Inspired Living Omaha - July/August 2020

A N O M A H A W O R L D - H E R A L D P U B L I C AT I O N • S E R V I N G N E B R A S K A & W E S T E R N I O W A

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0 OMAHA.COM/INSPIREDLIVING

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J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

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VOLUME 18

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ISSUE 4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Christen 402-444-1094 | chris.christen@owh.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER Jessica Thompson 402-444-1120 | jthompson@owh.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Marjie Ducey 402-444-1034 | marjie.ducey@owh.com ON THE COVER Welsh lake home, Sarpy County Photographed by Kevin Welsh 0000143000-01

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey Bebee, Kiley Cruse, Bryan Frost, Kurt A. Keeler, Lisa V. Lupo, Tim Maides, Michele Minnick, Nebraska Tourism, Stu Pospisil, Kevin Welsh, Stacy Worlie CUSTOM PUBLISHING SALES MANAGER Eric Mayberry 402-444-1110 | emayberry@owh.com ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Marilyn Martin | 402-444-1405 | marilyn.martin@owh.com Deborah Fernsell | 402-444-1209 | dfernsell@owh.com EVENTS Tam Webb 402-444-3125 | tam.webb@owh.com

1314 Douglas St., Suite 700, Omaha, NE 68102 Inspired Living Omaha (ISSN 23795948) is a publication of the Omaha World-Herald. ©2020, Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises Company. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the specific written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed by those interviewed are their own. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for content, opinions or practices, or how the information herein is used. All materials submitted, including but not limited to images, logos and text that appear, are assumed to be the original work of the provider, and the publisher is not responsible for unintentional copyright infringement.

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CONTENTS HOMESPIRATION 8

REINVENT, REPAINT, REPEAT

BEFORE + AFTER 15

HERE TO STAY

DESIGN DONE RIGHT 20 27

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

HIDDEN TREASURE BELLE OF THE GARDEN

LUXURY HOMES 26

AN ADVERTISING FEATURE

LocaL. UniqUe. originaL.

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

Fine Art, Custom Glass, Bronzes & Jewelry

NEAR + FAR

32

36

20

PORCH PRIMPING

GOLFING ACROSS NEBRASKA

MAKE IT YOURSELF 38

BUTTON TREE

COOKING WITH 41

TIM MAIDES

36

RECIPES 44

A SUMMER OF S’MORES

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EDITOR'S NOTE

My own wild kingdom deeper into the stones.

IT WAS A WILD SPRING. My husband

Johnson speculated that

peacock roaming with three turkeys, we knew it was Lord Feathermore (above).

was mowing one day

the big snake would high-

when a flustered

tail it back into a nearby

neighbor came

crop field after dark. “He

amazing interaction between Lord

running his way with

certainly doesn’t want to be

Feathermore and a tom turkey with a

an urgent question.

here anymore, I can guaran-

badly injured foot. The two made their

tee you that.”

way to our patio, sheltering in place for

“Do you have a pet snake?”

CHRIS CHRISTEN

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

What? No. Why?

Bullsnakes, which aren’t venomous, eat rodents.

We claim the wild peafowl as “ours.”

In mid-May we witnessed the most

more than eight hours. As the weary tom rested in a cushy flower bed, the peacock

“There’s a python in my backyard.”

“And there’s a ton of mice in that field,”

kept watch, maintaining 6 feet of social

The Nebraska Humane Society had

Johnson said. “He’s probably been living

distance atop the patio wall. As sundown

there his whole life.”

approached, Lord Feathermore coaxed

been notified and an animal control officer was on the way.

By the time he arrived, the gallery at my neighbor’s fire pit had grown to a dozen curious kids and related adults.

“There he is! See him?” my neighbor said as the unwelcome guest slithered under a stack of limestone slabs.

James Johnson, the snake wrangler, confirmed his hunch with the snap of a

No worries about the false alarm, he “Everybody thinks they have a python in their yard,” Johnson confided to me with a smile as I followed him back to his vehicle. handled?

***

BETTER. Early one morning in midApril, my husband spotted a bobcat

“I once got called to remove an alligator from a yard. It turned out to be a lawn

Nebraska and pretty common.”

ornament.”

wanted the python imposter removed.

the turkey flock is known to roost.

THE WILDLIFE GETS EVEN

What’s the most unusual thing he’s

photo: “It’s a bullsnake. They’re native to My reptile-intolerant neighbor still

his injured buddy up and led him safely across our busy road toward a spot where

assured us.

outside our kitchen window.

I’m beginning to wonder if we should call our place Wildlife Safari Park North.

***

(But not to my yard, thank you!) John-

WE RECENTLY JOINED A

son was willing to agree to relocation,

neighborhood group on the Nextdoor

but the reptile by now had retreated

app. When the chatter turned to a

Here’s praying that Lord Feathermore and the bobcat never meet.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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HOMESPIRATION

reinvent, repaint

repeat ‘Modern coastal’ Elkhorn home includes a $500 dream kitchen

STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY JEFFREY BEBEE

S

tacy Worlie paints everything.

Her kitchen counters,

cupboards and floors. Clos-

ets and molding. Even paintings that hang in her Elkhorn home.

“To me, painting is the cheapest way to transition your space,” she says.

Some people are scared to tackle a room or a piece of furniture, she says.

But Worlie always reminds them that paint is not permanent.

She has learned through trial and error. And there have been a few errors.

“Our last house I painted the basement blue,” she says. “The carpet and walls were both a blue and it (the space) looked like a blueberry. That was a big financial mistake.”

She estimates that she has painted 99% of the surfaces in her four-bedroom, two-story home, giving it a modern coastal feel.

Her favorite project by far?

The kitchen.

“I just love that I did it myself,” she says, “that I’ve created this space I’ve been wanting for five years.”

It was the one room that Stacy says she and her husband, Drew, couldn’t afford to have redone

BEDROOM

DEN

by a professional. Instead, they

Stacy loves Maelyn’s cool day bed.

“I wanted to make her room something she could transition into,” she says.

