Kansas Country Living December 2017

E D I TO R’S L E T T E R

Traditions Bridge Past with Present and Connect Us to Loved Ones My Polish grandmother's traditional Christmas treats included

several batches of kolaczki (we pronounced it koh-lotch-key), what I refer to as little Polish purses filled with heavenly goodness. She made them from a buttery dough, rolled and cut into squares, added a dollop of raspberry or apricot filling and formed them into little purses by pinching the corners together. Once baked until barely golden on top, she then sprinkled them with just the perfect amount of powered sugar. A double batch was lucky to last a day around family who were in town for the holidays. In spite of the major time commitment, I try to make kolaczki each year not only because of their melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, but because by carrying on grandma's tradition I feel close to her as though I'm still tugging at her apron string to let her know I'm watching, listening and learning. That same desire to carry on a family tradition is why Don and Maria Martin brought Drake's Fruitcake back to the market in 1995 after Don's family ceased their bakery operations decades prior. That, and the fact that friends and family suggested they do so because it's darn good fruitcake that debunks the decades old stereotype this cake has endured. Their story begins on Page 20. If you ever recall waking up Christmas morning with a shiny new tricycle under the tree, the feature beginning on Page 10 will take you

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

down memory lane. MCM Manufacturing in WaKeeney, Kansas, not only builds youth tricycles but they also offer adult versions for the kid in all of us. Made in the U.S.A., Dirt King trikes last decades, passed down from generations for future “trikesters” to enjoy. If you have one, send us a photo of you and your trike and we may publish it in a future issue of Kansas Country Living. Also be sure to visit us on Facebook/ KansasCountryLiving where we post readersubmitted photos and Around Kansas events before you receive your magazine in the mail. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or simply look forward to gathering with family this month, the staff at Kansas Country Living wishes you cherished memories and much happiness! KCL

VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

(ISSN 0091-9586) DECEMBER 2017 VOL. 67, NO. 12 © KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2017 WWW.KEC.COOP

Bruce Graham

Chief Executive Officer

Doug Shepherd

Vice President, Management Consulting

Shana Read

Director of Communications

Vicki Estes Editor

Carrie Kimberlin

Manager of Creative Solutions

DECEMBER

Jackie Kamphaus

Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Kathleen O’Brien President

Keith McNickle Vice President

Terry Hobbs Secretary

Craig Kostman Treasurer

Cooperatives You receive Kansas C­ ountry Living as a communications service of these electric cooperatives: Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale 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 Why do you receive Kansas Country Living? Your electric cooperative sends you this magazine 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. 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). 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. Co-op Member Address Changes: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send address changes to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching more than 27 million readers each month. Advertisers call 512441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook.

10| King of the Dirt A Kansas company creates memories with tricycles built for all terrains and ages.

14| Hurricane Aftermath

D E PA RT M E N T S

Electric cooperative members still picking up the pieces.

20| Nuts for Fruitcake

Kansas 4| Around Holiday season activities

6| Commentary Co-op territory protection Your Utility Bills 8| Cut Choosing a backup generator

Drake's Fruitcake is more than a confection; it's a connection to tradition.

18| Your Place in the Garden Give the gift of seeds

22| Kansas Gift Guide

My Way Home 24| Cooking Unbreakable tradition

From the Land of Kansas gift boxes available.

26| Marketplace Find products, services you need

10

More Utility Bills 28| Cut Water heater maintenance Recipes 29| Monthly A holiday feast awaits ON THE COVER Remember wishing Santa would leave a shiny new tricycle under the Christmas tree? Photo taken at the Furniture Mall of Kansas in Topeka. P H OTO BY CARRIE KIMBERLIN

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DECEMBER 2017

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

3

T H I N G S TO D O

THROUGH DEC. 31 C hautauqua Isle of Lights, Beloit.

T his Christmas display fills Chautauqua Park with thousands of lights each year. What started in 1999 with a few small displays has grown to more than 240 lit displays. The must-see attraction draws thousands of families and visitors from outside the area during the holiday season. Isle of Lights is open until New Year’s Eve, Sunday-Thursday 6 to 9 p.m. and Fridays/Saturdays 6 to 10 p.m. Closed for inclement weather.

THROUGH DEC. 16 H oliday Events,

Downs. Shop Downs all month long. There will be two chances to win $500, movie with Santa and several other great Christmas promotions. Visit www.downschamber.com and like our Facebook page to stay up-todate on activities. THROUGH DEC. 17 H oliday Shopping

Weekends, Volland. Shop each weekend at The Volland store for little gifts and stocking stuffers, such as organic jellies, local honey, art cards, books, note cards, handmade goat soap and many more unique items. Weekends noon to 5 p.m. 24098 Volland Rd., southwest of Alma on Old K-10 Highway, www.thevollandstore.com. THROUGH DECEMBER W inter

Wonderland, Ellsworth. Visit the Ellsworth Area Art Center to see this exhibit of beautiful Christmas trees. Open Monday Friday, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 223 N. Douglas Ave. THROUGH DECEMBER I sle of Lights,

Winfield. Extraordinary Christmas light display throughout Island Park from 6 to 10 p.m. Their addition of LED lights and displays was featured in the December 2016 issue of Kansas Country Living. New displays added yearly. Horse and carriage rides available Fridays and Saturdays. Island Park, 300 Main St. VARIOUS DATES IN DECEMBER “ The

Regifters,” Dodge City. When a couple

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

“regifts” a not-so-great Christmas present, then finds out it’s worth a fortune, they will stop at nothing to get it back. But they’re not the only ones who rewrapped it. In the mad pursuit to reclaim the gift, everyone who gave it away learns about friendship, real wealth and the value of a gift truly given. Dodge City Depot Theatre, 620-225-1001. THROUGH JAN. 1, 2018 L emon Park Lights/Sixth Street Lights, Pratt. The one-mile drive takes you through Pratt's oldest and most scenic park, illuminated by thousands of lights and animated displays. Many prefer to view the lights from the walking path. Lemon Park Lights has expanded into its neighboring park, Sixth Street Park, with animated displays depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas. Call Deb Goyen, 620-6725611, www.prattkansas.org. THROUGH JAN. 14, 2018 D uty First:

100 Years of the Big Red One, Manhattan. Epic 100-year history of 1st Infantry Division with full summation from founding of the Big Red One in 1917 and chronicles of Black Jack Pershing in WWI, through WWII, Vietnam, Gulf Wars and more. In the Tallgrass Gallery at the Flint Hills Discovery Center; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.. 785587-2726, www.flinthillsdiscovery.org. THROUGH JANUARY R ooster Roundup, Southwest Kansas Communities. Southwest Kansas is the place to hunt

pheasant this season. Winners of “Rooster Roundup” birds and “Bounty Birds” will be entered into a drawing for prizes announced after the end of Pheasant season. The “Bounty Bird” bands are associated with additional prizes. If you bag any of these banded pheasants, bring the leg band to that community’s registration point to register the band and be entered into the drawing. 620-225-8191. THROUGH FEB. 4 G etting Hooked: The Rugs of Cecilia Evans Clement, Volland. 24098 Volland Rd., southwest of Alma on Old K-10 Highway, www. thevollandstore.com. DEC. 1-2 F estival of the Nativities,

Palco. View more than 100 Nativity scenes from around the world, enjoy a cup or warm cider and get in the Christmas spirit at this two day festival held at the Palco United Methodist Church. Displays are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The festival is a joint effort of several area churches. 804 E. First St,. 785-737-4536, tsteeples@hotmail.com. DEC. 2-3 C .W. Parker Carousel

Museum's Annual Children's Small Mall, Leavenworth. Elves help children ages 3-13 do their own shopping. Free carousel ride for shoppers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. 320 S. Esplanade, cyndi1536@yahoo.com.

