Inspired Home Spring 2022

SPRING

2022

A FRESH APPROACH TO HOME & LIFE

It's

Spring

innovation | quality | design

functional and efficient | innovative design | made from natural materials | affordable quality

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scandesign www.scandesignnd.com

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modern furniture | made simple

scandesign

Enjoy Life...

by Brekke Custom Homes

live in a quiet neighborhood in our luxury homes starting at

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369,000

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OUR HOMES INCLUDE: • One Level Living • Open Floor Plan • Vaulted Ceilings • Custom Cabinets • Stone Countertops • Custom Closet Systems • Fireplace • Abundant Natural Light • Large Heated Garage, 21’ x 27’ • Front Porch • Back Patio

brekke CUSTOM HOMES

INC.

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Dakota Zoo

Fireflour Pizzeria

The Fun in Bismarck-Mandan is Wide-Open!

Bismarck-Mandan is open, safe and ready to welcome you. Visit participating attractions, retailers, restaurants and more to save throughout the year!

Scan the code for your FREE Bismarck-Mandan SAVINGS PASS!

• Mobile exclusive • Instantly delivered via text and email • No apps to download • Save on the best of Bismarck-Mandan

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Boutique Shopping

NoBoundariesND.com

CONTENTS

SPRING

Bleeding Hearts | Photography by Terri Ferragut

2022

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 7 FEATURE 28 SHOWCASE Collaboration between homeowner, builder and architect results in a lake home that welcomed its family in comfort from the very beginning.

DEPARTMENTS 12 COLOR In the world of color, this is a year for nature. Welcome October Mist 1495 into your homes, a tranquil hue you will welcome into your home.

20 ELEMENTS A source of relaxation and comfort, our bathrooms are pushing the envelope with color, materials, patterns and finishes. Move over white.

6 | SPRING 2022

38 GARDEN Spring has arrived and with the help of Audubon Dakota, you will learn how easy and rewarding it is to attract beautiful pollinators to your garden.

44 BACKYARD Backyard birding is a pastime that continues to grow in popularity because it can be enjoyed by anyone, of any skill level, anywhere.

52 CONVERSATIONS Double Trouble equals fun, great talent and a passion for art. Meet the Benda twins and see how their love for nature leaves its creative mark.

ADDITIONS 8

Musings

10

Contributors

66

Wine Wisdom

58 CUISINE Lamb, the other red meat. Loved worldwide, lamb is versatile and flavorful. From grilled loin chops to a roast leg, or meatballs- you’ll be inspired to cook!

64 INGREDIENTS Verden Beste- Norway’s National Cake. This delectable cake deserves the title for its incredible texture and flavors. Try it.

You’ll love it!

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

g n i r Sp

... a time of natural beauty

Providing

Comfort

50

for over

yrs

4601 17th Ave S. Fargo 701-235-7525 www.carpetworldfargo.com

Carpet | Vinyl | Ceramic Tile | Hardwood | Laminate

Full Installation Service | Free In-Home Estimates

Inspired Home Associate Publisher Terri Ferragut Phone: 701.866.4405 Email: terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com terri.ferragut@gmail.com Find us on

(Inspired Home Magazine) Editorial Director Terri Ferragut Creative Director

Springtime Crocus, Photography by Lauren Ferragut Carlson

Terri Ferragut Art Director

T

wo words we love to hear — warm weather. Welcome to the Inspired Home Spring issue!

Winter’s icy grip has seemed quite persistent and, for a lot us, our patience has been tested. Rest assured — this issue will banish all your doubts and confirm what we already know: Spring is arriving in the Northland!

Area homeowners cautiously begin a turf countdown, waiting for that first drag of their rakes through our winter-weary lawns. We patiently wait as we turn our eyes downward to the earth, waiting for the first glimpse of green blades determined to push their way through the soil.

Our minds are swirling, and we can’t wait to accomplish our “to-do” list, which has tripled through the winter months. From preparing our gardens to a fresh coat of paint, it is a time for preparedness. Projects, from building a new home to cleaning the garage, have pushed us into a new mind set with a blur of renewed energy.

We are excited to share this issue with you. We will inspire you with tips and fresh ideas that will create new beauty all around you. From creating stunning pollinator-friendly gardens to celebrating Spring with a meal of fresh lamb, it’s all here waiting for you.

Happy Spring!

Deborah Schultz Director of Operations Scott Drzewiecki Contributing Photographers Lauren Ferragut Carlson Nevia Cashwell Terri Cofiell Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss ALan Gubanich Theodore Lawrence Contributing Writers Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss Lauren Ferragut Carlson Terri Ferragut Ashley Ferragut Johnson Chelsey Malstrom Jodi Meisch Granville Wood Copy Editor Keri Guten Cohen Social Media Director Bailey Hovland

Production representative

Terri Ferragut

Associate Publisher Editorial Director terri.ferragut@gmail.com terri@inspiredhomemagazine.com

30600 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 105 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (313) 510-4429

this label only applies to the text stock

8 | SPRING 2022

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

contributors

TERRI FERRAGUT Every issue, we take great pride in presenting this beautiful local home and lifestyle guide we call Inspired Home. From design to great food our goal is to provide you with relevant information you value. Truth of the matter is, without the heart and dedication of this talented and professional team, this publication would not be possible. Issue after issue, their creativity brings Inspired Home to your doorstep or area business. They inspire me.

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS Jill Ockhardt Blaufuss is a photographer for architecture and interior design.

Her clients range from designers and builders, both commercial and residential.

When she's not working she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, cooking, traveling and entertaining.

10 | SPRING 2022

LAUREN F. CARLSON recently moved back home to Fargo with her husband and daughter after living in Upstate New York for 8 years where she worked at Cornell University as a research technician.

There she worked with hemp for CBD/grain/fiber and willow for bioenergy. After having a baby she took some time off to be a mom.

She loves knitting, running, cross-stitch, and of course, Scandinavian baking.

BAILEY HOVLAND Before earning an English writing degree at Concordia College, Hovland dreamed of being an interior designer. Now, serving Inspired Home Magazine as a writer and social media director, she has the best of both worlds—pairing the power of words with innovative interior design.

ASHLEY F. JOHNSON Ashley Johnson loves her home city of Fargo.

She works as a registered nurse at Sanford Medical Center and shares her happy home with her husband, 2 children and a rescue cat. She loves traveling with her family, cooking, entertaining and good wine. She can’t wait to show her children the world.

CHELSEY MALSTROM Born and raised in Detroit Lakes, MN, Chelsey enjoys all things lakes country.

Finding her love for wine working at Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2012, she was thrilled to move back to Detroit Lakes to help run the family business.

Today you can find her at Seven Sisters Spirits, planning events and helping people find the perfect wine.

GRANVILLE WOOD Wood is an international chef who worked in London, Stockholm, Toronto, Vancouver, Palm Beach and Houston before moving to Fargo with wife Susie, a doctor with Sanford Health.

Most recently he operated The Blue Goose Café in the Plains Art Museum.

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

We’ll build your refuge

as if it were our own.

Custom Homes • Lake Homes • Remodeling

701.235.2525

www.kochmannbros.com 3209 Fiechtner Dr., Fargo, North Dakota

KOCHMANN BROTHERS HOMES, INC

COLOR

A Year for Nature

BY TERRI FERRAGUT | IMAGES COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

12 | SPRING 2022

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Nature reigns in collective beauty with Gloucester Sage as a backdrop. Quiet Moments, Pale Moon, Fernwood Green and Hint of Violet meld with perfection.

F

ollowing a “trend” instead of tapping into your personal color preferences can be a fleeting design experience, but this year, Benjamin Moore invites you to experience both. Meet October Mist 1495, a tranquil hue we heartily welcome for 2022.

This gently dusted sage is versatile enough to allow your home a current fresh look while staying true to what you love, thanks to the 2022 inspiring corresponding paint palette. Equal parts organic and soothing, October Mist has the power to ground any room and allow you to make this hue your very own with the coordinating lush palette of colors.

