Mission Hills, KS August 2023

Introducing Issue

Number TwoWelcome Back!

I hope our premiere issue created a big splash in the community! I'm working on my dad jokes, forgive me.

Bringing this publication to life has been a privilege, and we are just getting started! August is here, and we are so excited for you to be inspired by what you read in issue two. The reason we are passionate about this publication and its contents, everything from City Scene to our features on local artists and restaurants, is to remind everyone the importance of their story.

Our hope is these stories will ignite a spark in you to pursue a passion or a dream that has long been on your hearts and minds, and that you will be inspired to encourage those who are chasing their passions and dreams.

Victoria and I are thrilled to continue sharing the stories of people and businesses in our community, and we hope that we are able to rise together!

One of my favorite things about owning this publication is the people we have had the opportunity to meet. We would love to meet you too. Whether you see us at the grocery store or out to eat, come say hello! We are always looking to spark up conversations and want to hear your stories! Don't be strangers.

I know you'll continue to enjoy the stories of those around us in the community and continue to be active members of the Mission Hills City Lifestyle community.

Again, we are privileged to call Northeast Johnson County our home! We would love to meet you and your family someday soon!

Scan the QR code to follow us on Instagram for all of the latest news and events!

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Cooper Moore | cooper.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Victoria Moore | Victoria.Moore@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Josie Torres, Linanne Martin

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

LOOKING FOR UPHOLSTERY?

advantage of our on site work for restaurants, hotels, and office spaces.

We fabricate and install natural stone, quartz, and ultracompact surface countertops, fireplaces, and wherever else you desire to add that extra touch of beauty in your home!

Created by nature, perfected by Gaumats

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @missionhillscitylifestyle

1: Tablescaping event hosted by Schumacher linens in Mission Hills 2: Guests admiring one of six tables set by KC Estately 3: Event was held at the Kansas City Country Club 4: Guests wore their best summer dresses and enjoyed drinks 5: Saturday morning at the Overland Park Farmers' Market 6: Shoppers scooping up zucchini to make bread 7: Browsing the rack at The Pretty Posy Boutique during the Overland Park art fair

Photography by Victoria Moore

Forks n' Chill packs back to school picnics

As the end of summer approaches, Charzelle David with Forks n' Chill is putting a new spin on celebrating back to school. Charcuterie boards or KID-cuterie boards are available to treat the kids and their friends before their first day. For the moms, you also get to celebrate the return of the school year. Special boards including wine are available for you to enjoy! Order by visiting forksnchill.com.

Kansas City Ballet School grand re-opening triples its original space

With their re-opening scheduled for this summer, the Kansas City Ballet

Photography Samantha Holli Creative

School’s $2.1 million expansion to their South Campus will accommodate the growing popularity of ballet in the Johnson County area. The renovated studios located near Meadowbrook Park at 5328 W. 95th Street in Prairie Village will be more public-facing and accessible, tripling in square footage and totaling four studios. Follow along with the progress and register for classes on kcballet.org.

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Kansas City Microblading grows business and confidence for clients

Things are shaping up nicely for Kansas City Microblading this summer! Opening a new location in the Crossroads Art District and hiring a staff of three, owner Ky Seurer is boosting customer experience and confidence with microblading, eyelash lifting and other services. KCM is offering a special deal for Mission Hills City Lifestyle readers. Mention this article for $75 off your next service!

Photography Ky Seurer

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Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissionHills

Food with a Story.

Award-winning Kansas City restaurant consistently masters the fine dining experience

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA MOORE AND LINANNE MARTIN

What makes a good story? Some might say a captivating beginning, strong middle, and thought-provoking ending. Add a few awards into the mix, and that is what makes a great story. These ingredients and more are why Prairie Village’s Story restaurant is consistently voted one of the greatest fine dining experiences in the Kansas City Metro.

CAPTIVATING BEGINNING.

Started by husband/wife team Chef Carl and Susan Thorne-Thomsen in May 2011, Story was founded on

three basic beliefs, the first being inspiration motivated by ingredients.

“I try to source ingredients carefully, locally when I can, but whether local or not, I always try to find the best, freshest, most interesting,” Carl said. “Inevitably, the more time I spend looking for and learning about ingredients, the more I wind up knowing about them.”

The history behind these ingredients sparks the imagination of Chef Thorne-Thomsen in the creation of the dishes prepared at Story. On each table are contents derived from the second belief.

Carl & Susan Thorne-Thomsen

Seasonal dishes

Story's patio

“The name also refers to the ‘story’ behind any given dish on the menu, why certain items are paired or not, where the idea came from or how it evolved,” Carl said.

