the cheapest. Inexpensive rechargeable batteries, for example, can catch fire. Or their charges can be limited, giving just a few minutes of use at a time. Buy from reputable com-

ELECTRICITY DOESN’T JUST HAVE

panies, and shop around to compare prices. Be cyber safe. Any internet-connected device can be hacked. Even security cameras and smart TVs come with a preset and lousy password. Change it. Keep the software updated—updates often include security fixes. He adds, “Don’t let the fear of hacking prevent you from enjoying these devices. Just be aware of what could happen and take necessary precautions.” Here’s your idea list for giving, or receiving.

For the Cook

Sous-vide is the latest kitchen trend. In French, it means “under vacuum,” but it’s basically a cooking technique that seals the food in a plastic bag and slow cooks it in water. “It is used by a number of restaurants,” says Sloboda. “It doesn’t get rid of the nutrients in the food through overcooking.” Sousvide devices come as an electric pot, or for less money, as a wand that you stick into your own pot of water with the plastic bag. And of course, there’s an app for that—you can control the sous-vide cooking with your smart phone.

For the Handyperson

A sous-vide device slow cooks food in a sealed plastic bag immersed in water. Sous-vide is French for “under vacuum.”

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

Electric lawn mowers, trimmers and chain saws eliminate spills and trips to the gas station. But they’re not for everyone—Sloboda says professional landscapers need the power of gasoline. Rechargeable battery models are best for suburban yards where the job takes about 30 minutes. Plug-in versions have the hassle and distance limits of a cord, but are more powerful and cheaper. Another big

For Fun

“It’s a good time to buy electronics,” says Sloboda. “Televisions are getting thinner and lighter, and they’re coming down in price. All because LED (light-emitting diode) technology has improved.” If the video games in your house are a few years old, gamers will get much better graphics with an upgrade, and they will save energy, says Sloboda, because “we’ve seen the video game console manufacturers improve the efficiency of their products.” For outdoor activities, flying remotecontrolled drones has gotten popular, and they’re available in a range of prices. Before you buy, check battery life between recharges so you know whether your gift provides 30 minutes

of fun, or three minutes. E-readers make books quickly and cheaply available, and now you can even check out electronic books from your library. Virtual reality glasses or goggles not only put you right in the middle of the action in a video game, they can be useful in home repair— companies are starting to offer virtual reality diagnostics for their products that can show details like which way to turn the wrench to fix a problem.

Keep an eye on your pet when you’re away with numerous options for home video monitoring.

For Health

Smart watches and wrist bands not only keep track of how far you walk each day, but can appeal to your competitive streak by choosing a virtual walking or running mate. A wide range of power scooters are available for fun or for commuting, some even have pedals to supplement the motor, so you can get a bit of exercise too. Be aware that good motorized bikes and scooters are expensive.

For the Home

Smart watches and wrist bands can appeal to your competitive streak by choosing a virtual walking or running mate.

P E T C H AT Z ®

advantage is electric models are quiet and won’t disturb the neighbors. With leaf blowers in particular, Sloboda says, some states are passing noise-limiting regulations. Electric blowers pollute a lot less—Sloboda says the types of motors in gasoline leaf blowers “put more pollutants into the air than most gas-powered cars.”

Amazon’s Alexa and Echo, as well as other smart speakers are getting popular, but Sloboda says they’re not being used to their full potential yet— most people just ask their speaker to play music or give a weather report. Companies are working on addressing privacy concerns—smart speakers are listening all the time—but Sloboda says solving security questions would open up uses like home banking and controlling appliances with a voice command. To recharge all your devices, you can

choose options like smart power strips that avoid continuing to use electricity after a device is fully charged, or portable block chargers to extend your phone’s battery life while traveling. Sloboda advises against wireless charging devices because they use a lot of electricity to operate.

For Your Pet

Electronics will shoot tennis balls for your dog to fetch, feed and water pets while you’re away, monitor their health, and cameras can keep track of what they’re up to when you leave. “I aimed one of my security cameras at my dog,” says Sloboda. “Now I always push the chairs up to the dining table before I leave, otherwise within five minutes our dog is standing in the middle of the table looking for anything he can chew on.” Sloboda also advises supplementing all the electronic gifts with a good oldfashioned football or basketball. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! KCL

DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

small heaters ...

