N OV E M B E R 2 02 0
grateful
LIFESTYLE LETTER
NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER
Laura Paszkiewicz | laura@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR
Letter from the Editor AS THE SEASON OF GIVING THANKS APPROACHES, I FIND MYSELF REFLECTING ON THE MANY BLESSINGS IN MY LIFE. This year has been a year like none other, and there have been hardships that many of us have endured that can feel overwhelming at times. However, in those times of trial, I often feel closer to what truly matters in life. There is a clarity that occurs when all the noise and busyness of life quiets, and the important things in life come into focus.
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER
Kelsey Proctor CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Allison Gibeson, Lisa Moyer, Nicolette Martin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Paul Versluis, Wendy Hamm
This Thanksgiving may look different for many of us. For my family, we will be spending it without the matriarch of our family. With the recent, unexpected loss of my motherin-law, holidays this year will not be the same, and I am dreading that part. Her presence is irreplaceable, and the void will be felt. The things that I find myself missing are such simple things: the sound of her voice, the cackle in her laugh, her late night calls, and her interest in hearing mundane details about the kids. The list goes on and on. If you feel insignificant at times or feel like you aren’t needed, I promise you that is not the case. Someday someone will simply miss the sound of your voice. Our presence is what leaves an impression. This Thanksgiving season, I am holding my family and friends tighter and appreciat-
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
ing the little things more. Don’t forget to look at each person around your table this
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
Thanksgiving and remember how they have made a difference in your life. And if you
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
aren’t able to gather, perhaps make a call and let those in your life know you are grate-
AD MANAGER Chad Jensen
ful for them. We need each other.
REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Happy Thanksgiving!
Angela Broockerd, Editor
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
Angela.Broockerd@LifestylePubs.com
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ON THE COVER Wild Rice Stuffing with Chef Andrew Brancato
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL VERSLUIS 10
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit
Proverbs 3:5-6 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Lee’s Summit area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020
FEATURES 18 Remembering Ally through giving Mermaid Ally’s Rainbow Memorial
24 Rachel House Pregnancy Resource Centers Building strong families through advocacy, mentorship and education
28 Feast for a chef Thanksgiving recipes from prominent, local chefs
41 Walking the Walk A Journey Down the Winding
28 41
Life Path of Unassuming Spiritual Leader Francis Chan
24
18 DEPARTMENTS 10
Lifestyle Letter
14
Giving Back
18
Inspired By
28 Culinary Creations 41
Faith Reflections
45 Realty Report 46 Locally Owned
GIVING BACK
SERVING THE CHAMPIONS IN OUR COMMUNIT Y FLAT BRANCH HOME LOANS SEEKS TO THANK THOSE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
ARTICLE ALLISON GIBESON
WHILE THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS FOR HOME LOANS TODAY, IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO FIND A COMMUNITY-BASED
As such, they have the staff to provide personal answers to questions, and they also have an app to track the status of each loan.
LENDER THAT SEEKS TO BUILD INDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIPS
Flat Branch Home Loans offers a Community Champions program
WITH CLIENTS. Beth Langston, a senior mortgage banker with
as a way of recognizing emergency medical technicians, fire and
Flat Branch Home Loans, is such a lender in Lee’s Summit who
police department staffs, 911 employees, teachers and administra-
offers a range of loan services.
tors, and healthcare professionals working with COVID-19 patients.
While Flat Branch Home Loans is licensed in 21 states throughout the
This program waives the appraisal fee and often the processing fees
midwest, its local offices are designed to be immersed in the communi-
on any type of loan, a benefit which can save up to $900. Langston
ties they serve. Langston has been in the mortgage industry since 2003
says this can be significant in terms of how much money someone is
and enjoys the benefits community-based lending brings, which includes
required to bring to closing.
local accessibility and knowledge of individual cities and neighborhoods.
“It’s the least we can do for them as a thank-you gift,” Langston says.
