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Letter from the Publisher
Welcome to our Thankful issue! This month’s issue is very near and dear to my heart. It was November 2020, despite the pandemic, when I launched my first City Lifestyle magazine in another community where I had lived for over 40 years. I was a native. Who knew that in less than two years I would sell that publication and become a newcomer in Kansas City? In hindsight, I realize that my transition from a native to a newcomer was quite smooth and I am so thankful. Ironically, I can credit this very publication for making me feel so connected and so at home but it’s the people who help make our monthly magazine possible that I want to thank!
I’ll start with our editor. Angela has been our editor since 2016, and she knows the community so well. Everyone who meets Angela, loves her. She manages a fabulous team of writers and photographers who collectively shine a light on the local people, places and things that make our community so special. I also want to thank one photographer in particular, Janie Jones. Her extraordinary work is consistently selected for our beautiful cover but that is not all. Janie agreed to help create even more content for our readers on social media. Be sure to follow us @LeawoodCityLifestyle on either Facebook or Instagram so you can get extra community content beyond what you see in print.
There is a growing number of staff at the home office of City Lifestyle who I’d also like to thank. Leawood City Lifestyle is the first of over 200 publications nationwide and growing so I am just one of many publishers/owners who can rely on this amazing team who manages the printing, distribution, design, layout, and much more for all publishers nationwide. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank them.
Above all, I would like to thank all the local businesses you see advertising in our publication. Thanks to them, Leawood City Lifestyle is possible and is mailed for free. It is my pleasure to serve and promote these exceptional community partners. Whenever possible, I do business with these fine companies and encourage you to do the same!
We like to say, whether you’re a native or new to the area, our publication can become your community hub. Johnson County City Lifestyle has done this for me personally, and I’ve never been more thankful that we get to share all the positive aspects of living in our community.
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Cristine Lindholm | cristine.lindholm@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Reagan Simpson | Reagan.Simpson@Citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Judy Goppert, Allison Swan, Jenny Vergara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Bonnie Mitchell
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
Learn
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Each Christmas season, City Lifestyle gifts a significant amount to those who could use a little extra support. But we need your help to find them. Do you know someone facing tough times? Your nomination could make all the difference.
Scan below to nominate.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—7: At Prevail, we are passionate about making a difference in our community. Giving back is in our DNA, and we’re incredibly proud to have hosted our 4th Annual Prevail Together Charity Golf Tournament in support of Rex and Jennifer Hudler’s Team Up for Down Syndrome organization. Over the past four years, Prevail, alongside our clients and partners, has raised over $750,000 for this amazing cause. A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported this initiative, both this year and in the past!
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
loaded hummus
This crowd-pleaser can be made in advance for easy entertaining.
hummus ingredients:
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained
• Juice from one lemon (or ¼ cup)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
toppings:
• Olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Chickpeas
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh Parsley
directions:
In a blender, add all of the ingredients except the olive oil and the toppings. Blend until smooth. Spread Hummus onto a plate or platter and top with chopped toppings. Serve with fresh bell peppers, zucchini, crackers and pita bread.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions:
Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in an oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
Journey THANKFUL FOR THE
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
Billy Brimblecom Jr. is the CEO of Steps of Faith Foundation. Having lost his left leg to cancer in 2005, he reflects on his journey with thankfulness, often saying he wouldn’t change a thing about his experience. His trials have paved the way for him to help others facing similar challenges. With that spirit of gratitude, he has turned personal
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
adversity into a mission of hope and mobility for others, especially through his foundation and its star-studded annual event, Thundergong! that raises funds to provide prosthetic limbs for uninsured and underinsured amputees.
In his own struggle to obtain a prosthetic limb, he saw firsthand the immense financial challenges that amputees face. With prosthetics ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, many amputees find themselves unable to afford the devices necessary for even the most basic mobility. Recognizing this urgent need, he dedicated his life to ensuring that others would not have to endure the same struggle alone.
Steps of Faith has helped over 1,400 amputees, giving them the gift of mobility and the chance to reclaim their lives. In the past year alone, the foundation has nearly doubled the number of people it assists, a feat made possible by the support generated through their event.
Thundergong! is not your typical fundraiser. Co-hosted by his longtime friend, actor and comedian Jason Sudeikis, the event brings together music, laughter, and a powerful cause. The annual concert showcases a lineup of musicians and comedians, creating a one-of-a-kind night of entertainment. Past performers have included the Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, and Saturday Night Live’s Fred Armisen, with surprise guests that make every year unforgettable.