DEC. 2-3 Y oung Guns Youth Rodeo,

Dodge City. Y oung Guns Association is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation, with the purpose to promote and provide standardized timed events for young people of Kansas and surrounding areas. Contestants range in age groups of 6 years and under through 18, as of Jan. 1 each year. Western State Bank Expo, 620-338-8284. DEC. 2-16 H oliday Shopping and

Giveaways, Downs. Shop Downs all month. There will be two chances to win $500, movie with Santa and other Christmas promotions. www.downschamber.com or visit us on Facebook. DEC. 2 1 3th Annual Colony Christmas

Parade, Garnett. Enjoy a delicious chili/ soup supper from 4 to 6 p.m., and then take in a wonderful parade at 6:30 p.m.

Highway St., call 620-357-6237.

DEC. 9 T he Nutcracker, Ottawa. The

holiday classic begins at 6 p.m. at Ottawa Memorial Auditorium; matinee Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. mallorysda@gmail.com.

DEC. 9-10 C ity Market Winter

Wonderland, St. Mary’s. Shop locally and support the community from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at the George J. Perry Memorial Armory, 110 S. 5th Street, visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/stmaryscitymarket.

DEC. 9 S t. Lucia Day, Lindsborg. Events take place all day in downtown and Bethany Lutheran Church. 320 N. Main St.

DEC. 9 W estphalia Christmas

DEC. 10 C raft Series: Christmas

Jewelry, Great Bend. Use simple jewelry making skills to make unique designs. Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 N.E. K-156 Highway, 877-243-9268, wetlands.fhsu.edu.

Celebration, Westphalia. Parade on Main Street, soup supper and horse-drawn wagon rides beginning at 4 p.m. Downtown Westphalia.

DEC. 10 G hosts of Christmas Past, Great Bend. Revisit the joys of winter Christmas Parade, Ottawa. Share a holidays through the years at this annual doughnut and juice with Santa at the Plaza open house. Admission is free. Barton County Cinema followed by a hometown Christmas parade at 11 a.m. downtown. 209 S. Main, 785Morton_KSCountryLiv_12.17.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/17 11:18 AM Page 1 Continued on page 16  242-2085 or ottawastreet.org.

DEC. 9 B reakfast with Santa and

DEC. 2 S anta Breakfast, Dodge City.

S anta will be coming to Boot Hill Museum from 8 to 11 a.m. Since 2010, the museum has hosted the event with Victory Electric providing something a little extra this year— train rides for the children. 620-227-8188.

BUILT STRONGER. LOOKS BETTER. LASTS LONGER.

DEC. 2 O ld-Fashioned Christmas

Parade, Lawrence. This all horse-drawn parade begins at 11 a.m. on Massachusetts St. 785-856-4437. DEC. 3 J ultide Concert, Lindsborg. At

4 p.m. at Presser Hall, Bethany College. 335 E. Swensson. 785-227-8687.

DEC. 7-10 “ Authors Anonymous,”

Garnett. Take time out of your day to come see a play presented by the Chamber Players Community Theatre. For more information visit chamberplayerstheatre.org DEC. 9-10 J ourney to Bethlehem,

Jetmore. Experience the very first Christmas on a journey through first century Bethlehem. Meet the Wisemen, census taker, tax collector, inn keepers, elders, shepherds and angels. Jetmore United Methodist Church, 205 E.

#4096

RESIDENTIAL | FARM | EQUESTRIAN | COMMERCIAL | COMMUNITY | REPAIRS

When you build with Morton, you build something that lasts. A Morton stands the test of time—we’ve been at this for more than 110 years after all. What got us here is simple: our materials, our people and a warranty that beats all others.

800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com

©2017 Morton Buildings, Inc. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses. Ref Code 271

DECEMBER 2017

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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C O M M E N TA RY

Service Territory Protection Vital to Electric Co-ops’ Future  BY B R U C E G R A H A M

Kansas is fortunate to

Kansas electric cooperatives with an open and honest voice when there is a proposed change in the provider of electric service to newly annexed areas. The electric cooperatives in Kansas plan to introduce legislation in 2018 to address the issue mentioned above. Our simple and reasonable proposal will ask for: ffA voice in the process whenever a municipality desires to change electric service providers to an area it proposes to annex; ffFair and reasonable compensation for areas we serve or have been ready, willing and able to serve in our territory; ffA discussion and opportunity to provide a proposal to serve the territory before the change becomes an agenda item presented to the governing body; ffA chance to appear before the city governing body to make our case for continued service; and ffA record of the city’s deliberations and an avenue for review and appeal of the city decision.

Every time we lose territory, you—the member-owners—are affected. We lose territory that has been in a cooperative’s strategic and resource plans since the territories were established. We often have generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure built to serve areas inside that legally mandated service territory. Worse yet, many times territory takings cherry pick in order to serve a desired load. Adding that load to the city may have a small benefit to municipal operations but it has a disproportionate impact on an electric cooperative. For the smaller not-forprofit cooperative, adding or retaining customers in our system can make a big difference. By addressing this issue now, we can ensure that you— the member-owner—will continue to receive reliable and affordable electric service now and in the future. KCL

have a utility network in place that provides a reliable and affordable electric supply across the state. It doesn’t matter where the Bruce Graham customer lives— rural or urban. It doesn’t matter if the customer is small residential or large industrial either. Kansas utilities work hard to assure adequate generation and a distribution network that will serve all Kansans today and in the future. That service guarantee is the result of Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) action in 1976 to establish utility territories. Service to those territories is provided primarily by three distinctive utility structures. Investorowned utilities, such as Westar, serve much of the population that resides in Kansas communities. Many other BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in communities are served by municipals Topeka. that operate utility divisions. The more sparsely populated rural areas are served by the 28 not-for-profit electric SERVICE TERRITORIES OF ELECTRIC CO-OPS IN KANSAS cooperatives in Kansas. Electric service territory is NemahaDoniphan Prairie Land Marshall critical to assure cooperatives can BrownRolling Hills Atchison adequately plan a generation, transBluestem mission and distribution system that Midwest FreeState Energy enables electric service and economic Western opportunity in rural Kansas. DS&O However, in parts of the state, Lane-Scott our service territory is being eroded Flint Hills Midwest Wheatland Lyon-Coffey Energy by municipal utilities and the issue Ark needs to be addressed legislatively. Butler Valley Electric Service Territory ProtecVictory Ninnescah Heartland Sedgwick Pioneer tion legislation will not diminish the Radiant County opportunity for a municipality to Sumner- Caney Twin Alfalfa Cowley Valley Valley annex land and grow. The legislation CMS Tri-County is intended to recognize the longstanding promise to serve territory, as The electric cooperatives serve the more sparsely populated rural areas inside these determined by the KCC, and provide territories and average just 3.2 customers per mile of line.

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DECEMBER 2017

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Choose a Backup Generator Based on Essential Needs BY J I M D U L L E Y

Dear Jim: I want to get a backup generator

KOHLER

This shows the typical electrical connect from a standby generator to the house wiring.