BY D E R R I L L H O L LY

BIG BILLS?

DURING WINTER, for many of us, comfort at home means heat. While a good central heating system is designed to meet whole house needs, sometimes consumers turn to space heaters for additional warmth. Some people use one to boost temperatures for a single room where the available heat is inadequate, but their widespread use, over extended periods, can boost winter heating bills. “In some cases, small space heaters can be less expensive to use if you only want to heat one room or supplement inadequate heating in one room,” according to analysts at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). “However, a space heater is not necessarily an economical source of long-term warmth. It is not an alternative to a whole-home heating system.”

Right Type for the Job

According to DOE, two types of space heaters are generally available for the residential market. Most can deliver between 10,000 Btu and 40,000 Btu of heat per hour and commonly run on electricity, propane, natural gas or kerosene. Wood and pellet stoves are also increasingly available for many applications. Convective heating circulates air within an enclosed space, while radiant heating transfers

warming energy directly to objects or people within close proximity to its source. If central heating is unavailable or inadequate, a convective heating unit can distribute heat relatively evenly throughout an enclosed space. For garages, workshops, workout rooms or laundry areas, used for a few hours a day or each week, a convective heater could be a good fit. Many convective electric heaters contain some type of sealed heat transfer liquid. They allow heat generated by the devices to store energy as heat, so they cycle less while providing consistent performance. Radiant electric heaters typically include infrared heating elements. Nearby surfaces, including people, absorb the heat. Air in immediate proximity to the unit’s enclosure or cabinetry also aids in the transfer of conductive warmth.

Safe Not Sorry

Space heaters get seasonal use, but they are responsible for 25,000 residential fires a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which pegs the annual mortality rate at 300 a year. Burn injuries associated with surface contacts with room heaters send about 6,000 people to emergency rooms every year, but most of those incidents don’t result in fires.

While adding several space heaters to supplement your central heating system is also likely to drive up your energy costs, selective use can help you save money. 22

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

Because the devices are designed to give off heat, they should always be set in locations clear of all flammable materials and out of reach of small children, pets or anyone with impaired mobility. In recent years, many space heaters have been designed with tip-over safety features, which automatically shut off the power source in the event that the unit tilts beyond its upright position. Because space heaters are designed specifically to produce heat, they should be plugged directly into a wall whenever possible. If an extension cord is used, it should be heavy duty, and made of 14-gauge wire or larger. Given a choice between high, medium and low, or an adjustable thermostat, choose the latter. A unit that heats your space to the desired temperature will cycle less, saving you energy, and never overheat the room. And buy the right size heater for the right size space—too small and the warming results could be disappointing, too large or powerful and you’ll be uncomfortable. Any time you open doors or windows to vent away warm air, you are wasting energy you’ve already consumed to produce heat.

models but have no plans to include such products in the labeling program in the near future. Still, high-end space heaters are heavily marketed during the autumn and winter months. “Most of these units are very similar in design, but the cabinetry or packaging, are major selling points,” said Sloboda. “Consumers should consider the wide range of heaters available, and their own taste in features and design before buying one.” An energy expert at your electric co-op can help determine if a space heater is right for your home. “They may suggest other alternatives, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation or tuning up your heating system so it operates more efficiently,” said Sloboda. “Those are just a few of the options that won’t increase your overall energy use.” KCL

Getting More for Less

GET T YIMAGES/GILOT YNA

“Space heaters are not the ideal solution for heating homes,” said Brian Sloboda, a senior program manager for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “For every unit of electricity that is consumed by these devices, they produce one unit of heat.” While adding several space heaters to supplement your central heating system is also likely to drive up your energy costs, selective use can help you save money. According to analysts at the Environmental Protection Agency, the key is using space heaters in smaller rooms that are occupied infrequently, in conjunction with lower thermostat settings on your central system. Lowering thermostat settings from 70 to 65 degrees and using a thermostat-controlled space heater to heat 10 percent of a home’s conditioned floor space will save a heat pump user $67 a year. But the EPA cautions that space heaters are most efficient when used in small spaces for limited periods and can actually waste energy if consumers try to heat too much area with the devices. There are currently no space heaters among the EPA’s list of ENERGY STAR®-rated products. Agency officials said they have evaluated several DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Stop, Drop, Roll, Mold and Bake— It’s Cookie Season! BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