“We homed in on October Mist because it felt so fresh and in-the-moment, but it also has a timeless quality,” explains Nivara Xaykao, associate manager of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore. “It’s distinct enough to make an impression of its own, but then it’s subtle enough to pair with so many other colors.”

When developing the complementary 2022 color palette, the Benjamin Moore team drew inspiration from nature herself INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

“

Equal parts organic and soothing, October Mist has the power to ground any room and allow you to make this hue your very own with the lush coordinating paint palette.

– Nivara Xaykao, associate manager of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore

”

Opposite Page: Hint of Violet and Benjamin Moore's 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist, create a duo that exemplifies subtle power and tranquility.

INSPIRED HOME | 13

COLOR

Pale Moon wall color, Steam and Collector's Item, a trio of enveloping wall color, perfect for an area of relaxation and rest.

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Pictured is October Mist in perfect union with accompanying 2022 Color palette hue, Steam. It is a clean, unifying hue for trim and ceiling.

and botany’s family of colorful shades. And, while October Mist is nature’s plant “stem,” the rest of the 2022 palette is a stunning range of neutrals and vibrant pigments empowering you to mix, match and blend to extend nature’s influence. Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development, adds, “October Mist 1495 and the corresponding Color Trends 2022 palette reflect an effortless harmony of colors while inspiring unique combinations for any paint project.”

Color companions October Mist, Morning Dew, and Steam are accompanied by streaming, natural light to define subtle and natural beauty.

WHERE TO PAINT When you’re choosing a color for your home, it’s important to consider how the color makes you feel, how you would like someone else to feel within the space and the purpose of the room that you’d like to use the color in. October Mist has such a balanced and restorative feel you may want to use it to enhance rooms that already feel that way or bring that quality of repose to a new area such as a bedroom, living room, bathroom or

library. Use it in an office to feel more peaceful and to help reduce stress. October Mist also works well in a kitchen or dining room, as the green color family signifies love of self, friends and family. It’s also perfect in any space where you’d like to bring in a stronger sense of nature and growth.

IMMERSE YOURSELF Painting the ceiling of a room, in addition to the walls, creates an enveloping sensation

Jamie Wallace, owner, CKD

FULL-SERVICE | CABINETRY | COUNTERTOPS | LIGHTING | FLOORING TILE | PLUMBING FIXTURES | NEW CONSTRUCTION/REMODELING

BY APPOINTMENT INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

205 E Lincoln Ave, Ste B, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 218.998.3889 • CALLALILYDESIGNS.com INSPIRED HOME | 15

COLOR

Nature is right at home with Benjamin Moore's 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist. The silvery, soft green is metaphorically the "stem" of a plant with a palette of colors to adorn it.

In this setting, October Mist in the alcove and Hint of Violet work together in a seamless pattern to bathe this bedroom in tranquility.

and deeply immersive experience. Paint the ceiling of your bedroom to transform it into a calming place of relaxation. Or try out this technique in your living room where you and others want to feel a sense of calm after a long day.

AN ACCENT COLOR Adding a pop of October Mist is a great way to incorporate the emotional properties it represents into an area without having to commit to painting an entire room. For those of you with time constraints, consider painting a piece of furniture. A dining table would be a wonderful application of this color — friends and family gather around it, connecting this shade of green with its propensity to convey love and renewal. Painting shelving in a study would be another way to temper feelings of anxiety or stress. Painting a door with calming color will enhance the feeling that you are 16 | SPRING 2022

Here, October Mist creates a natural statement for the busiest space in the home- the kitchen. This hue remains a strong, grounding color all on its own, yet happy to "play" with others.

entering a space of great peace and tranquility within your home.

FOR ALL SEASONS October Mist has an intriguing undertone that evokes both winter and spring at the same time, with its optimistic and lightweight quality. Whether you pair October Mist with the warm tones from the 2022 palette like Wild Flower or a neutral like Morning Dew, it’s safe to say this color of the year has the power to tap into everything you love, season after season.

Want to see this color for yourself?

Visit Hirshfield’s in Fargo, 100 36th St. South, (Butler Business Park at Main Ave. & I-29) or call 701-235-0549. Or visit shop. hirshfields.com to order online and pick up in the store.

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BENJAMIN MOORE 2022 COLOR PALETTE

Color of the Year OCTOBER MIST 1495

Kallod Carpet

2 4 2 0 S U n ivers it y D rive • Fargo, N D

701.235.7507

l a m i n a t e | c a rpet | h ardw ood | area ru gs | t ile

INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

INSPIRED HOME | 17

ADD GLASS TO EVERY ROOM C us to m De s i g n & G l a s s Fabri cati on | R ai l i ngs S howe r Do o rs | M i r ro rs | Com m e rci al / R e s i de nti al

Stacy Pellett Sales and Installation Manager, RRG, Inc.

LICENSED AND INSURED CONTRACTOR IN ND AND MN

www.redriverglazing.com SHOWROOM: 300 43rd Street NW, Fargo, ND 701.232.4717

1365 Tacoma Ave., Unit 6, Bismarck, ND 701.751.0694

elements

Beauty OF THE

Bath

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

1 20 20 || SPRING SPRING 2022 2022

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2

1 . TH E DR A MA OF DA R K White will last forever, but move over. The darkest hue of them all, a broody black, remains popular from matte black fixtures and bathtubs to walls and floors. Just like the little black dress, a dark-hued bathroom is ultra-chic and the moody palette pairs with any interior style. interceramicusa. com

2 . PH O TO O F SI N K Inspired by 17 century Dutch master paintings, artist Ashley Woodson Bailey created this exquisite floral composition for Kohler. Peonies, dahlias, ranunculus and hydrangea grace the contours of the "Carillon" vessel. kohler.com

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O

ur bathrooms are a place where the tone is set for our busy day ahead and a welcoming space we return to at the end of our day. Now, so much more than basic necessities, bathrooms are quickly becoming at-home retreats that beckon us with relaxation and restoration.

Bathrooms are in the spotlight and we’re loving it! Gone are the days of being strictly utilitarian — this important space is leaving its humble origins in the dust. The latest unforgettable bathrooms are pushing the envelope on color, pattern, materials and finishes. Move over, white bathroom. Colorful, unique and quirky design elements are coming your way.

Over the next year, you can expect to see a lot of eyecatching wallpapers, paint, tile and light fixtures that make beautiful design statements all on their own. Take a look at what we found and start making your plans for your new or remodeled bathroom!

INSPIRED HOME | 21

elements

2

1

1 . TWIN SH O WE R H EA D S

Waiting for your significant other to finish showering is a thing of the past. With bigger showers and twin showerheads, two people can refresh simultaneously — a practical, symmetric solution. Today’s options from rain and massage sprays to hand-held water wands all insure the perfect shower. hansgrohe-usa.com

2. WO NDE R FU L WE T R O O M S

This is an incredible waterproofed space that houses the bath, sink and shower. Think floor-to-ceiling tile and waterproof décor. These rooms are functional, accessible, easy to clean and great for maximizing floor space. The chevron-style tile makes a beautiful statement. daltile.com

3

3. INDO O R- O U TDOO R M ER G ER

Blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors is gaining design ground. By combining placement, materials and architecture, bathrooms feel on par with their surroundings.

Incorporating natural materials indoors and more glass are gaining popularity. daltile.com

4. BIG G E R AND BOL D ER T I L E Large-format tiles offer a striking appearance that’s guaranteed to turn heads when they enter. Their considerable size provides a spacious feel thanks to minimal grout lines. The bigger space illusion becomes more pronounced when using the same color grouting. tiledepot.com

22 | SPRING 2022

4

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6

5. TH E VE R TIC AL ILLU S ION Vertical tiles are making “tall” statements in today’s bathrooms. With its great technique of “tricking” the eye upward, this application gives the room a more spacious and impressive appearance. daltile.com

6. IT ’S NIC E TO FOOL M OTH E R NATU R E Wood-looking tiles emit a more natural, tactile effect for walls and floors. With technology advances, you can’t tell the difference; and with durability and easy care, it’s a beautiful workhorse for the bathroom. interceramicusa.com

5

Manage your shades with precise control from your pebble remote or your smart devices.

