Michiana House and Home - July 2023

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication. MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Copyright © Michiana House and Home

All rights reserved, 2023

We just celebrated the Fourth of July and the dog days of summer are upon us. But not to worry, there will be plenty of festivals and fairs to go to before school is back in session.

For this issue, we tackled a little bit of everything, from how to pick the best grill or smoker for the backyard, from your typical charcoal grill to the Green Egg and everything in between. Grilling not only provides great flavor for the meat or fish being prepared, but it also helps keep the house cool since there’s no need to preheat the oven.

To continue with the summer cooking theme, Michiana Master Gardener MaryAnn Martin wrote a piece about herbs, which favorites are perennial and annual, and how they can be a nutritious addition to any meal.

Inside the hot trend is wallpaper, in a variety of materials such as grass cloth and velvet, to updated application techniques including “peel and stick.” What’s also fun is how wallpaper is being used as accents in unexpected

places, such as the ceiling of a small bathroom or mudroom.

What better place to use wallpaper than in a baby nursery? Julie Young wrote a piece about the best ways to design a baby nursery that can transition with the child as he or she gets older.

For those planning renovation projects, we have information regarding making sure your project has the necessary permits in place before the work starts.

We also have articles about what’s new in tile and flooring.

So grab a cold drink, find a comfy spot in the AC and enjoy this issue of Michiana House and Home.

See ya next month,

Lumber

When it comes to wallpaper... The sky’s the limit

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Wallpaper has come in and out of fashion for hundreds of years. It originated as early as 200 B.C. in China, while the earliest fragment of European wallpaper was found in Christ’s College Cambridge, dating from 1509. Wallpaper was mostly used to decorate the insides of cupboards and smaller rooms in the homes of merchants, rather than the grand houses of aristocracy, according to the Victoria and Albert Museum. By the beginning of the 20th century it was so in use, both in wealthy and poor homes, it led to wallpaper being regarded as the poor relation of decorative arts!

Tracy Magyar, Interior Designer at C. Kramer Interiors, Granger, said, “Wallpaper has had a bad reputation, in part due to the difficulty of removal. The products used to help strip off the paper have been improved over the years, making it much easier to remove.” She further explained that “Wallpaper should never be applied directly on a painted wall. The wall is a porous surface, and the primer/sizer fills in the pores to create a barrier. The primer also helps with applying the paper by allowing the paper to slide into position.”

As with so many home design products, time has brought about many improvements that ease the application, whether it’s for a DIY project or for a professional. While wheat paste was once the norm, pre-pasted paper was a pure delight for many when it came on the market, since it was easier to adjust once applied (as long as it was still wet.) It can also be repaired, making it a good choice when planning a bedroom or play area for children.

Peel and stick papers are chosen by others, although they don’t hold up as well or as long as traditional pre-pasted paper; Magyar said, “We have not yet sold peel and stick wallpapers, nor have we been asked about it. So I can’t really comment on this.” Just as you would with paint (satin, glossy, semi-gloss, the possibilities are endless) so too are the options for wallpaper, but it’s very important to choose the right paper for the wall you’ll be covering. You wouldn’t, for example, hang wallpaper on any textured wall.

Magyar said, “Wallpaper can be applied to one accent wall, or the entire room, even applied to

the ceiling. Colors can be neutral to bold. But really anything goes, like classic grass cloths in all sorts of colors, textures and applied motifs, wood veneers in geometric patterns, florals in large to small scale in soft to bold colors and whimsical patterns. Fabric wallpapers are also a trend right now, ranging from menswear looks to silks and velvets.” For a time, flocked wallpaper was very popular, especially in parlors, though most homes don’t designate such a room these days.

Whether planning a new house or redecorating an older room, Magyar said, “We sell a mix of everything mentioned above. It is about 50/50 when it comes to suggesting to them, knowing what they want. We have done entire homes or just an accent wall with wallpaper. It can be used to give a space personality, color and texture when it lacks any architectural elements. High end projects have always used wallpaper, but I think the DIY projects have created the peel and stick movement, wanting something easy to use and not too expensive all add to the elements.”