Stacy painted the artwork above the sofa. The pendants above are batteryoperated by remote control.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 transformed the space themselves for less than $500 by painting the ceiling, cabinets, backsplashes and floors and updating the lighting and cabinet hardware and hinges.

“I wanted to come up with a way that people on a budget, a.k.a. me, could redo

paint on the floor.

“I knew it was going to take a good

website, stellamarisdesignstudio.com,

knew I needed a good product.”

where she’s sharing her DIY projects.

People often ask if she uses Pinterest to source ideas. The mother of two doesn’t have time, she says. She’s too

creating a mood or design board (you

busy with her many projects.

like a brand new kitchen. Everything is

creating home vignettes and mixing old

new and fresh.”

and new with her booth at Junkstock, a seasonal market of vintage and upcycled

Stacy did a lot of research. She had to

wares. Drew is a woodworker and made

understand the project, she says, and

furniture both to sell and for their home.

MASTER BEDROOM The nightstands are from an estate dispersal store in Fremont. Stacy painted them and added new hardware.

OFFICE Stacy loves its central location, and how the desk faces the rest of the house “I feel it’s more open and inviting.” The painting is another Worlie original.

BATHROOM The wallpaper was replaced with shiplap, adding texture.

(NEXT PAGE) KITCHEN Everything was painted in this room, including the cupboards, countertops, backsplash, walls and floor.

10 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

For anyone who wants to redecorate on their own, Stacy first recommends

She discovered she had a knack for

not just slap a gallon of any kind of

clients. She has been working on her own

primer,” she says. “It was like a vinyl. I

their space,” she says. “It literally looks

Before she took on the kitchen,

her displays that she started taking on

So many people asked her about

can find templates online) to see how your paint, rugs and fixtures will come together in your space.

“You will be shocked,” she says. “It saves so much time and money” because you’re not buying piece by piece and seeing how it works by trial and error.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Although she has tackled the house room by room, Stacy says she’ll never be done. With the help of Drew (sometimes with an eye roll and sometimes not, she says!), she’ll move a piece of furniture or decor from one room to another to give her spaces a new look.

Nothing, she says, stays in the same place for very long. She’s always re-inventing, both for her own home and those of clients.

“I am almost like an addict, I enjoy it so much,” she says. “It’s what God put me on this earth to do.”

How to create faux marble countertops Stacy Worlie painted her countertops a year ago and says they’ve held up well. She has only had to do a few touchups. Here’s her how-to for marbling your own countertops.

INSTRUCTIONS Painter’s tape Primer Paint roller Paint brushes, including one with slanted bristles Chalk paint Acrylic paint in three similar colors Sponge Clear finish Clear waterproof caulk

1. Clean the countertop area at least twice to make sure it’s super clean.

Allow to dry completely.

2. Tape off the areas where the counter meets anything you don’t want painted.

I taped off my stove, sink and one cabinet.

I used FrogTape painter’s tape for the clean lines it leaves when removed.

3. Apply primer with a roller brush, following the directions on the can.

I chose B-I-N Ultimate Stain Blocker and applied three coats because I had a very busy print on my Formica countertops.

Paint the corners of the counter with a

brush, then use a roller to level the spot so you don’t have uneven paint areas.

4. Once the primer is dry, roll on the chalk paint. I used Rust-Oleum and applied three coats — better safe than sorry.

5. Next, paint the veining design. I used Anita’s Acrylic Craft Paint in Pale Gray and Rainy Day Gray, and DecoArt Slate Grey. Look at examples of marbling or veining and practice the painting process on a sheet of paper or an old board. Use a slanted paint brush, dab it into the paint and start making lines with movement.

I used a sponge to smooth things out.

Don’t be afraid to mess up; you can always paint over your pattern with more chalk paint and start fresh.

6. Apply a clear coat to the countertop to protect the design. A semi-gloss finish is easy to wipe down and clean. I applied three coats of semi-gloss Minwax One Coat Polyurethane. The can says one coat is enough, but I feel the more protection, the better. Roll on the clear coat and use a brush where necessary. Let dry completely.

7. Caulk around your sink to protect the area from water spills. I used DAP waterproof clear caulk. omaha.com/inspiredliving

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BEFORE + AFTER

HERE TO STAY Family’s resilience is rewarded; lake house is year-round staycation STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY KURT A. KEELER + KEVIN WELSH

K

evin Welsh has a knack for piecing things together. Demolition derby cars, antique tractors, wood and copper art, financial portfolios.

His strategy is a bit like a game of Jenga: “Gather all

the pieces, lay them out and see what you can put together without the whole thing falling apart.”

Even if he starts with a plan, he’s accustomed to changing course.

Like in June 2017, when he and wife Heather bought a lake house. Twenty-four hours after closing the deal, a tornado tore the roof off the house and a separate garage.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

MARCH 2019 EXTERIOR The Welshes had to reboot nearly complete renovations after their Hanson Lake 2 cabin was flooded in March 2019. omaha.com/inspiredliving

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 There was no hesitation. Roof replacement began the next day. By July, the family of five was spending quality time in the water and on the beach at Hanson Lake 2.

The Welshes bought the Sarpy County property from a couple who had owned it for 50 years. By summer’s end, Kevin

time jobs, the La Vista family decided to sell the RV and invest in a weekend cabin with an easy commute.

There was an ulterior motive as well. Mom and Dad liked the idea of having a lake house where teens would eagerly gather. “We wanted to be the hall monitors by default,” Kevin says. “That was our plan, unbeknownst to our children.”

and Heather could see themselves hanging on to the place for

It’s working.

a number of years themselves.

“Our friends are eager to come out to swim, especially with

The four previous summers were spent traveling the country in an RV. With 40-some states checked off and Mackenzie, 17; Cassidy, 14; and Landon, 12, involved with sports and part-

MARCH 2019

16 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

the city pools closed for the summer,” Cassidy says.

In September 2018, the Welshes converted a three-season space into one that could be used year-round. A half-story

was added as a sleeping area for the kids. Kevin also worked a

GREAT ROOM

covered pavilion into the plan.

Heather’s favorite room features waterproof furniture, high ceilings and windows, buffet counters and a “drop zone” for guests’ gear and food.

