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BLUEBIRDS WINTER IN BLUE
JANUARY F E AT U R E S
D E PA RT M E N T S
10 | Rural Kansas Photography Contest Winners
4 | 5 |
The 16th Annual Rural Kansas Photography Contest was a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day regardless of what is happening in the world.
6 |
12 | Are All Stovetops Created Equal?
7 | 8 | 12A| 16 |
The kitchen is the center of any home, and the stove is a crucial component to a successful kitchen. Learn the basics of each stovetop type to determine what’s best for you.
14 | Making Dollars & Sense of Energy Efficiency
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E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
New year, new look T H E P R E S I D E N T ’S P E N
The grandeur of winter CO M M E N TA RY
Bob Dole remembered C RO S S W O R D
Energy efficiency E N E RGY W I S E
Surge suppressors for your home YO U R LO C A L CO - O P N E W S CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
Sunday dinners
Sundays honored with a meal that rose above the rest.
18 |
YO U R P L AC E I N T H E G A R D E N
Winter gardens
Winter does not have to leave us with a barren landscape void of interest and color.
S ometimes you have to pay more for something that’s considered energy efficient. It costs more upfront but actually saves money in the long run. That may sound illogical at first. It’s not. Here’s why.
19 | 20 |
M A R K E T P L AC E
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3 easy fixes
Dishes quick to fix in a pinch.
22 |
SAFETY
Backfeeding
Generators pose threat to energy workers.
DAVID BIRMINGHAM
FAWN IN FLIGHT
14
WHIRLPOOL
ON THE COVER A majestic elk photographed at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, Canton.
Teaser Bob Do
A championle for all Ame ricans
Stovet
Not all are op Basics created equa l
Energy Dollar Efficiency
Saving mons and Sense ey in the long run JANUA RY 2022 | BROUG HT
K AN S BEAUSA TY
TO YOU BY ROLLIN G HILLS ELECTR IC
CO-OP | WWW. KEC.CO
P H O T O B Y S C O T T W R I G H T, W I C H I TA
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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OP
E D I TO R’S L E T T E R
New Year, New Look, New Attitude
(ISSN 0091-9586) JANUARY 2022 VOL. 72, NO. 1 ©KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC. 2022 WWW.KEC.COOP
Lee Tafanelli
Chief Executive Officer
Vicki Estes
Director of Communications, Editor
Carrie Kimberlin
Manager of Creative Solutions
Shaylee Arpin WELCOME TO 2022 AND ALL THAT IS OR WILL BE NEW!
It’s our chance to wipe the slate clean and start over or improve our current status — with our diets, bad habits, budgets — or a new look. Same goes for Kansas Country Living. To celebrate the magazine’s 70th anniversary in 2022, we’ve made cosmetic updates and put the magazine on a diet, so to speak. You may have noticed the cover’s new look with a more modern magazine nameplate (also known in the business as the flag). We’ve also added a 70-year emblem to celebrate this incredible milestone throughout the year. While you will notice the same familiar and popular content each month, it all will be published within fewer pages. The stress on and chaos of the supply chain in 2021 greatly affected paper prices and its availability. In an effort to mitigate the rising costs and increase our chances of procuring paper each month, we’ve downsized the number of pages in the main part of the magazine. Our Kansas electric cooperative’s local pages will now begin on Page 12A (vs. 16A previously). Each issue will still include your favorite departments, like Cooking My Way Home by Rebecca Howard, and
the money-saving articles in the Energy Wise section. The only current offering that will cease after February is the President’s Pen column by Terry Hobbs, board member of Western Cooperative Electric, as his tenure as board president of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. will come to an end. I’m still trying to coax him into writing special guest columns when he has time. His prose captured the hearts of our readers and his humor kept us smiling through the tough pandemic years. Our staff and our subscribing electric co-ops are excited in anticipation of one more significant change — the launch of the magazine’s website on Feb. 1. The online version of Kansas Country Living will offer bonus content not published in the magazine including videos, expanded features and a section dedicated to showcasing the cooperatives’ commitment to community. Readers will be able to share their photos, recipes and upcoming community events. The website is designed to enhance the magazine and offer a digital experience for those who like to consume their information in a variety of ways. Stay tuned and stay warm! KCL
VICKI ESTES, EDITOR
Multimedia Communications Specialist Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Terry Hobbs, President Teresa Miller, Vice President Kirk Thompson, Secretary Jim Christopher, Treasurer You receive Kansas C ountry Living as a service of the following electric co-ops as a cost-effective way to share important information about services, energy savings, electric safety, director elections, meetings and management decisions. It also contains legal notices that otherwise would be published in other media at greater cost: 4 Rivers, Lebo Alfalfa, Cherokee, OK Bluestem, Wamego Brown-Atchison, Horton Butler, El Dorado CMS, Meade Caney Valley, Cedar Vale Doniphan, Troy DSO, Solomon Flint Hills, Council Grove FreeState, McLouth & Topeka Lane-Scott, Dighton Ninnescah, Pratt Pioneer, Ulysses Prairie Land, Norton Rolling Hills, Beloit Sedgwick County, Cheney Sumner-Cowley, Wellington TCEC, Hooker, OK Twin Valley, Altamont Victory, Dodge City Western, WaKeeney Wheatland, Scott City Your co-op’s board of directors authorizes a subscription to Kansas Country Living on behalf of the membership at a cost of $6.18 per year. Individual non-member subscriptions are $12 per year (tax included).