“The culture here really promotes that everyone is a family—it’s
She says one of the company’s goals was to have a large
not just a number,” Langston says. “Our teams have very personal-
Community Champions event celebrating the various public ser-
ized communications for each loan.”
vants. While that could not happen in 2020, she says they hope to
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
“IT’S THE LEAST WE CAN DO FOR THEM AS A THANK-YOU GIFT.” do it in the future. In the meantime, they are currently working to bring individualized attention to local firehouses and schools. Brenda Bradford is a 911 supervisor for the city of Overland Park and is grateful for the program, which she was able to benefit from when her house was built a few years ago. Being a Community Champion at the time of purchasing her home, she is able benefit from the CC program once again with her refinance in these historically low rates. Bradford appreciates that Flat Branch Home Loans recognizes public servants, and she feels the company genuinely cares about their clients. Bradford also says Langston called her when interest rates fell and presented the idea of refinancing to her. She says there are not many lenders out there who will initiate such a discussion, but Langston did. As interest rates have fallen to historic lows this year, Langston and her team have experienced a boom in the number of clients seeking to refinance. In fact, they have been working at maximum capacity and hiring significantly. If you are seeking a home loan or are interested to see if you can save through refinancing, Beth Langston provides free mortgage overviews. Potential clients are free to email her at www.applywithbeth.com or apply online at flatbranchhomeloans.com/ team/beth-langston.
BETH LANGSTON Senior Mortgage Banker NMLS ID: 913580 | Company NMLS: 224149 EQUAL HOUSING LENDER | A DIVISION OF FLAT BRANCH INC.
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INSPIRED BY ARTICLE LISA MOYER PHOTOGRAPHY WENDY HAMM OF SIMPLY MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY
ONCE UPON A TIME, A LITTLE MERMAID WAS BORN IN MINNESOTA. On
Rainb ow Mem or ial
Mermaid Ally’s
May 15, 2003, she burst forth four weeks
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early as the first child to her excited parents, Brian and Cindy Ullman, who named her Alyssa “Ally” Jule Ullman. But soon these overjoyed parents were told some troubling news. Ally was born with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, a genetic mutation on her 16th chromosome that would threaten her life. If Ally lived past her first few days, she would face many serious complications. “We don’t know what causes this,” the doctors said, “but there are only 1,000 cases in the entire world. She won’t ever speak or run and will be very small in size.” The Ullmans looked at their beautiful daughter and knew she was a fighter. They decided to live every day to its fullest and treat every new morning with her as a gift. Some days were harder than others. Her parents would never forget her first surgery because they knew in their hearts how urgent it was. “Either you do this surgery today, or we’ll bring in another surgeon who will,” they insisted. Later, the surgeon told them if they hadn’t followed their intuition, Ally wouldn’t have made it. This happened several times in Ally’s more than 80 surgeries. Cindy describes Ally’s condition as a cross between Downs Syndrome and autism with other serious medical issues. “Because Ally had conditions we couldn’t fix, we accepted and loved her, and nothing is more important in life than love,” Cindy says. “She was the light of our lives, and we were thankful for her every day.” In 2005, the Ullmans moved to Lee’s Summit, and three years later welcomed their son Landon (now 12), a supportive brother with a soft spot for special-needs kids.