It’s been about 40 years since wallpaper was trending, lending credence to the expression that everything old is new again. At that time, Magyar said, “The last time was in the 80s, with matching borders, styles very traditional, country, even whimsical. Borders acted as an alternative to expensive crown and chair rail moldings.” And wallpaper borders are back again, expected to be very big this year. Striped or metallic papers are predicted, and so are geometric designs. There’s no limit to what you can choose that will express yourself in your home. The best part? You can have fun with it. n

Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc.

Studio McGee

“PERMIT” U s

Have your paperwork in order before you renovate

House and Home Feature Writer

Homeowners planning a renovation project know before they get started, they have to get their paperwork in order. In addition to estimates, contracts and blueprints, there is a chance you will need a permit, but how can you know for sure and who is responsible for pulling it? The answer is not as simple as you might think.

LOCATION AND SCOPE

Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission director says getting a permit is not a particularly difficult task and their system is set up so folks can apply for permits online, but people are welcome to come into the office if they need to be walked through the process.

“For us, anyone can pull a permit,” he said. “Contractors often do it. Homeowners do it and in some cases, it might be a third party, but the important thing is whoever is doing it needs to have all of the relevant information in the event we

One of those questions may center on the location of your property and the type of project you are planning. Those who live on a flood plain are automatically required to pull a permit as are those who are adding onto the exterior of your home. However, lake properties often have additional requirements before a permit can be improved.

“Lake properties have unique issues and adding onto them may require additional approvals for sewage and water, which have to be reviewed by the Department of Health,” he said.

FAIRLY QUICK PROCESS

Mae Kratzer, executive director of the Elkhart County Plan Commission says in Elkhart County, either the homeowner or contractor can come into the office to pull a permit. A building permit can be issued upon the successful completion of zoning clearance (an evaluation of the proposed use and site plan) the septic/sewer permit (approved by the Health Department) and the driveway permit (approved by the highway department.) Once these three things have been completed, the building permit may be issued by the Building Department.

“It’s a fairly quick process unless there are some extra steps,” she said.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Sandy always cautions homeowners to give themselves enough time during the planning process and make sure everything is in order before you begin. There are a number of things that can derail or prohibit a project and the last thing anyone wants is a delay.

Above all, it is important for homeowners to be knowledgeable about the project and to make sure all of the necessary permits are in place. Ask for copies of all paperwork and remember, no matter who pulls the paperwork, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility if there is a violation.

“I would like to say that it hasn’t happened, but if you don’t have the proper permits in place, it’s not a cheap process to remedy,” he said. n

Herbs have a rich history in medicine as well as cuisine

By MaryAnn Martin Michiana Master Gardener

What is there to not love about herbs – their beauty, their taste, their medicinal value – not to mention their interesting history! An herb garden outside the kitchen door is a wonderful thing! Amazing aromas await every time you brush against the plants going in and out of the door. Hang

As summer is here and the seasons progress, herbs can be made into teas, pestos, soups, salads, fried, roasted, baked into breads – even for tinctures, soaps and oils and vinegars. They can be dried for winter use and most can also be frozen.

We are in zone 5 or 6A (depending on your source) so I’ll separate this article into herbs that have to be grown annually and those that can remain in ground over the winter - perennials. Most of the annual herbs can be overwintered in containers in a sunny window. (This can be done with some success if you have a sunny window that doesn’t have a register under it! And they have been carefully tended over the summer.)

Most everyone is familiar with Basil. Many varieties are

available. When transplanting keep pinched back for a bushier plant. It is used in many Italian and Thai dishes, as well as other cuisines, and is the main ingredient in most pestos. Medicinally Holy Basil in a tea is used for a sense of well-being and stress relief and is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It also has numerous vitamins and minerals. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed it would open the gates of heaven for them and in Europe it was placed in the hands of the dead to ensure a safe journey. The same was true in India except the basil was placed in the mouth to ensure they would reach God.

Cilantro is used in Mexican, Spanish and Indian cuisines as well as many others and its seeds are known as Coriander. Hippocrates made medicines from it and it probably has been cultivated in Greece since the second millennium BC.