Co-op Members: Please report address changes to your local electric co-op. Postmaster: Send returns to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Kansas Country Living is published monthly by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS, and additional entry offices. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267; 785-478-4554. Advertising: Kansas Country Living is a member of American MainStreet Publications (www.amp.coop), collectively reaching an audited circulation of 9,378,177 monthly. Advertisers call 512-441-5200. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
THE PRESIDENT ’S PEN
The Grandeur of Winter “SEASONS CHANGE AND SO DID I.”
Those are lyrics from a song made famous by The Guess Who a popular rock group from my younger era. As the seasons revolve, and as we begin a new year with winter and all the elements that accompany it, I find myself thinking about the grandeur that wintertime brings. As I drive down a country back road I see Mother Nature Terry Hobbs at rest. Fields that were covered with green grass and wildflowers just a season ago now lie brown and dormant. Acres upon acres of soil that grew wheat and corn lie bare, catching their earthly breath to do it all over again. Trees stand leafless and bare, yet stately, waiting to show their beauty on a frosty sunlit morning. I think about the winter season and the beauty it beholds. I think about the land at rest and the anticipation of another seasonal change. Hence another bit of poetry I penned as seasons change and so did I.
THROUGH MARCH hotography Exhibit, P
Fredonia. E njoy the photography of Marilyn Graham. Fredonia Regional Hospital.
BY T E R RY H O B B S
Acres upon acres of soil that grew wheat and corn lie bare, catching their earthly breath to do it all over again. I was out a plantin’ just the other day Next to me I was smellin’ a field of newly mowed hay ‘Neath of me the soil, I’ve worked for many years Over me the sky, filled with joys and fears Joy from the sun and the ever needed rain Fear from the storms that cause so many pain Pondering and a thinking how much we really owe To God for taking care of all of us below. KCL TERRY HOBBS is the board president for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He is also a member of Western Cooperative Electric’s Board of Trustees in WaKeeney.
SHARE WITH US! f events@kansascountryliving.com f letters@kansascountryliving.com
wrestling tournament from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. both days. Garden City High School, Carlo Prieto 620-2712668, cprieto@gckschools.com.
JAN. 29 Celebrate Kansas Day!, North Newton. L earn f editor@kansascountryliving.com Art Exhibit, Fredonia. Stone about famous Kansans and House Gallery. enjoy outdoor activities, food f recipes@kansascountryliving.com trucks, take-home craft projects, JAN. 9 Alton United programs and demonstrations Methodist Church Sunday Breakfast, Alton. 8 :30 from noon-4 p.m. Free admission. Kauffman Museum, 2081 a.m. 4 08 Mill St., 785-984-2566, greatplainsumc.org. Main St., 316-283-1612, kauffmanmuseum.org. KCL JAN. 10 Osborne County Conservation District Kansas Country Living publishes events free as space allows. Annual Meeting, Osborne. 6 :30 p.m. St. Aloysius Send event information by the fifth of the month prior to Parish Hall, 219 N. Elm St. publication to events@kansascountryliving.com. Acceptance of events does not imply endorsement by the publisher or JAN. 28-29 64th Annual Rocky Welton Wrestling Kansas’ electric cooperatives. Tournament, Garden City. M ulti-state high school JAN. 5-FEB. 11 Greta Speers
f photos@kansascountryliving.com
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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C O M M E N TA RY
A Man of Integrity and Courage, Bob Dole Championed for All Americans BY L E E TA FA N E L L I
BOB DOLE WAS A KANSAN THROUGH AND THROUGH. A
proud product of Russell, Kansas, where he and his three siblings grew up amid the Dust Bowl and Lee Tafanelli Depression with parents who moved the family into the basement of their home and rented the space upstairs to make ends meet. It was an upbringing that formed the foundation of Dole’s enthusiastic advocacy for all walks of American life. Dole’s honorable and brave service to his country as a captain in the U.S. Army is well documented. While attempting to rescue an Army radioman on April 14, 1945, Dole was critically wounded resulting in the loss of a kidney, use of his right arm and most of the feeling in his left arm. But he willed himself to live. And he learned to write with his left hand. For his distinguished service, he earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. It is, from my perspective, Dole’s less publicized accomplishments that have left an indelible mark on all levels of society in America and even worldwide. Dole championed for all people regardless of party affiliation, pedigree or position. During his 27 years serving on the House and Senate Agriculture committees, Dole’s steadfast advocacy for the American farmer ensured rural communities could remain vibrant and relevant. Inflation and high interest rates in the early 1980s put farmers in peril and many abandoned their farms for other work to pay their bills. Dole’s signature negotiation skills resulted in a five-year farm bill that protected farmers
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
yet cut costs, all while addressing the national deficit. Recognizing the role of hunger in the cycle of poverty, Dole assisted millions of Americans through his work on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and creation of the McGovernDole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. The unlikely duo, George McGovern and Dole, received the 2008 World Food Prize in recognition of their efforts. “While our agricultural surpluses provide ample evidence of this nation as a major world food producer, it’s intolerable to most Americans that some people are going hungry in this land,” Dole commented at the time. Their efforts were recognized again in 2013 when Dole and McGovern were corecipients of the newly named McGovern/Dole Leadership Award. The 1980 bipartisan Bayh-Dole Act (named for Sen. Birch Bayh and Dole), gave universities, nonprofits and small businesses the ability to retain ownership of patents on inventions resulting from their federally funded research. The Economist magazine at the time declared it “possibly the most inspired piece of legislation to be enacted in America over the past half century.” The licensing activity resulting from the legislation created $591 billion to U.S. gross domestic product and supported an estimated 4.2 million U.S. jobs between 1996-2015. Dole’s 1969 maiden speech in the U.S. Senate focused on discrimination against persons with disabilities. By partnering with prominent Democrats and Republicans, Dole successfully secured enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act in