cookie season. It starts in late September or early October, an inkling to go a-wassailing into the Christmas cookie recipe canon and dream of the many dozens and different kinds I could make. I imagine that I am capable— if I get myself together early enough—to try out as many cookie recipes as possible before Dec. 25. I see myself, organized with all my ingredients at the ready, making doughs and freezing them, or baking off batches of an array of cookies in one long, happy weekend. It is a beautiful illusion, but it is a mirage. Usually, if I can manage a couple old favorites and maybe one or two new tryouts, it’s a Christmas miracle. And rather than a long, languid weekend of relaxing cookie-baking with a Christmas carol soundtrack, I’m most likely doing it in the early darkness after work, weary and grouchy, slicing—bleary-eyed—a roll of my latest tryouts, jam pinwheels, or smashing candy canes with a

EVERY YEAR, I EMBRACE

Rebecca Howard

Jewel Cookies I doubled the recipe here from the original and added salt for the use of unsalted butter (stick margarine can also be used). Try a variety of nuts and jams to make this cookie your own! ff 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

to room temperature ff 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed ff 2 egg yolks ff 2 tsp. vanilla extract

ff 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour ff 1/2 tsp. salt

ff 2 egg whites, slightly beaten ff 2 cups finely chopped nuts ff 1/2 cup jam or jelly

In medium bowl, beat butter, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in flour and salt just until combined. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. G E T T Y I M AG E S / I G O R KOVA LC H U K

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 F. Using hands, roll dough into balls 1-inch in diameter. Dip in egg white; then roll in nuts. Place, 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With thimble or thumb, press center of each cookie. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until a delicate golden brown. Remove to wire rack; cool. Place 1/4 teaspoon jam or jelly in center of each cookie. (Diced candied fruit may be used instead of jelly, if desired.) Makes about 3 dozen. ADAPTED FROM “MCCALL’S COOKIE COLLECTION” (ADVANCE PUBLISHERS; 1965)

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

rolling pin for peppermint biscotti, sending minty shrapnel to the farthest corners of my kitchen. But more than anything, the opportunity to return to favorite Christmas cookie recipes overrides any weariness or darkness, and the season has even the least inclined to bake breaking out their baking sheets to produce some kind of cookie, even if from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Everyone has a vision dancing in their head of what a Christmas cookie is, likely a childhood favorite, be it gingerbread, cutout sugar cookies, spritz, chocolate crinkles or even a classic chocolate chip. Like Christmas ornaments we look forward to unpacking, the cookies return us to seasons past each year. I eagerly awaited cookie season as a child, studying the cookie sections of my mom’s cookbooks. One recipe in particular, became the family “jewel”—the aptly named Jewel Cookies my mom made that came from a hypnotizing (to me) softcover cookbook called “McCall’s Cookie Collection,” put out by the magazine in 1965. The book was as enchanting as a collection of fairy tales, filled with colorful photos and illustrations, and displays of cookies from around the world. I learned the difference between icebox, rolled, drop, molded and bar cookies, in everything from Vienna Tarts to Viennese Crescents, Scottish Shortbread, Swedish Kringle, Chinese Almond Cookies and Mexican Cookie Kisses. We made many of the recipes, but the Jewel Cookies, a thumbprint-type coated in nuts and filled with a glistening array of fruit jam—mostly my mother’s homemade peach, strawberry and cherry— became a Christmas tradition, and is my favorite, still, today, no matter how many new recipes come my way. According to Anne Byrn’s “American Cookie” (Rodale Books; 2018), recipes for thumbprint cookies or “Norwegian Thumbprints” began appearing in newspapers in the 1940s. One of my native Swedish friends says that country calls their melt-in-your-mouth thumbprint cookies “hallongrottor,” which means “raspberry caves.” I’ve seen various recipes for thumbprints over the years, some a very lightly textured powderedsugar shortbread; others more heavily embel-

Everyone has a vision dancing in their head of what a Christmas cookie is, likely a childhood favorite, be it gingerbread, cutout sugar cookies, spritz, chocolate crinkles or even a classic chocolate chip.