The project was on schedule to be done June 1.

When Kevin stopped by March 14, workers were gearing up to install the exterior siding. The next day, the Platte River came pouring over the dike.

The Welsh house — and the rest of the lake community — wallowed under 5 feet of water, muck and goo.

“The renovation was 80% complete,” Kevin says.

The floodwaters ruined the drywall and the electrical and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

KITCHEN AREA The vinyl flooring can handle any water or sand tracked inside.

STAIRCASE The cedar for the steps was sourced from Big Red Sawmill in Palmyra. The handrail is fashioned from clear-coated steel pipe.

KIDS’ ATTIC BEDROOM Ten-foot ceilings allow for two queen-size bunk beds.

Heather and the kids installed the self-stick carpet squares.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

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PAVILION The poured concrete flooring is stamped to resemble wood. Parts from an old grain bin and antique trucks and tractors add character to the space.

Note the tailgate as a bench.

EXTERIOR Accessible features include dual entrances, one with a ramp, and a onelevel wraparound deck. The pavilion was added in the Welshes’ renovations.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 plumbing systems and left a smelly, thick blanket of muck and debris.

A dilemma weighed heavily: “Do you sell and lose the money or do you finish the dream?”

“It was going to be expensive to fix it or to walk away,” Kevin says. “The project went from a renovation to a new house.”

Bolte Construction and Miller Construction helped the Welshes regroup and rebuild. They would construct a new house over the existing one, and then dismantle the pieces that no longer were connected.

“We redesigned from the inside-out,” Kevin says.

The project was move-in ready Aug. 1, 2019. In October, lightning struck the house and ruined the electronics. And once again, repairs came quickly.

The Welshes enjoy having friends and family over and took their traffic patterns into consideration in determining the floor plan, hardscapes and furnishings.

“Everybody comes in, looks for a place to drop their gear and their food and then heads for either the patio or the

JUNE 2017

beach.”

Heather handled the interior

pieces.

and water-skiing.

If there’s a downside to living at

The Welshes sheltered in place at

Craigslist and poured his creative

Hanson Lake, it’s the demographic.

the lake this spring and will stay until

talents into one-of-a-kind interior and

“There aren’t many kids out here,”

school starts in the fall. The kids attend

exterior accents.

Cassidy says. “Most of the people are

Papillion-La Vista Public Schools, where

retired.”

Heather is a substitute teacher. Kevin is

decorating while Kevin scoured

For the pavilion, he bought an old grain bin for $150. The corrugated steel

But that doesn’t dampen the fun.

siding accents the ceiling and the bar.

The Welsh kids enjoy riding their

Reclaimed barn wood, vintage tractor

bikes or walking the 2.6 miles around

distancing. It got right in our face,”

and pickup truck parts, and original

the lake. It’s flat, so it’s easy. The family

Kevin says of the flood of 2019. “But

copper art found their way into seating,

has a pontoon boat, and soon will have a

because of that, it’s turned into what it

signage, trim and other conversation

motor boat for even better inner tubing

is, and it’s pretty sweet.”

18 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

a financial advisor.

“The Platte River is not good at social

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE! See bonus images of the Welshes’ Hanson Lake retreat on omaha.com/inspiredliving.

MARCH 2019 omaha.com/inspiredliving

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DESIGN DONE RIGHT

HIDDEN TREASURE

20 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

ONCE UPON A TIME, THIS LOESS HILLS SANCTUARY WAS A JUNKYARD STORY CHRIS CHRISTEN PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN +

F

KURT A. KEELER

or years, car thieves smuggled their plunder into this hidden valley, stripped the parts and left the remains to rust.

Nearly 45 years have passed since

bulldozers first pushed the junk up into a ravine, freeing the natural bowl for a new lease on life.

Fast-forward to 2020. The 1½-story

private retreat. Together they chose a

house has grown a bit to 4,000 square

frontier-style kit house and expanded

feet, and a stone’s throw away there’s

the square footage to fit their needs and

a 2,200-square-foot guest lodge with a

the terrain. The logs and timber beams

tuck-under garage against a backdrop of

arrived on flatbed trailers, lettered and

towering trees.

Welcome to Five Oaks, a private sanctuary in the Loess Hills north of Council Bluffs.

“There were old cars and parts everywhere,” Barbara Schlott recalls of the

It would take seven years to clear the

property she and her former husband

overgrowth and debris and sculpt the

explored on horseback early in their

landscape. But by 1983, the property

courtship, and then redeveloped as their

would boast an authentic log home, a

future home.

2½-acre lake and 100 acres of healthy

“Bob had the vision for the land-

woods for hiking, target shooting and

scaping,” Barbara says of her former

morel hunting.

spouse’s desire for a rustic but refined

numbered for assembly.

South Dakota fieldstone was trucked in, too, for the fireplace surround and exterior chimney. The hearth is crowned with a massive walnut mantel. “It took six or seven guys to position it. And they were working up a sweat,” Barbara says.

In 2001, an addition to the back of the house brought an upgraded kitchen (Barbara loves to cook and bake) and a gazebo-like breakfast nook with custom

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

BREAKFAST NOOK

GROUNDS

MAN-MADE LAKE

ENTRY

The eight-sided room features etched glass panels by artist Steven Kersey.

Barbara maintains five acres around the lake, including plum, cherry and crab trees.

A plastic liner and concrete border, plus water aeration, allow for easy maintenance.

The open design concept features pine vaulted ceilings with wood beams. omaha.com/inspiredliving

21

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 etched glass depicting flora and fauna specific to the property. The artist, Steven Kersey, continued the theme in the kitchen’s etched glass cabinet doors.

The 18-month renovation project also included a wine cellar and a tunnel between the house and the heated garage, a car enthusiast’s dream with 14 stalls.

The lodge/garage, of solid-log construction, was built in 1988. It, too, features a fieldstone hearth and gourmet kitchen, and a one-of-a-kind 24-foot plank dining table that seats 18. Through the years, the lodge has welcomed patrons

22 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

of Children’s Square and other local

A red-brick lane follows the gentle

charities, as well as Airbnb guests from

curve of the lake and spills into a circular

around the world.

drive, revealing the 150- to 175-year-old

The log home’s long veranda is

stalwarts that give Five Oaks its name.