1990 providing millions of Americans with public access and employment opportunities. In addition, he worked to ensure that those disabled who could eventually return to work continued to qualify for Medicaid so they could receive the health care required to reach that goal. Dole also fought for Senate ratification of the International Treaty for People with Disabilities, yet to be ratified, which would commit nations to ensuring equality of opportunity for people with disabilities. Senator Dole sponsored legislative initiatives benefiting America’s veterans, such as the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act and the Veterans Health Care Administrative Flexibility Act. His commitment to fairness and opportunities for all individuals extended to his work with the Retirement Equity Act of 1983, the Sexual Assault Prevention Act, the Violence Against Women Act and his authorship of the Glass Ceiling Commission. Yes, Bob Dole was known as a trusted dealmaker reaching across the aisle to create bipartisan compromises. More importantly, Bob Dole was a man of and for all people. KCL LEE TAFANELLI is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. in Topeka.
Lee Tafanelli met with Bob Dole on several occasions while serving in the Kansas National Guard.
Energy Efficiency Across 1
6 9
10 11 13 16 17 19
21 23 24 25
28
30 32 33 34
36 38 39 40
41
Material that prevents heat loss and reduces energy costs Year, for short Air outlets which should be kept clean to prevent clogging from debris Beside British knights Black layer in the chimney Short for mom Rainbow shape Stops appliances and lights operating (when they are not needed) goes with 21 across, 2 words See 19 across Another name for pops City roadway, abbr. Closing up leaks letting out warm air in ducting (will reduce heating costs) Natural sources of warmth when you let them into the home, 2 words Sportscaster, ___ Berman Crusted dessert Small bill Furnace ___: they should be changed every 3 months Decrease Picnic invader Chamomile and peppermint drinks Way of preparing hot meals that saves energy, 2 words Aluminum symbol
Down 1 2
3
4 5
Puts money into for a return Perceptive device that can turn devices and appliances on and off During cold weather heat ___ occurs leading to higher electricity usage and costs Temperature controlling devices ___ ___ roll (doing well), 2 words
7
8
12 14 15 18 20 22
Small floor covers that may be covering up vents (remove if that’s the case!) They can be used to seal the space under entry points into the home, 2 words Protected Fast asleep State well-known for its country music, abbr. Container Takes a little drink Diet no-nos
26 27 28 29 31 34
35 36 37 39
Not specialized Warm bed covers Rotate After all deductions Compass point Ceiling ___: can be reversed so blades turn clockwise and distribute warm air Uncooked Zodiac sign Furniture wood Gift-tag word
ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 19 JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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E N E R GY W I S E
Select the Proper Surge Suppressor for Your Home D E AR J I M : With all the electronic items
M E T E R - T R E AT E R
I have, I thought about installing a wholehouse electric surge suppressor. What are the various types, how can I compare the various models and do they save energy? — Kerry K. D E AR KE R RY: Today’s homes have more sensitive electronic devices than most people realize. Everyone thinks of televisions, computers, DVD players, etc., but even most modern clothes washers and dryers, toaster ovens and other small appliances have sophisticated electronic components. It is wise to install a whole-house voltage surge suppressor to protect entire branch circuits throughout your home. This does not eliminate the need for also using a plug-in point-of-use surge suppressor for the most sensitive electronic devices. Using these two levels of protection is best. Voltage surges in your home wiring are actually called transient voltage surges by professionals. There can be hundreds of these voltage spikes every day. They are very short in duration, but can exceed many hundreds of volts in magnitude. Instead of burning out the electronics with one surge, they typically slowly degrade components and wiring insulation. This causes the electronic device to fail prematurely. There are many more sources of these voltage spikes than just lightning.
If you live near commercial operations with large motors, such as large refrigeration units or pumps, surges occur when these motors switch on and off. Even the smaller motors in the This large base-type wholeclothes washer or vacuum house surge suppressor cleaner can generate destrucmounts underneath the tive surges throughout your electric meter. It must be house wiring. installed by an electrician. Most whole-house surge suppressors use metal oxide varistors (MOV) components that absorb the electrical energy from the surge when it gets above a certain level (clamping voltage). Below this voltage, the surge suppressor has no effect. Some companies claim a surge suppressor can lower electric bills, but the primary purpose of one is protection. If a powerful surge occurs, it may burn out the surge suppressor, but it will save your electronic devices. When selecting a surge suppressor, consider the manufacturer’s protection warranty. Some will replace your electronic devices, up to thousands of dollars, if damaged by a surge. The most common design of whole-house surge suppressor is mounted in the breaker panel. Another common design is used as a base under the electric meter and must be installed by a professional electrician or your utility company. When replacing or adding new circuit breakers, some include surge suppression circuitry.
THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES OFFER EFFICIENT SURGE SUPPRESSORS: f ASCO POWER 800-288-6169,
f INTERMATIC 800-391-4555,
f BELKIN 800-223-5546, www.belkin.com
f METER-TREATER 800-638-3788,
www.ascopower.com
This whole-house surge suppressor mounts on the circuit breaker panel.
8
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
f EATON 800-386-1911, www.eaton.com
JANUARY 2022
www.intermatic.com
www.metertreater.com
M E T E R - T R E AT E R
BY J A M E S D U L L E Y
The amount of protection a surge suppressor gives your devices depends upon the suppressor design. More expensive models have larger MOV components that are able to absorb a higher energy surge. When a surge is larger than the MOV can absorb, the MOV burns out. When this happens, the surge gets through to your devices. Some have an LED indicator light to let you know if the MOV has been damaged by a surge. When selecting a surge suppressor, compare performance specifications. The energy in a surge is measured in joules. The maximum surge current energy dissipation rating indicates how large a surge it can handle without burning out. A rating of 1,000 should be the minimum for a home and some go as high as several thousand joules. Another important protection specification is the clamping voltage (usually from 330 to 600 volts). This is the magnitude of the voltage spike it lets through before the MOV starts to absorb the high energy. A lower clamping voltage rating generally provides better protection for electronic devices. Many new devices are very sensitive to even relatively low voltage spikes. Even if you have a surge suppressor installed, it is still important to unplug as many electronic devices as possible during a thunderstorm. A strong voltage surge from a lightning strike can easily jump across an open switch so don’t just switch things off. It is also wise to use a separate point-of-use surge suppressor at each sensitive device for a secondary level of protection. KCL
D E AR J I M : I see ripples on the
water in the toilet bowl, so I think that means water is leaking. I installed a new flapper valve in the bottom, but I still see ripples. What could be causing this? — Ron G. D E A R RO N : If there is a slow leak through the flapper valve, you should be hearing the water flow start and shut off every hour or so. Check if there is some appliance, such as a clothes washer, running which might be causing the ripple from vibrations through the floor. If you hear the toilet water running at times and you know the new flapper valve seals well, check the height of the water in the tank. It may be running down into the overflow tube.
Send inquiries to JAMES DULLEY, Kansas Country Living, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www. dulley.com.
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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Grand-Prize
Contenders 2 02 1 R U R A L K A N S A S P H OTO G R A P H Y C O N T E ST
GREG PAULSEN
RAIN WATER DROPS BEVERLY LEETE
SUN SETTING ON EL DORADO LAKE
JOSEPH
JEFFREY DYLESKI
ELK AT SUNRISE IN THE SMOKY HILLS 10
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
DEV
KANSA OE SS P L AY I N TAT E FA I R G IN TH E FOUN TA I N
LYDIA HUNINGHAKE
SUN VS ICE
ON JOY B R A N N
G RO U N D E D
AMANDA OVERTON
RUSTIC WINDMILL
The 16th Annual Rural Kansas Photography Contest was a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day regardless of what is happening in the world.
ERICA ROWLAND
WINDOWS TO THE SOUL
Kansas Country Living staff once again had the honor of choosing the grand-prize winning photograph in the contest sponsored by Rural Health Education and Services at The University of Kansas Medical Center. Staff faced a difficult decision as the quality of the photographs submitted were exceptional and truly representative of the Sunflower State. Photographer SCOTT WRIGHT, Wichita, captured “Elk at Sunrise” at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in Canton, earning the grand prize of $100 and this month’s magazine cover. These photos, as well as two photos on Page 3, were top contenders for the grand prize. Winners in each of the six content categories can be viewed at www.kumc.edu/ community-engagement/our-divisions/rural-health/ruralkansas-photography-contest.html. KCL
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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BY M A R I A K A N E V S K Y
THE KITCHEN IS THE CENTER of any home, and the stove is a crucial component to a successful kitchen. Determining which type of stove to purchase can be a big decision. There are several stove cooktop options available, each with its own unique benefits. Learning the basics of each stove type can help you determine what works best for your needs. One of the most common stovetops available is the ELECTRIC stovetop. This stovetop uses electricity to heat the element on the stovetop, composed of either radiant heat coils or a glass surface. That heat is then transferred to the pan, pot or other cookware. Electric stovetops with heat coils are relatively durable and can be scrubbed without having to worry about causing much damage. For electric stovetops with a glass surface, cleanup is easy; however, users should be careful not to scratch the glass. Electric stovetops have a moderate energy efficiency rating, where roughly 74% of the heat reaches the food; however, electric-coil stovetops are slightly less efficient than glass. Another stovetop option is the GAS-POWERED stovetop, where the flames can be produced using either natural gas or liquid propane. The most popular aspect of gas-powered stovetops is the ability to heat food more quickly than electric stovetops. Many cooking enthusiasts prefer gas because of the instant heat and ability to control temperatures more easily. In the rare case of power outages, gas stovetops will still function while electric stovetops will not. However, gas stovetops are the least energy efficient, with about 40% of the heat generated reaching the food. Much of the energy from gas is lost in the air and wasted as lost heat. It’s important to be careful of the potential safety risks associated with gas stovetops, such as burns, impacts to indoor air quality and gas leaks. Homes with small children or pets should be especially aware of these potential risks. With any gas stovetop, an