Voice activate when integrated with smart-home systems like Amazon, Alexa or Siri.

Energy efficiency through preset schedules that control solar heat gain or loss.

Two battery options or hard wire options for new construction.

Carry out commands from in or around your home.

SHOWROOM: 4631 40th Ave S, Fargo • 701.893.5134 Certified Installers

Monday - Sunday by appointment only Locally Owned by Karen since 2008.

karen@thelittleblindshop.com | thelittleblindshop.com INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Karen Anderson, Designer, Owner Rosecreek Design

INSPIRED HOME | 23

elements

1

1. NOT YO U R BASIC B A S I N Native Trails brings pure bliss in the form of fireclay, artfully transformed into a hand-glazed precious metal sink.

Available in silver, platinum or 24K gold finish. Guaranteed to bring you, well … bliss. nativetrailshome.com

2. STATE ME NT WA LL PA P ER

2

Indulge in luxurious details, like wallpaper. Magnified florals or flowing motifs set an impressive backdrop for master bathroom trends this year. An upholstered chair and delicate chandelier are ideal companions for a bathroom statement wall design. wallpepper.it

3. A SL IC E O F TR A N Q U I L I T Y Incorporate the Japanese traditions of the bath. BeOne by BainUltra pairs their signature air jets with the tub’s circular design to create a powerful yet soothing massage. A healing bathing experience inspired by centuries-old traditions. bainultra.com

4. INDE PE NDE NT A N D B EA U T I F U L A freestanding basin is a beautiful way to add character to your space. Designs are becoming more organic and oblong-shaped, allowing sophistication and elegance to lead the way. Kohler’s Veil pedestal — immaculately balanced in tune with contemporary style. kohler.com

5 . LIGH TING FO C U S LED sconces and downlights are favorites for the bathroom.

LED for tray ceilings or floating cabinets add a warm glow to create a glam touch to your bathroom interior. Unify your finishes on all your fittings to create a polished and cohesive look. techlighting.com

3 24 | SPRING 2022

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“

The latest unforgettable bathrooms are pushing the envelope on color, pattern, materials and finishes.

”

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egress wells?

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INSPIRED HOME | 25

elements

1

2

1. SAFE AND C L E A N S U R FAC ES Daltile’s “Defend” is a high-performance floor, mosaic and wall tile featuring Microban with antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial technology to protect your family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This powerful shield never wears off and kills 99 percent of bacteria. daltile.com

2. SPO TWATE R From Gessi comes an extraordinary shower system, SpotWater. Choose from four different aerators, customizing the water flow from rain and mist to waterfall and multi-spray. Create a spa-like experience that will inspire your personal wellbeing. gessi.com

3 . PR E TTY IN PL E AT S Tubs made from organic materials are in demand.

Hand-crafted from MTI’s signature’s Sculpted Stone® material, this tub is made from an organic mixture of ground minerals and high-performance resins to create the look of stone. Available in black and gray. mtibaths.com

3 26 | SPRING 2022

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4 4 . L E T NATU R E IN Every room needs a few final touches for a refined and wellrounded look. There are no better choices than living greens to enhance the look of your bathroom. Beyond practicality, natural greenery breathes life into spaces that can feel cold and sterile. kohler.com

5 . A “C O L L E C TE D” LO O K Think mirrors and treasured items that have personal meaning.

Bathrooms were once understated and functional, now the focus is just as much on aesthetics as function, which creates an allencompassing serenity zone filled with beauty. thibautdesign.com

5

bathroom

beauties boutique style

small-town service! lighting home decor lighting systems & technology gifts unique furniture shop online

1200 South Washington Grand Forks, North Dakota

the lighting gallery INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

701.772.2402 shopthelightinggallery.com

Sonia Roberton, owner, lighting designer

Jon Mattson, lighting designer

Hayley Erickson, lighting designer

INSPIRED HOME | 27

HOME SHOWCASE

All Hands On Deck A Lake Home Story PHOTOGRAPHED AND WRITTEN BY JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS

I

don’t know if I ever told Bob, but we knew he was going to build our lake home 20 years ago.” This is what lake home owner Ray Kotchian had to say about Bob Kochmann, of Kochmann Brothers Homes. Having seen various examples of Kochmann Brothers’ work around the area, and talking with them at home trade shows in Fargo, Kotchian says he just knew he was going to build with them eventually. “We’d talk to the Kochmann guys at the tradeshows every year or so. They weren’t pushy, but you could tell they were organized. They stood out without being flashy.”

Standing out, without being flashy — that’s what Kotchian wanted in his new lake house. “We weren’t looking for a big showpiece for everyone to look at. We wanted functionality first, while still being attractive.” Tony Stoll of BHH Partners, the architect who designed Kotchian’s

Homeowner Ray Kotchian loves to cook and especially loves to entertain his large family when they visit at the lake. This beautiful sitting area is protected from the wind and offers a comfortable location for morning coffee or lunch. The adjacent barrel-vaulted entrance houses an outdoor kitchen including a grill and smoker. Barrel vaulted soffit ceiling by Quality Edge in Light Cherry: Lemke Home Improvements.

28 | SPRING 2022

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INSPIRED HOME | 29

HOME SHOWCASE

Guthmiller describes their process as being very "all hands on deck."

30 | SPRING 2022

home, was the right designer for just that.

Kotchian says that while he’s been through home-building processes a few times prior, none were quite as complex as his next plan.

Even so, he describes the process of designing and building the lake home as one was the smoothest and most enjoyable processes he’s been through.

“Kochmann was absolutely the most seamless deal I’ve worked with,” says Kotchian.

“They do fine workmanship and have fine subcontractors. And I never showed up when Bob himself wasn’t there, often working hands-on.”

He also worked with Darrick Guthmiller of

Kochmann Brothers. “He was very organized and detailed,” says Kotchian. “No matter how hard you try there are going to be change orders. He worked so hard and communicated so wonderfully.”

Guthmiller describes their process as being very “all hands on deck.” He recalls an early blizzard occurring in November just as they were starting on the foundation for Kotchian’s home. “The plumbers had just dug the trenches before the blizzard, so a bunch of us went out and helped dig the snow out of the trenches so things could get back on track.”

While Guthmiller was involved in all aspects INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Plenty of space for prep, counter seating, cabinet storage and amenities such as a steam oven, an extra regular oven and a generous gas range make the kitchen an ideal place to gather and help with entertaining.

Beautiful natural light streams in through the kitchen windows, lighting this gathering space. Rich, brown cabinetry adds a warm cabin-like feel to this otherwise sophisticated area for cooking and eating.

of the build, what he loved most was watching the finer features take shape. “I’m into the details that go into a project. This home had many. Working with very detailed plans is one of our company’s strengths.” Minnesota seasons cause drastic temperature changes that can especially affect outside walls. In Kotchian’s lake home, Guthmiller used superior products, such as engineered studs for framing. “Walls move between winter and summer,” says Guthmiller. “As much as possible, we try to use superior framing methods for any outdoor walls that are going to have cabinets or tile.” Guthmiller says his INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

clients appreciate not having to worry about cracks appearing in the walls or tile.

Because Kotchian wasn’t in any rush with the initial design or build, architect Tony Stoll urged him to take time with the design. “Tony told us that our ideas might change over time, and it didn’t hurt to take a step back once in a while. That was good advice,” says Kotchian.

