Photo provided by Builders Association of Elkhart County
Photo provided by Helmuth Woodworks
Photo provided by Jennifer Baumgartner
Welcome to the April edition of HomeLiving: Places & Spaces. I hope you’re ready for some warmer, sunnier weather. I know I am. I really need to get out and do some yard clean up, but at press time, it was just a tad too cold and rainy.
This issue we have a lot of fun stuff. Nikki Carlson, a former editor of Michiana House & Home, has returned as a feature writer. We are thrilled to have her back. She wrote a very interesting arti-
Lauren Zeugner, Editor Lzeugner@the-papers.com
cle about beekeeping.
She also wrote about the Builder’s Association of Elkhart County’s Build Your Future program, which introduces school kids to the trades as a potential career. BAEC and its members have worked hard in developing this program which reaches out to kids in middle as well as high school.
If you love listening to music, you know vinyl has been making a serious comeback the last few years. Writer Julie Young, a music lover herself, wrote about vinyl’s comeback and what kind of equipment you should invest in for the best musical experience. Her article inspired our cover this month. Let me tell you, we
looked high and low for the best vinyl inspired photo we could use on the cover. A huge shout out to Kristin DeVitorio, our amazing publications manager.
Julie also interviewed Todd Hemulth, a wood working artist. While he has done wood work in new construction, his love is wood furniture. If you’re lucky enough to see his work at a local art festival, be sure to check it out. It’s beautiful.
And there is lots more to read about in this month’s edition. So if it’s too cold or rainy to do any yard work, kick back and enjoy this month’s edition.
Lauren
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HOMELIVING
Beekeeping for Beginners
Learning the Ins and Outs of B EE KEEPING
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
While hobby farms continue to increase in popularity, beekeeping is a hobby that can require slightly more work and risk. Starting as a beginner beekeeper can require a significant time and financial commitment.
“Beekeeping is an art form with a little science and a little bit of luck, much patience
and asking questions,” Josh Fox, co-owner of County Farm Bees in Kosciusko County, stated. The first step in beekeeping is deciding what the goal of the project is.
One of the most important first steps is establishing if anyone who will be beekeeping has an allergy to bee stings. If unsure, a visit to the local allergy specialist can prevent any serious health emergencies. A nor mal bee reaction includes slight swelling, redness and itching. Anything more severe than that consti tutes an allergic reaction. When starting out, getting stung is an inevitability.
It can be helpful to find a local bee club to ask questions and find a mentor. “My recommenda tion is run a season with a beekeeper -- watching, asking questions and helping where you can,” Fox explained. “If you are not worrying about your own success and failure that first season, you will be able to focus on learning the process and procedures and focus on learning.” Beekeeping for beginners books can be helpful, especially if taking notes and asking other beekeepers. Beekeeping classes, such as the ones Jennifer Baumgartner took in Chicago, Ill., can help beginners learn basic beekeeping knowledge as well as working hands-on with bees. However, having a mentor to turn to for help and to share their knowledge and experience can help reduce some of the common beginner
When choosing to take on beekeeping, a minimum three year commitment is recommended, according to Fox. The first year can be used to focus on gaining knowledge and learning from other beekeepers. The second year will involve beginning beekeeping and working through all the knowledge and applying it. The third year involves finally understanding the routine and beginning to
adjust as needed. While it can feel stressful and overwhelming the first year or two, it does tend to get easier with experience. It can be hot work in the summer in the protective equipment with heavy boxes to carry. However, there are always unknowns or nature to create possible complications. “You learn quickly that you do not control the bees and instead act as a steward of the bees,” Baumgartner described.
Financially, beekeeping does involve an investment. Essential gear for beekeeping, such as a good quality beekeeping jacket or suit, veil, gloves, hive tool and smoker, can cost approximately $200. It is recommended by Fox to buy a complete setup when starting out, which costs approximately $500. This complete setup includes a bottom board and entrance reducer, two brood boxes with frame re sources, queen excluder if desired, two honey supers with frames to store the honey, inner cover, outer cover and a feeder shim and quilt box for winter. It is also possible to build some of the equipment components. While it is cheaper to start with one colony, getting two colonies can be more helpful in order to have the hives support one another and help determine the best way to manage the bees. It can cost between $150 to $300 to purchase either a three pound package or a full colony of bees. Future expenses include equipment to extract and bottle the honey as well as keeping the hives maintained and healthy. When extracting honey, the simplest methods tend to work the best in order to keep it as pure as possible.