12-kW backup generator is adequate to power almost everything. By doing without some appliances and not trying to use many simultaneously, a smaller, less expensive 5- to 7- kW generation should keep essential appliances running. To properly size a generator for your needs, make a list of the electric items you want to keep running. Check the wattage on the nameplate of each one. This is called the total “running wattage." Appliances with electric motors are inductive devices so they require additional surge “startup wattage” briefly at startup. This can be as much as three times the running wattage. A sizing rule of thumb is to total the running wattages for the appliances you need to keep running. Add the additional startup wattage for the largest appliance to get the rated power for a generator. The theory is all appliances will likely not start at the same time.

This is a whole-house sized standby generator being installed at a home. Notice the small gas engine inside the housing.

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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

KOHLER

but I don't know what size I need. Is it very expensive to operate a generator during outages? If not, why not always use one? Randy V. Dear Randy: Many homeowners install portable or large whole-house emergency backup generators because most home activities require electricity today. Power outages are not from just storms or accidents. During the summertime with high air-conditioning loads, sometimes there are brownouts. Even running on inexpensive natural gas, the cost to operate a generator is more than your current electric rate. Since it typically runs for a relatively short time, the operating cost is not significant. Running one continuously would also wear it out because it is not designed for that and there are maintenance costs. When selecting a backup generator, determine what you want to keep running during an outage. This impacts how large (output capacity) a unit you need. Having enough power for cooking, refrigeration, lighting, television, and operating a furnace blower are typical essential needs. Electricity output from a generator is rated in kW (kilowatts). For a typical family of four, a

Continued on page 17 

A DV E RT I S E M E N T

Drug Companies Fear Release of the New AloeCure Big Pharma stands to lose billions as doctors’ recommend drug-free “health cocktail” that adjusts and corrects your body’s health conditions.

Drug company execs are nervous. That’s because the greatest health advance in decades has hit the streets. And analysts expect it to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits. So what’s all the fuss about? It’s about a new ingredient that’s changing the lives of people who use it. Some call it “the greatest discovery since penicillin”! The name of the product is the AloeCure. It’s not a drug. It’s something completely different. And the product is available to anyone who wants it, at a reasonable price. But demands may force future prices to rise. TOP DOC WARNS: DIGESTION DRUGS CAN CRIPPLE YOU! Company spokesperson, Dr. Liza Leal; a leading integrative health specialist recommends AloeCure before she decides to prescribe any digestion drug. Especially after the FDA’s stern warning about long-term use of drugs classified as proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec®, Nexium®, and Prevacid®. In a nutshell, the FDA statement warned people should avoid taking these digestion drugs for longer than three 14-day treatment periods because there is an increased risk of bone fractures. Many people take them daily and for decades. Dr. Leal should know. Many patients come to her with bone and joint complaints and she does everything she can to help them. One way for digestion sufferers to help avoid possible risk of tragic joint and bone problems caused by overuse of digestion drugs is to take the AloeCure.

Acemannan has many of other health benefits?... HELPS THE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO CALM INFLAMMATION According to a leading aloe research, when correctly processed for digesting, the Aloe plant has a powerful component for regulating your immune system called Acemannan. So whether it’s damage that is physical, bacterial, chemical or autoimmune; the natural plant helps the body stay healthy. RAPID ACID AND HEARTBURN NEUTRALIZER Aloe has proved to have an astonishing effect on users who suffer with digestion problems like bouts of acid reflux, heartburn, cramping, gas and constipation because it acts as a natural acid buffer and soothes the digestive system. But new studies prove it does a whole lot more. SIDE-STEP HEART CONCERNS So you’ve been taking proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for years and you feel just fine. In June of 2015 a major study shows that chronic PPI use increases the risk of heart attack in general population. UNLEASH YOUR MEMORY Studies show that your brain needs the healthy bacteria from your gut in order function at its best. Both low and high dosages of digestion drugs are proven to destroy that healthy bacteria and get in the way of brain function. So you’re left with a sluggish, slow-to-react brain without a lot of room to store information. The acemannan used in AloeCure actually makes your gut healthier, so healthy bacteria flows freely to your brain so you think better, faster and with a larger capacity for memory.

Analysts expect the AloeCure to put a huge crimp in “Big Pharma” profits.

Doctors call it “The greatest health discovery in decades!”

The secret to AloeCure’s “health adjusting” formula is scientifically tested Acemannan, a polysaccharide extracted from Aloe Vera. But not the same aloe vera that mom used to apply to your cuts, scrapes and burns. This is a perfect strain of aloe that is organically grown under very strict conditions. AloeCure is so powerful it begins to benefit your health the instant you take it. It soothes intestinal discomfort and you can avoid the possibility of bone and health damage caused by overuse of digestion drugs. We all know how well aloe works externally on cuts, scrapes and burns. But did you know

SLEEP LIKE A BABY A night without sleep really damages your body. And continued lost sleep can lead to all sorts of health problems. But what you may not realize is the reason why you’re not sleeping. Some call it “Ghost Reflux”. A lowintensity form of acid reflux discomfort that quietly keeps you awake in the background. AloeCure helps digestion so you may find yourself sleeping through the night. CELEBRITY HAIR, SKIN & NAILS Certain antacids may greatly reduce your

by David Waxman Seattle Washington:

body’s ability to break down and absorb calcium. Aloe delivers calcium as it aids in balancing your stomach acidity. The result? Thicker, healthier looking hair…more youthful looking skin… And nails so strong they may never break again. SAVE YOUR KIDNEY National and local news outlets are reporting Kidney Failure linked to PPI’s. Your Kidney extracts waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, and aid in other important functions of the body. Without it your body would be overrun by deadly toxins. Aloe helps your kidney function properly. Studies suggest, if you started taking aloe today; you’d see a big difference in the way you feel. GUARANTEED RESULTS OR DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK Due to the incredible results people are reporting, AloeCure is being sold with an equally incredible guarantee. “We can only offer this incredible guarantee because we are 100% certain this product will work for those who use it,” Says Dr. Leal. Here’s how it works: Take the pill exactly as directed. You must see and feel remarkable improvements in your digestive health, your mental health, in your physical appearance, the amount inflammation you have throughout your body – even in your ability to fall asleep at night! Otherwise, simply return the empty bottles with a short note about how you took the pills and followed the simple instructions and the company will send you...Double your money back! HOW TO GET ALOECURE This is the official nationwide release of the new AloeCure pill in the United States. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order. This special give-away is available for readers of this publication only. All you have to do is call TOLL-FREE 1-800-746-2932 1-800-746-2899 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: JC025. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to AloeCure’s recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

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Memories KANSAS MADE

S T O RY A N D P H O T O S BY M E L I N DA S C H N Y D E R

Dirt King brand tricycles are shared by kids and adults for generations

Waking up Christmas morning to find a shiny tricycle or bicycle decorated with a bow next to the tree is a treasured childhood memory for many. A small company in western Kansas served by Midwest Energy is responsible for delivering some of those memories for nearly 35 years. In 1985, Midwest Contracting and Manufacturing in WaKeeney started making Dirt King tricycles. The tricycle design originated in the late 1970s with a farmer in Grainfield, about 35 miles farther west on I-70 from WaKeeney. For years, Midwest Contracting and Manufacturing made parts for the trike’s manufacturer, which changed hands several times. Eventually the Ertl Company in Iowa owned the rights to the trike design and decided to outsource the parts and assembly to China. “Grainfield Supply store wanted to carry an Americanmade trike so they told us we either needed to start building the trikes or they would. We decided to do it,” Bob Funk, above, along with said Bob Funk, Jim Funk (not pictured) purwho had purchased Midwest Contracting and Manufacturing, where the chased Midwest first Dirk King tricycles were Contracting and made in 1985. Manufacturing in

1983 along with Jim Funk. The Funks, who are unrelated, added trike production to their business, which was predominantly making component parts for the agricultural and oil industries. So in 1985 the Dirt King was born after a few minor tweaks to the original Grainfield design. They chose the name because the trikes were built to get around in dirt better than other tricycles on the market thanks in part to knobby grip tires designed by the company. “Rewording a few words from Henry Ford, we would build the Dirt King any color you wanted as long as it was red,” Funk said. Actually it was only a couple of years before they started selling Dirt Kings in other colors and offering adult versions because, Funk said, adults couldn’t resist getting on a Dirt King and riding around.