LIVING ROOM The fireplace and chimney were built with South Dakota fieldstone.

The mantel is solid walnut.

Barbara’s favorite spot for sipping tea

Under the towering canopy, thousands

KITCHEN

and reading — or simply gazing out

of hostas, planted by color and texture,

across the lake.

canvas the slope between the drive and

The kitchen was upgraded in 2001, and the cabinets feature more etched glass by Steven Kersey.

The transformation from junkyard to sanctuary still amazes her.

A visitor would have no clue unless, perhaps, you stumbled upon random parts from that chop shop while hiking or hunting for morels.

Part man-made oasis, yes. But nature still is the centerpiece.

the house.

A tour of the grounds with canines Diamondella and Miss Jackie tagging along is interrupted by a bird call high overhead. Barbara knows it well. “That’s a nuthatch. Do you hear him?”

Birding is a hobby for this

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

VERANDA This spot is Barbara’s favorite for sipping tea and reading.

EXTERIOR Under the namesake trees at the end of the lane, thousands of hostas cover the slope in front of the main house. omaha.com/inspiredliving

23

LODGE DINING ROOM The one-of-a-kind 24-foot plank dining table seats 18.

LODGE EXTERIOR In spring, the path between the lodge and the house is fragrant with cherry blossoms. In summer, perennials accent a dango by Jun Kaneko.

LODGE KITCHEN Like the main house, the lodge features a fieldstone hearth and gourmet kitchen.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 conservationist, and binoculars are never far away for panning the grounds for songbirds, towhees, grosbeaks, woodpeckers, bluebirds, orioles, hawks, owls and bald eagles.

“I watched an osprey hunt once. That was cool.”

In the near distance, plum, cherry and crab trees are springtime beauties, exploding with white and pink blossoms that fall like snow.

Garden patches and trellises hold vining hyacinth bean, sweet pea, iris, hollyhock, allium, daylily, wisteria and bleeding heart. There’s even a small grove of cherry trees between the house and lodge that produces “millions of cherries for baking.”

Barbara maintains about five acres of green space around the lake. “I’m constantly weeding and mowing, and I love it,” she says.

Four young grandsons visit often, enjoying many of the same summertime activities their fathers did in their youth — swimming, fishing, canoeing, paddleboarding, mountain biking and picnicking.

In winter, a sledding hill provides hours of entertainment.

Walks along the ridge of the property are the ultimate for Barbara.

Follow the ridge long enough and you’ll reach Lewis & Clark Monument Park for a sweeping view of the Missouri River valley and the Omaha skyline.

And if you’re really lucky, you’ll return home with a hatful of morels in season.

Or a deer skull with antlers.

“I have several around the yard, for fun.”

24 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

omaha.com/inspiredliving

25

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21111 B St. $649,500 Schedule your private tour of this new six-bedroom walkout ranch with a premier lot location in Blue Sage Creek. New construction, lot backs to treed area with no rear neighbors.

The open great room and kitchen features 10-foot ceilings, designer light fixtures, hand-scraped wood floors, massive marble waterfall island counter, wine refrigerator, stainless steel appliances with gas cooktop & hood. Sizable pantry room with counter space just off the kitchen. Call or text John at 402-917-3227 for a 3D virtual tour link.

DESIGN DONE RIGHT

Belle of the garden Texas transplant loves her hostas and everchanging displays

S

STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN ylvia Bohn fell in love with hostas right away.

“You don’t have to do anything but stick them in the

dirt,” she says in the delightful Texas drawl she hasn’t lost after years of living in the Midwest.

She didn’t know they existed growing up and now she has a yard full of them.

The word “yard,” though, just doesn’t seem to fit Sylvia and Gary Bohn’s sanctuary in Tomlinson Woods.

Their gardens wind around the house, which has grown along with the grounds in the 20 years they’ve lived there.

Sylvia says it’s a constant work in progress. This spring, they renovated the area along the driveway with Todd Petersen of TMP Landscaping and Remodeling doing the work.

The beds on the east side of the property include Japanese lilacs.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

LOWER COURTYARD Sylvia’s husband Gary found this bronze statue, and four others throughout their property, on a business trip. omaha.com/inspiredliving

27

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 Sylvia adores the fragrance of the blooms.

“This is what heaven is going to smell like,” she says.

Once you make the turn to the back of the house, the gardens are surprising in size. There are large hostas everywhere and some of her favorite bleeding hearts. But also a tiny raised vegetable garden in the center — one of two — where she can

28 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

slip outside and pick radishes, peas or Swiss chard.

It sits next to a water feature with one of several statues of children that dot the property.

When asked about them, Sylvia responds, “Everything has a story.” And then she proceeds to tell it.

Gary worked for years for Peter Kiewit Sons’ Co., but he wasn’t a golfer. So instead of meeting up with the guys on the

links on road trips, he would go exploring. One time he called

BACKYARD

from Florida to tell Sylvia about some wonderful bronze statues

Sylvia loves hostas, and her backyard has plenty, along with some bronze statues, painted panels and allium.

he had discovered. Soon a huge crate arrived at the house with not one but five. “Gary does everything big,� Sylvia says.

Rebecca Timmerman of Sunnyside Garden Care maintains

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

LOWER COURTYARD This sunken garden has bleeding hearts and a Japanese maple.

FRONT YARD More statues, allium, and pansies are featured in the front yard.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

29

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 the grounds. She comes weekly, sometimes with a pickup loaded with new plants.

That’s why the gardens seem to change by the day as the different species take their turn in the limelight.

“It’s always a surprise,” Sylvia says.

She watches the seasons and plantings change from the English conservatory at the rear of the house. It used to be a patio but now, with its heated tiles and air conditioning, it’s her favorite room.

Turn off the interior lights and she

GARDEN PATHS

can see the raccoons, opossums and

Paths wind around the Bohns’ property. Sylvia says it’s a constant work in progress.

rabbits traipse through the lighted

CONSERVATORY

gardens at night. She spoils them sometimes with stale cookies.