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
CONTINUED >
“If we could ask people to remember one thing about Ally, it would be that she was an amazing beacon of light. Through all she endured, both physically and mentally, she was and always will be our miracle. Her diagnosis did not define her, she defined herself. She was happy, she was loved, she was a fighter and will always be an amazing gift.” — Brian and Cindy Ullman
CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit
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INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) When Landon went to the skatepark, so did Ally. Her parents pushed her wheelchair up and down the ramp. When they hiked in the mountains, Ally went in a backpack strapped to Brian or Cindy. On long family bike rides, Ally rode along in her child seat. Her family made sure she enjoyed every adventure. But no adventure compared to Ally’s mermaid days. From her first bath, Ally loved the water. Years later, in swimming therapy, Ally kept trying to take off her life jacket. “I decided to remove it so she would quickly realize the reason for it,” Cindy says, “but when I did, Ally jumped from my arms, went underwater, and glided the length of the pool! I didn’t even know she could swim, but she swam like a mermaid underwater with her gorgeous dark curly hair floating around her.” Sometimes, Cindy had to tell the lifeguard not to panic. Others watched astonished at how long she could hold her breath. Although Ally couldn’t tread with her arms, she would glide gracefully underwater, pop up for air, and dive under again. On land, Ally had a wheelchair, but underwater her limitations vanished, and she was whole, happy and free. Although her parents knew that Ally belonged in her life-skills class, they were adamant that Ally look like all the other kids. “I dressed her cute, and she had lots of trendy and fun swimsuits,” Cindy says. “Ally would light up when she put one on, and then like a mermaid, left a little sparkle behind her.” Ally also had a favorite song she played repeatedly on her iPad—“I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. When Ally was about 6, she was personally serenaded by the band at their concert. Because it was the last song, Ally had fallen asleep, but when she recognized it, she woke up and threw her hands skyward, as if portending the day that she would “stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujahs? Will I be able to speak at all?” For the last three months of her life, Ally fought hard at Children’s Mercy Hospital where she battled serious bowel issues. On Nov. 18, 2019, Ally passed at the age of 16. More than 500 people attended her funeral. “The day she passed, the sky was bright pink like cotton candy,” Cindy says. “I walked to my car, and my doctor and six of my girlfriends were there. They told me that the moment I drove away, a rainbow appeared, as if signifying everything was going to be okay. So, Ally’s Rainbow Memorial was born.” To carry on Ally’s legacy, the Ullmans teamed with Coldwater Charities of Lee’s Summit, where annually on Ally’s May 15th birthday they will donate new and gently used swimsuits in all ages, sizes and genders that they collect year-round. “Every kid deserves a swimsuit,” Cindy says. “We collected nearly 90 swimsuits for Ally’s first heavenly birthday. We’re so thankful for the thoughtfulness of her peers from Lee’s Summit West (“West Side Girls”) and their theatre department who have collected swimsuits in her honor. We just want kids of all sizes to feel good in their swimsuits, so that they, like Ally, can leave their sparkle wherever they go.” For swimsuit donations, contact: allysrainbowmemorial@ outlook.com 20
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
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RACHEL HOUSE PREGNANCY RESOURCE CENTERS ARTICLE LISA MOYER
FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, RACHEL HOUSE HAS BEEN
management services for both moms and dads throughout
COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE, CONFIDENTIAL,
their pregnancy. Our mentoring program will then follow the
AND COMPASSIONATE PLACE WHERE THOSE WHO
family throughout baby’s first year.”
MAY BE EXPERIENCING AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY CAN FIND THE HELP AND RESOURCES THEY NEED.
Edwards describes the ultrasound as the “window to the womb.”
Originally founded in 1992 as the Lighthouse of Blue Springs,
“Something incredible happens when parents meet
the name was changed in 1998 to Rachel House Pregnancy
their baby for the first time during an ultrasound. Most are
Resource Centers, Inc. as it formed an independent 501(c)(3).
amazed at the detailed development of the little one they
With its priority on the health and wellbeing of those it serves,
are just finding out about. They see a beating heart and
along with decades of demonstrating trust, Rachel House is
a visible body with arms and legs, already distinctly their
now seeing generations of families it has impacted.
own child. It is a beautiful moment.”
“Many of the babies born to women who came to us in
Edwards adds that many clients are first-time parents
the early 1990’s are now in their mid-to-late 20’s and have
eager for the help they receive during parenting classes
started families of their own,” says Kathy Edwards, CEO. “It’s
where both mother and father learn to care for their infant—
one reason we tell our partners that together we’re making a
supporting each other in their new roles to handle stress
difference across generations, because we are.”
and creating a network of support unique to their circum-
Edwards started as a volunteer at the organization in its first year and has stayed throughout its history. Now with 35
stances. One-on-one case management helps with parenting or adoption decisions.
employees at four locations, Rachel House offers free and
Edwards says Rachel House has reached 66 percent of its
ethical evaluations for women and confidential consulta-
funding needs for the year, with an estimated 1,000 additional
tions for men, impacting the lives of more than 3,000 indi-
clients to be seen throughout the remainder of 2020.