exhaust hood will be important to reduce potential air quality concerns from nitrogen oxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Although less common, the INDUCTION stovetop is quickly gaining popularity. An induction stovetop uses electromagnetic heating technology to heat the cookware. Only specific cookware can be used on an induction stovetop. The cookware needs iron to react properly with the stovetop, which makes stainless steel, cast iron or carbon steel excellent cookware options for induction stovetops. Underneath an induction stovetop is a metal coil that creates a magnetic field, which reacts with the cookware through an electrical current, generating heat. The induction technology works quickly to heat food and is even faster than gas stovetops. Through the induction process, only the part of the stovetop directly touching the cookware becomes heated, while the rest of the stovetop stays cool. A top benefit of an induction stovetop is safety; there are no open flames and the stovetop is cool to the touch, making burns much less likely. Induction stovetops are also the most energy efficient, with an energy efficiency rating of about 90%, so most of the energy goes to heating the cookware and not the surrounding air. Induction stovetops are also easy to clean because of the smooth surface. Despite these benefits, induction stovetops can be more expensive than gas or electric ones. Since special cookware is also required for the stovetop to work properly, the total price tag becomes even higher. Stovetop options come in a variety of prices, sizes and with additional features that depend on specific models. Be sure to research the appropriate stovetop options for your culinary needs before making any final decisions. Assessing potential safety concerns in a home can also be the deciding factor between different stovetop options. Whether you choose electricity, gas or induction, stovetops are an important piece for any home. KCL writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
MARIA KANEVSKY
KITCHENAID
Be sure to research the appropriate stove top options for your culinary needs before making any final decisions. 12
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
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The term “energy efficiency” can cause confusion. Some see it as a way to a cleaner environment. Others see extra expense and inconvenience. Sorting out those views gets even more complicated as technology gives us a dizzying array of choices for using electricity, from smart thermostats to varieties of lightbulbs. The basic idea of energy efficiency is simple — use less energy to do the same amount of work, which can save you money on your electric bills. Here’s where it starts getting confusing. Sometimes you have to pay more for something that’s considered energy efficient. It costs more upfront but actually saves money in the long run. That may sound illogical at first. Like the old phrase, “You have to spend money to make money.” But it makes sense after you think about it for a minute — most moneymaking projects require an initial upfront investment, whether it’s a factory or a lemonade stand.
PAY A L I T T L E N OW, S AV E A LOT L AT E R . From computers to major appliances, manufacturers are increasing the energy efficiency of their products.
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star®-rated appliances can save you 10%-50% of the energy required for standard models that don’t receive the Energy Star® sticker. Considering most major appliances last 10 years, those savings can stack up over time. There’s even more savings in store by replacing older appliances that weren’t built with today’s efficiency standards in mind. Improvements in refrigerators are cutting their energy use in half about every 15 years. So, if your fridge is more than 20 years old, replacing it with a new high-efficiency model could save you $300 in operating costs over the next five years. “Smart power strips” also show how spending now on efficiency can make money in the future. Keeping your phone charger and other electronic devices plugged in can consume electricity even after they’re fully charged or not in use. A smart power strip cuts off the electricity once charging is complete. A smart strip
costs about $40, and depending on your electric rates and how much charging you do, it could save as much as $40 a year on your electric bills, recovering your initial investment almost right away. Another example of returns on energy efficiency investments comes from the world of real estate. Realtors will be the first to tell you that energy efficiency sells houses. If you’re in the market to sale, spending a little extra on insulation and efficient appliances increases resale value.
S AV E $ 2 0 0 A Y E A R O N L I G H T B U L B S . Lightbulbs offer the most dramatic story of efficiency technology improvements. By spending $5-$10 on an LED bulb (compared to about $1 for an old incandescent), you get a product that uses 75% less electricity and, incidentally, can last 20 years compared to about a year for an incandescent bulb. The Department of Energy estimates the average home could save more than $200 a year by replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs. Maybe the best news of all is that as efficient products improve and gain popularity, they’re not always more expensive. Many cheaper appliance models have similar annual operating costs compared with the pricier versions.
Two key tips for turning energy efficiency into dollars are to know what you want from your energy use and to do your homework. Products come with a wide range of features that cost extra and may actually be less efficient — do you want a refrigerator that offers the best efficiency, or do you want to pay more for a less-efficient model that has an ice dispenser in the door? And ask for help. Your local electric co-op has energy experts who can tell you how to make the best use of electricity. To compare efficiency among appliances, look for the yellow Energy Guide label, which shows information like estimated annual operating costs. Explore the energy.gov website for online calculators and additional resources that can help you turn efficiency data into real savings on your energy bills. KCL writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.