When starting with a brand new package of bees, the hive may need more attention. In the spring, a beekeeper has to ensure the bees have enough space to grow or they will swarm and a beekeeper will lose their bees. In the summer the bees tend to be mostly self sufficient and beekeepers can simply focus on gathering honey and ensuring the health of the hive. Some beekeepers make sure to check for mites and other parasites to ensure their hives are healthy. Other beekeepers, such as Leighton Martin in Elkhart County, prefer to allow natural selection to take its course and not treat for mites. “Bees are made to take care of themselves,” Martin mentioned. “Let them be what they are created to be.” In the fall, beekeepers prepare the hive for the winter. This includes creating a windbreak or even insulation around the hive to keep it warm, ensuring the hive is properly ventilated and making sure the bees have enough resourc es to get them through the winter. One mis take beekeepers can make is taking too much honey so that the bees do not have enough.
An organization, Hives for Heroes, helps to bring veterans to beekeeping as a way to work with them and help with post-trau matic stress disorder in order to help bring them calm and peace. Baumgartner agreed that the focus required to keep bees can be relaxing and almost medita tive. “The most interesting part for me,” Baumgartner added, “is watching how everyone has their roles and everyone works together.” n
Photos by Jennifer Baumgartner
Build Your Future helps give students
Approximately five years ago the Builders Association of Elkhart County started a committee for a program called Build Your Future. This was a statewide initiative brought to Elkhart County. The goal of this program is to help educate students and the community at large about careers in the building and trades industry. One of the ways to reach students has been through a grant provided by the National Home Builders Association to partner with the local Boys and Girls Club.
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
With this grant, the Elkhart County Build Your Future committee was able to do four activities with the Boys and Girls Club. An activity was planned for each quarter last year at a different club throughout
child count was set at 20 per activity and took place during the week at the Boys and Girls Club after school. Local members of the Builders Association joined in to donate time and materials to help teach the students various trade skills. “With Build Your programs, we are finding the possibilities are endless,” Jennifer Meier, Builders Association of Elkhart County, declared. “With the help of our builder members and associate members, who have been unbelievably generous with their time, expertise and donations, the sky is the limit.
We look forward to showing students of all ages that investing in the construction industry is viable, very much needed and will provide them with a lucrative and rewarding future.” This year the committee is planning to maintain the same setup as last year, one each quarter, and similar building activities based on what members are able to do.
Kelly Barr, Build Your Future committee chair and Square 1 office manager/co-owner, described the various activities from last year. Each event had stations set up so students could participate in each of the activities while receiving more individualized attention.
During a truss to tray activity, the students worked on assembly and using tools. Students were able to build their own tray, look at a print of a truss and then assemble it on the floor, participate in a nail driving competition and watch a boom truck load and unload material. During a concrete creation activity, students were able to make con-
crete coasters, watch and assist in building a fire pit and watch a pump truck pour concrete, even getting to test out the pump truck controls for themselves.
Another activity included building their own cornhole boards to later paint and keep at the Boys and Girls Club to enjoy. The last event had an employee from Milwaukee Tools come and show the students how to use power tools and hang a shelf. Students at this event were given toolboxes and a shelf to take home and put the learned skills to work. “We had never done anything like it, but it was a great collaboration,” Barr stated.
When the Build Your Future committee was first started, one of the primary goals was to provide money for scholarships each year for students going into trade schools or trade careers. There are three scholarships available each year. One is for students whose parents are members of the Builders Association, a second is for students who are immediately
knowledge and skill for a trades career
entering the workforce in a trade after school and the third is for students entering a trade school after school.