What began as an idea to merge Brimblecom’s passion for music with his mission to help amputees has blossomed into an event with national reach and profound impact. To date, Thundergong! has raised over $2.1 million, all of which goes directly toward providing prosthetics for those in need. With demand for these services continuing to grow, he knows that the show must go on.
Photo by Jason Domingues
Photo by Jason Domingues
“We’ve been helping almost double the amount of people we helped last year. It’s insane and has been difficult to keep up with the demand, so we’ve hired a fourth person to help us. The success of our Thundergong! events have made it possible to have the funding to help so many people each month, which is beautiful—that’s why we have to keep doing these shows so that we can keep the donations coming in to keep up with the demand.”
While Thundergong! and Steps of Faith have undoubtedly transformed the lives of many amputees, Brimblecom is also embarking on a new personal journey: public speaking. After years of being invited to share his story, he’s now
pursuing this path with intention, eager to inspire and move audiences across the country.
“I do keynote public speaking a few times a year. Folks know about my story and/or Steps of Faith and they ask if I’d speak at their event. I’ve always responded to the requests and never really pursued doing more of it. I really enjoy speaking events. The joke is that every drummer really wants to be a front man, so I guess I’m no exception! So yes, I have stories to tell and a message to share for corporate audiences that I feel will move them. I’ve been lucky to have many adventures traveling the world as a musician, lucky to survive cancer and losing a leg, and
CONTINUED >
lucky to be able to build this beautiful organization with Steps Of Faith. I’m looking forward to sharing these stories with more folks around the country.”
As we enter the season of giving, it’s worth noting that gratitude has been the guiding force in his life.
“I’m thankful first and foremost for my wife and kids. All I need is them and everything I do, it’s for them in one way or another. I also have great friends that I’m very thankful for, and music—always thankful for music and the joy and people it brings into my life.”
As Thundergong! returns on November 9th at the Uptown Theatre in Kansas City, Brimblecom invites everyone to take part in this life-changing cause. You can support Steps of Faith by donating directly through their website or by attending the event. Every dollar raised brings
an amputee closer to the gift of mobility, transforming not just their life, but their entire world.
In the spirit of gratitude, now is the perfect time to make a difference.
“The cliches about fundraising are true—every dollar really does add up. We have people that give us a big donation every quarter and we have someone in Indonesia that donates just over one dollar each month. They all are seen, felt, and make a difference. What Steps of Faith does is an essential and time-sensitive work. As an amputee myself, I can assure you that anyone who donates is truly changing someone’s life by restoring their mobility and opening up a whole world of possibilities for them.”
To donate and learn more, visit stepsoffaithfoundation.org
GRATITUDE IN A CUP
Explore the Offerings at Maps Coffee and Chocolate
If your day can't begin without a satisfying cup of coffee, be thankful Kansas City is a hot spot for craft coffee roasters. It's true! Many importers store their green coffee beans in local caves. This makes it easy for area roasters to get the product since they don't need to ship from across the country.
Maps Coffee and Chocolate has been one of those craft roasters for the past ten years. Roasting guru Vincent Rodriguez has
mastered several blended and single-origin coffees, and turns cacao beans into smooth, silky chocolate bars.
"I've long said that we have a relationship with coffee," Rodriguez says. "We all know what happens when you don't get your cup of coffee, right? So, our goal at Maps is to make that relationship better. I find many people have questions about coffee and don't know who to ask or where to start. I feel that what
ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
we do really well is help them along their journey to a better cup of coffee. Our job is to answer questions, not be pretentious, and take time to help them explore."
Rodriguez began his coffee career 30 years ago as a Starbucks barista in Seattle. Fast forward 12 years to when he came to Johnson County and opened a shop featuring his other passion--bicycles. The following year, he set up a roaster in the back of the shop to try his hand at roasting coffee beans. Once Rodriguez mastered the skill, he began to sell the results to the public.
Eventually, the bike shop was sold and relocated so coffee could take center stage, although Rodriguez still fabricates custom handmade bicycles. He also likes to teach himself something new every year. It's not only how he got started with coffee but also chocolate. When he learned there wasn't a chocolate maker in Kansas City, he decided to be that chocolate maker.
He explains, "There are a lot of confectioners and chocolatiers, but very few chocolate makers who actually make the chocolate that everyone else works with. So, with the timing of me selling the bike
shop, it seemed appropriate that I would add a chocolate experience to the cafe and roastery."