Along with basil it

a pair of scissors outside the door and snip a few herbs for every meal – the freshness adding flavors that add zest– as well as healthy vitamins and minerals. If no garden space is available, herbs are easily grown in containers. They can be grown from seed or purchased as plants.

is also high in many vitamins and minerals. Dill is used in many dishes – and of course, pickles! It is a food source for the Black Swallowtail Butterfly. Lemon Grass, is used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, among others. It has been known to be an attractant phermone to honeybees. Rosemary has many varieties and can be found in French, Spanish and Italian cuisines. According to a myth, the Virgin Mary spread her coat over a rosemary bush and the flowers turned blue – thus, the name “Rose of Mary.” This herb was first mentioned in 5000 BC.

The remainder of the herbs are perennials and will come back year after year with proper care. Chives have been around for 5000 years and adds a lovely touch to many dishes. Fennel is often used in Italian soups and stews, as well as sausage and was used by Pliny for 22 different ailments. It is a pollinator for swallowtail butterflies.

Garlic has a recorded history of 5000 years and was used by Sir Louis Pasteur for its antibiotic properties. Sage, some say, if you can only have one herb, let it be sage. Sage is used in Italian and British cuisines. Pilgrims of the middle ages put tarragon in their shoes before beginning long trips. Thyme was used during the “Black Death” plagues for its antiseptic qualities. It is found in Korean and other Asian dishes. Almost all herbs have fascinating facts and histories and almost all have both medicinal and nutritional qualities, as well. All the plants mentioned here are used in many cuisines, as well as the ones mentioned.

The more you use them the more adventurous you may be on adding them to your own repertoire of wonderful recipes. So, next time you see one used in a recipe take a minute and look it up! n

Looking to make an impact in the bathroom? Change out the flooring

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

It’s the same room that can create a big impact. If your bathroom is out-of-date, installing new floors can get you started on the remodeling process, or be the game changer that shapes the new look of your space altogether.

While material options have changed dramatically over the years, the basics remain the same. You should avoid entirely hardwood, carpet, and laminate flooring in bathrooms and opt for tile, natural stone, vinyl or concrete. When it comes to tile flooring, the most popular options are ceramic or porcelain, but there are also options like marble, stone or even glass. Regardless, bathrooms need waterproof flooring.

Waterproof is not the same as water resistant. Water resistance simply identifies a particular material’s resistance to moisture, while waterproof is the material’s ability to prevent penetration entirely. In short, opt for waterproof and save yourself the pain of another bathroom reno in the future.

Even simply humidity during showers can be too much for water-resistant materials.

Water-resistant flooring can, however, be used for spaces like kitchens, laundry rooms, or mudrooms, depending on how much water floors in those rooms in your home tend to accumulate.

Ceramic options include things like glass, cement, porcelain and even terra cotta. Each option has a different viscosity, and you should consider the strength of the material, as well as how often you may have to reseal it before making a decision.

Terra cotta has regained popularity in recent years and offers an earthy and warm appearance that’s become a staple for many designers in the 2020s, but if you aren’t able to reseal it yearly, you may want to look elsewhere.

Design options of porcelain and cement have also grown in recent years and you may be able to achieve a faux terra cotta look with either of these durable and long-lasting options.

Color blocking and geometric designs are also becoming popular, with some people opting for bolder colors on both the floors and an accent wall. In addition, the aforementioned earthy tones, as well as black tiles, create a bold but welcoming look that’s easy to clean.

Not a fan of cold feet or slippery-when-wet surfaces? Ceramic tiles, which are generally baked to a smooth finish may not be your top choice.

Here are a few other options:

Looking for luxury? Try stone floorings like limestone, marble, slate, or even terra cotta. These can be difficult for a DIY’er to accomplish alone, and they require more maintenance than other options with some stone products requiring periodic sealant applications to prevent penetration. They can also be slippery when wet, but finishes can be added to make them less slippery. By far, the largest drawback of natural stone flooring is the cost. It’s one of the most expensive flooring options out there, but if you’re looking for a clean, custom look, you can’t beat stone floors.

Budget-friendly flooring?

Vinyl is the way to go.

Waterproof vinyl flooring can come in a variety of pat terns, too, designed to look like stone, ceramic or wood planks. Bonus - it’s way cheaper than stone, and cheaper than the hardwood you might consider elsewhere in the house.

Already have concrete floors? You can always opt to stain and finish them!