First and foremost, Kotchian knew what the main design focus of the home would be. “In a word, light,” he says. “I’ve lived in homes that didn’t have adequate natural light, and didn’t stay very long because of that.” Kotchian also loved the concept of the

screened porch and Stoll’s design for this area was a step above. “Ray wanted a lakeside porch area that would be the main feature viewed from the lake,” says Stoll. “We incorporated a Phantom screen system into the porch so that Ray had flexible options for using the porch over the course of the year.”

Kotchian agrees. “Our last place had a small screened-in deck. And we lived in that screened porch. We wanted the porch in this home to be large and really feel like a part of the house,” says Kotchian. “It’s got floor heat, so we can use it very comfortably from spring through fall.”

INSPIRED HOME | 31

HOME SHOWCASE

ABOVE: Kotchian wanted the living area to have a feel of separation from the rest of the open concept dining and kitchen spaces. A rustic stone fireplace from Home and Hearth Fireplaces provides an earthy, warm focal point around which to congregate and relax.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: A spacious master bathroom offers the homeowner a view of the lake through the bedroom. Warm sophisticated wood tones make this space relaxing and a perfect place to peacefully get ready for the day or wind down before bed.

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: TThe homeowner wanted a custom steam shower.

“We kept the tile light and airy with accents to give the shower an open feeling,” says Christina Mehl of Design Direction. “We also added a bench for relaxing while steaming.”

32 | SPRING 2022

Kotchian recalls getting the beautiful handmade red oak dining table in place with the help of family and friends. Kotchian says his family’s big gatherings made the table a perfect part of the house. The incredible craftsmanship of the table was the work of Kotchian’s friend, who does this remarkable professional-quality work as a hobby.

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And while Kotchian loves cooking outdoors, one of the obstacles he’s experienced is wind while entertaining on the home’s lakeside. Stoll solved this by creating a covered porch on the home’s roadside that incorporates an outdoor kitchen and protected sitting area. “It really gives them options to shift their outdoor entertaining to either side of the home, depending on the weather,” says Stoll.

Something Kotchian comes by naturally is cooking. His father was a chef for Amtrak, and his mother worked in various kitchens throughout her career. Kotchian loves to cook for a big group, especially his eight children and their families. So it was important for the home’s kitchen to function and feel like the focal point of the house. With the help of interior designer Christina Mehl of Design Direction in Fargo, the kitchen fixtures and finishes were all selected to make this space remarkable. “Ray wanted to make sure the kitchen functioned well for him, so he added a steam oven, an extra regular oven and a generous gas range,” says Mehl. “This gave him plenty of space for cooking. We added a separate wine and beverage fridge for accessibility and ease of serving family and guests.”

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INSPIRED HOME | 33

HOME SHOWCASE

TOP: This amazing view from the roadside of the home shows a joining of form and function. The beautiful home was designed by Tony Stoll of BHH Partners as architect.

“We knew it was going to be functional while still attractive,” Kotchian says. Horizontal lap siding, vinyl shakes in gables, soffit and fascia: Lemke Home Improvements.

ABOVE: “The screened porch is my favorite room,” says Darrick Guthmiller of Kochmann Brothers. “We had to do a lot of framing and electrical work to keep the retractable screens hidden from view.” Guthmiller says the two rollers, one a screen and the other a clear poly, allow Kotchian to enjoy an abundance of outdoor light, even if they pull down the more substantial of the two screens to block out the elements. And floor heat keeps the room cozy from spring through fall.

34 | SPRING 2022

Mehl also wanted the less visible areas of the house to maintain that same level of form and function, including the master bathroom.

On the must-have list was a steam shower, and Mehl designed a luxurious space for this.

“We kept the tile light and airy with accents to give the shower an open feeling,” she says.

“We also added a bench for relaxing while steaming.”

Beautiful and high-quality wood cabinetry, trim and accents are one of the biggest cohesive design elements. Mehl is especially pleased with the custom wood ceiling and beams, and the barn door that conceals the combination pantry and storm shelter. The Dutch door in the combination laundry and mudroom is an ingenious way to contain the family dogs yet not close them off completely from the household.

“It felt like a home right away,” Kotchian says about the completion of the build and when the furniture was put in place. He says there’s a different feeling being at the lake compared to his everyday home life. “When we arrived here today from being in Fargo, we sat down and said, isn’t it funny how you feel different when you get here? All those worries and cares you have when you’re in town, they seem to disappear. That’s good stuff.”

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CONTRIBUTORS

Tony Stoll, AIA PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, bhh PARTNERS PLANNERS/ARCHITECTS

Darrick Guthmiller PRESIDENT KOCHMANN BROTHERS HOMES

Christina Mehl The barre-vaulted ceiling in the outdoor front entrance area is a beautiful and function space for cooking outdoors but out of the elements. Barrel vaulted soffit ceiling, Quality Edge product in Light Cherry: Lemke Home Improvements.

DESIGN DIRECTION, INTERIOR DESIGN

Phyllis and Sheldon Poss POSS WOODWORKS & DESIGN, OWNERS

DESIGN Tony Stoll, bhh Partners, Perham BUILD Kochmann Brothers Homes, Fargo

A large, eye-catching screened-in porch and outdoor seating area face the lake.

These areas are where Kotchian and his family spend most of their time. “All the windows in the porch operate independently, so, depending on which direction the wind blows, we can open or close the windows,” Kotchian says.

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INSPIRED HOME | 35

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garden

The Plight of Pollinators

BY TERRI FERRAGUT

38 | SPRING 2022

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ou may not realize it, but we owe most of our fruits, crops and flowers to animals. Three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.

All day long during our growing season, insects and other creatures carry pollen from flower to flower. A pollinator is any animal that moves pollen from one part of a flower to another plant. Wind and water also carry pollen but their roles pale in comparison to what our native bees accomplish each day. Other important pollinators to our region include butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, flies and non-native bees. Pollen fertilizes the plant, and only fertilized plants make seeds or fruit.

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Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is a distinctive prairie wildflower with irresistible pink feathery seed heads. Each flowering stem holds three nodding pink bell-shaped flowers. Once the flowers are fertilized by a pollinator, the real show begins as the blooms transform into upright clusters of wispy pink plumes.

PHOTOS COURTESY USDA, ND.GOV

Anise-hyssop

Aster

Without pollination, plants cannot reproduce and our food supply and habitat become disrupted. Pollination is not just fascinating natural history; it is an essential ecological survival function. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown world-wide that produce our food and plant-based industrial products, nearly 80% require pollination.

Visits from our pollinators result in larger, more flavorful fruits, vegetables, and create higher crop yields.

OUR POLLINATORS ARE IN TROUBLE. For the past 25 years, many species of bees and other pollinators have experienced large drops in numbers. Among the causes:

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Bee balm

INSPIRED HOME | 39

garden

FEWER PLACES TO FEED AND BREED. Habitat is shrinking as roads and developments have replaced meadows and wildlands, destroying feeding and nesting sites. The patches of prairie and meadow have become disconnected, making it difficult for pollinators to reach new breeding sites or better habitat.

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IMPORTED SPECIES AND DISEASES. Invasive plants crowd out native ones, reducing food and shelter for pollinators.

Disease-causing organisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria can spread from nonnative to native pollinators.

PESTICIDES. While pesticides can help control crop pests and invasive species, improper use can harm pollinators and other wildlife. Using pesticides only when necessary, using the minimum amount required and targeted applications will ensure only intended pests are affected.

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1. Lewis Blue Flax: A native perennial that prefers well-drained soils and attracts, bees, flower flies and songbirds.

2. Hoary Vervain: A native perennial and important source of nectar — a great garden addition to attract butterflies.

3. Blanket Flower: A sun-loving showy native that the endangered insect Dakota Skipper needs for its survival.

4. Common Milkweed: A native required host for the monarch butterfly caterpillar, now declining in numbers.

5. Lead Plant: This native flower enjoys sun, yet tolerates shade; it attracts abundant butterflies, moths, bees and beetles.

5 40 | SPRING 2022

CLIMATE CHANGE. Flowers are blooming earlier as temperatures warm, costing some pollinators the opportunity to feed. Some insects feed only on specific plants; if these blooms die before insects arrive, the insects go hungry and fewer plants get pollinated.