In a unique twist, Rodriguez created Bloc, a bar that looks like chocolate but is made with coffee. He explains, "Chocolate is made of cacao, cocoa butter and sugar. Bloc is coffee, cocoa butter and sugar. I knew I was going to have a difficult time explaining that it wasn't chocolate. That's why made it in a different shape, so it doesn't look like your typical chocolate bar. You can eat your coffee!"
Anyone curious about Maps coffees and chocolates can visit the retail and cafe location at 13440 Santa Fe Trail Drive in Lenexa. The cafe offers single-cup pourover coffee so customers can explore the various roasts. Or check them out online at MapsCoffee.com. Rodriguez also hosts roasting sessions for groups and families where participants go through the roasting process and can develop their own custom blend.
"I would ask every customer to come in and be curious about our coffees," Rodriguez says. "Don't be afraid to understand better what we're about."
LUMINARY WALK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS
For 25 years, the Luminary Walk has continued to glow, not only as a symbol of holiday wonder but as a cherished community tradition. Over the years, nearly 300,000 guests have embraced this event, building memories that span generations.
Over the most recent decade, Luminary Walk has raised over $2.2 million to support the growth and preservation of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, making it a vital piece of the community’s cultural and environmental fabric. “This year, as we
celebrate the 25th anniversary, the Luminary Walk shines brighter than ever, with new eye-catching holiday light installations adding even more wonder to the experience,” noted Brit Waye, Community Engagement Manager. “We invite everyone to join us in commemorating this milestone.”
As part of the celebration, the event offers three unique experiences to match your ideal holiday outing.
The Traditional Luminary Walk: Step into a world of festive family fun. Explore the Arboretum’s glowing
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW ROSSI
Gnome and Fairy Villages, wander through the Marder Garden by candlelight, and enjoy the Children's Garden, alive with vibrant colors. Photos with Santa, complimentary hot cider, and live musical performances fill the air with joy. Treat yourself to on-site favorites like Jack Stack Barbecue and Jack’s Kettle Corn.
Adults-Only Candlelight Stroll: Seeking a peaceful night out? The Candlelight Stroll is an intimate option for those who want to enjoy the magic of the holidays without the hustle and bustle of kids-in-tow. Wander candlelit pathways, admire the dazzling lights, and enjoy live performances and enchanting gnome houses—all without children. Wine and hot adult beverages will be available for purchase to keep you warm as you stroll through the woods.
Electric Glow
For a serene, low-sensory experience, Electric Glow is ideal. With limited attendance, this weeknight version focuses solely on the electric lights, allowing guests to fully appreciate the beauty of the illuminated gardens and the intricate details of the gnome and fairy houses. It’s a quiet way to take in the magic without the crowds.
Tickets & Dates
The 25th anniversary Luminary Walk runs on select nights from November 25 to December 30. Get your tickets at opabg.org
Experience Holiday Magic at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
BARNHOUSE CUSTOM HOMES
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
When it comes to creating a dream home, the team at Barnhouse Custom Homes know it’s about telling a story of the family who will live there, the memories that will be made, and the unique style that reflect each client’s personality. With their personalized approach and a passion for creativity, Barnhouse offers a seamless, full-service experience from start to finish.
Over the past few years, Barnhouse has grown significantly. They expanded their team to include in-house designers, led by Co-Owner and Design Manager Amy Leaver and Design Manager Devon Berke.
“Our goal as design managers have really been able to make these custom houses feel like the client’s home,” says Devon. “We are focusing on taking the time to tell the client’s story about their family and interests. Decision fatigue is real and our goal is to keep this process as fun and relaxing as possible. By sourcing and finalizing a couple of choices, we give the clients so much time back.”
By offering in-house design services, the team is able to manage every aspect of the design process under one roof. Whether it’s finalizing floor plans or picking out finishes, they help guide clients through every choice with precision and care.
This efficiency not only saves valuable time but also ensures that each decision aligns with the client’s vision. Their commitment to honoring the past while creating something new is evident in their use of reclaimed materials.
“Barnhouse has always focused on bringing old things back to life, which is why we love using reclaimed timbers. Choosing our second design manager was a piece of cake because we were able to find someone who shared this passion. Devon Berke, owner of Denim Salt, has shared her passion for thrifting by auctioning off treasures she’s found at local thrift stores. She preaches to pull out your family heirlooms and have them proudly on display. Devon is so gifted when it comes to creatively bringing visions to life.”