viduals a year. These services are made possible through its
“The pandemic has not slowed us down,” Edwards says.
partnerships with individuals, businesses, and churches in
“The state deemed us an essential business from the begin-
the communities it serves.
ning, and we’re grateful for those who came to our aid with
Edwards says that what began as a crisis pregnancy center
the Personal Protection Equipment we needed to see an
officed in a small house in Blue Springs is now rebranding
increased number of women and men coming to us with
to better communicate its professional growth and medical
concerns about the unknown health crisis and its effect on
capabilities. Services begin with medical-grade pregnancy
their possible pregnancy.”
tests to confirm pregnancy and then help with exploring options. (They do not provide referrals for abortions.) “After receiving a positive pregnancy test, a free ultra-
Through advocacy, education, mentoring and discipleship, Rachel House aims to empower and equip the family unit and build stronger families.
sound by a licensed medical professional is offered to the
24
expectant mom,” she says. “Baby is introduced to mom,
www.rachelhouse.org
dad and if requested, anyone else offering support to the
www.rachelhousefriends.org (to make a tax-deductible
couple. We provide parenting education classes and case
donation or learn more about impacting your community.)
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
“IF IT WASN’T FOR RACHEL HOUSE, I DON’T KNOW THAT MY TWINS WOULD BE HERE.”
CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
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CULINARY CREATIONS
at t he t ha n k sg iv i n g t a ble: a chef 's feast TOP KANSAS CITY CHEFS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING DISH PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL VERSLUIS THANKSGIVING IS SYNONYMOUS WITH LAVISH EATING AND FOOD THAT EVOKES EMOTION AND MEMORIES OF THANKSGIVINGS PAST. We asked a few local, prominent chefs to share the recipe of their favorite thanksgiving dish. Enjoy these family recipes from some of the city's best culinary minds.
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
a f fä re s q u a sh v read du mpl i n g s w it h chef m a r t i n heu ser “This dish is a delicious way to use squash in the fall, and it is such a comforting, yet different addition to any dinner. It’s also great because it’s easy to make, can be made ahead of time, and you can use up dry bread. Dumplings are a popular addition to many meals in Germany. This recipe allows for a lot of variation and creativity. Using squash makes this a delicious fall treat.” —Chef Martin Heuser
Makes 32 servings
i n g re d ient s + 5 ½ cups warm milk + 5 ½ pounds day-old bread, cubed + 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) butter + 5 medium onions, diced + 3 bunches parsley, chopped + 20 large eggs + 5 ½ pounds acorn or butternut squash, peeled, seeded and shredded + Salt and pepper, to taste + Nutmeg, to taste
d i rec t ion s 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 12 x 20 x 2 casserole pan. 2. In a mixing bowl, pour milk over bread. Set aside bowl and allow bread to absorb most of the milk. 3. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir parsley into onion. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool. 4. Stir into skillet the bread mixture, squash and eggs. Stir lightly until mixture is combined. Season dumpling mixture with nutmeg, salt and pepper. 5. Pour bread-squash mixture into prepared casserole pan. Place pan inside a roasting pan and pour boiling water inside roasting pan until it comes halfway up sides of casserole pan. Bake 1 1/2 hours, or until dumplings register an internal temperature of 180 degrees on a food thermometer. To freeze: Allow dumplings to cool completely and slice into portions. Freeze four portions to a package; freezing together will make the dumplings stick. To reheat: Thaw dumplings in the refrigerator. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or place dumplings in a casserole dish with a lid at 350 degrees. Whichever method you choose, add a small amount of broth to the skillet or casserole to keep from sticking.
CONTINUED >
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
chef m ich ael fou st’s pu mpk i n bi s q ue which brings new ingredients and warm flavors for the
d i rec t ion s
holidays.” —Chef Michael Foust of Black Sheep
1. In a large soup pot, add olive oil and heat over medi-
“This dish always reminds me of the change in season,
um-low heat. Add onion and carrot and sauté until onions Makes 6 servings
are translucent, about 8-10 minutes. 2. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin and garlic powder and
i n g re d ient s
cook for 1 minute. 3. Add vinegar and stir the vegetable mixture to combine.
+ ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4. Add vegetable stock and pumpkin purée and cook over
+ ½ cup chopped yellow onion
low heat for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to simmer.
+ 1 cup chopped carrots
5. Stir in cream and cook until all carrots are softened.
+ ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
6. Remove soup from heat, allow to cool slightly, then use
+ ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
an immersion blender to blend into a smooth bisque. Put
+ ¼ teaspoon cumin
the soup pot back on low heat and add salt and pepper to
+ ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
taste. Bring soup to a simmer for 5-10 minutes.
+ 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
7. Garnish with a drizzle of optional chili oil and salsa
+ 1 quart vegetable stock
verde and serve.
CONTINUED >
+ 8 cups roasted pie pumpkin purée + 1 cup heavy whipping cream + Salt and pepper, to taste + Chili oil and salsa verde, to garnish
Body Language Can Matter in the Family Court
In any court date in the family court, there are a lot of moving parts. For example, if there is a trial or evidentiary hearing, parties are often worried about the case itself. This might mean worrying about the witnesses who will be called, the evidence presented, and how the judge will rule. It also might involve the emotions and stress involved with having to be in court. For many, it took a long time to get a trial or court date. Even if it is not a trial date, but merely a motion date, pretrial or settlement conference, these court dates can be stressful. Stress can cause parties to become nervous, anxious or even frustrated. These feelings can sometimes bring out bad body language in the courtroom. The bad body language can culminate in frowning, being fidgety, slouching or even reacting negatively from a body language perspective based on what happens in court. Some parties may moan or gasp. Others might throw up their hands or fidget in their chairs. In some instances, parties might furiously pass notes to their lawyers. Ultimately, the poor visuals can be damaging.
The bad body language can come when an individual simply sees the other party in a contentious case. But the wrong body language can begin when the opposing lawyer is speaking, when a witness is testifying or something happens that they feel is bad for their case. Worse yet, it can come when the judge says something or announces a ruling from the bench. Bad body language can damage a case. Judges have lots of discretion in divorce or family court cases in terms of what they do. Often, judges are weighing the credibility of witnesses not only based on what they say, but what they can see. If the family court judge sees body language they do not like, it can be damaging. Ultimately, parties need to be careful that they are in control of their body language. They have to understand that this can make a difference. Some useful tips include remaining stone-faced at all times. No matter what happens in a courtroom, most parties should not react to it in any way. Sitting in a chair with good posture can help. It can project confidence and a sense of calm. Even with the stress of these court dates, parties have to go to their happy place emotionally. It might mean meditating or praying for peace. It might mean engaging in breathing techniques or trying to focus on something. Whatever helps a person display a positive demeanor, they should employ.
Parties have to avoid showing their anger, anxiety and frustration as best as possible. To the extent they are getting emotional, talking to their attorney in a private room to express their concerns can help. It might mean taking a walk or going to the water fountain or restroom when emotions are building up. But when a party is in the courtroom, they should realize that everything they do can impact the case. Bad body language can even impact the ability to settle the case. If the opposing party and lawyer can see that a party is becoming unglued, some may decide not to settle because they might believe that the other party will not make a good impression. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.
Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life®
To schedule a consultation:
855-805-0595
WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Kirk Stange is responsible for the content. Principal place of business 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Kansas nor The Missouri/Kansas Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this advertisement are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every caseis different and must be judged on its merits.