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Today, Dirt King’s best seller remains the classic children’s tricycle in red, which sells for $259 on DirtKingUSA.com. They also sell a child’s dually that has four tires on the rear axle, a big kid dually for ages 7 to adult, an adult dually for ages 10 to adult, a Windroamer Step-Thru that is more accessible because it doesn’t have a bar to swing your leg over, and a Little Twister with rear caster wheels for spinning Kelly Oberle, who has built Dirt Kings for 13 years, assembles one of the action. Colors include red, products crafted at the shop in WaKeeney, Kansas. green and blue along with yellow for some models. The Dirt King line also How Dirt Kings are Made includes a cart that hitches to trikes and a cruiser Dirt Kings are crafted and assembled in a small wagon that can hold up to 1,000 pounds. shop two miles off I-70 on the eastern edge of In 2009, Senne Company of Topeka purWaKeeney. Funk manages a team led by Marcus chased Midwest Contracting and ManufacturReed, who has built Dirt Kings for the past 25 ing and renamed it MCM Manufacturing. Jim years. Mike Weber and Kelly Oberle have been Funk has retired from the business, while Bob on the team 18 years and 13 years, respectively. Funk continues to lead the team in WaKeeney. Gloria Sims handles orders, shipping and other The crew consists of five employees who build office duties. and ship about 1,500 trikes a year in addition to Raw 14 and 16 gauge steel comes from the company’s core business, which has shifted Salina Steel Supply, Inc., and is then cut to to cutting particle board used by Hays-based length, bent, sheered, notched and hole punched EnerSys for shipping 800-pound batteries and to produce fenders, stems, front forks and main manufacturing cattle and horse shelters. frames. The components are welded together and put in racks that are then sent to Grain Belt Supply in Salina for powder coating. The painted Conner Vincent pieces come back to WaKeeney and are stored hitches a ride with until orders need to be filled. Kelly Oberle on an adult Dirt King Seats, handlebars and tires—made from a tricycle. mold based on a design specially engineered by Dirt King—are sourced from China. That leaves 57 percent of each trike’s materials and all the labor completed in the U.S. While most other bicycle and tricycle manufacturers have outsourced the entire process for cost reasons, Dirt King is proud of its American made status. “We’d rather sell a few less and keep them made in the United States,” Funk said. “Our quality is far superior to anything else on the market.” They’ve lost wholesale orders over the years to groups that went with a cheaper overseas option, but they’ve also won big orders from cus-

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Dirt King trikes maneuver easily on all kinds of terrain—gravel, grass, uneven sidewalks—and weigh about 40 pounds.

“Years ago we supplied trikes to Head Start programs across the country and these little guys get on them at 7 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. just trying to destroy them.” tomers who are willing to pay for durability. “Years ago we supplied trikes to Head Start programs across the country and these little guys get on them at 7 a.m. and go until 7 p.m. just trying to destroy them,” Funk said. “That gave us great feedback on where we could beef them up a little. Our durability and our craftsmanship can’t be beat.” A letter from the Hays Head Start program attests: “Almost immediately, classroom teachers were commenting that the children had a definite preference for these tricycles. Because of the durability of these all-terrain tricycles, the original Dirt King trikes that we purchased nearly 10 years ago are still being used today without the need to repair or replace any of them.” Where another brand of kids tricycle might weigh 20 pounds, Funk said, Dirt King’s weighs 40 pounds. The deep-tread, air-filled tires mounted on heavy-duty steel rims allow the trikes to easily maneuver gravel, grass and uneven sidewalks. Dually versions improve stability even more. Adult versions have larger seats and shock absorbers.

How Dirt Kings are Used

Besides day cares, Dirt Kings have found a wide audience. National Football League teams have purchased them; reality television shows and talk shows have used them for on-screen contests; schools, pumpkin patches, party rental businesses and bars buy them for races; Furniture Mall of Kansas in Topeka and Olathe let kids ride them while parents shop. And individuals, of course, buy them. L.L. Bean once sold Dirt Kings in catalogs and stores and they can still be found at hardware and supply stores across the country, including the original outlet Grainfield Supply. Most of the sales come through dealers, or individuals can buy at DirtKingUSA.com. The months leading up to Christmas are their busiest time of year for trike orders, though, they get steady interest throughout the rest of the year. Funk said his team loves hearing from customers who are saving their Dirt Kings for the next generation because it shows that American made and Kansan made is worth the extra cost. “People like the looks of our trikes and their performance,” he said. “A lot of people are willing to pay a little more knowing that these trikes are durable and will be around for generations.” KCL DECEMBER 2017

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HURRICANE Help Still Needed BY D E R R I L L H O L LY

The holiday season has a way of turning and grateful to get their power back,” said our attention to wishes and hopes, but some still Moreira. “Seeing the community come together facing hardships after the hurricane season of after this has really helped keep me going.” 2017 are wishing for normalcy for themselves Moreira remains totally focused on her and their children. daughter, her four dogs and her parents, Cuban “My house is a total loss,” said Yamile immigrants, whose damaged home in Marathon Moreira, a consumer accounts representative was uninsured and had to be completely gutted at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. “I have to inside due to storm surge damage. rebuild again and start over from scratch.” “I just want to rebuild my home and just Since Hurricane Irma slammed into have something on my land,” said Moreira. “I Marathon Key, Sept. 9, Moreira has been sorting need to put a roof over my kid’s head. This is through insurance matters, looking into recovery going to take us six months to a year at least.” options, taking care of her kids and seeing to the Like many of her neighbors, Moreira has needs of her elderly parents. applied for assistance from the Federal Emer“We rode out the storm at my sister’s house gency Management Agency. Hurricanes Irma, in Miami, and I made it back to the co-op’s Harvey and Maria have collectively generated headquarters in Tavernier, Sept. 11, and was able the largest spike in claims and aid requests since to drive down to see my house after work.” 2005, when losses from hurricanes Katrina and When she arrived, she saw a few shingles Rita totaled $168 million, according to insurance ripped from the roof of her manufactured home, industry data. and felt relieved, but then she parked her car on “My roof has to be completely replaced the side. “All the walls were gone from the flooding, and water had flowed through the entire house,” said Moreira. FKEC put her and her family up in a hotel as the co-op’s massive restoration effort began. Moreira traded her headset and member services desk for the passenger seat in a co-op crew truck, and spent days answering questions for members and making service notes for line crews working long hours to Yamile Moreira, a consumer accounts representative at Florida Keys Elecrestore electricity. tric Cooperative, shares this image of her damaged home. “Members were happy 14

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YA M I L E M O R E I R A

Co-op families hit by storms face long recoveries.