This highly personalized experience allows clients to work closely with the same team members throughout the entire process, creating an environment of trust, open communication, and collaboration. The Barnhouse team limits the number of jobs they take on each year to ensure that this level of personal attention is never compromised.
Barnhouse also prides itself on flexibility and not being limited to a single design aesthetic. Whether a client envisions a modern farmhouse, a sleek contemporary design, or something completely unique, the Barnhouse team thrives on the creative process. Their full in-house services, from finalizing architectural plans to interior design, allow them to tailor every aspect of the home to the client’s preferences.
“We start at the beginning and guide clients through every decision, from finalizing the floor plan to selecting finishes and laying out furniture. It's a very personal, fun experience,” says Amy.
For more information, visit barnhousecustomhomes.com
STUDENTS ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE BLUE VALLEY CAPS EXPERIENCE
Unlocking the Future
ARTICLE BY JAMIE SEGALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
As the first Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program, Blue Valley School Districts’ CAPS is going strong in its 15th year, and for good reason. This program benefits the community by providing opportunities for students, parents, professionals, and businesses. CAPS offers a real-world, immersive learning environment that prepares students for future jobs through engagement with local businesses, industry professionals, and hands-on experience, and those who experience the program are thankful for the opportunity.
According to Dana Farrington, Business Development Specialist for Blue Valley CAPS, the real-world learning from professionals is what makes this program so effective. “At CAPS, education extends beyond textbooks. Students work on real-world projects and solve actual industry challenges. This hands-on, project-based learning means students aren’t just learning concepts; they’re using the same tools and technologies that professionals use. Whether it’s designing a prototype in an engineering lab, conducting bioscience research, or shadowing healthcare professionals, CAPS students gain meaningful experience that prepares them for real-world demands.”
She continued, “CAPS’ partnerships with local businesses and industry experts provide students with invaluable mentorship. These professionals offer insights into industry standards, career pathways, and the specific skills students need to succeed.”
Over the years, the program has prioritized high-demand career paths, offering courses in bioscience, engineering, healthcare, business, and education— fields with growing demand locally and nationally. By aligning student learning with workforce needs, CAPS ensures that participants are not only prepared for college but also equipped with relevant skills for today’s job market.
For kids and parents, one of the top benefits is that students can earn college credit while still in high school. This head start on higher education allows them to save time and money as they pursue degrees. The rigor of CAPS courses is aligned with college-level expectations, ensuring students are well-prepared for postsecondary studies.
But perhaps one of the most special things about this program is the community element. “Some of the business partners have remained with CAPS from
the beginning others have reached out proactively to share expertise and give back to their community. These have been companies in KC, some owned or run by CAPS students’ parents, and companies from across the country that have reached out through our CAPS Network. The industry mentors are an integral and important part of the experiences that students have at CAPS,” said Dana.
CAPS is not only a community benefit and a program that drives learning in students, but also a successful, proven model for landing students in the right jobs – which is appreciated by both the businesses and parents.
“Many businesses report that CAPS students enter internships and professional environments well-prepared. Employers appreciate the technical skills, critical thinking, and professionalism that students bring. Businesses also commend the program for providing a steady stream of young, creative minds who offer new perspectives on solving problems, helping companies stay current with emerging trends and technologies,” said Dana.
She continued, “On the other hand, parents are impressed by how well CAPS prepares students for college and careers. The learning, internships, and certifications their children receive give them a head start in the workforce and boost confidence. Parents highlight how engaged and excited their students are about learning through CAPS, as the program allows them to explore careers and make informed decisions about their future paths.
The future is bright for CAPS as it continually evolves the courses offered. “We invite any interested business partner to connect with us to find the right size of engagement. Likewise, we have open houses and preview opportunities for students and parents to connect with us to learn about CAPS and how it fits into a high school four-year plan,” said Dana.
This program is setting the bar high and driving excellence in the community. With success landing students into chosen fields—from business owner, inventor, doctor, veterinarian, filmmaker, teacher, engineer, or more—CAPS provides experiences not found anywhere else.
For more information visit: bvcaps.yourcapsnetwork.org
MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Each
AURORA CAFÉ & BAKERY
A Taste of Tradition in Overland Park
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA PHOTOGRAPHY BY BONNIE MITCHELL
Growing up in Orange County, California, Javier Nuñez fondly remembers the comforting, regional Mexican dishes prepared by his grandmother, Aurora Meneses Arriaga, who learned to cook on the family ranch in Michoacán, Mexico. A beloved figure in their family, Aurora predicted—accurately—that
“With its unique niche of scratch-made Mexican pastries and breads, Aurora Café & Bakery is already making its mark on Kansas City’s vibrant food scene.”