The former patio space is outfitted with heated tile and air conditioning, and it’s Sylvia’s favorite room. “Anywhere I sit, I can see outside,” she says.

“Anywhere I sit, I can see outside,” she says. “That’s what I really enjoy.”

A red arbor on the side of the house

She chose the color for the aqua

she has grown too attached to both the

blue panels that accent the perimeter

house and the gardens. Both are too big,

leads to a much larger vegetable plot, a

of the garden, providing privacy

she says, for the two of them and their

sunken garden and another story. Gary

from the walking path that rings the

three cats. But she has no intention of

had wanted to paint their clock tower

development. Evergreens provide a

giving up either yet. It’s not in her blood.

red but Sylvia said no. She compromised

natural screen.

with the red of the arbor.

30 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Sylvia says they’ve stayed too long and

“I’m a country girl from Texas,” she says.

MORE PHOTOS ONLINE! See bonus images of the Bohns’ garden sanctuary on omaha.com/inspiredliving.

omaha.com/inspiredliving

31

GARDENING

32 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Hello, summer!

A SPLASH OF COLOR IS JUST WHAT THE PORCH NEEDED

I SPENT THE WINTER MULLING A

“You can always go back,” she told me.

my front porch.

I wasn’t going to go back to my trim-match-

I wanted to make people feel happy as they

ing blue just yet. Instead, her advice gave me

walked by, which is especially important now.

the courage to experiment. I had some white

To me, that meant more color. I had already

pink, one dollop at a time. Soon, the eye-pop-

quilt, so painting my window boxes seemed

ping Pepto-Bismol shade faded to a more

like the easiest and cheapest next step.

acceptable rosy pink hue.

green. And then had second thoughts on the pink after the paint dried on the first box.

SPEAKING OF PLANTS

paint on hand, so I carefully added it to the

made some lively throw pillows and a lap

I decided on pink, yellow, purple and mint

MARJIE DUCEY

(page 8). She’s not afraid to paint anything.

way to bring more personality and cheer to

It was so, so pink.

But then I remembered the words of Stacy Worlie, whose home is featured in this issue

After painting all five window boxes, it was just a matter of adding plants. My favorite part!

Colorful (Easter egg!) window boxes might not be your style, but that’s OK. Two pros have more ideas to brighten your world.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

C HR IS CHR IST EN; OPP OS ITE PAGE: LISA V. LUP O

omaha.com/inspiredliving

33

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 BRYAN FROST Owner-designer, Black Awning » Rugs aren’t just for inside. Exterior rugs help ground spaces, too. Consider a fun geometric or stripe design to add interest to a traditional entry. The featured look, from Target, cost less than $35. » Select planters with character. Planters are decor for your exterior space and should reflect your personality. » Always include a garden stool or small table for afternoon tea or cocktails. A grapefruit “Quaran-tini” on the porch is what we all need right now! » Add softness to your patio furniture with exterior pillows.

home exterior. Be thoughtful in your flower selection, especially in terms of the light your space gets each day. Consider plants that bloom all summer for constant color, and include a pot of succulents for a fun mix of texture.

MICHELE MINNICK Owner, The Garden Gallery, Elkhorn » Create a cheerful path to your front door with colorfully painted landscape pavers or borders. Find concrete pavers at the hardware store and then prime, paint and seal them for the outdoors. What a fun project for you and the kids! » Combine unique hanging baskets with art to transform your porch into a welcoming outdoor living space. Be sure to

Mix prints and sizes to add variety. And include a throw for

place your art in a protected area to avoid damage from the

chilly days and evenings.

elements. A beautiful hanging basket filled with greenery is a

» Select plants with blooms that complement your porch or

34 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

nice complement to any piece of art.

Call

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Price Per Person Double Occupancy 9 Days / September 14-22, 2020 Head North to America’s Great Lakes with stops at: the John Deere Factory; Field of Dreams; House on the Rock; Cruise the Wisconsin River; Manitowoc Maritime Museum in Michigan; Hiawatha National Forest; Mackinac Island; Grand Hotel Buffet Lunch; Old Ford Mackinac; Tahquamenon Falls; Cruise on Lake Superior; Big Springs in Palms Book State Park.

Visit Minneapolis’ Mall of America. Dinner Cruise in Clear Lake. 8 Nights Lodging / 11 Meals.

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Price Per Person Double Occupancy 5 Days / October 1-5, 2020 Dine at Ole’s Big Game Steak House in Paxton, NE. View Majestic Ski Slopes near Dillon and the ski area at Copper Mountain near Vail. Stop at Grand Junction. Visit Historic Colorado National Monument. Ride the Silverton Durango Train.

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Heirlooms and

curated ColleCtions

» Think outside the box when it comes to containers.

Re-purpose an old metal wash bucket or watering can as a planter. Drill drainage holes in the bottom of the containers and you’re good to go! » Plant colorful annuals and low-growing perennials for you to enjoy while sitting on your porch and others to enjoy from a distance. Green leaf begonias, impatiens and ferns are good annual choices for shade. Bronze leaf begonias, sun coleus and sunpatiens are great annuals for sunny areas. An attractive ground cover for both sun and shade is ajuga. » For porch containers, opt for plants that bloom all summer. Consider Dragon Wing Begonias, impatiens and unique trailers such as basket grass. Succulents are great for added texture. And who doesn’t love a big fern or shady foliage in a hanging basket to cozy up the porch?

StOrE hOurS tuES-Sat 10-4 pm Shop our online Store • prairieinbloom.com 1702 Cuming Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-502-5265 omaha.com/inspiredliving

35

N E A R + FA R

THE PRAIRIE CLUB

DRIVE, CHIP OR PUTT How many of Nebraska’s top golfing spots have you played?

Now’s the time to go

golf tour, playing courses over several

G

GOLFING ALONG I-80

STORY STU POSPISIL PHOTOGRAPHY NEBRASKA TOURISM

days. We have several ideas for you,

From the Visit Nebraska website:

starting with two from the Nebraska

“Taste your way around the breweries

Tourism Commission.