Co-ops can apply for the funds after they identify projects that can really make a difference in communities affected by the storms.

YA M I L E M O R E I R A

and I have water damage inside the house,” said Monica Carpenter, 40, an operations assistant at Victoria Electric Cooperative. Her doublewide manufactured home in Goliad, Texas, is about 70 miles inland, but 135 mph winds over several hours took their toll. Before Hurricane Harvey plowed into Rockport, Texas, Aug. 26, Carpenter headed for the co-op’s new headquarters in Victoria, Texas. She worked 10 days at the co-op before picking up her daughters, ages 3 and 8, from their dad’s and finally headed home to survey the damage, much of which was not immediately obvious. “Harvey shifted and twisted my house a little, so I have cracks in the drywall from the stress on the frame,” said Carpenter. “I’m still finding places where water got in.” For weeks after the storm, Carpenter would head home from work, only to find wet spots on carpeting, mildew along baseboards, and sheetrock, softened by slowly draining water collected in the walls and eaves of her 10-year-old home. “It’s been overwhelming,” said Carpenter. “It’s frustrating to see your house in this condition, and constantly finding more issues and I am trying to not stress out about it.” She’s still putting in long hours, helping co-op members who suffered much more substantial property damage arrange for electric service in temporary locations. She’s also been dealing with insurance adjusters, contractors and FEMA inspectors.

Yamile Moreira shared this photo of the inside of her home of the devastating damage left by Hurricane Irma in September.

“I try to get these things handled on my breaks and days off, but I’d really like to get my house back in order,” said Carpenter. “Handling all of this as a single mom has really been a learning experience.” In the days after Harvey ravaged parts of south Texas and Louisiana, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association worked with the Cooperative Development Foundation to establish a fund for donations from electric cooperatives and the members. After Irma hit, the fund’s purpose was expanded. “This is for co-ops, their members and staff facing the challenges of recovery”, said Leslie Mead, executive director of CDF. “Co-ops can apply for the funds after they identify projects that can really make a difference in communities affected by the storms.” Within the first month, about $17,000 was collected. Donations have continued to flow in, and CDF continues to review grant requests. Donations specifically designated for electric co-op projects supported by NRECA will be used exclusively for those purposes said Mead. “We know that electric cooperatives work closely with organizations and individuals in their communities, so it just makes sense for them to play major roles in identifying meaningful solutions,” said Mead. “Recoveries from disasters like this take time, and there will be many ways for people to help for months to come.” To donate to the Disaster Recovery Fund, please visit www.cdf.coop/nreca. KCL writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

DERRILL HOLLY

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T H I N G S TO D O

Continued from page 5 

Historical Society, 85 U.S. Highway 281, 620793-5125.

At 7:30 p.m. at United Wireless Arena. 620338-8284.

DEC. 10 C andlelight Vintage Homes

DEC. 15 B onding Through Board Games, Wichita. Christmas time brings to mind two important things: family and warm memories. Whether your Christmas focuses on the kids or brings out the kid in you, a family game night is a terrific way to spend a part of the holidays. Enjoy a fun and relaxed evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (come and go, and it’s free!) playing and connecting with each other and with other families in the community. Ho-Ho-Ho! Santa has decided to come to this event too! He will love to see you there. Sedgwick County Extension, 4-H B Room, 7001 W. 21st St. N., 316-660-0100 ext. 0114.

Tour, Leavenworth. Featuring seven vintage properties accented by candlelight from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit the Leavenworth County Historical Society. Rain or shine, call 913-682-7759 or visit leavenworthhistory.org. DEC. 10 A Wynonna & The Big Noise

Christmas, Dodge City. Five-time Grammy award winner, Wynonna Judd with her band The Big Noise will feature incomparable musical arrangements from The Big Noise, putting Wynonna’s voice front and center. This show is promised to be an unforgettable evening of holiday music and magic with some of Wynonna’s biggest hits.

DEC. 16 P ost Rock Country Christmas,

Lincoln. Beginning at 1 p.m., shop local, enjoy

a free movie, get delicious food and visit with Santa. Lcoc137@sbcglobal.net. Finch Theatre, 122 East Lincoln Ave. DEC. 17 C ity Band Winter Concert, Ottawa. Enjoy the sounds of the season at Ottawa Memorial Auditorium at 2 p.m. 301 S. Hickory. DEC. 18 C heyenne Bottoms Christmas Bird Count, Great Bend. Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 N.E. K-156 Highway, 877-243-9268, wetlands.fhsu.edu. DEC. 19-APR. 1 T he Chisholm Trail: Driving the American West, North Newton. Kauffman Museum at Bethel College invites you celebrate the 150th anniversary of cattle drives that crossed the college campus from 1867 to 1871 en route to beef-hungry easterners. Explore the cowboy song “The Old Chisholm Trail,” create your own brand, and pose with life-sized steelformed longhorn cattle. Kauffman Museum, 27th and North Main, 316-283-1612, kauffman. bethelks.edu. DEC. 26 J ulotta, Lindsborg. Begins at 6 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church and Covenant Church. 320 N. Main St. and 102 S. Washington. DEC. 27 A nnandag Jul, Lindsborg. 10 a.m.

at Bethany Lutheran Church. 320 N. Main St.

JAN. 20 T oy Show and Sale, Dodge

City. The Knights of Columbus hold this event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. 800 W. Frontview, 620-4304727. KCL Send your event information by the fifth of the month prior to publication to events@ kansascountryliving.com. Please include a contact phone number. We publish events free as space allows. To guarantee publication of your event in the magazine, contact ad sales at 785-478-4554 or advertising@kansascountryliving.com.

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C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S Continued from page 8 

For example, the running/startup wattages respectively for several essenTHE FOLLOWING COMPANIES OFFER LARGE tial items are: refrigerator – 200/1200; BACKUP STANDBY GENERATORS: several lights – 200/0; furnace ffBALDOR, 479-646-4711 www.baldor.com blower – 800/2300; sump pump – 800/1300; and television – 100/0. ffCOLEMAN POWERMATE, 888-977-2622, www.powermate.com The required generator size would be ffCUMMINS ONAN, 800-888-6626, www.cumminsonan.com 200+200+800+800+100+2300=4700 ffGENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, 888-436-3722, www.generac.com watts. ffKOHLER POWER SYSTEMS, 800-544-2444, www.kohlergenerators.com The “rated power” output of any generator, from small portable to fixed storage tank. whole-house, is the amount of wattage A diesel-powered generator requires more that is produce continually. The “maximum maintenance and a storage tank. A big advanrated power” is the amount it can produce tage is if the electricity outage is very long, you for a maximum of 30 minutes or so. Running can easily dump more diesel fuel into the tank to at maximum output longer can damage the keep it running. A drawback is diesel fuel has a generator. limited useful life. If you select a whole-house generator that If you want to just keep a light and TV is attached to the breaker panel, hire a qualirunning and food from spoiling in the refrigerafied licensed electrician to install it. An autotor, get an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). matic transfer switch (ATS) must be installed Select one with a maximum wattage greater than with it to ensure the safety of utility company your refrigerator (200 watts for a new Energyrepair workers. When the ATS senses a power Star model; up to 400 watts for an old one). It outage or brownout (low voltage), it disconnects will power the refrigerator for a while before your house from the electric grid and starts the its battery runs down. Get one for your comgenerator. puter too. Also get an emergency car battery Another advantage of an ATS is it starts and runs the generator periodically to make sure power pack. Most have a 115-volt inverter and outlet, but may not be powerful enough for the it’s functioning properly for when it is actually refrigerator. Plug the UPS into the car battery needed. This is called exercising the system. pack to recharge it. The car battery pack can be Natural gas is the least expensive and recharged from your car battery system. KCL cleanest fuel to power a backup generator. The small engine requires very little maintenance. Send inquiries to James Dulley, Kansas Country Living, Propane burns clean, but it is considerably 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www. more expensive than natural gas and requires a dulley.com.