PAUL WESSLUND
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
15
C O O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E
Honoring the Food and Mood of Sunday Dinner
BY R E B E C C A H O WA R D
far-flung from my childhood home, “pop” became “soda,” “supper” became “dinner” and Sunday dinner became a thing of memory. Saying soda still sounds a bit strange. I really miss being called to supper. And I sure do long for a good Sunday dinner. If a distinction in terms needs to be made: supper is about the time; dinner is truly about the meal, and while some special dinners happened
on other days of the week (such as holidays), most of the time, it was Sunday that was honored with a meal that rose above the rest. I feel lucky that I grew up with Sunday dinner, a tradition no stranger to Kansans of many generations. Sundays were built around that mid-day meal, for many a practice borne out of morning churchgoing, a slower day free of work and Rebecca Howard school and a chance to gather as a family. The anticipation of that lovingly prepared food was a part of the allure. As famed Kansas food writer Clementine Paddleford put it: “It was in a yellow limestone church in Stockdale, Kansas, a crossroads town, that I Pork roast was always my favorite of the “centerpiece meats” served for sat dreaming during Sunday summer Sunday dinner. Somehow, whether cooked slowly in a slow cooker or sermons, not of heaven or hell, but of roasted in the oven, my mother’s skill and intuition produced a juicy roast and just-right veggies, all steeped in a perfectly seasoned “natural pan the good dinner to come.” gravy.” Working without a written recipe, I came up with my own formula In our house, Sundays were the for an oven-roasted Sunday dinner classic. slow, but well-rewarded waiting out of a large repast, served somewhere f 4 lb. pork shoulder roast f 2 yellow onions, peeled, cut in half, between 12 and 1, when our mother (one with fat preferred) then sliced into half-moons called out (as she did for most meals): f Olive oil f 2 ribs celery, cut into 3-inch lengths “Vittles is!” f Salt and pepper f 3 cups liquid (light chicken or The day unfolded with the meal vegetable stock or a combination f 1 Tbsp. garlic powder being prepared, and we took our turns of stock and water) f 3 Tbsp. finely minced fresh passing through the small kitchen to f 5 large Idaho potatoes, peeled rosemary and sage witness each stage of the production: and cut in half, lengthwise f All-purpose flour the sink scrubbed clean, then piled f 8 large carrots, scrubbed clean with pristine carrots and potatoes, Rub pork shoulder roast with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. Combine garlic onions, celery and cut cabbage. In a powder and herbs and rub onto roast. Dust a large, flat pan with flour to cover the bottom. large pan, the massive cuts of meat Press seasoned roast into flour on all sides so that it is evenly coated with a light layer of flour. reserved for the end of the week — Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high. Sear the roast until golden brown and developing a crust, a few minutes per side. thick steaks, roasts or loins, or hams or racks of ribs — were seasoned or Add onions and celery to a large roasting pan. Nestle seared roast, so that the fat side is up, seared. Or maybe in a large bowl of into the roasting pan with the onions and celery. Add the broth. Place in a preheated 325 F to 340 F oven. Cook, uncovered, for about one hour (you can baste with pan liquid occasionally, warm water, thawing whole catfish if desired). Add the potatoes and carrots to the pan, adding a little more water or broth, if or a cut-up chicken lay ready to be necessary, to make sure the vegetables are bathing in liquid. Continue to bake the roast for up floured and dropped, piece by piece, to another hour, until the veggies are firm, but fork tender, and the roast is tender and reads at into a large skillet. Then, the frying least 140 F to 150 F on a meat thermometer. (Note: Cooking time will also depend on your oven and roasting, the timing of the gravy, and the thickness of the roast). the intoxicating aroma of onion Cover the roasting pan with lid or foil and let rest on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and spices. roast and vegetables to a serving platter. The pan juices can be used as is for a gravy or poured While our mom was the maestro of into a sauce pan, brought to a boil and thickened with a “slurry” made of 1 Tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water. Add the thickener to the boiling juices and let simmer for a few these meals (save for my dad’s occaminutes, stirring, until the gravy has thickened. Serves 4 to 6. sional turn at chopping or some sort IN MY MEANDERING INTO ADULTHOOD,
Sunday Pork Roast with Vegetables
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
of meat management), my sister and I were usually called in for last-minute duties, wandering into the kitchen in a hungry delirium, bellies growling, through the steams and smells of the finishing dinner to whip potatoes and set the table with the good (aka, breakable) dishes. Winter or summer; hot or cold weather, you could count on this gathering in the kitchen to eat, this spearing of meat and passing of biscuits or rolls, of dipping out roasted potato halves and lengths of carrots dripping with “natural pan gravy.” Then, the simplicity of dessert — Jell-O with fruit or strawberry shortcake. The rest of the day took on the contented bliss of full stomachs and the reassurance of leftovers in the refrigerator. It was all what made Sunday ... Sunday. And it was always awaited and it was always good, and it made the difference in the bleakness of a January day, where even the sun was not bright enough to cut through the biting north wind. The only time we missed our own Sunday dinner was when we went to someone else’s, like my Grandma Howard, who religiously laid out her own platters of roast and ham, which she called “a snack,” in a seemingly effortless process she started that morning with the lemon-blueberry Bundt cakes she made nearly every week. On Sundays, now, which still feel like no other day of the week, I do notice an empty space that calls to me, that I sometimes fill with — what else — food, in baking and cooking projects or the longer-drawn-out preparation of a meal. Do people still do Sunday dinner? I wonder and hope that they do. “Sunday dinner was once an American institution, a strong, familiar thread running deeply through our national fabric. I believe it can be that way again,” writes Russell Cronkhite in the introduction to his book “Return to Sunday Dinner: The Simple Delights of Family, Friends, and Food” (Thomas Nelson; 2012). “Sunday dinner, I believe, can be both a touchstone to our past and a foundation on which to build memories.”