Concrete isn’t waterproof unless it’s finished and sealed, though, and it’s not a great DIY project, as it involves acid etching and filling, patch ing, and grinding, but it is, overall, an inexpensive, durable, and unique option. It may also make a resale of your home more difficult in the future. n

photos: shutterstock.com

oh baby!

New trends in nurseries

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

Although expectant parents have a lot to do before baby arrives, one of the most fun and exciting is setting up the nursery. Whether you are expecting a boy, girl, one of each or waiting to be surprised, we’ll help you create a beautiful environment that will surround your little one with love.

COLOR THEIR WORLD

Just like the child who will occupy it, the nursery is an extension of the family’s home and lifestyle, and it should be designed with plenty of personality. While pink and blue are traditional tropes for these spaces, Kelly Avilla of Yourspace Design in Elkhart says today’s parents are embracing more sophisticated color schemes.

“I haven’t seen a pink or blue nursery in a long time,” she said. “Nurseries now are more nature-inspired. Dark and medium greens, soft browns, and beiges, even rust and blush are all non-gender, on trend, yet classic colors (that parents can use). Black and white palettes, or as accents are also a great idea as babies recognize black and white before color.”

Current trends for nurseries, or any room for that matter, is working with wall dimension and homeowners are adding panels, in angles or patterns as

Melissa Gambin/Melissa Grace Designs

My Welli House Decor on Instagram

an accent wall as a great way to add some interest to the space.

Debbie Hochstetler ASID at Sweet Water Interiors in Goshen said people often forget to include the ceiling in their design plans, which is a huge piece of real estate that should not be ignored.

“Painting it an accent color and including a beautiful light fixture can really help pull the room together,” she said.

GET SET TO GROW

While you shouldn’t jump to reuse cribs or other baby equipment without knowing its history, you can incorporate some sentimental and vintage pieces that can be both functional and meaningful.

“You can also include your hobbies and collections in a whimsical way,” Avilla said. “There are plenty of things that you hope to pass on to your children, why not start doing so in the nursery?”

Of course, as much as we’d like for them to, they don’t stay little forever so it is important to include transitional items that

can grow with your child such as a crib that transforms into a full-sized bed or an upholstered swivel rocker that can serve as a reading chair in time.

“I understand that we want to savor the time that they are babies, but there are ways

to help their rooms transition as they grow,” Hochstetler said. “Mirrored closet doors will allow the child to see themselves when they are playing with their toys and diffused lighting that can serve as a nightlight when they are little and beyond.” n

TOP NURSERY TRENDS FOR 2023

Bold area rugs

Purple shades

Sustainable, natural materials

Arches and other curved shapes

Rich colors including jewel tones such as blue, jade and raspberry

Maximalism

Mishawaka Troop Town to provide tiny homes to veterans in need

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Several areas are beginning to think of them in terms of small villages for certain groups of people. Jim Metherd is one of those people. He is the president and co-founder of Mishawaka Troop Town, motivated by Robert Miller’s Veterans Center. “After the center opened we wanted to raise funds for the residents. We wanted a place with less restrictions and limitations, a place to call their own while getting back on their feet, having an opportunity to bank all their funds toward their own place. I wanted to put Miller’s out of business, I want to offer more, and this might do it!” explained Metherd.

“In 2019 I was a local resident and part of this motorcycle ride, which always takes place by the VFW. ‘This man would like to speak with someone about this ride,’ they said. He was an older gentleman with his wife and his ‘princess’ and you got a sense of humor in his voice. He had to wait 45 minutes to get through because of that ride–typically we

have over 350 bikes, we are undoubtedly the largest ride in St Joseph County–and I said, ‘Well, hopefully I’ll make you wait an hour next year!’ He wrote a check for $5,000 that day, and I invited him to our end of the year banquet, where I always tell my spiel about my dream of this village. He called two weeks after that, ‘hey you know what, let’s make this happen.’ They live right down the street and researched the property next to the VFW. It was for sale, and he gave me $50,000 seed money. Since 2020, we have raised over $600,000 more.

“There was a little negativity because originally we had property that listed at $180,000 with three properties on it. We took it to the City of Mishawaka in June 2020; it was unanimously approved, everything good to go. Then we learned that the property across the street was only $75,000 no structures. Residents were totally against ‘homeless unemployed druggies, as they saw it. The City

had COVID relief funds so they supplemented the difference, if we would go back to the original spot–which we liked better anyway, because of the closeness to the VFW.”