DEAR JIM: I have a crawl space underneath my house. The floor

above is insulated and there are outdoor vents but there is still mold on the underside of the floor lumber. Why? - Diego N. DEAR DIEGO: Venting your crawl space was a good idea, but only a partial solution. You should also lay 6-mil thick plastic vapor barrier over the ground and up the crawl space walls to the top. This blocks moisture. To kill the mold on the joists, mix 1/2 to 3/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of water. Spray it on the joists. Wear safety goggles and protective clothing. KCL

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

Seeds for Tomorrow, Gift for Today

BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .

18

Homemade gifts are a wonder- flower varieties. Small seeds embed into the pulp ful surprise during the holidays. When better than larger ones. The seeds should not be that gift can grow for seasons to come processed in the blender as this could damage it’s an extra special treat. Seed paper the seeds and make them nonviable. ornaments are an easy, inexpensive After the seeds are evenly dispersed, gently and quick project that can brighten press down on the pulp inside the cookie cutter your loved ones’ homes and yard. to allow excess water to drain out through the Even better, it’s a project for all ages. screen. Depending on how wet your paper is you The basics of this project include may need to replace the towel with a dry one. Cynthia embedding small seeds into recycled Use the tip of a pencil, toothpick or other Domenghini, Ph.D. paper. Seed paper ornaments can be pointed tip to create a small hole at the top of used as adornments for gifts or the holiday tree. your ornament. Once the seed paper ornament During spring, plant the ornaments directly into has dried, thread a piece of ribbon through this the soil and watch the flowers grow. hole and attach a label with an explanation of To make seed paper ornaments, collect what makes this ornament special and how to several sheets of non-glossy paper. Newspaper care for it. works well, but colored paper scraps are a good This homemade gift is sure to be a hit for choice if you want more decorative ornaments. seasons to come. Get the family involved and get Shred the paper into small pieces and soak in a your hands dirty putting your creative gardening bowl of water for several hours. Put the soaked skills to work. KCL paper into a blender and blend it into a pulp. Be sure there is enough water to avoid clogging the CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coorblender and damaging the motor. Pour the paper dinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online certificate program. pulp back into the bowl and drain out most of the water. Don’t wring the water out of the paper though because that will make it difficult to incorporate the seeds. Select a cookie cutter with the desired shape for your seed ornament. Place the cookie cutter on a screen (window screens work great) over a cloth towel. If you don’t have a screen you can modify this step to use what you have available, but the screen does provide a nice surface that allows the water to drain from the paper pulp. Fill the cookie cutter mold with the paper pulp ensuring all of the spaces of the cookie cutter are filled. Sprinkle the for you!for e d a m d n a seeds on top of H de just nt was ma e m a rn o is the paper pulp Th egradable ycled, biod se this c re h it w u within the cookie This seed paper ornament was made using yo ds. U flower see newspaper and a gingerbread man cookie home, r u cutter. Wildflower paper and o y te ra deco to t f cutter. Attach a gift label to your seed paper n o e h m c a in rn mixes are a good o ¼ ornament so the receiver knows how to care t it beneath tion after n la p n e th a option for this nny loc su for it. If you have little ones helping with a e in il th eep project because potting so the project they could decorate the label and s passed. K a h st o fr . f they include hardy germinate the risk o personalize it with the “to” and “from” lines. until seeds soil moist rs! e w o fl r u o Enjoy y

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

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Going Nuts for

Christmas confections capture the memories of years’ past. Aromas and flavors transport us to days gone by, to loved ones no longer with us. The deep satisfaction and comfort in carrying on a family’s traditional recipe remains universal. Even if it includes the oftenridiculed, seasonally bullied and unfairly persecuted fruitcake. Because, as Don and Maria Martin explain, not all fruitcakes are created equal. The Martins are the stalwart duo behind Drake’s Fruitcake, a decadent seasonal treat they hand make each year and sell at Au Marche in downtown Lawrence, Kansas. Their recipe remains true to the fruitcake his grandfather, Carl Drake, made and sold beginning in 1927 in his bakery, Drake’s Bakery. “My grandfather was the second oldest of six sons and all of them had bakeries at Maria and Don Martin, FreeState Electric Cooperative members, continue the legacy of Drake's Fruitcake.

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one time or another,” Don says. Although Don claims he’s not a sentimental person, his desire to continue selling his family’s fruitcake was in part because of fond memories helping at his grandfather’s bakery. “When I worked there in junior high and high school I got a chance to work around my grandmother and grandfather, dad, cousins and all of the family,” Don says. “Over the years we must have had 15-20 family members working there.” Don eventually left home to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1966 and upon his return attended college. At about the same time, the family bakery converted to a snack shop, and the bakery ceased operations. The fruitcake recipe, however, found a second life when Don convinced Maria they should start making his grandfather’s fruitcake for friends and family for the holidays. That was a hard sell for Maria who wasn’t a fan of fruitcake at the time. “I thought to myself, ‘Why would you want to do that? People don’t like fruitcake,’” she says. “But Don said ‘this recipe is different’ and that it’s really good fruitcake.” Maria says she’s been in love with their fruitcake ever since tasting it. “We did the first bake and it is one of those things you just keep eating,” she says. Drake’s Fruitcake excludes both citron and rum, ingredients the Martins say gives many fruit-

BY V I C K I E ST E S

cakes a bitter taste. Their version includes lots of dates and hand-sorted pecans to ensure highest quality. “The batter is rich and moist because we use a lot of dates, which most companies do not use,” Don says. “The dates hold the moisture and sweetness.” Every holiday family and friends would thank the Martins for the fruitcake and encourage them to put it back on the market. “You hear that enough times so we thought we had something or at least hoped we did,” Maria says. By 1995, the Martins began marketing the product, selling it at a shop in downtown Lawrence. While researching the family’s bakery history, the Martins discovered old newspaper advertisements from the 1940s promoting the fruitcake as a gift to send to U.S. Armed Forces for Christmas. The ads proclaimed it was fruitcake time for the “boys on the front” and orders should be placed early to have them shipped in time for Christmas. The Martins say veterans of World War II would stop in the shop and share stories about enjoying Drake’s Fruitcake while serving their country. “The gentlemen would say there was nothing like fruitcake in a foxhole because it was a little bit of home sent to them,” Maria says. Hand mixing the dense batter to ensure optimum texture of the cake, the Martins never make more than a 50-pound batch at a time. “A standard mixer would macerate the ingredients so it’s all done by hand,” Don says. His grandfather, who Maria called a marketing genius, once purchased a new cement mixer to mix the large volume

Above: This photo was taken at Drake's Bakery, circa 1950s. It hung in the Martin's gallery, Southwest & More, prompting visitors to recall fond memories. Right: A newspaper ad promoting fruitcakes for “the boys on the front.”

of fruitcake batter the old bakery prepared each year. “It was more of a novelty, but it solved the mixing problem,” Don says. Don and Maria know that fruitcake has gotten a bad rap and have sampled many brands for comparison. “There are a lot of bad ones on the market, and there are a lot of funny jokes about it,” Don says. And Maria, who at first admitted she didn’t like fruitcake until trying Drake’s recipe, countered, “But there’s also a lot of good fruitcakes too.” KCL