Lee’s Summit Office 256 NE Tudor Road
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Kansas City Office 2300 Main Street, Suite 948
Kansas City, MO 64108 *by appointment only
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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
Photography Ashley Elwell
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
g i n ger mol a s se s c ook ie s f rom c hef r ya n bra z ea l a nd je s sic a a r m st ron g of novel “We love cooking as a family. I made these cookies growing up with my Norwegian grandmother. My fondest holiday memories were made in her kitchen and on her farm.” Chefs Jessica Armstrong and partner Ryan Brazeal of Novel Makes 24 cookies
i n g re d ient s + 3/4 c butter, at room temperature + 1 c brown sugar + 1 egg, at room temperature + 1/4 c molasses + 1 tsp vanilla extract + 2 1/4 c AP flour + 2 tsp baking soda + 1/4 tsp salt + 1 tsp ground cinnamon + 2 tsp ground ginger + 1/4 tsp ground cloves + Granulated or coarse sugar
d i rec t ion s 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cream the butter and sugar for 4 minutes or until fluffy. Add the molasses, cream for 2 more minutes, and scrape down the sides. Add the egg, mix well. 3. Sift the dry ingredients together in a bowl. 4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, slowly mix until incorporated. 5. Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes. 6. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of batter and form into balls. Coat the balls with sugar. 7. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a lined cookie sheet. Flatten with your hand or the bottom of a drinking glass. 8. Bake for 12-14 minutes.
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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
na n i fer ro’s w i ld r ic e st u f f i n g w it h chef a nd rew bra nc at o of bra s s on ion "This dish is a staple at the Ferro’s Thanksgiving table, my mom’s family. The holiday would not be the same for me without this dish. It is a very unique and savory stuffing—I tend to gravitate towards more savory dishes. This for me is one of those dishes that at about 8 or 9 p.m., after an early Thanksgiving dinner, dessert and a nap, you sneak back for a second helping! My mom’s family is very large— over 75 people at a gathering—so this was always made in a huge quantity!" —Andrew Brancato/Brass Onion Makes 10 servings
i n g re d ient s POULTRY SEASONING INGREDIENTS: + 3 teaspoons ground sage + 1 ½ teaspoons ground thyme + 1 teaspoon ground rosemary + ½ teaspoon ground marjoram STUFFING INGREDIENTS: + 2 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained + 1 loaf (1 pound) day old bread (any type you prefer) + 2 tablespoons olive oil + 1 onion, chopped + 1 bunch celery, chopped + 1 pound mushrooms + 2 tablespoons butter + ½ teaspoon salt + 2 cups cooked wild rice + ¼ cup grated Romano cheese + 2 cups turkey or chicken broth + optional: 1 apple, grated or finely diced
d i rec t ion s 1. Cut bread into ½-inch cubes, toss in olive oil and half the poultry seasoning. Bake in 250-degree oven until dry (1-2 hours). Sauté ground beef, drain and reserve liquid, and set aside. Sauté onion in reserved liquid until translucent. Add celery and sauté until cooked but still firm. Sauté mushrooms in butter until lightly browned. Cook wild rice according to package directions. 2. In a large bowl mix together ground beef, onion, celery, mushrooms, wild rice, cheese, bread cubes, poultry seasoning and apples, if desired. Add broth until moist. 3. Bake 1 hour in a 350-degree oven. 34
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
st i r - f r ie d g a rl ic g reen bea n s & sh i it a ke mu sh room s w it h chef pa m l i berd a of wa ldo t h a i “Green bean casserole is my favorite side dish, and this is my take on it—a light and delicious stir-fry that pairs well with turkey and other side dishes. Shiitake mushroom adds another layer of texture and aroma to the dish, making it the perfect savory accompaniment to Thanksgiving dinner.” —Chef Pam Liberda, Waldo Thai Makes 4 servings
i n g re d ient s + 1 pound green beans, trimmed + ½ pound fresh shiitake mushrooms + 1 tablespoon oyster sauce + 1 tablespoon minced garlic + ¼ teaspoon white pepper + 1 tablespoon canola oil + 2 tablespoons fried shallots for garnish
d i rec t ion s 1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, season with salt and add the green beans. Boil 1 minute, drain and rinse with cold water, then place on a kitchen towel to dry thoroughly. (If vegetables aren’t dry when you add them to the hot wok or pan, they will splutter and braise instead of stir frying.) Place within reach of your wok or pan. 2. Place the shiitake mushrooms, garlic, oyster sauce and white pepper near the burner. 3. Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and swirling the pan. 4. Add the garlic, stir-frying for no more than 10 seconds, then add the green beans and shiitake mushrooms. Toss together, then add the oyster sauce and white pepper. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the beans are crisp-tender. Remove from heat and place on serving plate. Garnish with fried shallots on top.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit
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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
ja r ra hd a le pu mpk i n s oup w it h chef vau g h n goo d of fox a nd p ea rl “I like the ingredients in this soup, especially the Jarrahdale pumpkins. They have an unexpected melon aroma and flavor. And when it comes to Thanksgiving dishes, so many people think about pumpkins for sweets—this soup is a great savory option.” —Vaughn Good, co-owner/chef, James Beard semifinalist, Fox and Pearl Makes 4-6 servings