And work is steadily progressing. “All the demolition has been done and soon all grounds will be finished and level, underground piping, electrical, etc. will be in place,” said Metherd. “We are not going to have all the funding for the entire project this year, but in managing community dollars we need them to see we are putting forth what we promised. I would like to see veterans living in the duplexes by Veterans Day. Right now there are three other tiny house villages across the country and they average 16-22 months residency. We project a soft average of 30 months. This truly is going to be transitional housing. We’re going to give the veterans every access to programs to better themselves, financial assistance and education. This may not be for everyone. This will be for the ones who want to work to make their lives better.”

Metherd couldn’t say enough about Andy Place, Sr. “One of the biggest blessings I’ve had so far! He worked with Jimmy Carter with Habitat For Humanity in Mishawaka. He is my right hand, has taken the ball and run with it.” And Big C Lumber has donated a lot of what is needed. “Flooring, gutters, plumbing fixtures. Estimate is $180,000 per duplex for materials, with nothing in budget for labor. There are so many people ready to jump in when we have a firm date set. My hope is for 30-40 workers when building starts. We are open to any local companies that will donate materials or time, things like paving. Any materials or services that are donated in kind will reduce our costs, allow more resources to build houses. And when I send out a packet of information, there’s a photo of a plaque. Those will be placed permanently with the names of those who gave to build that house. We will have bricks too, like you see in pathways.”

What a great way to pay it forward for our veterans! If you have materials or time to donate, see mishawakatrooptown.org. n

We’ve all heard the term ‘tiny house’ so many times we probably don’t think much about it, unless we’re in the market for one. Who would that be?

SUMMER IS HERE

By Dani Messick House and Home Writer

Charcoal and propane lovers unite: grilling season is upon us. Burgers, steaks, chicken, and hot dogs, are backyard barbeque staples, but across the country, and the world, there are hundreds of types of meats, dozens of styles of outdoor cooking that have reigned supreme for centuries, and many up-and-coming options spawned from the minds of ultra-creative foodies.

Marinades and spices are an essential part of the process, but many outdoor chefs will tell you that the most important piece of grilling is heat and smoke - after all, no one ever claimed that a microwaved steak is a choice dinner, no matter how well it’s seasoned.

According to Chef Tony Matassa of BBQGuys, when smoking meats, go low and slow. “If you’re using a charcoal grill, build your fire on one side of the grill, and place your meat on the opposite side. The meat should never be directly above a flame when smoking. If using a smoker, your fire will either be in an offset firebox, or separated by a heat deflector in a vertical smoker.”

You can also add a water pan to add humidity and stabilize the temperature, and add aromatic spices to the pan. Don’t add too much wood. Let the smoke flow out lightly - white smoke is good smoke. This also applies to gas and electric smokers. Without proper ventilation, or if the food is directly above the fire, burning juices will lead to black, bitter-tasting smoke. Instead, open the smoker or griller’s vents fully to ensure adequate airflow. Meat should get dark, but not black. A mahogany crust is ideal and is the result of fats, spices, and smoke caramelizing into a crust over the meat.

Keep the lid closed as much as possible, but remember to mist the food

every couple of hours to preserve moisture and draw the smokey flavor to the food. Every time you open the grill, you lose smoke and heat. Open the lid only when needed to tend to the fire or the food - or for some of that all-too-necessary moisture.

Taste of Home identifies not grilling with enough space as a top concern among the barbeque brigade, and yes, tree branches overhanging the grill count, too. You, yourself, should also be able to be far enough away from floating embers and grease splashes, so make sure your tools are the long ones and not the cheap short ones.

Don’t leave your grill unattended, and don’t cook indoors - not even in the garage. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous, silent killer. Don’t cook too much food at once, use a meat thermometer, and for those with a propane grill, be sure to start it opened to prevent fireballs from gas buildup! Always keep baking soda and a fire extinguisher nearby for fires - not water, and be sure to turn off the gas or close the vents for those using a charcoal grill before you walk away to enjoy your food. Apparently, the U.S. government also has some serious opinions related to smoking meats. The USDA’s food safety and inspection service actually has a specific note in its smoking instructional materials, asking Americans not to smoke foods in makeshift containers like “galvanized steel cans or other materials not intended for cooking,” stating that the result can be chemical residue contamination, and not to use gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid, or other chemical-based combustible substances.