lished and drizzled with glaze. The Jewel Cookies I make are buttery-rich, vanilla and brown sugar flavored. The dough is rolled into balls, dipped in egg white and made even richer with a coating of finely chopped nuts that toast in the oven. They are filled after baking. Tender and sweet, their fruity centers make each one like a bite-sized tart. An easy cookie to make, they work best by following a couple of tried-and-true tips: ffThe dough must be chilled. If it’s too warm, the thumbprints will spread and not hold their shape. The dough can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a few days. ff Though it’s extremely sensory and satisfying to press

a thumb down into each dough ball, the handle end of a wooden spoon makes a good impression for filling, too (the original recipe recommends a thimble). If the dough balls crack in this process, simply remold.

ff Good quality, finely chopped fresh nuts

(pecans, walnuts, almonds, even unsweetened coconut) and jam (your favorite jam, jelly or lemon curd) should be used for best results.

The cookies can also be baked and frozen, unfilled, to be jammed up later. I’ve made them in small batches to hand out as gifts, and once quintupled the recipe (I was up to my armpits in dough that day, my friends) to make enough for a Christmas cookie exchange party, where they were pronounced “best cookie.” 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.”

DECEMBER 2018

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

SAFETY

Don’t Tread on Thin Ice: 6 Steps to Safer Winter Driving is typically one of the busiest times of the year for travelers. While millions prepare to hit the road to visit family and see sights they may never have seen before, there’s one essential travel tip that cannot be overlooked: the proper tires. Winter tires are an essential safety feature for drivers and deliver as much as a 25-50 percent increase in traction over all-season tires, which could be the margin you need to brake in time to avoid trouble. Winter tire tread design uses thousands of extra traction edges for added grip, and the softer rubber of the tire surface allows the tires to stay pliable in colder temperatures to maintain contact with the road. In addition, winter tires feature aggressive groove patterns for more confident grip on ice, slush and snow. Learn the best time to install your winter tires and how to keep them in safe condition with these guidelines from the experts at Discount Tire: 1 . PL AN AH E AD. A good rule of thumb: if you can see your breath, you should think about

THE WINTER SEASON

winter tires for all four wheels, even if your area isn’t often affected by ice or snow. When the temperature drops to 45 F and below, all-season tires can start to lose traction and grip. 2 . KE E P TABS O N PR E SS U R E . Check your tire pressure at least once a month. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tires lose one pound of pressure (PSI). Use a tire pressure gauge to get the proper reading or stop by a tire store for a free air check. 3 . C H E C K YO U R TR E AD WITH TH E PE N NY TE ST. Tread depth determines a vehicle’s safe stopping distance. To check your tread depth, stick a penny upside-down in a tread groove. It’s time to replace your tires if Lincoln’s head is visible. If it’s time to replace your tires, make sure you search for tires specific to your vehicle’s make and model. 4 . KN OW TH E LI M ITATI O N S O F ALLWH E E L D R IVE . Drivers often mistake all-wheel drive as sufficient for driving in sleet or snow. In reality, all-wheel drive only helps you start from a stop. It doesn’t function in the stopping or steering of a vehicle. 5 . D E S I G NATE A WI NTE R S ET O F WH E E LS , TOO. Having a set of wheels specifically for your set of winter tires can save you money in the long run. A second set of wheels eliminates the cost of changeover and spares nicer wheels from the wear and tear of ice, slush, snow and salt. 6 . E XTE N D YO U R WI NTE R TI R E S’ U S E . Rotate your tires at least every 6,000 miles, or earlier if irregular or uneven wear develops. Change out your winter tires around tax season. This can help avoid wearing out the rubber in hot months and increase the tires’ life span. K AN SAS COU NTRY LIVI N G G I F T I D E A: Place tire pressure gauges along with a copy of this article in your loved one’s Christmas stockings this year. KCL

GETTYIMAGES

Winter tires deliver as much as a 25-50 percent increase in traction over allseason tires, which could be the margin you need to brake in time to avoid trouble.

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2018

Source: Discount Tires

DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

Mini Merry Meatballs

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, DECEMBER 2018

Fresh cranberries add a festive “zing” to the sauce used to accompany these appetizers.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, DECEMBER 2018

night before and bake it in the morning.