i n g re d ient s + 7 cups roasted pumpkin + ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon butter + Salt & pepper to taste + 1 medium yellow onion, medium dice + 1 tablespoon roasted garlic + 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme + 1 teaspoon fresh chopped sage + 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flake + 1 ½ quarts stock of your choice (chicken, pork or vegetable) + 1 cup heavy whipping cream + Salt and pepper, to taste + Chili oil and salsa verde, to garnish
i n st r uc t ion s 1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Cut a medium to large size Jarrahdale pumpkin in half. Scoop out seeds. Rub the inside down with 1 tablespoon melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 300 degrees until completely soft, approximately 1 hour. 2. After pumpkin has cooled, scoop out 7 cups. Reserve remaining pumpkin purée for something else. 3. In a heavy bottom stock pot, melt ¼ cup butter and sauté onions in butter until slightly brown. Add garlic, herbs and red pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until aromatic. 4. Add pumpkin and stock to the pot and bring to simmer for 30-40 minutes. Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth. Season soup to taste and serve.
CONTINUED >
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37
CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)
sc a l lope d oyst er s w it h chef ja sper m i ra bi le jr. Day. My wife Lisa prepares this, and I really think it
d i rec t ion s
is one of the highlights of the dinner." —Chef Jasper
1. Melt butter and mix with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle one-third
Mirabile Jr., Jasper’s Restaurant
of mixture evenly on bottom of greased shallow baking dish.
"This is one of my favorite dishes on Thanksgiving
Add a layer of half of the oysters. Yield: 4-6 servings
i n g re d ient s
2. Stir together the pepper, cream and sherry and pour half of sauce mixture over oysters. 3. Add another third of the butter and crumb mixture to baking dish and top with remaining oysters. Spoon or pour
+ 1/4 cup Shatto Milk Company butter
on remaining sauce.
+ 4 cups oysters (shucked and drained)
4. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the top and bake at
+ 3 cups coarse saltine crackers
in a 425-degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until crumbs are
+ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
lightly browned.taste. Bring soup to a simmer for 5-10 minutes.
+ 2 cups Shatto Milk Company cream
7. Garnish with a drizzle of optional chili oil and salsa
+ 2 tablespoons sherry wine
verde and serve.
38
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
To Do List
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39
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
FAITH REFLECTIONS
WALKING THE WALK
A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN
FROM THE PULPIT OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH OF MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING, TO A HOME IN THE POOREST REGION OF HONG KONG. From authoring a New York Times bestseller, to being surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day. For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, it’s exactly what his soul needed—an opportunity to fulfill his God-given purpose of becoming a man who can truly say he practices what he preaches. And it was all by his own choice (with maybe a little guidance from above). Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died during childbirth. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Francis was around 14 when he was introduced to a youth group by a friend. “I fell in love with Jesus,” he says, explaining that it was
ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN
then he decided if there really was a Heaven and Hell, it didn’t make sense to spend his life doing anything other than telling people about Him. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. In 2000, the church grew even more, to 1,600. By 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/LeesSummit
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FAITH REFLECTIONS (CONTINUED)
Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it all. But, he wasn’t leaving God. He was separating himself from the megachurch that had started in his living room as he and other elders began to question its direction. “Was this really what the Church is meant to be? Is this all God had in mind when he created His Church in the first place?” Francis questions in his second book Letters to the Church. “We began to wonder if our definition of a church actually fit God’s definition.” “Everything had grown to be very dependent upon one person,” he continues. “The Bible tells us that every member of the body has a gift that is necessary to the functioning of the church. When I looked at what went on in Cornerstone, I saw me and a few other people using our gifts, while thousands just came and sat in the sanctuary for an hour and a half and then went home.” After leaving Cornerstone, Francis wrestled with what the next step was. He and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China. And the $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. “We witnessed the simplicity of the lifestyles in rural Thailand, and the joy of the men and women who served widows and orphans day in and day out” “You meet these believers that just blow your mind. It’s everything the Bible talks about,” Francis says, inspired by those he’s met throughout his travels. “Some of the
It was after that Francis believes he was called back to the
godliest people, the most committed...people that I
States, and the Chan family ended up back in San Francisco.