Rising temperatures are contributing to a decline in bumblebees. Numbers of North American bumblebees have fallen nearly 50 percent since 1974. Other climate change effects include more flooding, shorter fire cycles and the spread of invasive species.

What can you do to help?

If every household in the United States planted one pollinator plant, that would provide more than 120 million additional plants for habitats. You can grow a pollinator garden of any size, from a few square feet to acres and more. Don’t have a yard? Consider planting a garden on your balcony. Choose a spot on your balcony that gets the most sun because most pollinator plants require full sun.

Think vertically as well as horizontally — train vines around your railings or up a trellis and use wall planters or window boxes along railings.

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6 6. Purple coneflower: This sun-loving native flower is a big nectar producer that attracts butterflies, bees and beetles. The large daisy-like flowers will be a main attraction in any garden.

How does your garden grow?

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INSPIRED HOME | 41

garden

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What should you plant to make your landscape pollinator-friendly?

Bees are just like every other creature on Earth — they need food, water and safe shelter. Grow lots of different flowers. Bees will forage on flowers from the first crocus in spring until the last aster in fall. Native plants are especially well-suited for attracting our native bees and other pollinators. A few perennial options include beebalm, blazing star, blanketflower, goldenrod and aster.

Annuals to consider include sunflower, salvia, snapdragon and herbs such as borage, basil and chives. Bees will drink water from rims of bird baths — add a piece of wood to serve as a landing platform. Many bees nest in soil so allow some bare patches in your garden for shelter.

Grasses are important Pollinators need protection from severe weather and predators, as well as sites for nesting and roosting. Incorporate different layers of flowering plants and grasses in the landscape for food and shelter they need for survival. Pollinators use these corridors of INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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plants to safely move through the landscape, protected from predators. Little bluestem, side-oats grama, big bluestem, Indian grass, prairie drop seed and switch grass are all excellent options to add to your gardens.

Want more information about how you can help our pollinators? Visit gf.nd.gov/pollinators or usda.gov/pollinators.

Harwood, ND | 701.282.0050

Friday, April 8th

Monday-Friday 9-8 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 12-5

Saturday, April 9th

1. Prairie Dropseed: A low-maintenance native grass vital in the life cycles of bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

2.. Side Oats Grama: A flowering native grass that provides birds with food, nesting material and safe refuge.

3. Little Bluestem: This native grass serves as a larval host to nine skipper butterfly species and nesting for female bumble bee queens.

4. Indian Grass: This blue-green native grass turns orange to purple in fall and attracts butterflies, provides seeds and nesting material.

5. Big Bluestem: This tall native bunchgrass provides shelter for 24 songbirds species, nesting sites and attracts butterflies and moths.

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INSPIRED HOME | 43

backyard

Birding from your “nest”

BY JODI MEISCH, AUDUBON DAKOTA

A small brown bird with an effervescent voice, the house wren enjoys suet, peanut butter and shelled peanuts from a tray feeder or shallow dish.

44 | SPRING 2022

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NEVIA CASHWELL/GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

From an apartment in the heart of downtown, to your backyard or office – if you have access to a window or door, you are well on your way to backyard birding.

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Y

ou’re sitting…or standing…on the inside looking out. Suddenly, your attention is drawn to a bright yellow blur flying past your window.

After taking a moment to comprehend what you just saw, you are excited by the realization of a new bird in your yard – and left with a strong desire to find more! Although the color and size of the bird may have varied, this exact scenario played out countless times across the globe as people of all ages and demographics were confined to watching the world from their windows due to Covid-19 quarantines.

The irony is that these birds weren’t, in fact, new to the area. Rather, people were just simply noticing them for the first time (luckily, birds aren’t bothered by feeling invisible).

Now, even as we begin to emerge from our nests, “backyard birding” is a pastime that continues to grow in popularity because it can be enjoyed by virtually anyone, of any skill level, anywhere. If you haven’t already done

INSPIRED HOME | 45

backyard

ALAN GUBANICH/GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

Achieve Beautiful Gardens with tips from Master Gardener, Tony Randall

Celebrating years!

A member of the woodpecker family, this male red-shafted northern flicker searches for seeds in this backyard feeder.

Pictured here is an eastern bluebird, a tuftedtitmouse and a house-finch enjoying a spring season snack.

so, give it a try! We promise, you already have everything you need to get started: •

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Landscape Design Installation of Trees, Shrubs and Perennials Rock and Mulch | Sod Maintenance Plant Care & Health Consulting Hardscape

FREE ESTIMATES Call Tony 701.476.0491 West Fargo, ND See our work at gardenprofm.com tony@gardenprofm.com

46 | SPRING 2022

An outside view - From an apartment in the heart of downtown, to a house with a spacious yard, to your office – if you have access to a window or door (and we sure hope you do for safety reasons!), you are well on your way to backyard birding. For an immersive 360-degree experience, find a cozy spot to relax outside.

Birds - They may very well be hiding in plain sight, but they are there. Flying in sky, resting in trees, or foraging in the grass, birds are everywhere!

Bird food and shelter: When birds are around, it means food and shelter is already nearby. However, you can help increase the amount, variety, and duration of birds visiting your back yard or balcony by incorporating feeders, houses, and bird-friendly plants! Information about bird-friendly plants and where to purchase them can be found at dakota.audubon. org/conservation/plants-birds. The greater Fargo-Moorhead area also has the following trusted sources for planning gardens and purchasing birdfriendly plants: • Cass County Soil Conservation District (cost-share program available!)

• United Prairie Foundation • Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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This beautiful blue jay snacks on delicious peanuts provided by a homeowner's backyard feeder.

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Minnesota Board of Water Resources – Lawns to Legumes program (cost-share program available!)

Are you wanting to enhance your backyard birding experience even more? Grab some binoculars, a bird guide, and a camera!

Binoculars are the best tool for seeing the birds and their stunning plumage patterns up close… from a distance. Once you start seeing and appreciating the impressive variety of birds right outside your doorstep, you’ll likely want to know what you are seeing. Bird guides are a valuable resource to learn about birds’ IDs, diets, ranges, and migration patterns. You can find a nice selection of bird guide books locally at Zandbroz Variety and Barnes and Noble. If you’re not quite ready to dive into a bird guide book, that’s okay. Check out the Audubon app for all sorts of tips and identification tools. With your newfound adoration of your feathered neighbors, you may also be inclined to try your hand at snapping a few pictures of them; so, make sure your phone or digital camera is nearby.

So, you see, beginning your new birding hobby is much less intimidating when you are able to do it from the comfort of your home or office.

We think you’ll be amazed at how quickly you discover and learn about the birds in our area.

Fair warning, though – you won’t want to stop once you start!

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Conversation with Barbara and Beverly Benda

BY TERRI FERRAGUT| PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA AND BEVERLY BENDA

52 | SPRING 2022

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Barbara and Beverly Benda are twin sisters who have fashioned their life’s work through the tip of a paint brush.

Inspired Home asked both artists about their journey that brought them to where they are today.

OPPOSITE PAGE: An important element for Barbra Benda is her love for teaching others. On a beautiful summer day near Medora, North Dakota, Benda helped a curious child paint the beauty of the Badlands “plein-air style.”

BELOW: Beverly Benda shows the mixed-media fish paintings she created at Mourning Dove Studio in Moorhead, Minnesota. Having always loved art and after spending 30 years of her career in dietetics, she made the choice to pursue her art once again.

IH: What brought you both to a career in creativity?

BEV: It began at birth! Creativity is a Godgiven gift to every person. Growing up in a large family, we had a big yard where we “went exploring” — from studying ants and caterpillars to examining the lines on a leaf, to building “rafts” to carry us across mud puddles and cardboard “sleighs” to carry us across “the frozen tundra.” This free play led to developing wonder about the world around us.