(and local-favorite restaurants) of three

From the Visit Nebraska website:

olfers, maybe this is

“Golfers can experience some of Ne-

the year to discover or

braska’s premier golf courses by simply

return to some of the

traveling two hours of interstate, but

Midlands’ top courses.

beware: this golf trip is not for the faint

Even if travel restric-

of heart (or handicap) and is anything

tions during the coronavirus pandemic

but simple. With rolling hills, deep pot

ease, packing the clubs in the trunk or

bunkers and acres of native grass, the

the cargo compartment and hitting the

unique landscape presents new and

road could be your regional route to sum-

different challenges with each drive, chip

mer, and even autumn, fairway fun.

and putt. What are you waiting for? Hit

Some of the best courses offer stayand-play packages for golf and on-site lodging and dining. Among them are

I-80 and head off on a Nebraska golfing trip like no other.”

Day 1: Wild Horse 18-hole, and Indian

The Prairie Club near Valentine (check

Meadows nine-hole, North Platte. Dine

out Valentine’s unique 10-hole Frederick

and stay in North Platte.

Peak city course while you’re there),

SANDHILLS BREWERIES TOUR

Day 2: Iron Eagle and Lake Maloney

Sandhills towns, with time in between to play golf, enjoy the scenic Calamus Reservoir and visit Nebraska’s baseball museum.”

Day 1: Tour the Museum of Nebraska Major League Baseball in St. Paul and check out Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord and/or Kinkaider Brewing Company in Broken Bow. Stay in Broken Bow after dining in St. Paul, Ord or Broken Bow. (Our golf recommendation: Centura Hills in Cairo).

Day 2: Calamus nine-hole, Burwell; explore Calamus Reservoir and the nearby Bootleg Brewers. Stay and dine in Burwell.

GOLF THE WEST Five courses participate in this online

Tatanka near Niobrara, Bayside at

18-hole courses, North Platte. Stay in

service — Bayside; Heritage Hills in

Lake McConaughy and Wild Horse at

North Platte or Ogallala, the final stop.

McCook; Meadowlark Hills in Kearney,

Gothenburg.

Another option is to create your own

36 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

Day 3: Crandall Creek, Ogallala; Bayside, Brule.

Cross Creek in Cambridge and North Platte’s Lake Maloney. Most packages

TEE UP! Golf the West, 308-287-2617, golfthewesttour.com Bayside, 308-287-4653, baysidegolf.com Calamus, 308-346-5559, calamusgolf.net Crandall Creek, 308-284-4358, crandallcreekgolfclub.com Crofton Lakeview, 402-388-4552, croftonlakeview.com Cross Creek, 308-697-4768, crosscreekgolflinks.com Fox Run, 605-668-5205, greatlifeyankton.com Frederick Peak, 402-322-2754, valentinegolf.com Heritage Hills, 308-345-5032, golfmccook.com Highland Oaks, 402-755-4222, highlandoaksgolf.com Indian Meadows, 308-532-6955, indianmeadowsgolfcourse.com Iron Eagle, 308-535-6730, ironeaglegolf.com Lake Maloney, 308-352-9998, lakemaloneygolf.com Meadowlark Hills, 888-818-3265, meadowlarkhillsgolf.com The Bluffs, 605-677-7058, thebluffsgc.com The Prairie Club, 888-402-1101, theprairieclub.com Tatanka, 402-857-3860, tatankagolfclub.com Whispering Creek, 712-276-3678, whisperingcreekgolfclub.com Wild Horse, 308-537-7700, playwildhorse.com Note: Because of the pandemic, check with individual courses for current restrictions.

are three rounds of golf with cart and two nights of lodging (based on double occupancy).

A RT WA L K

LEGACY ART & FRAME

TERRY DIEL PENCIL PORTRAITS

A cozy little shop around the corner in Dundee. Filled with great finds, antiques, consignments and chandeliers. Framing for antique and contemporary works of art.

Omaha artist Terry Diel will create pencil portraits of family members, children and pets. Turn old photos of loved ones into beautiful portraits.

111 N. 50TH ST. 402-330-6665 LEGACY ART & FRAME ON FACEBOOK

4601 S. 23RD ST. 402-990-8104 TERRY.DIEL@YAHOO.COM

0000142113-01

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THE CLASSICS

DINKER’S BAR & GRILL

GARDEN CAFÉ

If you’re craving the city’s BEST burger and a cold beer, then Dinker’s is your destination. Family-owned and operated since 1965 in Omaha’s “Little Poland” neighborhood. Selections include daily handpattied burgers, homemade onion rings, wings and chicken sandwiches.

A classic café and Rockbrook landmark.

Start your day with made-from-scratch breakfast. Lunch offers delicious comfort food, signature soups, salads and hot, traditional chicken and beef entrées. Dine with friends and family, or host your next group meeting at Garden Café.

2368 S. 29TH ST. 402-342-9742 DINKERSBAR.COM

0000142098-01

11040 OAK ST. 402-393-0252 0000142102-01 GARDENCAFEROCKBROOK.COM

MISSOURI NATIONAL RECREATIONAL RIVER On either side of the river are interesting and challenging nineand 18-hole courses spanning three states. From west to east they include Tatanka; Lakeview at Crofton overlooking Lewis and Clark Lake; Fox Run in Yankton and The Bluffs in Vermillion, South Dakota courses that host Dakotas Tour pro events; and Highland Oaks at Ponca State Park and Whispering Creek in Sioux City, Iowa. Lodging and dining at Tatanka, Yankton, Vermillion and Sioux City.

GORAT’S STEAK HOUSE

THE MARKET BASKET

An Omaha tradition since 1944. Favorite of Warren Buffett, BRK shareholders, celebrities and dignitaries from around the world. Top-quality filet mignon, prime rib, New York strip, whiskey rib-eye, chops and seafood. Live music most weekends.

Daily lunch and dinner.

Make The Market Basket your destination for all things exceptional. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour (Tuesday-Saturday, 3 p.m. -7 p.m.) and of course, our perfect bakery, gourmet deli selections and finely curated gift selections await!