Farmer’s Casserole Holiday guests? Prepare this recipe the

Caramel Cheesecake

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, D E CE M B E R 201 8

This deliciously rich cheesecake with a wafer crust will be the rave of the party.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, D E CE M B E R 201 8

using your favorite premade cheeseball.

Edible Wreath Centerpiece This festive centerpiece is edible and easy

ff 10-12 small pretzel sticks

ff bacon bits or chopped walnuts

ff sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Edible Wreath Centerpiece ff 1 port wine cheddar cheese ball (10 ounces) ff 1 container (11.3 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese spread ff rosemary, for garnish (optional)

Place cheese ball in center of large, round platter. To make mini cheese balls, shape 1-2 tablespoons of cheese spread into balls. Roll lightly in seeds and bacon bits or walnuts.

COURTESY KAUKAUNA CHEESE

Insert pretzel sticks into mini cheese balls up to 1 hour prior to serving. Store in refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired.

Caramel Cheesecake

RE CIPE ADAPT E D F ROM TA STE OF HOME , COURTESY CULINARY.NET

Crust Topping Filling ff 26 caramels ff 46 crushed wafers ff 3 8 oz. packages ff 2 Tbs. milk cream cheese, softened ff 1/4 cup sugar ff 1/2 cup chopped pecans, ff 1 cup sugar ff 1/4 cup butter, melted toasted (optional) ff 1/2 cup sour cream ff 16-18 whole vanilla wafers for side of form ff 1 tsp. vanilla extract ff 3 large eggs, lightly whisked Preheat oven to 325 F. CRUST: Mix crushed wafers and sugar then stir in melted butter. Press wafer mix onto bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Arrange whole vanilla wafers around sides of pan. FILLING: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Next beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add lightly whisked eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour over crust. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake until center is nearly set, 55-60 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour. Refrigerate overnight, covering when completely cooled. TOPPING: In a microwave, melt caramels with milk; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cheesecake; sprinkle with pecans. NOTE: To freeze cheesecake: Wrap individual portions of cheesecake in plastic wrap and place in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Seal bag and freeze. To use, thaw in the refrigerator.

Farmer’s Casserole ff nonstick cooking spray ff 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes ff 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ff 1 cup diced cooked ham, cooked breakfast sausage or Canadian-style bacon

ff 2 green onions, sliced

ff 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped

ff 4 eggs, beaten

ff 1 ½ cups milk

ff 1/8 tsp. salt

ff 1/8 tsp. black pepper

Coat a 2-quart square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange hash browns evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle cheese, ham, and green onions over hash browns.

In a bowl combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper and jalapeños. Pour egg mixture over hash brown mixture in dish.

Bake, uncovered, in a 350° F oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

RECIPE ADA PTED FROM BET TER HOMES A ND GARD ENS , COURTESY CULINARY.NET

ff 1/4 tsp. salt

ff 1/8 tsp. pepper

ff 1/2 cup orange juice

ff 1/2 cup water

ff salt

Cranberry Barbecue Sauce ff 1 cup seasoned ff 2 tsp. vegetable oil ff 1/3 cup ketchup stuffing mix ff 1/2 cup chopped ff 1/4 cup light white onion brown sugar ff 1 egg, beaten ff 3 Tbs. water ff 1 Tbs. minced garlic ff 2 Tbs. cider vinegar ff 1 tsp. minced garlic ff 2 1/2 cups fresh ff 2 Tbs. molasses cranberries ff 1/2 tsp. ground red pepper

Mini Merry Meatballs Meatballs ff 1/2 pound ground brisket ff 1/4 pound ground ribeye steak, boneless ff 1/4 pound ground beef (80% lean)

COURTESY BEEF. IT ’S WHAT ’S FOR D INNER

Preheat oven to 400 F. Combine brisket, ribeye, ground beef, stuffing mix, egg, water, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 24, 1-1/2-inch meatballs. Place on rack in broiler pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake in 400 F oven 13 to 15 minutes until 160 F. Meanwhile, prepare sauce. Heat oil in saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until tender, but not brown. Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until cranberries burst and mixture has reduced to thick consistency, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly. Transfer mixture to blender. Cover, allowing steam to escape. Process until smooth. Season with salt, as desired. Serve meatballs with barbecue sauce.

DECEMBER 2018

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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