BARBARA: We scribbled with crayons since we were toddlers, encouraged by Mom. As the youngest of eight girls, we pitched in to do house and yard work. When we were 10, our dad died and Mom taught us skills to fix things, sometimes in very creative ways because money was tight.

IH: What people in your life encouraged you?

BEV: Our parents gave us a foundation for work ethic, gratitude and faith in God. Our mother gave us scratch paper and pencils to draw the exciting world around us. Her encouragement was enough until we met our amazing high school art teacher, Mrs. Aimee Sanger, at Wahpeton High School.

BARBARA: Parents John and Katherine both modeled a strong work ethic. Before Dad died, they owned a home-based motorcycle shop called Honest John’s. Mom usually assembled the cycles because Dad worked for the railroad.

Aimee Sanger, Wahpeton High, was our first

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SPRING 2022 | 53

C O N V E R S AT I O N S

art teacher that impacted us greatly.

IH: What obstacles did you face while carving out your career?

Bev: I chose a dietetics career and put art on the back burner for 30 years. When I returned, I started from scratch again. Rebuilding confidence was the greatest challenge, but practice and an excellent instructor (Barbara) have been the best strategy to deal with that.

Barbara: As an MSU art major in college, there were few jobs upon graduation. My advisor, John Boyd Holland, recommended I switch to elementary-education with an art-education minor. It solved the problem of getting a job, though I was terrified of teaching. I figured out how to develop a hands-on approach in core subjects by using art to further comprehension.

I went back to MSUM at age 50 to finish my art education degree. After a 31-year run, 11 54 | SPRING 2022

ABOVE: Pee-Wee by Barbara Benda, watercolor.

Chickadees at Barbara’s bird feeder supplied the inspiration for this painting. A love and respect for nature is an ever-present and powerful force in the work created by the twin sisters.

TOP: Showy Egret by Barbara Benda, watercolor.

An explosion of rich colors from a natural scene Barbra Benda photographed at a Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona, became her next project. The changed colors of the water from brown to teal, the ground from gray to orange, and the shadows of the snowy egret from blue to violet create this stunning finished piece.

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The Benda twins channel their instinctive creative energies to create art from the heart.

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Bison and the Rim Rocks by Barbara Benda, watercolor Barbara painted this large watercolor as a commission for a client who saw her Black Hills Bison painting and he asked her to adapt it to the scene he views from his home in the Rim Rock area of Billings, Montana. Barbara used a secondary color scheme with a subtle violet to give the scene a dramatic effect. Many small studies and sketches were done before the large painting was tackled to ensure confident brush strokes.

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years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and 20 years for Fargo Public Schools, I became a self-employed artist. In 2020, when galleries were temporarily closing, Beverly and I opened our home-based Double Trouble Gallery. Nothing is an obstacle anymore. Faith in Jesus is what gets us through any challenge.

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IH: What inspires your work?

Bev: When I create random intuitive mixed-media pieces, I let Jesus “take the wheel,” which works much better than me forcing it. He has been our ultimate INSPIREDHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

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INSPIRED HOME | 55

C O N V E R S AT I O N S

Periwinkle Evening by Barbara Benda, acrylic on canvas.

TOP LEFT: Natural scenes like this became the impetus to paint as she taught watercolor workshops at Dillman’s Art Retreat near Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. The extraordinary views of the sunrises beginning the day and sunsets at the close brought inspiring moments nudging her to paint many scenes, such as this one. The beauty of nature is an ever-driving force in her work.

inspiration by opening our eyes to the beauty around us.

BARBARA: Nature and sports have always inspired our work. We played competitive softball, tennis, racquetball, golf and pickleball. We bike, hike, snowshoe and paint outdoors. Birds, fish, animals, trees and flowers — they are inspiring.

IH: What is most satisfying about the creative process?

BEV: First, hands-on learning. We know that some

56 | SPRING 2022

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Double Trouble Open by appointment Monday -Saturday

GALLERY

809 20th Street North, Moorhead, MN

When God Paints at Sunrise, Barbara Benda, 2021

Birches: One Day Closer by Barbara LEFT: Benda, acrylic on canvas.

This scene was originally photographed when Barbara became lost and was caught in pouring rain during a thunderstorm while on a hike near Walker, Minnesota. The birch trees offered shelter and a place of comforting safety. Barbara has done half a dozen paintings inspired by this scene, which is a constant reminder to look upward to God in times of trouble. This particular birch painting was created to honor their mother, who died when the Benda twins were only 26 years old. Lavender was Katherine Benda’s favorite color, so it became an integral part of the finished painting.

pieces work out, others do not — that is just part of the learning process. Second, hanging out with Barbara, we have a lot of fun together!

BARBARA: It is satisfying when people personally connect to our paintings and want to buy them for their homes. In teaching, it is satisfying to prove people wrong when they say they have no art skills. They discover they had the skills all along and it isn’t that difficult. They simply needed some lessons and to try.

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One Day Closer, Barbara Benda, 2021

Bison and the Rim Rocks, Barbara Benda, 2021

Showy Egret, Barbara Benda, 2020

Double Trouble Gallery showcases watercolors, acrylics, and mixed media collage by professional artist and educator Barbara Benda and twin sister Beverly Benda.

This unique home-based gallery features affordable original art for your home or business. To make an appointment, call 218-443-1126 or email: barbara@barbarabendanagle.com.

Private art instruction is also available for ages 12 and up

CATCH OF THE DAY ll, Beverly Benda, 2021

Workshop and Art Event Calendar March 14-18th, 2022 9:00-3:30

Beginning Drawing and Watercolor Workshop, NDSCS, Fargo, ND

April 29-30 12:00-6pm

Spring Art Sale Double Trouble Gallery 809 20th St. North, Moorhead, MN

June/July 2022 TBA

Designing Your Watercolor for Success Workshop

October 2-3 12-6 pm

Studio Crawl, Mourning Dove Studio 809 20th St. North, Moorhead, MN

For updates and to sign up for e-letter, go to www.barbarabendanagle.com

www.barbarabendanagle.com The Benda Twins Art Store: barbarabendanagle.company.site SPRING 2022 | 57

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Home & Office Interior Design

cuisine

Lamb

— the Other Red Meat STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANVILLE WOOD

H Since ancient Greece, Greek cuisine has been distinguished by its use of lamb. Its cuisine reflects a number of interesting influences — Turkish, Italian and Balkan flavors, which indicate its long historical value. In fact, the first cookbook was written by the ancient Greek chef Archestratus in 330 B.C. For Greeks, serving lamb is always indicative of a celebration, which means that it has achieved a special status.

Christians, Jews and Muslims celebrate with lamb, an essential part of the cuisine on Easter, Passover and Ramadan. Lamb is symbolic of spring, sacrifice and fertility — it unites people around a table of delicious food to heartily enjoy a special meal. For centuries, in humble homes, on the street and in the finest restaurants, this versatile meat has been grilled, seared, braised, roasted, stewed and served throughout the world.

When you have an opportunity to eat lamb, it’s guaranteed to be a great occasion.

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aving been raised on the other side of the pond in jolly olde England, lamb and, at times, mutton graced our dinner table. As a young lad, I quickly learned to differenciate between the two and, along with my brothers, pushed back when the smell of mutton emanated from the kitchen. Friends were called and invites to have dinner with us were enthusiastically excepted.

And this is the root of why lamb gets a bad rap. It is not the lamb’s fault but that of the older and more gamey mutton.

In the mutton’s defense, it is how you prepare it that counts because lamb and mutton are not interchangeable in recipes. The younger lamb has a milder flavor and is more tender. Mutton grows much larger yields — more meat, wool and other byproducts. It is an economic issue as much as a culinary issue as young lamb is more expensive as a food item, but the larger sheep yield economical meat and more wool. One sheep, the Merino, is prized for its fine wool used for expensive attire.