Each year three students can be chosen to each receive a $1,000 member scholarship, up to 10 students can each receive a $500 workforce scholarship and up to four students can each win a $500 continuing education scholarship. Those winning a continuing education scholarship will be able to use the money toward tuition at the trade school. Winners of a workforce scholarship will be able to use the money toward materials needed for the new trade careers, such as tools or work clothes.
Applications are due by the end of March and then reviewed by a panel. Winners are notified in April. This year Barr mentioned committee members will be going into the schools to notify the scholarship winners. A live and silent auction is held each year to raise money for the scholarships. This auction is also planned to help continue the collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club if the grant is not available.
The Build Your Future program works with Career Quest each year, bringing information and skills about the trade industry to area seventh graders with multiple local builders coming out to engage the students. Seventh-grade students will use plans in order to build playhouses that are then raffled off at Parade of Homes.
They help to provide a lesson plan for construction clubs, such as the one at Concord Intermediate School, where students are able to build items like birdhouses with tools and materials provided. They participate in career fairs, assist with mock interviews at area high schools and are working to begin reaching elementary students as well.
“We’re doing what we can to get the word out about educating families and schools about building and trades,” Barr shared. The next goal will be working with schools to offer internships at the high school level, but there are still quite a few hurdles to overcome. n
Photos provided by Builders Association of Elkhart County
aroundmichiana
YEAR ROUND | MIDDLEBURY TRAIL TALES
Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park; book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department.
APRIL 1-30 | SOUTH BEND SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET
Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more
7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month. 6:30-9 p.m.
Doc Able Pavilion 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, 1 block west of stop light.
Free Admission, free will offering (574) 862-2200 wakarusabluegrassjam.com
APRIL 11 | BRISTOL VINTAGE BASEBALL MINI-CAMP
Learn how baseball was played before the days of gloves, cleats and overhand pitching. Learn to play the game with the old rules and learn
about baseball history with the Elkhart Count Railroaders.
For ages 8-12
10 a.m.
Elkhart County Historical Museum
304 W. Vistula St.
Cost is $10 per child. (574) 848-4322
APRIL 11 | NOTRE DAME AN EVENING WITH MANDY PATINKIN AND NATHAN GUNN
7:30 p.m.
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center
100 Performing Arts Drive
Tickets are $70 for adult or $25 for non-ND student/child
For more information email performingarts@ nd.edu or call (574) 631-1873
APRIL 12 | WARSAW KOSCIUSKO COUNTY FARMERS AND ARTISANS MARKET
800 N. Park Ave.
For more info call (574) 265-3916.
APRIL 13 | SYRACUSE OLD FASHIONED HYMN SING
5-6 p.m.
Historial Oakwood Chapel, Oakwood Park
702 E. Lake View Road
Free admission
For more info visit chqw.org.
APRIL 19 | ELKHART
ELKHART FARMERS MARKET: INDOOR MARKETS
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
High Dive Pavilion, 500 E. Beardsley Ave.
Enjoy local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods.
Admission is free.
APRIL 19 | WINONA LAKE
WCN RUN FOR HUNGER
1590 Park Ave.
Register at tinyurl.com/59cmebnw
Race day registration from 8:15-9:45 a.m. at Winona Lake Senior Center, 1500 Park Ave.
Race begins at 10 a.m. 10K, 5K and 1 mile fun run.
Proceeds go to local organizations to help fight poverty.
For more information email officewcn@gmail. com.
APRIL 19 | SOUTH BEND EASTER EGG HIKE
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Harvest Room at St. Patrick’s Park
50651 Laurel Road
Cost is $5 per child
Call (574) 6543155 to register.
APRIL 26 | ELKHART AIR SUPPLY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26
The Lerner Theater 410 S. Main St., Elkhart. Tickets range from $59-$119 plus fees. For tickets or more information visit thelerner.com or call The Lerner Box Office: (574) 293-4469
APRIL 26 | BRISTOL BONNEYVILLE BUCKWHEAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
7:30 a.m.
Enjoy pancakes, sausage, butter, syrup, coffee, milk or orange juice.