4917 CENTER ST. 402-551-3733 GORATSOMAHA.COM

0000142100-01

2501 S. 90TH ST., SUITE 126 402-397-1100 MARKETBASKETOMAHA.COM

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omaha.com/inspiredliving

37

38 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Branch out and button up TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE

Trees are marvelous works of art.

This one is sure to grow on you as you shape its trunk and branches, then fill it in with button leaves.

INSTRUCTIONS 20-by-20-inch canvas Brown acrylic paint Art brushes Brown puffy paint Hot glue gun and glue sticks or permanent craft adhesive Craft buttons

1. Using a pencil, lightly sketch the trunk and main branches of a tree on the canvas. 2. Paint the trunk and main branches, filing in the pencil drawing. With a thin brush, paint some smaller branches. 3. Allow to dry.

4. Using puffy paint, add texture lines to trunk and main branches. If you still have enough puffy paint, apply to a few smaller branches for dimension. 5. Allow puffy paint to dry. 6. Arrange varying sizes and colors of buttons on the canvas to mimic “leaves” on the branches. Once you’re happy with your design, glue buttons in place.

7. Let glue dry completely before handling canvas.

Welcome to

Our Door is Open! Serving you with beautiful Flowers, Gifts, Furniture, and Interiors!

FURNITURE | ACCESSORIES | FLORALS 4922 Dodge St • 402.991.1970 • Voilaflowers.com M-F 8:00am - 5:30pm • Sat 8:00am - 4pm • Sun Closed

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12100 West Center Road | 402.333.2282 www.outdoorkitchen.com 0000141193-01

40 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

2152385-02

COOKING WITH

Tim Maides loves cooking with a caveman vibe. Now you can too.

STOKED FOR SUMMER

STORY MARJIE DUCEY PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS CHRISTEN

G

rowing up in Switzerland, eating out for Tim Maides meant stepping outside to grab

something from the garden.

No problem if there happened to be a stray caterpillar in the greens.

“At least it was fresh,” he says.

Food is gravitating back to a more rustic style once again, Maides said.

That’s good news for someone like him, who loves working with the quality

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 omaha.com/inspiredliving

41

TIPS & GEAR FOR CAMP COOKING When bike camping, travel light with a portable MSR liquid fuel stove, Dutch oven, frying pan, pocket knife and collapsible water bottle. Plan menus around foods that can be prepared in boiling water like beans, grains and mac and cheese, and carry only items that keep well without refrigeration. Cheese, cured meats, bread, pickled vegetables and fresh fruit make an easy meal.

When car camping, you have the luxury of carrying cookware for a bigger open fire. Maides’ essentials are knives, a cutting board and cast iron pots and pans.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 ingredients he has on hand and the charred flavor of outdoor cooking.

So does one of his roommates, fellow chef Josh Poe, so they’re quick to grab the charcoal and wood and spark up the grill.

“We planted a pretty big garden, and we’re excited to grill it right in the backyard,” Maides says. “There is a certain sense of reward and pride in that.”

Maides, a chef for Omaha Country Club and owner of Benson Soap Mill, doesn’t limit his outdoor cooking to the backyard.

He camps often and loves cooking over an open fire. He calls it his caveman vibe.

“It just puts you in touch with how people have been cooking a lot longer than the way we cook now,” he says.

“It makes you be creative, and it’s very primal. You have a little less control.”

He’s been doing a lot of bike camping.

A friend has an ultra-light cooking stove and they bring along just a few pans.

That limits the menu considerably but Maides enjoys the challenge.

He’s able to expand his repertoire

He enjoys doing popup events for larger crowds, too. For one at Big

cook together often.

He returns every few years to his

when he’s tent camping. Friends loved

Muddy Urban Farm, he and some other

home country. He also did a stint in

the polenta — corn meal with sausage

chefs roasted a suckling pig over a bed

Germany with another chef, and he just

and caramelized onions — that he made

of coals. It was a farm dinner, with a

returned from what he called a world

during a trip to Indian Cave State Park

spread of homegrown food that was in

tour a year ago.

near Shubert, Nebraska.

season and prepared in traditional ways.

“If you have a fire, it changes the

Maides never went to culinary school

“I made it to Vietnam. There is so much street food happening there,” he

game,” he says. “A lot of vegetables are

but he picked up a lot of knowledge

says. “They are cooking on little grills on

great. Grill them up with a little salt

from his mom and grandmother in

the street. You get to see how everyone

and pepper and lemon. You are already

Switzerland. His brother, Benjamin,

cooks and what they can create as far as

working with something delicious.”

owns Au Courant, and Maides said they

the food that goes with it.”

42 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

GRITS/POLENTA INSTRUCTIONS 1 cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic Polenta Corn Grits 5 cups water 2 teaspoons salt 1 tablespoon olive oil Ÿ cup Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons fresh chives, thinly chopped

1. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven and place on hot coals, stirring occasionally until boiling. 2. Move pot to cooler side of fire and allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes or until grits are soft. 3. Fold in Parmesan cheese, chives and a little butter or olive oil just before plating.

GRILLED BROCCOLINI INSTRUCTIONS 1. Set fresh broccolini spears on cutting board and sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Using hands or tongs, toss to coat. 2. Place broccolini on grill and char over hot coals (not flames). Broccolini is done when stems are soft. Season with lemon juice, if desired.

CARAMELIZED ONION GRAVY INSTRUCTIONS 2 medium yellow onions, sliced julienne 2 tablespoons olive oil Pinch of salt and pepper 1 cup liquid (beer or stock) 2 tablespoons mustard (stone-ground or Dijon) 1 package Kielbasa sausage, smoked and cooked

1. Put oil in cast iron skillet over hot coals and add onions, salt and pepper.

Stir frequently until onions are a deep golden brown. 2. Deglaze onions with some liquid on hand (vegetable stock, beer, wine) and stir in mustard. 3. Cook the sausage on the grill until hot and charred and set inside the gravy pan.