For a number of reasons, I like to think of lamb as the “other red meat” other than beef. The pork industry coined the phrase “the other white meat” back in

the ’80s. They wanted to take a bite out of the hold chicken had on being the center of your plate as the protein of choice. Sheep, unlike cattle, leave a much smaller footprint or “hoof print” on the environment. Believe it or not, the dairy and cattle industries are the least eco-friendly. In this time of trying to improve our status as a environmental gamechanger, it is a topic of conversation in certain circles.

With Easter on the horizon, it is perfect time to consider giving lamb a go for your Easter dinner. Afterall, it is highly regarded in religious circles, celebrated and worshiped, which brings me why sheep rule. The Holy Lands are some of the most inhospitable countries in the Middle East. Dry, rugged and arid — quite the opposite of the lush pastures of England and New Zealand. Australia, with its harsh climate is the largest exporter of sheep globally. So, why do sheep survive such hard climates? Sheep are practically drought resistant and can survive on weeds and other grasses. With so many species, they have adapted to their environments. They cover the tundras of Mongolia to the deserts of Australia and all areas in between, as SPRING 2022 | 61

cuisine far south as Patagonia, the southern most tip of South America.

So, why is it that America hasn’t embraced sheep farming? North Dakota State University has a great sheep program in its agriculture studies program. Off the top of my head, I can think of one big box store that carries lamb racks from Australia. The Muslim Halal markets probably carry lamb and mutton as they like to roast a whole lamb for their religious ceremonies. But, wait, then there is my dear friend Mara Solberg of Solberg Farm in Horace, North Dakota. She raises beautiful organic lamb that she sells at the Red River Market. Mara, along with Noreen Thomas, have a long history of farming in the Dakotas and made a stand to be organic and GMO-free. More on Noreen later.

The versatility of cooking lamb is what I found so attractive, coupled with its flavor and leanness, so it’s more healthy. From grilling chops to roasting whole legs and braising shanks, lamb does it all and carries strong spices well. Our household being British, grilled loin chops or a roast leg with sides of peas, mashed new potatoes and, of course, savory mint jelly or a splash of mint and shallot vinegar. Italians shove whole cloves of garlic in a bone-in leg and roast it with rosemary. Morrocans make a tagine or highly seasoned braise using a variety of spices served over couscous.

The Spanish make fantastic meatballs. OK, I am getting hungry, so let’s write up a few recipes.

You can find Mara on Twitter or Google her to pick up some fresh lamb —and let’s cook!

Tzatziki sauce is a great companion to all meats — chicken, beef, pork, lamb, especially when grilled. It’s a great way to transform meats into a great meal! And who needs mayo when you have tzatziki? For a new twist on traditional deli sandwiches, spread the tzatziki sauce instead of mayo or use it as a delicious salad dressing. Use tzatziki like any other dressing — with crispy greens, your favorite meat or vegetables for a delicious, healthy salad. It’s also a flavor-packed vegetable dip for fresh veggies, such as carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and cucumber slices. You will love it!

62 | SPRING 2022

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“

With Easter on the horizon, it is a perfect time to consider giving lamb a go for your dinner. ­­­– Chef GranvillE Wood

What is tzatziki?

Tzatziki, pronounced tuh-zeekee, while being a ridiculously fun word to say, is an ancient Greek condiment made of thick yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon or vinegar. Fresh herbs like dill, mint or thyme, and sometimes olive oil, are also added to this flavor-packed condiment. While the recipe can vary from region to region in Greece, it is served with the meze, or the small plate appetizer portion of the meal, and can remain on the table for the entire meal to be served with roasted meats and vegetables.

Street foods like gyros or kabobs are always garnished with tzatziki.

Traditionally, this dish was set out during the early part of the meal to anoint the fresh salads and richly flavored bites that comprise mezes, or to balance spiced meats.

A platter of salted raw tomatoes and cucumbers becomes an instant salad when topped with tzatziki as a dressing. Bread is smeared with tzatziki and topped with grilled meats or vegetables for a crostini or bruschetta-style snack that pairs well with Greek wines. The fat in this cool creamy yogurt sauce is masterful at carrying flavors to every dish it touches. Try it for yourself!

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e n i W !

e m Ti

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cuisine

L A M B MEAT B A L L S W IT H TZ AT ZIKI S A U C E

“I like to use these meatballs as a spicy appetizer served on picks with a drizzle of this cucumber yogurt sauce or as a lunch item with a side salad and some good pita bread. In summer, a salsa of honeydew melon, cucumber and mint brings a refreshing lightness to the dish.” — Chef Granville Wood

MEATBALLS INGREDIENTS:

1 tsp.

1 lb.

Ground Lamb

¼ tsp. Cayenne pepper

3 Tbs.

Red onion, chopped

1 tsp.

Kosher salt

1

Clove garlic, grated

1 Tbs.

Hellman’s mayonnaise

1

Egg, lightly bex1aten

1 cup

Fresh mint, finely chopped

2 Tbs.

Panko breadcrumbs, crushed

¼ cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 tsp.

Ground cumin

Smoked paprika

Method: Mix all the above ingredients by hand until well incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove from the fridge and shape into 24 1-ounce meatballs. Wet hands before shaping the meatballs. Lightly oil a sheet pan and bake meatballs in 350-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes until lightly browned and slightly firm to the touch.

64 | SPRING 2022

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Elle Michelle Shop PARISIAN FLEA MARKET TREASURES

From the owner’s Paris travels to youTZATZIKI SAUCE 2 cups Greek yogurt, plain (use only Greek yogurt)

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½ cup Sour cream 1

English cucumber, peeled and diced. Lightly salt and place in strainer to draw out water.

1 Tbs.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp.

Kosher salt

3 Tbs.

Fresh mint, finely chopped

3 Tbs.

Fresh dill, finely chopped

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A few drops of Tabasco or other hot sauce Method: Using a clean towel, gently squeeze moisture out of cucumbers. Fold all the ingredients together, do not whisk or put in blender. Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

To Serve: Place sauce in a small bowl on a platter and surround with meatballs.

Put toothpicks in each meatball. Have lemon wedges available to squeeze over meatballs.

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cuisine

Greek Wines My favorite Greek wine choices to pair especially with lamb and tzatziki!

ASSYRTIKO (white) is a white grape originating on the volcanic island of Santorini.

Noted for being dry, crisp and light, with strong accents of lemon, citrus and sea salt.

Where it is grown is reflected in its flavor, as it reveals its terroir — from the dry and mineral-rich soils of Santorini, to the green and lush northern mountains of Macedonia.

Assyrtiko is comparable to an elevated Pinot Grigio or to a French Sauvignon Blanc.

reds, it produces complex wines with flavors of plum, raspberry, and hints of allspice and tobacco. Xinomavro is comparable to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo.

Some other notable Greek varietals include Moschofilero and Malagousia for whites and Agiorghitiko and Mavrotragano for reds.

Seven Sisters strives to have a good selection of Greek wines, so stop in to check out all we have to offer.

— CHELSEY MALSTROM, Seven Sisters Spirits, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

XINOMAVRO (red) is a dark purple grape grown mostly in the northern cooler regions of Greece. Considered one of the grand Greek

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Kitchen Smarts C U T L E RY 1 0 1 :

SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS Knives are the basic building blocks of good cooking. To cook well, you need three things: fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and highquality tools. Having the right equipment makes doing the job that much better.

Whether it’s a well-seasoned pan or a casserole dish that’s been passed down through the generations, great kitchenware makes cooking simply a joy.

Pictured: Wüsthof Classic Ikon 7" Nakiri, $200.00

Sharpen your skills Every well-equipped kitchen needs a chef’s knife for chopping, a paring knife for small work, and a serrated knife for slicing bread and tomatoes.

Great additions are a utility knife, perfect for jobs between a paring and a chef’s knife, and a carving knife for meat such as roasts or turkey.

Historically, Germany and Japan

have been respected world-wide for their knife making skills for centuries.

Creative Kitchen takes pride in offering the highest quality cutlery from Germany and Japan.