Bonneyville Miller County ParkFeedlot Shelter
Cost is $8 per person. n
Tired of flush-mounted lights? THERE IS A SOLUTION
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
Boob lights. Come on, you can say it. Most of us have. Some of us have even said it with a straight face! (Not me, but someone somewhere….) Okay, technically the proper name is Flush-Mount. This refers to the type of fixture that is designed to be installed flush with the ceiling, rather than hanging down like a pendant or chandelier. Or you can be really precise: Flush-Mount Dome Light. This specifically describes the round, domeshaped fixture with a central screw-in part, which is what gives it the nickname.
Sherry Beckwith, lighting specialist at Kendall Lighting Center, laughed with me at the common term. “Oh yes,” she said. “We’ve all heard it.” Why are they so popular, I asked? When did they really take off as the thing to install? Are they still popular, do people actually choose to install them now?
Beckwith replied, “Back in the day, that’s really all you could get, fan lights weren’t even invented yet.” To replace a flush mount light with a ceiling fan, you install a fan-rated electrical box–designed to support the weight and force of a fan–and then connect the fan wiring to the new box. “They are less expensive but now the newer invention would be a wafer light, or some where the junction box is attached so
the electrician can just wire it right in.”
There are so many more options these days, and Beckwith is quick to point out these lights are still useful in specific places, such as hallways. “Can lighting has come a long way, some you can float with your ceiling, I mean, they can be taken down to one inch. As for how bright they are, that depends on the bulb you use. Integrated LEDs are popular because they run until they just stop, and that can be 3-5 years. Incandescent lights only run at 25% after just one year. That’s why you might say it doesn’t seem very bright in here anymore even while the lights are still on.” It’s the reason LED headlights are so popular, but to keep from blinding others on the road, you need to choose 27k, not 5000.
It’s all a learning curve, Beckwith said. “Selectable lighting is big,” and it gives you multiple brightness choices with a single fixture, where you can flip a switch or dial it up or down according to your wishes.
There are other things you can do–replacing a light isn’t all that difficult in most homes unless the wiring is really old–not least of which is to change the shade. There are brands that fit right on top of the flush mount lights, as easily done as possible when the ceiling mount is attached with tape and the shade connects with magnets. The choices are endless, from clear glass or crystal to fabrics and pleated paper–my personal choice in a summer cabin some years ago was to cover the lights with Chinese paper lanterns. I never tired of looking at them once I had! n
How to build a vinyl record collection LISTEN U P!
There is nothing quite like the sound of a vinyl LP. Whether you appreciate the warm, rich analog tones, the dynamic range that reproduces the re cording without compres sion, the feeling of holding an album on your hands, or the hint of nostalgia –there’s no time like the present to start building your collection!
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
RECORD STORE DAY
Luckily, Record Store Day (RSD) is April 12, which gives audiophiles the chance to score some exclusive releases and connect with other music lovers at their locally owned and operated independent record store. Founded in 2007
RSD started out as a grass roots promotional effort and has grown into a collaboration between local business owners across the US and the music industry to celebrate the unique culture of the record store and the special role that they play in the community.
“There are over 350 titles being released on Record Store Day this year,” said Julie Hershberger at Ignition Music Garage in Goshen.
“A lot of people plan their lists in advance and go around to different stores to find everything they want because not every store gets every title. It’s a little bit like an Easter egg hunt for
Some of the RSD exclusives to be on the lookout for this year include a 50th anniversary picture disc of Fleetwood Mac’s album, “Power” to the “People: Live at the One-To-One Concert” by John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band, and a clear vinyl version of The Rolling Stones “Out of Our Heads.”
While browsing, be sure to pick up a few classics and try something new such as Lady Gaga’s latest “Mayhem” or
Gorillaz’s “Demon Day Live at the Apollo Theater.” RSD is a day to indulge your favorites and spread your wings.
“Just make sure you get here early because there will be a line,” Hershberger said. “Usually, the weather is great and it’s a nice experience for everyone.”