Drake’s Fruitcakes are available in limited quantities through the holiday season at Au Marche, 931 Massachusetts, Lawrence, Kansas. Contact Don or Maria Martin at drakesfruitcake1995@gmail.com. DECEMBER 2017

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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

Holiday Brittle Represents Unbreakable Tradition

BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D

The glass dishes were of various sizes,

fudge, clusters and brittle seemed to be drawn from a less-seen creative and decadent side of colors and pedestaled heights, in all manner of lacy antiquity, each filled with treasures — bright her. The squares of fudge, both chewy and crusty, melted behind your teeth in waves of peanut ribbon candy, peanut clusters, peanut butter and chocolate fudge and an irresistible golden peanut butter and cocoa; peanuts were gathered in tangled clusters of rich, melted milk chocolate, brittle. I considered these offerings around my and the real star — peanut brittle — truly shined grandma’s house almost more alluring than the in heaps of thick honeycomb shards. presents under the Christmas tree. Grandma Mae made oodles of peanut brittle Except for the purchased ribbon, the Rebecca Howard every holiday season, placing dishes and bowls candies represented my Grandma Mae Howof it all over the house. It got hit and hit hard (so ard’s skilled and unflappable cooking hand, spemuch so, that Grandma held some back if folks cialties that were her holiday tradition among got too piggy). While, to some, brittle might fall the others (opening your gifts the minute you in the fruitcake category of holiday treats that are walked in, turkey AND ham in the buffet oft-avoided (perhaps because it is, well, brittle), lineup, making a cherry “crispy” using cake mix this did not apply to my grandma’s version, just for the topping and allowing Mrs. Smith to help crunchy enough to crisply crumble with a sweetyou with the pies). salty, slightly caramel flavor, exploding with To me, the homemade candies came from Spanish peanuts. somewhere different within my grandma, who My grandma indulged my love of her peanut was all about practicality and efficiency. The brittle even after I moved to California, sending me pounds of the stuff, which was sturdy enough to withstand its shipping journey. She was one of the first to illuminate to me the idea that food is love, and if you cannot mail yourself across the miles, your heart would arrive in Ziploc bags of hand-wrought peanut brittle. ff 1 ½ tsp. baking soda ff 1 cup light corn syrup Even better than sending it, she ff 1 tsp. water ff 3 Tbs. butter or stick margarine one day showed me how to make it, ff 1 tsp. vanilla ff 1 pound unsalted raw Spanish upon my request (Grandma was never peanuts (3 cups) OR roasted ff 1-1/2 cups sugar the showy, show-and-tell type). On a cashews (salted OK) ff 1 cup water cold December afternoon, she greeted my mother and me at her back door, Heat oven to 200 degrees. Grease two cookie sheets with butter; keep warm in oven. wearing her “apron” — a dish towel In a small bowl, mix baking soda, 1 teaspoon water and the vanilla, set aside. Mix sugar, tucked in the waistband of her pants. 1 cup water and the corn syrup in a 3-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, about Grandma Mae was one of those 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to 240 degrees on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into cup of very cold water forms a soft ball that flattens small, but mighty women whose black when removed from water. hair had softened to a snowy white, but whose blue eyes were rivaled only Stir in butter and nuts. Cook about 13 minutes, stirring constantly, to 300 degrees or until small amount of mixture dropped into cup of very cold water separates into hard, by the bright colors she preferred brittle threads. Immediately remove from heat. Quickly stir in baking soda mixture until to wear. She smoothed out the rag light and foamy. rug on her back porch with a single Pour half of the candy mixture onto each cookie sheet and quickly spread about ¼ inch kick of her small foot and said in her thick. Allow to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in airtight container. Makes musical voice, “Come on in…” How about 2 cups. many times her door had opened for family through the years, beginning with her own six children, whom she

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Nut Brittle

24

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

While, to some, brittle might fall in the fruitcake category of holiday treats that are oft-avoided (perhaps because it is, well, brittle), this did not apply to my grandma’s version, just crunchy enough to crisply crumble with a sweet-salty, slightly caramel flavor, exploding with Spanish peanuts. fed in both full times and the leaner ones she resisted talking about. Having hosted as many as 40-plus people at holiday gatherings, Grandma had a fearless and relaxed approach to cooking (something I have yet to master), and she tended to her peanut brittle the same way, chatting on with us about other matters as if there wasn’t a giant pot on the stove, bubbling with candy-making. Occasionally, she’d get up to stir, plunging her arm down into the hot kettle that was nearly as big as she. “You just have to let it berl, berl, berl,” she sang out, returning to her chair. She used a basic peanut brittle method from the back of a bag of Spanish peanuts, which, once emptied into the boiling sugar syrup, drew her more avid stirring attention. “Now,” she said, “you cook it ’til it’s almost burnt.” On warm, buttered baking sheets, she spread out two beautiful slabs of caramel-colored brittle, crunching down any remaining bits of the cooling candy that clung to her hot-pink sweatshirt or her spoon. “Pretty good,” she said, and would know. The only time she strayed from her tried-andtrue method was with a microwave brittle recipe that was fed to the dogs and glued their jaws shut, “They came to the door and all they could do was grin at us,” she recalled. Gone now almost 10 years, my grandma is still with me, particularly when I do my best to carry on her annual brittle-making tradition each Christmas, even though I tend to hover and worry over the pot more than she did. I’ve put my own spin on things, sometimes straying from peanuts to use almonds with coffee flavor or cashews with coconut, but always adhering to her advice of cooking it “’til it’s almost burnt” (which saves you from pale, chewy brittle every time).

And like her, I share, but hold some back if people get too greedy. And by people, I mean me. KCL grew up in Kansas and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University. Early in her publishing career, she was a newspaper food editor and later worked as a reporter, newspaper page designer, copy editor, proofreader and factchecker. She 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.”

REBECCA HOWARD

DECEMBER 2017

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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CUT MORE UTILITY BILLS

Water Heater Efficiency and Maintenance

W AT E R H E AT E R R E PA I R P O R T L A N D

BY PAT K E E G A N A N D B R A D T H I E S S E N

Dear Pat: My water heater is 15 years old. About how long should it last? Are there things I can do to maintain it and make it more efficient? Or should I just replace it? - Max Dear Max: It’s hard to say how long your water heater will last. Certified home inspectors estimate the life span to be about 10 years. Some manufacturers suggest 12 to 13 years, but I had a water tank that lasted more than 40 years before the heating element finally gave out. That said, it’s wise to replace a water heater before it fails because sometimes failure includes a ruptured tank or a massive leak that can do a lot of damage. The life span of a conventional water heater (one with a tank) depends on factors such as the volume of water cycled through it, the hardness (mineral content) of the water and the tank’s interior coating. Many water heaters come with a warranty as long as 12 years. Presumably, a longer warranty indicates higher quality and the chances of longer life. These warranties usually only cover the cost of a replacement tank; they typically do not include the cost of labor to install it or the costs from flood damage if the tank fails. There are a few warning signs that your water heater tank or heating element may be failing: ffWater leaking from the tank or pooling on the floor underneath it; ffRust, corrosion or mineral deposits around fittings or release valves; or ffThe water temperature from your faucets is dropping. Most experts believe that an important water heater maintenance practice is to drain the tank every year or two. Allstate.com provides an excellent stepInsulating your water heater and keeping the by-step guide. However, temperature at 120 degrees or below are two ways to save money on your utility bill. Ken Maleski, the residential 28