Bridgette A. Lacy, in her book “Sunday Dinner” (University of North Carolina Press, Inc.; 2015), suggests ways to keep the tradition alive, whether with smaller families, groups of singles, friends and neighbors, who are assigned chores and turn it into a potluck gathering, where everyone brings their “signature dishes.” It might be a good time, when the speediness of everything leaves us flat, to slow down and return to Sunday dinner, whether it be a table for one or 10. Set out the good dishes. The hunger is there. The roasting pan awaits. KCL REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
17
YO U R P L A C E I N T H E G A R D E N
Growing Your Winter Garden
Cynthia Domenghini, Ph.D.
In addition to adding new plants to your landscape, you can consider how to manage the existing plants to optimize the garden experience.
BY C Y N T H I A D O M E N G H I N I , P H . D .
WINTER DOES NOT have to leave us with a barren having trees with interesting shapes such as weeping landscape void of interest and color. Selecting varieties (i.e., Cercis canadensis “Ruby Falls”) or plants with appealing characteristics during the those with twisted branches (i.e, Salix matsudana offseason can bring life to an otherwise dormant “Tortuosa”). garden. Observe the landscape this season and Ornamental grasses are typically planted for identify areas that lack interest. Start making plans the attractive, bushy growth during the growing for what you will incorporate during the growing season. However, during the cold months, the season to ensure next winter you will enjoy the crisp, brown grass blades can be just as appealing garden year-round. especially with the sounds they make as they rustle Evergreen shrubs are an obvious choice to create in the wind. a backdrop for the landscape. Euphorbia x martini In addition to adding new plants to your actually produces small white and pink flowers landscape, you can consider how to manage the during January and February along with attractive existing plants to optimize the garden experience. foliage. There are plenty of varieties of holly (Ilex By leaving perennial plants intact with seed heads sp.) for any space in the garden. The bright berries during the winter, you are inviting birds to your and glossy leaves add a touch of color and texture. space by giving them a food source. As snow lands Pyracantha coccinea “Kasan” is filled with orangeon these stems, it creates a beautiful winter scene. red berries from the fall into winter. The thorns This is also a great time to plan new structures make this evergreen shrub variety more desirable in into the landscape that will enhance your outdoor a distant part of the landscape. entertaining. A chiminea is a lovely decorative Once you have established your evergreens, you feature that also functions as a heat source. Placed have a collection from which to harvest for winter beneath a pergola along with some weather-resisdisplays. Trim branches from evergreens such as, tant furniture, and you have an outdoor living area cypress and pines, and position them into containto be enjoyed year-round. ers filled with soil to create an outdoor arrangeAs you gaze upon your landscape now make ment that will withstand the weather and brighten plans for what you want to see at this time next the porch. year. Create a landscape that will come alive on Plant for year-round blooms by including even the dreariest days. KCL plants that love the winter weather and bloom best during this time such as Hellebores sp. and CYNTHIA DOMENGHINI is an instructor and coordinator for K-State’s horticultural therapy online snowdrops (Galanthus). Mahonias flowers in the certificate program. winter as well and even attracts bees. The leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia japonica) has beautiful leaf texture that contrasts nicely with “Soft Caress” Mahonia. Remember to incorporate early-spring flowering plants as a welcomed sign of the impending growing season. Crocus are among the earliest flowering bulbs. Forsythia sp. displays brightly colored yellow flowers before leaves have even returned to the branches. Look for plants that have interesting features even if they aren’t in bloom. Red-twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea) are lovely when dormancy strikes and reveal striking red colors. You will also love Re-imagine the landscape with plants that provide year-
round interest.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
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Mail check or money order payable to: Kansas Electric Cooperatives P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604 A C C E P TA N C E O F A D V E R T I S I N G B Y K A N S A S C O U N T R Y L I V I N G D O E S N O T I M P LY E N D O R S E M E N T B Y T H E P U B L I S H E R O R K A N S A S ’ E L E C T R I C C O O P E R AT I V E S O F T H E P R O D U C T O R S E R V I C E S A D V E R T I S E D .
JANUARY 2022
KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
19
let’sdish Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Biscuit Bake
Thai Cashew Chicken Turkey and Bean and Fried Rice Tostadas
KANSAS WHEAT COMMISSION
SUCCESS RICE
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
f 2 cups cooked, diced chicken
f 2 Tbsp. canola oil
f 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup
f 1/2 tsp. salt
f 1 cup sour cream
f 3/4 lb. boneless, skinless
In large wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt. Cook chicken, stirring, 3-5 minutes, or until starting to brown. Stir in sugar snap peas, garlic and chili pepper, if desired. Cook, stirring, 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and snap peas are tender-crisp.