GET YOUR GEAR
Of course, if you are buying some new (or new-to-you) vinyl, you need a turntable to play it on. Doug Zimmerman, owner of Orbit Music in Mishawaka says its best to stay away from the all-in-one suitcase models that are not built to last. Instead, invest in a bookcase model with two speakers and a built-in amp or look for a system that has an adjustable tracking force and antiskating mechanism so that you can ensure that your stylus (needle arm) will make proper contact with the grooves.
“You have to start somewhere of course, but I recommend getting as nice of a turntable as you can afford, because it’s going to affect how much you are going to be able to play your records,” he said.
In addition to having a proper turntable upon which to play your vinyl collection, you will also want to protect your albums by purchasing a vinyl bag to keep your covers clean.
“They only cost a few pennies, but they really save in the wear and tear,” he says. n
On the south side of Goshen, there is a little over 200 acres south of Prairie View Elementary that will soon be home to a mixed use, inter-generational neighborhood with a large commercial presence named Cherry Creek. There will be single family and single family attached homes available as well as condominiums available to both own and rent. Niblock has officially begun construction on the development.
CHERRY CREEK
By Nicholette Carlson HomeLiving Feature Writer
According to Tonya Detweiler, Cherry Creek CEO, sales of lots and condominiums have begun and construction on the homes and condominiums is set to begin this spring and summer.
As soon as the weather breaks, construction will begin on the roads throughout the development. Homes, condominiums, townhouses and duplexes will be part of a Home Owners Association and pay the required fees to live a maintenance-free living, including lawn care, landscaping and snow removal. The neighborhood will provide 1,218 additional residences in Goshen.
This development will also be
full of amenities for residents and the city of Goshen as a whole. There will be a 10-foot walking and biking path leading over three miles throughout the neighborhood connecting to downtown Goshen. A dog park, fenced playground, pickleball courts and pool will help give residents more time to enjoy life right in their own neighborhood.
Cherry Creek will have golf cart-friendly paths. An outdoor stage and seating area is planned as well. The goal is to have everything the residents need within walking distance.
Commercial spaces will provide restaurants, childcare and businesses to easily access all
connects additional living and business opportunities to the south side of Goshen
resident’s needs with a total 148,674 square feet of additional retail space. Detweiler is working with various restaurants about the possibility of opening within the Cherry Creek development.
These commercial spaces will primarily be located in the townhouses and on the main floor of the condominiums. The first townhouse that will be built will be home to a childcare center on the main floor, bringing 75 additional childcare openings in Goshen in 2026.
A showroom is being built for clients to better view the various residences and floor plans available within the Cherry Creek development. “We are expecting a lot of activity by July,” Detweiler mentioned. “Lots of people are buying right now in anticipation of building next year. We are going to sell out as fast as we can and bring businesses to the south end of Goshen as fast as we can.”
The first residents should be moving in by the end of this year. n
Artwork provided by Cherry Creek
Oh, give me a home
Housing market remains slow despite new development
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
Creating and maintaining a balance between supply and demand is never easy – especially when it comes to today’s housing market. Between the raising costs of materials, mortgage rate increases, a lack of available land and a number of ongoing issues, experts say the housing market will remain all but frozen throughout 2025.
That doesn’t mean there are no new houses under construction. Firms across northern Indiana are working tirelessly to address the critical housing shortage with new developments ranging from single-family homes, apart-
living communities and more.
“There have been several new developments that we are really excited about, but when the needs are this great, you really can’t have enough homes,” said Tricia Gall, treasurer for the town of
VARIED OPTIONS
Looking for a cozy neighborhood on a peaceful edge of town? Eastfield at Milford may be the perfect place to plant some roots! With convenient access to the downtown stores and other amenities, there are several lots still available as well as some move-in ready spec homes by Miller Brothers Journey homes.
“We have been very excited about working with them (on the Eastfield development) because they are known for their high-quality homes and affordable craftsmanship,” Gall said.
Milford is also home to The Village on Fourth, a former nursing home that has been converted into a 24-unit apartment complex that includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. Rents begin at $1,000 depending on the unit as well as the square footage.