admire and aspire to become like. If I can get past my
This time, much like the beginning of Cornerstone, Francis
own hunger for comfort and enjoyment and really sac-
and Lisa once again felt a calling to plant a church.
rifice like I’ve seen some of these people do, I know I’ll have even more fulfillment in life.”
What started this time was We Are Church—an organization passionately pursuing what God wants in a church, done through
“People tha t I ’ve f ou nd that have spent t h ei r l i ves tr uly loving o t h er s a r e t h e jo yf u l peopl e.” 42
Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
values and practices like devotion to scripture,
committing
to
churches of 10-20 people meeting in a home, and calling everyone to share the gospel and make disciples.
“Som et im e s you sh ed som e t h i ngs an d you re alize i t ’s a c t u a l l y bet t er ; s om e o f t he th i ng s w e t h ou gh t w ou ld brin g us in t o t h e p r esenc e of G od actually now di st r a c t u s.” Francis’ extensive time overseas has shown him a contrast
In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a
between the American church and the spirituality and Godly
growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of
lives of others across the world, and now struggles with see-
life, Francis’ vision of where the concept of church is heading—a
ing the division in the church, due in large part to growing
non-prophetic guess, he clarifies, laughing—can be summed up
issues of individualism and pride.
through a story of his daughter Rachel, when she was 5 years old.
“Try to look at the church in America from an outsider’s
“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city called
perspective, Francis challenges. “Is that really where you
Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was this old maze
would look for answers— knowing the divisiveness; know-
you walked through with only a few walls, some little ceramic
ing all the scandals; knowing everything you know about it?
things you could paint and this big bubble machine that was
The church is in a really poor state and it in some ways feels
just a hula hoop dipped in bubble solution.”
like it’s getting worse.” “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he continues. “Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing himself, goes on to describe how he sees this generation as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls and you’re always in the picture—always the center of everything.
“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’” he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals. “She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like, you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”
“All we really need to do is hit that little button that switches
“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says,
it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t even see myself. All
fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to
I see is God and those around me. People that I’ve found that
certain things and God has something so much better for us. I
have spent their lives truly loving others are the joyful people.”
believe he’s leading us all into a deeper intimacy with Him that
Much like separation from his megachurch setting,
is just off the charts. Sometimes you shed some things and you
preaching in front of thousands, and the continued growth
realize it’s actually better; some of the things we thought would
of We Are Church exudes, Francis continues to spread the
bring us into the presence of God actually now distract us.”
belief that people are the church.
Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the Sham
“It’s not about going to a place and needing a critical mass
Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong with most
of 8 people or 1,000 people or this or that; it’s the person of
of his family, including his wife, all but one of his daughters,
Christ and enjoying that,” he says. “I really believe the Lord
two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. It’s a place where he
wants us during this time to go back to the scriptures, rethink
later found is where his mother also did ministries in the 1950s,
‘What did he really want the church to be?’ Believers have
and allows him the continued humbling opportunity to live out
been scattered since the beginning of the church. People
his journey through the Gospel, working with the ultra poor
were alone, people were in little groups and found each other
to bring relief, sharing the word of God and, you guessed it,
and enjoyed Christ together.”
planting churches.
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43
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
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Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | November 2020
DEVELOPING POTENTIAL, INC. MEETS NEEDS DURING A CHALLENGING YEAR