German vs Japanese German knife blades use softer steel, are durable and better for rough

root vegetables and tough meats. A workhorse, they can be used for just about anything.

Japanese knife blades are thinner with sharper edges and a lighter weight, creating precision that defines their performance edge. They hold a super-sharp edge longer.

Wüsthof Wüsthof Family Family owned owned for for over over 200 200 years, years, Wüsthof, Wüsthof, a a Creative Creative Kitchen Kitchen favorite, favorite, has has crafted crafted artisan artisan forged forged blades blades in in Solingen, Solingen, Germany.

Germany.

Each Each knife knife is is precision precision forged forged from from a a single single piece piece of of high-carbon high-carbon steel steel that that resists resists stains stains and and corrosion. corrosion. Pictured: Pictured: Classic Classic 8" 8" Chef’s Chef’s Knife, $170.00.

Knife, $170.00.

MesserMeister A German heritage favorite, this knife, handcrafted in the historic cutlery capital of Solingen, Germany is made of high-carbon steel.

The one-piece hammer forged process produces the strongest blade from heel to tip. Known for its durability, corrosion resistance and edge retention. Pictured: Olivia Elite Chef and Parer 2 Piece Set, $249.99

KiKuichi This bladesmithing dates back to the 13th century usage by Samurai warriors and emperors. Handcrafted in Nara, Japan, its ancient seal of excellence, a chrysanthemum, still remains on each blade.

Comprising of up to 45 layers of dense steel, these knives are revered by chefs worldwide. Pictured: Chef’s Knife, ZNWD Series 8" Gyoto Knife, $320.00

shun With a Japanese blade-making tradition of over 800 years, Shun produces knives of unparalleled quality, beauty and impeccable precision. Distinguished by its beautiful hand hammered finish that releases food easily, these hand-crafted blades are an asset to any discerning kitchen. Pictured: Premier Gray 8" Chef’s Knife $199.99

Quality cutting boards help keep knives sharp!

Epicurean Cutting Board

Larchwood Cutting Board

» Ask us about our in-store blade sharpening! $5 per blade

Wüsthof Hand Held Sharpener for German knives, $25.00

Miyabi Ceramic Knife Sharpener for Japanese knives, $49.99

West Acres Mall, Fargo, ND www.CreativeKitchenFargo.com 701.282.8694

ingredients

Verden Beste —

Norway's National Cake STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN FERRAGUT CARLSON

A

cake so audacious to be deemed the “World’s Best Cake” or “Verdens Beste” by Norwegians has certainly proved to fulfill its title. “World’s best anything” is quite subjective, but according to most Norwegians, they see the title as a well-deserved fit. Like most things Scandinavian, the journey for such a cake evolved in a humble manner.

Verdens Beste was born in the 1920s on the island of Hinnøya in Northern Norway. Hulda Ottestad and her sister, both from the neighboring town of Kvæfjord, opened a café called Café Alliance. It quickly became regarded as the best in the area. The two sisters became known as Norway’s café pioneers. Ten years after her opening, Hulda purchased two cake recipes from a Danish pastry chef for a large price: 200 kroner.

One recipe called “kongekake” or king cake was loaded with almonds and very expensive to make at the time. Hulda adjusted the recipe to call for less almonds, which rendered the cake not only less dense, but also more affordable to bake and to buy.

Verdens Beste also has the delicious honor of being Norway’s national cake since 2002.

Previously, it had been named kvæfjordkake in association with Kvæfjord, the hometown of Hulda and her sister.

I have never had the opportunity to taste Verdens Beste, so the best way to do so was to make it myself. I was glad I did! The fact that you can make the “world’s best-anything” in one bowl makes this recipe even better.

The recipe is clever, cheap and easy. You make a simple, eggy sponge cake, whip up egg whites into an airy meringue, shmear it on top of the

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SPRING 2022 | 71

ingredients

cake batter and bake it all together. Genius. Both the cake and meringue bake simultaneously together.

After the meringue has puffed to a light golden brown, remove the cake and cut it in half crosswise.

For the filling, it is nothing more than whipped cream and vanilla. Over time (and depending on whose hands the recipe is in), the filling has been

known to also be a rum custard or vanilla custard.

The consensus seems to be whatever you like! I chose simple vanilla whipped cream.

I love this cake for many reasons. It is affordable, easy and quick. More importantly, the sooner you make it in advance, the better it tastes over time.

It’s great for a summer picnic! Make it a day or two

ahead of time and all the flavors mix and meld together. Be sure to garnish with fresh berries, whatever type you prefer. Bananas in the middle layer would add a nice creaminess, too! However you choose to adapt it, as Hulda did, it will be the world’s best. Happy baking!

You can be creative with the filling. I suggest adding almond, lemon, or my favorite, a few pods of fresh ground cardamom to the sweetened fresh whipped cream or add a layer of fresh fruit.

Baking the cake and meringue topping at the same time makes this cake a time saver. No need to make frosting or icing-just garnish with fruit. I like adding bananas, blueberries or strawberries.

I think baked goods should look homemade. That is what I love most about this cake. It lends itself to imperfection and it's adaptable--the way Hulda intended.

WORLDS B E S T C A K E INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

10 ½ Tbsps. (1 stick plus 2 ½ tablespoons) butter, softened

Preheat the oven to 350°F, with a rack in the middle position. Line an 8- by 12-inch baking pan with parchment paper. I recommend not using glass pans, use metal.

1 ²∕³ cups granulated sugar, separated 1

cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1

tsp. baking powder

5

large eggs, separated

1∕3 ¼

cup whole milk

1

cup heavy cream

½

vanilla bean

cup sliced almonds

72 | SPRING 2022

Beat the butter and ²∕ ³ cup of the sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and creamy, about 3 minutes.

Add the flour and baking powder and mix well on low speed.

Mix in the egg yolks and milk.

Scrape the batter into the baking pan.

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It all started with the idea of a pastry shop 20 years ago, serving handmade, carefully thought-out dessert’s.

Today we connnue to move forward, expanding our offerings and adding a more enncing savory side.

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“

Like most things Scandinavian, the journey for such a cake evolved in a humble manner.

”

In a large clean bowl, beat the egg whites and the remaining 1 cup sugar to soft peaks. Spread on top of the cake layer. Sprinkle with the almond slices.

Bake for 30 -35 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and puffed.

Cool on a wire rack in the pan. Transfer to a cutting board.

When the cake is cool, put the cream in a medium bowl and scrape in the vanilla seeds. Discard the vanilla pod. Beat to soft peaks with an electric mixer, about 3 minutes.

Cut the cake in half crosswise with a serrated knife. Place one half of the cake on a serving tray and cover with the cream. Place the other half, meringue side up, on top.

Let the cake sit for 1 hour in the fridge before serving.

Garnish with fresh fruit.

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ingredients

Wine Wisdom S

Chelsey Malstrom, Seven Sisters Spirits, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

pring is my favorite season, full of new possibilities, lovely blooms around every corner, and we again see more of our lake friends! This time of year, I usually crave fresh, juicy wines that get me excited for all summer has to offer. Bodegas Care is a fairly new Spanish winery in Aragon, Spain. They are known for their Garnacha, and for delivering wine that is very expressive, with beautiful quality, at an exceptional price. “

– Chelsey Malstrom

Cheers!

Chelsey Malstrom

Care Solidarity Rosé This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Tempranillo, with a beautiful blushing salmon pink color.

Notes of strawberries and tart cherries with a light vanilla softness remind me of cheesecake. All of these flavors follow through on the palate with mild acidity. It’s a great wine for brunch!

Care Tinto Sobre Lias From Spain comes this blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah. The grapes give this wine a dark crimson violet color.

With decadent, silky plum and raspberries on the palate, this wine is incredibly juicy and fruity without a harsh sweetness. It’s perfect to sip while reading a book on a rainy day or use this wine in your favorite beef bourguignon recipe!

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