Recently, The Kosciusko County Community Foundation was awarded a $1,034,500 grant from the Lilly Endowment that will be used to help Habitat for Humanity of Kosciusko County increase access to safe and affordable housing options while also building a network of housing re
“Affordable housing is a foundational component of a thriving community that ensures everyone regardless of income has a safe place to call home. We are proud to be partnering with Habitat for Humanity and Intend Indiana to increase access to safe and affordable housing and explore ways to meet more needs of our neighbors and friends in Kosciusko County,” said Stephanie Overbey, CEO of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation.
HOP TO IT
Located on the old Zander Farm property and adjacent to Goshen Family Physicians, Rabbit Ridge in Syracuse is a forthcoming 55 and better community that will feature 44 single-story duplexes ranging from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet. The property was purchased by Dr. Larry Allen who previously worked at Goshen Family Physicians. He saw a need to create additional senior housing in the area and decided to act on it rather than see people flock to neighboring communities.
“There has always been a lot of interest,” Allen said. “A lot of people are excited about it either for themselves or their parents.”
In addition to allowing residents to age in place independently, Rabbit Ridge will also provide assistive services on an as needed basis including meal delivery, in-home monitoring, home healthcare aids and more. Phase I will consist of 18 units and is expected to be completed in May.
While the housing shortage remains, communities are working hard to combat it with a variety of options that will help you move into your first apartment, first home, next home or last home! n
For some gluten-free is a necessity, not a choice
By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Editor
There was a time, although it seems a long time ago now, when you never heard the word gluten, might not even know what it was. But we all know varying degrees of gluten-free this or that, whether it’s for ourselves personally or for a relative, spouse or friend. And it’s not simply being a picky eater, as some might have thought. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, and there’s a lot of it out there in our food; some of it in obvious ways, like bread, but others in things you might not have thought of.
Reading labels is critical, and it’s not just as simple as looking for barley, wheat and rye. As for examples:
Wheat can mean durum, semolina, kamut and spelt. Barley? All forms, including malt. Triticale is a hybrid grain made from wheat and rye. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or HVP, is a flavoring agent that can be made from wheat, rye or barley. Some forms of soy sauce may contain wheat. Amaranth flour may contain wheat.
Some brands of potato chips may be seasoned with wheat flour, and French fries are often coated with a mixture that makes them extra crisp. Not only do you need to know exactly what’s in that mix, but a seriously allergic person can even be endangered by the cooking method, as in deep frying foods that are breaded before your gluten-free options are dropped into that same frying oil!
Seitan is a popular vegan meat substitute, and it’s made from wheat gluten. And while buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, some products may be mixed with wheat products (think pancake mix.)
Why eat gluten-free? It’s especially critical when the reason is celiac
disease; consuming gluten can damage the small intestine. It’s equally important not to self-diagnose, attributing belly pain and other digestive issues to gluten. But there are other issues, such as dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) which causes the immune system to attack the skin instead of small intestine. And ‘wheat belly’ is no fun at all.
Emily Christ, an educator with Purdue Extension of Elkhart County, explains it further. “This differs from person to person, whether it’s gut issues, preferences or allergies. And you have to be careful in ways you might not think of, such as crackers and cheese on a platter or board; you could eat only the cheese and still have trouble with cross-contamination because of the crackers!” She continued, “You have to be vigilant in restaurants. What’s in your food? How is it seasoned, where is it stored? Explain thoroughly to your server that you need this or that taken out of your choice, stressing that you could become very ill if you eat gluten.”
Gluten-free doesn’t have to mean you can only buy alternative choices; there are more and more mixes and recipes for you to make your own food. “And simply following a more whole food diet, sticking with fruits and vegetables and meat, whole grains, as well as little sugar–you aren’t missing out on much,” Christ said. “Once you find what works, find foods you like and can eat comfortably, stick with it!” n
This month’s recipe is provided by Aileac Deegan, executive director of Ryan’s Place, a grief support organization for children and teenagers. Ryan’s Place is based in Goshen.