For its part, the USDA also notes the best flavor comes from hickory, apple, or maple wood chips or flakes, to soak the chips in water to prevent flare-ups and add to charcoal as needed.

Smoked pork butt and smoked brisket are fan favorites, but there’s a plethora of options including smoked boozy drinks, like the Smoked Cherry Bounce, a recipe available through Food & Wine magazine, featuring cherry wood chunks, cherries, and brandy. Really, the possibilities are endless. n

Attendance was outstanding. We trust our visitors went away with great, fresh ideas for their own home,

Baked Stuffed Portabellos

By Chef Michael Symon, “Fix it with Food,” Michael Symon and Douglas Trattner, Clarkson Potter/Publishers Copyright 2019

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons pine nuts

2 Portabello mushroom caps, stems and gills removed

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup wild mushroom risotto (see recipe below)

1 large egg, beaten

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh leaf parsley

2 tablespoons parmesan, plus more for serving.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350

Set the pine nuts on a sheet pan and cook until lightly toasted, about 8 minutes, set aside Increase the oven temperature to 425. Place the mushrooms gill side down on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and a twist of black pepper. Roast them until browned and softened, about 12 minutes Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the wild mushroom risotto, egg, parsley and toasted pine nuts and stir to combine.

Remove the mushrooms from the oven, flip and top each cap with 1/2 of the risotto mixture. Top with parmesan, return to the oven and cook until the risotto is warmed through, about 15 minutes.

Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with more parmesan and serve.

Wild Mushroom Risotto

Stuffing for Portabellos

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups Mushroom stock

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 cup parmesan

Directions:

3 cups thinly sliced wild mushrooms such as shittake, cremini, oyster, tough stems removed.

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

1 cup Arborio rice

In a medium saucepan, warm the mushroom stock over medium-low heat. Adjust the heat if necessary and keep it warm until needed.

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and heat to shimmering, then add the onion, garlic and a pinch of salt and twist of black pepper. Cook until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the mushrooms and thyme and cook until the mushrooms soften, release their liquid and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, until all the rice begins to toast, about 2 minutes. Add 1 ladleful of the warm stock, stirring constantly, until all the liquid has been absorbed. Repeat this process until all but about 1 cup of stock is incorporated and the rice is very creamy, but still slightly al dente, about 25 minutes. If you perfer softer rice, continue the process with the remaining stock.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the parmesan. Set aside 1 cup for recipe above. Divide the rest between two plates and serve. n

Did You Know?

By Lauren Zeugner House and Home Editor

There is a sense of balance about July. That may be because the exact middle of each year occurs on July 2.

The month of July is named after Roman leader Julius Caesar. Before the name change, July was known as Quintilis. Quintilis, the Latin word for five, was the fifth month on the Gregorian calendar. Julius Caesar modified the calendar, adding the months of January and February. The Julian calendar is still in use today.

The month of July holds some very hot records! In the northern hemisphere, July is usually the hottest month of the year. The hottest temperature ever recorded in the United States was in Greenland Ranch, California.

The thermometer soared to 134°F/57°C on July 10, 1913. It was hot enough to fry an egg on a rock in a matter of seconds.

Fun facts about

July is known as a month for firsts, such as the first ever rabies vaccine was administered by Louis Pasteur on July 6, 1885. The first atomic bomb test was detonat ed in New Mexico on July 16,

And the first bikini debuted in Paris on July 5, 1946 at the famous Piscine Militor swimming pool.

While it may be hot north of the Equator, people living in the southern half of the world see their coldest temperatures in July. In fact, the most severe cold season on record happened in July 1983 near the South Pole.

Seven presidents have died in the month of July.

They are: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Martin Van Buren, Zachary Taylor, Andrew Johnson and Ulysses S. Grant.

H H H H H

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Information for facts came from — www.funfactsabout.com/ fun-facts-about-july/ and potus.com/presidential-facts/presidentsdeaths-by-month n

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now

July 2 is also World UFO Day

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