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

DECEMBER 2017

energy adviser at Central Electric Cooperative in Pennsylvania, recommends that if your tank has not been drained in the past six to seven years, you should avoid doing so because draining could remove sediment in such a way that a leak could develop. Here are a few simple steps you can take to increase the efficiency of your water heater: ffInsulate the first six to 10 feet of easilyaccessed hot water line where it exits the tank. ffIf the tank is warm to the touch or is in a cold location like your garage, consider insulating it with a heater blanket. But first, check the owner’s manual to make sure doing so won’t void the warranty. If you have a gas or propane water heater, be careful the blanket doesn’t block the unit’s air supply. ffKeep your water temperature to 120 degrees or less. This will help you save money on your heating bill and ensure longer life for pipes and gaskets. Keep safety in mind. If you have a gas or propane water heater, protect your family from the “silent killer” of carbon monoxide gas. Pick up a carbon monoxide detector from the hardware store and install it near the heater. Opportunities to save money on your hot water budget abound throughout the house. Showering equates to almost 17 percent of our indoor water use, so you can save money by installing efficient shower heads. Replacing older dishwashers and washing machines with more efficient models will also reduce your energy bills. You should repair any leaky faucets, as a drip every second can add up to $35 a year. When it’s time to purchase a new water heater, there are many options available. Be sure to check with your electric co-op. Some co-ops offer rebates on energy efficient models. Others offer incentives for water heaters with large tanks or to install a switch that can be triggered remotely to turn the water heater off for brief periods of high energy demand. Last but not least, check out Energy.gov’s excellent article on selecting a new water heater. KCL For more information on water heaters, please visit: www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

DECEMBER 2017

KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING

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Honey BalsamicGlazed Ham with Smashed Potatoes

Butternut Squash Soup with Butter Thyme

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, DECEMBER 2017

Chef José Mendín, a five-time James Beard semi-finalist, shares this favorite ham dish.

KANS AS COUNTRY LIVING, DECEMBER 2017

Add flavor-rich, seasonal spices to your holiday table with this velvety first course.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Chocolate Cheesecake

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, D E CE M B E R 201 7

This decadent dessert can be the perfect ending to a spectacular holiday feast.

KAN S AS COU N T RY L IVIN G, D E CE M B E R 201 7

family’s most requested holiday recipe.

Chipotle Corn Pudding This savory side dish may become your

ff 2 tsp. minced onions

ff 1/4 cup sugar

ff 1/4 cup cornstarch

ff 2 cans (14 3/4 ounces each) creamed corn

ff 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

ff 1/2 cup milk

ff 4 eggs

Chipotle Corn Pudding

ff 1-1/2 tsp. ground mustard ff 1 can (15 1/4 ounces) whole-

kernel corn, drained

ff 1 tsp. sea salt ff 1/4 tsp. chipotle chili pepper ff nonstick cooking spray

Heat oven to 400 F. In small bowl, mix cornstarch, sugar, onions, mustard, sea salt and chili pepper until well blended; set aside. In large bowl, lightly beat eggs. Stir in milk, butter and all corn. Gently stir in cornstarch mixture until well blended. Pour into 2-1/2-quart baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 1 hour, or until set, stirring halfway through cooking. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.

COURTESY MCCORMICK

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Chocolate Cheesecake

Butternut Squash Soup with Thyme Butter

ff 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

ff 1 Tbs. vegetable oil ff 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth, divided ff 1 tsp. ground ginger ff 1/2 cup water ff 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ff 3 pounds (about 7 cups) butternut squash, Thyme Butter peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces ff 1/4 cup butter, softened ff 1/2 tsp. thyme

cored and coarsely chopped

ff 2 medium cooking apples, peeled,

ff 2 small onions, coarsely chopped

Heat oven to 425 F. In large bowl, combine oil, ginger and cayenne pepper. Add squash, apples and onions; toss to coat. Transfer to 15-by-10-inch baking pan. Roast in single layer 35-45 minutes, or until tender. Remove from oven. Working in batches, combine squash mixture and one can chicken broth in blender or food processor; blend until smooth. Transfer mixture to saucepan. Stir in remaining broth and water. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.

Thyme butter: Combine butter, thyme and garlic powder until well blended. Spoon onto wax paper and roll into 3-inch log; wrap tightly, refrigerate until firm. To serve, cut butter into thin slices. Ladle hot soup into individual bowls; top each with slice of butter.

Tip: Puree can be made in advance, covered and refrigerated up to 2 days.

COURTESY SPICE I SL A NDS

ff 1, 3-pound boneless ham Honey Balsamic Glaze ff 1 8 ounce can crushed pineapple (2/3 cup pineapple, 1/3 cup juice)

ff 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

ff 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Smashed Potatoes ff 3 pounds small red potatoes, scrubbed

Honey Balsamic-Glazed Ham with Smashed Potatoes

ff 1/2 cup honey

COURTESY NATI ONAL P OR K BOAR D

ff 2 Tbs. fresh parsley

ff 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

ff 1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt

ff 3 Tbs. unsalted butter ff 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

ff 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature ff 1/2 cup granulated sugar ff 4 large eggs ff 1 package (16 ounces) refrigerated peanut butter chocolate chip cookie bar dough

ff (16-18 crackers) round snack crackers, finely crushed ff 1 cup pecans, finely chopped ff 2 Tbs. butter or margarine, melted ff 2 cups (12-ounce package) semisweet chocolate morsels, divided

ff 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme

ff 2 Tbs. soy sauce

ff 2 Tbs. unsalted butter

Honey Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, bring ingredients to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat to low, simmer, stirring often, until liquid is reduced by about half. Transfer to small bowl and cool. Preheat oven to 350 F. Score ham in a crosshatch pattern and place in roasting pan with 1/2 cup water, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and spread half of glaze over ham, forcing it into scored cuts. Bake 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining glaze and bake until meat thermometer inserted into the center of the ham reads 140 F. To keep glaze from scorching, tent ham with foil. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Smashed Potatoes: After about 30 minutes of baking the ham, place potatoes in large saucepan and add enough cold, salted water to cover by 2 inches. Cover saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover, reduce heat to medium. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well and return to saucepan. Add butter, oil, salt and pepper, crush with fork then stir in the parsley. Serves 8. COURTESY NESTLÉ

Heat oven to 350. In large bowl, combine cracker crumbs, pecans and butter; mix well. Press onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Bake 8 minutes. Place 1-2/3 cups morsels in microwavesafe dish. Microwave on high 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-15-second intervals, stirring just until smooth. In large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar about 3 minutes or until completely smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold melted chocolate into cream cheese mixture and continue folding until mixture is uniform in color. Spoon approximately 1/3 cream cheese mixture into springform pan; spread mixture evenly over crust. Cut 10 cookie dough bar squares in half; roll into balls. Place 12 dough balls about 1 inch from outer edge, six in middle and two in center. Spoon remaining batter gently over dough balls; smooth down top. Bake 45 minutes, or until edge is set but center still moves slightly. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Cut remaining cookie dough squares in half; roll into balls. Bake to desired doneness. Melt remaining morsels and spread or drizzle over top of cheesecake. Garnish each cheesecake slice with cookie, or crumble cookies and sprinkle around edge of cheesecake. Serves 16.

DECEMBER 2017

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