“This recipe was created by Gosia, a Polish woman who lives in Ireland. Gosia combines her baking experiences from Poland, Ireland and from other cultures throughout the world. The Baker says that this cake is a luscious mix between a Polish Cheesecake and an Italian Ricotta cake. You can find more of Gosia’s great recipes on www.brunibakery.com or follow her on Instagram at Brunibakery.
“I make this cake on a semi-regular basis and I always receive rave reviews on it. It is not a complicated recipe though Gosia gives some great tips to make a successful cake.
Ricotta Cake
“Use all ingredients at room temperature. Strain off any liquid in the ricotta before adding other ingredients.
“Bake with light seasonal fruit – Cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots or peaches. Frozen fruit are not suitable but both canned apricots and peaches work well – just make sure to dry off any juices from the fruit with a paper towel.”
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of 8” loose bottom baking tin with parchment paper and brush sides with butter
Mix flour and BP and sift. Set aside.
Prepare Ricotta batter: Mix sugar, lemon zest and cardamom. Using the palms of your hands rub zest in to sugar to release flavor. Using paddle attachment, low speed, or handheld mixer, low speed, beat soft butter until fluffy, around 1 min. Add ½ of zesty sugar to butter (in 3 turns) and beat until fluffy – about 2-3 minutes. Add egg yolks one at a time, mix well after each addition. Add flour in two turns and mix gently, on lowest speed, only until combined and there are no air pockets. Set mixture aside.
In separate bowl beat egg whites until fluffy (1 minute), add remaining sugar and beat until
INGREDIENTS:
1/3 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar, split 50/50
Zest from 1 lemon
1/3 tsp. Cardamom
1 lb. Ricotta Cheese, room temp
½ cup AP flour ½ tsp. Baking Powder (BP)
firm (about 2-3 minutes). Add salt and beat for a few seconds. Fold beaten egg whites into the Ricotta mixture. Pour batter into the tin, gently place fruit on top – make sure that there are some spaces between the fruit so that the cake has a chance to puff up.
Bake at 350F (340 C fan forced) for 50 minutes. The cake may be wobbly in the
RESOURCE GUIDE
Listen Up!
Vinyl Records
Ignition Music Garage Goshen (574) 971-8282 ignitionmusic.net
Orbit Music Mishawaka (574) 256-5898 facebook.com/p/Orbit-Music-InMishawaka-100057352186433/
5 eggs - separate egg yolks from whites ¼ tsp. salt
Fruit: I use a mixture of blueberries, canned peaches, & raspberries. But you can use any mentioned in the Tips section – frozen fruit does not work as well.
center but that is fine. When baked, turn off the oven and leave cake to cool for around 10 minutes, take out of oven and give the tin a little bang. The cake will deflate some when cooling. Run the knife around the edge to loosen and let it cool for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and serve. It tastes great either warm or chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours. n
Tired of Flush Mounted Lights?
Kendall Lighting Center (574) 389-3400, (574) 269-3838 kristen.becker@kendalllightingcenter.com
Oh, Give Me A Home Housing Market kcfoundation.org/blog/community-foundation-receives-implementation-grant-through-lilly-endowment-inc/
Photos provided by Brunibakery
AILEAC DEEGAN
The Craftsman
Todd Helmuth finds satisfaction in
WOODWORKING
By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer
“My grandfather was Amish and my father was a professor at Goshen College who did construction on rental properties so I grew up helping him with that,” Helmuth said. “Naturally, I was a typical teenager who didn’t necessarily want to help, but I did, and I learned a lot in the process.”
After obtaining his undergraduate degree in social work, Helmuth and his wife moved to Ohio so he could pursue his graduate program. He continued to dabble in woodwork in his spare time and quickly realized he enjoyed it more than his academic studies. A year later, the couple moved back to Goshen where Helmuth began a three-year apprenticeship with Swartzendruber Furniture Creations.
“I did tables, chairs, bookcases, bedroom sets, hutches, and every other kind of high-end piece that you can imagine,” he said.