This same curiosity is how Carl discovered his affection for cooking years ago. Before they were married, his wife Susan owned a gourmet food store in Wichita, where he would shop for specialty ingredients on his self-taught cooking journey. When the store expanded to a café, ThorneThomsen applied to be its chef and was hired for his first professional cooking job.

Packing up their experience, the couple moved to Kansas City where Carl began working in fine dining with a dream in his back pocket.

“He always wanted to open his own restaurant,” Susan added. “Carl had been cooking professionally in the Kansas City area at some of the best restaurants for eight years and was ready to go out on his own. It was a big undertaking, especially with three young children.”

STRONG MIDDLE.

Choosing The Village Shops as their restaurant’s location, Carl and Susan hit the ground running and made an early mark in Kansas City’s fine dining scene. Just like any new business, the first few years were full of hard work and time investment. But to Chef ThorneThomsen's credit, he did not allow his family to fall through the cracks.

"My fondest memory of the early days was when our kids...would come in and 'help' in the kitchen," Susan said. "Carl would give them oversized chef's jackets to wear and have them do small food preparation tasks."

The grind, in the beginning, paid off for the couple. In their first four years, Carl was nominated as a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Midwest and named The People’s Best New Chef by Food and Wine Magazine. Story’s wine list has also been recognized with Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellenc e for the last eight years.

“It is so rewarding to be recognized locally and nationally," Carl said.

THOUGHT-PROVOKING ENDING.

After 12 years of operation, the ThorneThomsens have not let off the gas. Voted once again as a James Beard semifinalist and as  Best Fine Dining Experience in Johnson County in 2022, Story’s third belief – the experience is a story – is proving true for its diners.

“Is it a special occasion, an anniversary or birthday? Is it friends in town, a first date? Sometimes, if the food, service and atmosphere are good, then the experience itself is the story," Carl added.

The ending to this story is nowhere in sight. Another chapter is currently being written, but some things are better left for the sequel.

“We are excited to announce Carl’s involvement in a cooking show,” Susan said. “The details can’t be revealed just yet.”

For now, the Thorne-Thomsens are soaking in their success, living out their dreams every day and frequenting the Overland Park Farmers' Market for those fresh, local ingredients.

“We are just thankful to be part of such a wonderful community,” Susan said. “We have so many regular guests, hardworking staff and excellent suppliers that help make Story a success and allow Carl to do what he loves.”

“We are just so thankful to be part of such a wonderful community. We have so many regular guests, hardworking staff and excellent suppliers that help make Story a success."

A Dream Space Come True

MIDWEST PRO CREATES SPANISH-INSPIRED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE FOR ANY MONTH OF THE YEAR

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICTORIA MOORE AND IAN RODRIGUEZ

Ian Rodriguez

Imagine a cozy, outdoor space designed to be warm in the winter, cool in the summer and fit for entertaining year round. That was the task handed to Ian Rodriguez of Midwest Pro Handyman and Remodeling by clients moving from Colorado to a home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. In love with the great outdoors, the homeowners wanted to face east every morning for a beautiful sunrise.

“I remember the clients didn’t want an enclosed [space], but cozy enough to feel like a continuation of their living space,” Rodriguez said.

The first steps of the project were to take apart the original deck and add beams, framing and tile roofing. From there, the groundwork was laid with tile floors, stones and stucco on the remaining walls. This set the stage for the creative features that brought this design to life.

SPANISH-INSPIRED ARCHWAYS

Rodriguez’s idea to help blend the outdoor space with the rest of the Seville-style home was to create two arches facing the sunrise. During the winter, the homeowners cover the openings to keep warmth in the area.

STONE FIREPLACE

Deciding to stone the entire wall and fireplace added an extra element of cozy comfort. “I like how it didn’t feel like another sunroom or patio,” Rodriguez said. “It felt like an outdoor living space.”

CUSTOM FRENCH DOORS

The right door is decorative, and the left is fully functional. Thanks to the incredible craftsmanship, telling the difference between the two is next to impossible.

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

GET TO KNOW SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL TALENT AND WHAT DRIVES THEIR ARTWORK

Tré Mutava Musician/Singer/Songwriter

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR MAKING MUSIC?

In grade school is when I started writing songs and playing guitar. My 6th grade talent show became the platform to debut an original song in front of a live audience for the first time. Then, in high school, I joined a band for a couple of years and learned to produce music on my school MacBook. When my friends in the band graduated, I continued to make my songs and eventually had my first solo album.

DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL STYLE AND INSPIRATION.