Javier would marry Kerianne, his then-girlfriend, and after her passing in 2020, Javier and Kerianne, now husband and wife, decided to name their first Kansas City restaurant in her honor.
Aurora Café & Bakery, which opened its doors this past spring, is located inside the lobby of the BOK Financial Tower, often nicknamed the “Darth Vader Building” for its sleek, black, smoked-glass exterior and rounded curves that evoke the villain’s iconic helmet. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the bakery quickly gained a loyal following, thanks to its house-made Mexican breads and pastries. The bakery’s star attraction? Their pan dulce, or Mexican sweet bread—perfect for savoring with a hot cup of coffee.
In addition to pastries, Aurora Café & Bakery offers a full breakfast and lunch menu, featuring seasonal soups, fresh salads, and sandwiches, all made with Javier’s scratch-baked telera and bolillo rolls. The café has drawn a crowd, and not just from customers within the building, but locals across the city who flock wanting to try their scratch made food and Mexican pastries.
The couple’s culinary journey began at The Culinary Institute of America in California, where Javier specialized in pastry and Kerianne in culinary arts. After graduating, they moved to Los Angeles, working in several top-tier kitchens—Javier honing his bread-making craft and Kerianne developing a passion for pasta and pizza making.
By 2018, the couple had relocated to Kansas City. Javier became the head baker at Ibis Bakery and taught pastry courses at Johnson County Community College, while Kerianne managed pasta, pizza dough, and pastry production at North Italia in Leawood. Their shared love for baking inspired them to launch a small wholesale baking business in 2021, called Pan de Javi, specializing in traditional Mexican breads such as conchas (a sweet bread with a colorful shell-like crumble topping) and cuernitos, a croissant-shaped pastry laced with chocolate and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Their signature crème brûlée concha, with its creamy vanilla filling and hard caramel shell, quickly became a favorite, amassing a devoted following.
Following the birth of their son, Enrique, the couple opened Aurora Café & Bakery, a charming spot that combines their talents for both sweet and savory creations. “When I left Ibis Bakery, Kerianne and I realized that Kansas City had an abundance of European and French-style bakeries,” Javier explains. “That’s when I decided to focus on the Mexican breads I grew up eating.”
Javier uses locally sourced Marion Milling whole grain flour in all his breads, emphasizing the importance of supporting local grain farmers and millers. Kerianne, originally from Wichita, also brings her appreciation for local products to the café, sourcing items like Tianguis salsas from Tacos Valentina in Kansas City, Azulitas blue corn pinole wedding cookies and Esperanza coffee, both produced in Wichita.
With its unique niche of scratch-made Mexican pastries and breads, alongside a delectable breakfast and lunch menu, Aurora Café & Bakery is already making its mark on Kansas City’s vibrant food scene. The Nuñezes are excited to continue sharing their passion with the community, offering a taste of both Javier’s Mexican heritage and Kerianne’s Midwestern roots.
THE PERFECT FALL TREAT
ACORN DONUT HOLES
ARTICLE BY MADELINE LEBLANC
As the vibrant colors of summer slowly yield to the warm and earthy hues of autumn, there’s a distinct charm in the air at the arrival of fall. It’s a season filled with the crisp rustling of leaves, cozy sweaters, and the promise of pumpkin-spiced everything. What better way to embrace the changing seasons than by indulging in a delightful treat that captures the essence of both summer’s sweetness and fall’s rich flavors?
My recipe for “Acorn Donut Holes” combines the light, airy sweetness of summer donuts with the warm, comforting tones of fall. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
• Donut holes
• Melting chocolates
• Fall sprinkles
• Pretzels
Instructions:
1. Pour your fall sprinkles into a small bowl for dipping. Lay wax paper down.
2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the melting chocolates in the microwave, about 15-20 seconds. Carefully watch to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Dip the top of each donut hole into the melted chocolate, covering about halfway down the donut.
4. After dipping, immediately dip the chocolate-covered portion of the donut hole into the bowl of sprinkles, coating it with the fall sprinkles.
5. Insert a pretzel into the top of the “acorn” to create the acorn stem.
6. Carefully place the decorated acorn donut holes on the wax paper to let them cool and allow the chocolate to set.
7. Once the chocolate has hardened, your acorn donut holes are ready to enjoy!
These delightful treats are perfect for fall and make for a fun and tasty dessert or snack. Enjoy!
Custom Homes
Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.