Helmuth stayed with Swartzendruber for 10 years and during that time, he said he learned a lot about the way wood works and how much detail matters in the creation of a quality product that can stand up to daily use. He learned how to match grains in order to cultivate a seamless look, and how even though wood is technically dead, it still gets warm, cold, can swell and absorb.
But in 2008, Helmuth was eager to strike out on his own. Unfortunately, it was not the best time to launch a startup and the business folded within a few
months. Undeterred, Helmuth bounced around a number of cabinet shops where he continued to hone his skills. He also took on some side projects in his home workshop until 2020 when the time was right to try again. Of course starting a business during a worldwide pandemic may not seem like a wise move, but Helmuth said with so many people staying home, they were eager to improve their living spaces with beautiful wood products.
“I got very busy,” he said.
Helmuth said he really likes making furniture because there is so much opportunity to create something really special, particularly tables, because he can lay out the wood and decide how to make the grain look its best. Sustainability is also a big part of his approach to woodworking. Helmuth said he tries to be intentional about where his materials come from, sourcing reclaimed or locally harvested wood whenever possible. He also works to minimize waste in his shop by using scraps for smaller projects (such as cutting boards and other accessories, which are sold at local craft fairs) or passing them along to local artists and schools. When it comes to finishes and adhesives, he also prioritizes options that are non-toxic and environmentally friendly.
“Woodworking is about more than building something…it’s about respecting the materials and the world from which they come,” he said. n
Although Helmuth Woodworks has only been in business since 2020, Todd Helmuth has nearly 30 years of experience under his belt. As a third-generation craftsman who learned his trade from his father and grandfather, he works to create high-end, heirloom pieces that showcase the wood that was used to build them.
Photos provided by Heluth Woodworks
Did You Know?
Are you a horoscope believer? There are some interesting things about April’s horoscope. As with every month, it depends on when your birthday falls, and in April you’re either an Aries or a Taurus. In my family, my younger brother and I are less than a year apart and for one month we are the same age. He’s an Aries, I am a Taurus, as is my daughter. (But if I’d been born when I was supposed to, I would have been a Gemini, and oddly enough, in younger days that one fit me perfectly. I seemed to grow into Taurus as the years passed.)
By BethAnn Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer
The
word “April”
April’s birthstone is the diamond, known for durability and symbolism of everlasting love. But you may not know how many colors that can mean. Diamonds are available in shades of 12 base colors. This includes red, yellow, orange, green, blue, pink, purple, brown, violet and gray. In addition, black and white diamonds are also available. The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas,” which means “unbreakable.”
We all know “April Fool’s Day!” which is believed to have originated all the way back to Rome in the 1500s. There are other dates for this month that stand out: The Revolutionary War in America began on April 19, 1775. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. The first Olympics of the modern era took place in Athens on April 6, 1896. April 11th is National Pet Day. And we cannot forget Tax Day, April 15 (have you got yours filed yet?)
is believed to have Latin origins, as many do. “Aperire” means “to open,” bringing to mind the season of blooming flowers.
There are some advan tages to being born in April: a glass half-full attitude, a tendency to better health and decreased disease risk. April birthdays are not super common, though we do share them with celebrities, as every month does: Jennifer Garner, Saoirse Ronan, Chan ning Tatum, Pharrell, David Oyelowo, Sterling K. Brown, Kristen Stewart, Mandy Moore, America Ferrera, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Kate Hudson, Ana de Armas, and Gal Gadot, to name a few.
If you’ve never been to Washington D.C. you should go in the spring: the cherry blossom trees typically reach their peak bloom in early April, and the sight and the scent is heavenly.
sweet pea. Just seeing them makes
If you care to celebrate the whole month, April is, among other things, National Minority Health Month, Stress Awareness Month, and Move More Month – every one of those are good for your health, if you observe them. My personal favorite is National Poetry Month; I share a birthday with the late Rod McKuen, who, among many other poems and songs, wrote, “April people live for love – nothing else will do –so come along, take my hand – I was born in April too.”
Let’s go splash in the puddles of April showers; May flowers can’t be far behind. n