My style is heavily influenced by bands and artists that dig deep to reveal themselves in their music. I enjoy many independent artists who have the freedom to write whatever they want in the way they want to connect with their fan base.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE MUSIC IS SO IMPORTANT?

Music is an expressive art form that can transcend language, race, religion, and gender and connects us all. I want my music to join us in ways we didn’t know possible. I want my music to shed an authentic light on topics we all think about but do not always discuss.

Tré Mutava

Jennifer Janesko

Abstract & Figurative Artist

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR CREATING?

It has been with me every moment of my life, so it was more about growing into it and realizing that I could actually create a future doing what came most natural. I was lucky to have an art teacher from another high school help me put together a portfolio, which became my path to an art scholarship for a college in Columbus Ohio.

DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE AND INSPIRATION.

I describe my abstract art as layered memories from my travel experiences. Imagine if you were to layer transparent photos on top of each other, but shifting each one slightly. My figure work is rooted in fashion illustration. The women I paint and draw are pieced together in my imagination, they are every woman. My figures are frozen in time, capturing a moment of grief, ecstasy, loss, anger, contentment and peace.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE ART/CREATIVITY IS SO IMPORTANT?

A creative must be allowed to express themselves without restriction and without fear. The most amazing synergy, for me, is to connect my world to the viewer-a shared emotion. That’s why people should collect art, because they are drawn into the artist’s world and they can see themselves in that world.

Explore Jennifer’s work on Janesko.com

"The Deep End"

Illustration by Jennifer Janesko

HOW DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR CREATING?

It all began when I developed a keen interest in design and craftsmanship during my early years. I was always fascinated by the idea of transforming raw materials into functional and aesthetic pieces. The turning point came when I had the opportunity to create a custom piece of furniture for a friend. From that moment on, I knew I had found my calling.

DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE AND INSPIRATION.

I strive to create sculptural yet functional furniture that embodies clean lines, sleek designs, and a sense of understated elegance. Nature plays a significant role in shaping my artistic vision. Architectural elements also inform my creative process. Additionally, I draw inspiration from contemporary art and sculpture.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE ART/CREATIVITY IS SO IMPORTANT?

I firmly believe that art and creativity are essential to the human experience. They have the power to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and inspire change. I hope that my work can inspire others to appreciate the value of creativity and design, to embrace the beauty of handcrafted objects, and to support artisans and their crafts.

Dane Fabrications/Jason Wilson Metalworker

"Art and creativity are essential to the human experience. They have power to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and inspire change."

Fireplace built by Jason Wilson

YOUR STORY

We provide FREE CONSULTATION, RENDERING & ESTIMATE.

We provide FREE CONSULTATION, RENDERING & ESTIMATE.

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CALL

MIDWEST PRO Handyman & Remodeling is a small business that is thriving and growing simply because what we do. With over 40 years combined experience, we are able to provide numerous renovation and remodeling services while keeping costs low without cutting corners

MIDWEST PRO Handyman & Remodeling is a small business that is thriving and growing simply because what we do. With over 40 years combined experience, we are able to provide numerous renovation and remodeling services while keeping costs low without cutting corners

"At Midwest PRO Handyman & Remodeling, if you can dream it, we can build it."

"At Midwest PRO Handyman &

if you can dream it, we can build it."

We are committed to keeping all our jobs in-house. So the quality of our work is consistent and reliable. No remodeling is too big or too small. With operations focused on your neighborhood (Roofing, siding, and decking, to indoor renovations like flooring, bathroom and kitchen, and basement) We are a one-stop shop.

We are committed to keeping all our jobs in-house. So the quality of our work is consistent and reliable. No remodeling is too big or too small. With operations focused on your neighborhood (Roofing, siding, and decking, to indoor renovations like flooring, bathroom and kitchen, and basement) We are a one-stop shop.

Roof,siding , windows, flooring, carpet, cabinets, kitchen, bathroom, art and décor fabrication, specialize carpentry, electrical and plumbing

Roof,siding , windows, flooring, carpet, cabinets, kitchen, bathroom, art and décor fabrication, specialize carpentry, electrical and plumbing

Skilled Concrete Tradesman

Concrete | Patios | Slabs | Driveways

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What is Your Neighborhood's Best Kept Secret?

ARTICLE

BY VICTORIA MOORE | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LOCALS

Five locals weigh in on their favorite spots in Mission Hills, Fairway and Prairie Village

COOPER MOORE

Publisher, Mission Hills City Lifestyle

"If you aren't looking for it, you might miss it. My new gym 2020 Fit is by far the best gym I've ever been a part of. The group classes are motivational and fun, and I always leave feeling like I've just had the best workout of my life."