When sauce is reduced a little, season to taste and slice sausage into four portions for serving. 4. To plate your meal, first make a bed of polenta and top with sausage. Next, ladle pan gravy and onions over sausage and polenta and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Serve with broccolini on the side. omaha.com/inspiredliving

43

44 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

RECIPES

A summer of s’mores TEXT, STYLING + PHOTOGRAPHY KILEY CRUSE

FOUR TWISTS

on a classic campfire treat, from “S’mores!”

by Dan Whalen. Because good things are made to be shared and remembered.

BLACK FOREST SERVES 12

INSTRUCTIONS 36 sweet cherries, stemmed, pitted and chopped ¼ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice 2 tablespoons sugar Pinch of kosher salt 1 teaspoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water Nonstick cooking spray 12 whole chocolate graham crackers, broken in half to form 24 squares (see note) 3 bars (1.55 ounces) milk chocolate, broken into individual pips 12 regular marshmallows

1. Place cherries, orange juice, sugar and salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. 2. Whisk cornstarch with the water in a small bowl, until combined, and add to the cherry mixture. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

3. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and turn the broiler to low setting. Preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. 4. Place 12 graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top each square with 3 chocolate pips. Broil just long enough to soften the chocolate slightly, about 30 seconds. 5. Squish each marshmallow a bit with your hands and place 1 marshmallow on each s’more. Broil the s’mores until the marshmallows are golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. 6. Transfer the s’mores to a serving dish. Top each marshmallow with a spoonful of the cherry mixture and another graham cracker square. Serve immediately.

Note: We were unable to find store-bought chocolate graham crackers, so we made our own. See the easy recipe on page 46.

CARAMEL APPLE

SERVES 12

INSTRUCTIONS For the caramel sauce 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into four equal pieces ½ cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the s’mores Nonstick cooking spray 12 whole graham crackers, broken in half to form 24 squares 2 medium apples, each cut into about 18 very thin wedges 12 regular marshmallows

1. Place the sugar into a medium saucepan over high heat and whisk as it begins to melt. Sugar will form clumps at first but eventually will become liquid, after about 5 minutes. 2. Turn heat to low, stop whisking and continue to cook the sugar, gently swirling the pan occasionally, until mixture turns a deep amber color, about 2-3 minutes. It will burn quickly so keep an eye on it. 3. Add the butter. Whisk until melted, about 1 minute. The caramel will bubble rapidly during this step. Remove the mixture from heat, and whisk in the cream. The sauce will slightly lighten in color.

Add the salt and combine. Pour the caramel sauce into a jar and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least an hour before preparing the s’mores. The sauce will thicken as it cools. 4. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and turn the broiler to low setting. Preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare baking sheet with cooking spray.

5. Place 12 graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top each square with 2 or 3 apple wedges and drizzle 1 tablespoon caramel sauce over each s’more.

6. Squish each marshmallow a bit with your hands and place 1 marshmallow on each s’more. Broil the s’mores until the marshmallows are golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. 7. Transfer the s’mores to a serving dish and top with the remaining graham cracker squares. Serve immediately. omaha.com/inspiredliving

45

CHOCOLATE GRAHAM CRACKERS INSTRUCTIONS 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup cocoa powder ½ cup coconut sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup butter, chilled and diced ¼ cup honey ¼ cup water 3 tablespoons molasses (or more honey) ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE

SERVES 12

INSTRUCTIONS Nonstick cooking spray 12 whole graham crackers, broken in half to form 24 squares 12 regular marshmallows

3 bars (1.55 ounces) milk chocolate, broken into individual pips 2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and turn the broiler to low setting. Preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray. 2. Place 12 graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top each square with 3 chocolate pips. Broil just long enough to soften the chocolate slightly, about 30 seconds. 3. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of cinnamon on top of the softened chocolate on each s’more. 4. Squish each marshmallow a bit with your hands and place 1 marshmallow on each s’more. Broil the s’mores until the marshmallows are golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. 5. Transfer the s’mores to a serving dish. Top with the remaining graham cracker squares. Serve immediately.

1. Preheat oven to 350 F, and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flours, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, salt and baking soda. Pulse a few times to combine.

3. Add the diced butter, and pulse until a coarse meal forms, about 10 1-second pulses.

4. Next, combine the honey, water, molasses and vanilla extract in a measuring cup with a spout. Stream the liquid into the food processor while it’s running. The dough will clump together and form a ball.

5. Roll out one-third of the dough between two pieces of wax paper to ¼8 to ¼-inch thickness. Repeat until all dough is rolled out.

6. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter (we used a square one).

7. Peel the dough away from the cutouts, and then use a sharp metal spatula to gently move the shapes to the prepared baking sheet.

(Removing all the dough around the crackers first helps you pick them up with the spatula.)

8. Use a fork to prick holes all over, and the blade of a knife to score them in half (do not cut all the way through).

9. Bake for 14-17 minutes, until they’re dry on the surface and the edges start to darken. If you under bake, crackers will be very soft.

10. Store in an airtight container for 1 week.

Source: dessertfortwo.com

46 J U L Y/A U G U S T 2 0 2 0

STRAWBERRY BALSAMIC MINT

SERVES 12

INSTRUCTIONS 12 fresh strawberries, hulled and individually cut into 4-6 slices 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Pinch of kosher salt Nonstick cooking spray

12 whole graham crackers, broken in half to form 24 squares 3 bars (1.55 ounces) milk chocolate, broken into individual pips 36 fresh mint leaves 12 regular marshmallows

1. Gently stir together the strawberries, balsamic vinegar and salt in a small bowl. Set aside for at least 15 minutes to macerate. 2. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and turn the broiler to low setting. Preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray. 3. Place 12 graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet. Top with 3 chocolate pips. Squish each marshmallow a bit with your hands and place 1 marshmallow on each s’more. Broil the s’mores until the marshmallows are golden brown on top, about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them. 4. Transfer the s’mores to a serving dish. Top with 3 mint leaves and 4-6 pieces of strawberry, making sure you get a drizzle of balsamic along with the strawberries. 5. Top the s’mores with the remaining graham cracker squares.

Serve immediately.

MORE RECIPES ONLINE! Have a s’mores-gasbord with additional recipes, including an Elvis-inspired s’more, on omaha.com/inspiredliving

omaha.com/inspiredliving

47

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