Salsa f 2 cups chopped tomatoes (about 2 medium tomatoes) f 1 medium avocado, halved, pitted and diced f 1 large ear of corn, husks and silk discarded, kernels removed f 1-2 medium fresh jalapeños, seeds and ribs discarded, finely chopped f 2 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion f 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice Tostadas f Nonstick cooking spray f 5 corn tortillas (6 inches each) f 8 oz. ground skinless turkey breast f 2 tsp. chili powder f 1 tsp. ground cumin f 1 tsp. ground coriander f 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained f 2 Tbsp. water
Stir in rice. Cook 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. Stir in soy sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until rice is heated through.
TO MAKE SALSA In small bowl, stir tomatoes, avocado, corn, jalapeños, onions and lime juice. Set aside.
Sprinkle with cashews before serving.
TO MAKE TOSTADAS
chicken breast, cubed
f 1 Tbsp. ranch seasoning f 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided f 2 cups frozen broccoli florets f 1 can (16.3 oz.) can refrigerated biscuits f Fresh parsley, optional
Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and the broccoli florets; set aside. Open the can of biscuits and cut each into 4 pieces. Place half of the biscuits into the prepared pan. Spoon the chicken filling over the biscuits. Place the remaining biscuits over the filling. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until bubbly, the biscuits are golden brown and no longer doughy in the center. HELPFUL HINTS
f 1/2 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed f 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced f 1 Thai red chili pepper, thinly
sliced (optional, very spicy) f 2 bags jasmine rice f 3 Tbsp. soy sauce f 1/3 cup roasted cashews
Prepare rice according to package directions. Let cool completely.
f Use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken,
leftover grilled chicken, etc. f Try using other vegetables – peas, green beans, etc. f Add some spice by using pepper jack cheese rather than cheddar
Preheat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place tortillas on baking sheet. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Bake tortillas 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. In medium nonstick saucepan over mediumhigh heat, cook turkey, chili powder, cumin and coriander 5-6 minutes, or until turkey is no longer pink. Add beans and water. Cook 5 more minutes or until beans are heated through. Using potato masher, coarsely mash beans. Remove from heat. To assemble tostadas, spread turkey mixture over each tortilla. Top with salsa.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
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SAFETY
Generator Backfeed Constant Risk for Electrical Energy Workers Backfeeding can cause serious harm to you, your neighbors, and utility workers restoring electricity.
used as a home backup power source. However, many people are unaware of the issues that can arise from an improper installation, and notably the dangers linked to backfeeding.
PORTABLE GENERATORS ARE WIDELY
What is Backfeeding?
Backfeeding is a flow of electric energy in the reverse direction of a circuit’s design, from the circuit to the source. Consider a home circuit in the following scenario. Normally, a power grid is the main source of electricity, which flows from the grid to the home circuit via utility lines. During a power outage, the electricity from the grid is not available. Therefore, a generator is connected to the home circuit to supply power. But the home circuit is already connected to the grid. Therefore, the generator now powers up the home circuit, but also sends power back to the grid. The former “normal” operation corresponds to the normal flow, for which both the circuit and the grid are designed. While during the outage, there is a reversal in the flow of electricity from the home circuit back to the grid. This reversal of the electric energy flow is called “backfeeding.”
Dangers Associated with Backfeeding
Backfeeding can cause serious harm to you, your neighbors, and utility workers restoring electricity. If backfed, the power lines are re-energized by the generator. Thus, anyone in contact with the power line is at a high risk of an electric shock. This electric shock can cause a severe injury or even electrocution. Also, if the power comes back and the generator is still connected, there will be two power sources now connected to your home circuit. This puts a lot of strain on the generator and the home panel, which may catch on fire.
Safety Measures Against Backfeeding
Special care must be taken while using a generator to power a home circuit.
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KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING
JANUARY 2022
Large permanent generators are preferred to power a house. These can be installed permanently by means of an automatic or manual transfer switch. The transfer switch isolates the main circuit from the generator and prevents backfeeding. Portable generators, on the other hand, are not usually meant to power an entire house. Most are fairly small and geared toward recreational or DIY activities. Although some powerful portable generators exist, many lack necessary power and are not designed to be installed permanently, as their biggest advantage is their portability. With a small portable generator, it is better to mount the appliances directly onto the generator with a properly rated extension cord — do not plug in your appliance cords directly. However, if you have a large enough portable generator and you want to connect it to your home circuit, an experienced electrician must connect it by means of a transfer switch.
NEVER Plug a Portable Generator Directly into a Wall Outlet
A portable generator cannot be plugged into a wall outlet using safe, commercially available and UL-approved plug-ins. There is a reason for that. Attempting to make your own cord is dangerous and deadly. Furthermore, the wall outlet is connected to the main circuit and the main circuit is connected to the grid at the home panel. Thus, the power supplied by the generator will also backfeed the grid. And we already know how dangerous backfeeding can be!
Conclusion
Powering a home by a portable generator is a popular practice. However, powering a home circuit via a portable generator should only be done by the means of an automatic or manual transfer switch and done by an experienced electrician. If you do not have a transfer switch, but wish to power your home appliances, you should use a properly rated extension cord to connect them to the generator. KCL Source: generatorbible.com, a leader in portable generators stats and comparison tools.
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H O M E G E N E R AT O R S A F E T Y If you use a generator for your home backup power source, please read the article on Page 22 to ensure the safety of line crews and your family.
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