STEPHEN ROBERSON

Kansas City Digital Creator

VICTORIA MOORE

Editor,

Mission Hills City Lifestyle

"The French Market in the Village Shops not only serves the best cup of coffee in the county, but their live music on Thursday nights transports you to a café on the streets of Paris. Their blueberry tea cake is lip smackin'."

"It's gotta be Story in Prairie Village. Beautiful restaurant with an elegant and intimate vibe. The real gem here is the Wagyu burger only served on Thursdays. That thing is fantastic! That with either the donuts or lemon cake for dessert is a win in my book."

KARLIE STROUP

Lifestyle Blogger from Kansas City

"Scoobie is tucked away in the Prairie Village Shops on the courtyard side. It's full of all the things you're looking for and even items you didn't know you needed. It's a hidden treasure for some and a weekly stop for others."

MINDY HARGESHEIMER

Creator of @kansascitybucketlist Instagram account

"For all the wildflowers out there looking for a completely unexpected and elevated cocktail experience, check out The Primrose. The cocktails are the complete package of presentation and palate-pleasing with their individual and desirable traits!"

ENJOYING SUMMER

In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKER

Beach Ball Garland

Have you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed?  It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!

Materials

• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)

• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)

• Thin rope or twine

• Air pump

Instructions

1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!

2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.

3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.

4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.

Watermelon Cake

A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!

Ingredients

• 2 large watermelons

• Assortment of berries and fruit

• 4 wooden skewers

• Toothpicks

• Whipped cream (optional)

• Fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.

2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.

3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.

4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”

Backyard Whimsy

Creating a Kid-Friendly Backyard Space

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids

to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.

For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary  supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so  there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes CONTINUED >

18 inches down to put the  footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated  post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x  10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s  for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level.  Once the decking is  finished, now it is time for the fun!

For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree  angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left  three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug  and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Mission Market

JOHNSON DRIVE | 4:30 PM

This is not your typical Farmer’s Market! Walk along Johnson Drive in Mission enjoying evening shopping and entertainment every Thursday in August from 4:30 to 8:00. Support local makers and growers or sit for a drink in the beer garden as you soak up the season while it lasts! Follow Mission Market’s Instagram for updated information!

KC Sunflower Festival

KC WINE CO. VINEYARD & WINERY | 4:00 PM

Summer is not complete without celebrating the beauty of Kansas’ sunflowers! KC Wine Co.’s flower field provides the perfect backdrop for their family-friendly Sunflower Festival throughout the month of August. Tickets are available online at kcwineco.com/festivals/sunflower-festival and grant access to the field and grounds for a full day of fun and games. Have fun in the sun (flowers)!

AUGUST 3RD

Summer Clocktower Concert Series

THE SHOPS OF PRAIRIE VILLAGE | 6:00 PM

Grab your friends and family for a night of free summertime fun and music! The final concert of the series features the Made in France Band for two hours of musical bliss under the Clocktower at the Shops of Prairie Village. Bring your own chair and enjoy the show! Visit shopsofprairievillage.com/events for more information!

AUGUST 4TH

First Fridays

CROSSROADS ART DISTRICT | 5:00 PM

Only three months left of First Fridays! Stroll through the Crossroads to eat, shop and enjoy local, regional, national, and international works of art. Admire the creative wall murals and take a turn down the Art Alleys filled with vendors and their creations! Visit kccrossroads.org/first-fridays for more information!

AUGUST 18TH-19TH

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MissionHills

Feastival: KC’s Tastiest Pop-Up

UNION STATION | 6:00 PM

One of the most delicious humanitarian efforts in Kansas City! Put on by Harvesters - The Community Food Network, Feastival features some of the best restaurants and chefs in the area in a pop-up style weekend. Each ticket fights hunger in Kansas City and includes a five course dinner, bottomless brunch and bag pack give back. Purchase tickets at kcfeastival.com.

AUGUST 26TH

Goat Yoga

DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN’S FARMSTEAD | 5:30 PM

Sign up for the cutest way to enjoy yoga with an hour long class at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and a lawn full of baby goats! Don’t worry about having an audience. They won’t judge! Stay for a social hour and pictures with the special guests. Purchase your tickets at tickets.opkansas.org/orders/536/calendar

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY

DOG gone GOOD

Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE

JONES

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 1/2 cups flour

(whole wheat preferred)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly knead. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).

No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup milk or half and half

• 3 cups oatmeal

Directions:

In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.

Birthday Cake for Your Pup

Ingredients:

• 1 egg

• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.