SIMPLYkc Magazine November 2022

Giving Thanks: FROM SIMPLE TO SPECTACULAR

STRESS-FREE

HOLIDAYS WITH THE FAMILY

At Home

NOV ‘22 | Vol. 12 No. 7

WITH RODROCK HOMES

BEAUTY

THE GOOD & BAD ABOUT SUGAR

INFOCUS

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AROUND TOWN

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CONTENTS

AROUND TOWN 12

36

LEE’S SUMMIT HAS SURPRISES AT EVERY TURN

LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE 14 BE WELL 18

THE FACTS ABOUT LUNG CANCER PREVENTION AND SCREENING

HOLIDAYS 20

HOW TO GET ALONG WITH RELATIVES THIS THANKSGIVING

LOCAL GOOD EATS 22 BEAUTY 24

40

THE BITTERSWEET OF SUGAR

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INFOCUS 26

RODROCK DEVELOPMENT BUILDS COMMUNITIES

BECAUSE I SAID SO 28 AIM FOR THE TURKEY

WHO WHAT WHERE 30 MEET GRETCHEN MCGRAW

INFOCUS 32

PROVIDING SAFETY AND SERVICE THROUGH THE LOVE OF DOGS

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34

PARENTING 34

KIDS OF ALL AGES LEARN FROM THEIR PARENTS’ DIRECTION

BOOKISH 36

A TOUR OF THE BOOK AISLES

DEAR KACIE 38

SOBER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

GOOD TASTES 40 THE FALL EXOTIC

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

CELEBRATING THE ESSENCE OF THE SEASON You may feel the pressures of holiday gatherings looming—all the decorating you have to do, the gifts you need to get before Christmas, and the never-ending list of to-dos before the end of the year …

But here’s my reminder to you: It’s okay to take a step back and enjoy the season before the holiday madness hits. This month is all about spending time with the ones you love. Gather some tips on making sure your holidays with the family are relaxing and argument-free (p.

20). And spend some time on your own browsing a local bookshop— with the help of our Bookish article (p. 36).

I hope you find peace, happiness, and friendship this November. From all of us at SIMPLYkc Magazine, thank you for being part of our family.

Suzanne Steiner, Publisher

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NOVEMBER 2022

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PUBLISHER Suzanne Steiner suz@simplykcmag.com MANAGING EDITOR Brennan Hallock of Exploring Creative, LLC editor@simplykcmag.com ART DIRECTOR Julie Faerman, Whoo Design PHOTOGRAPHY Jami Bowman of Electric Imagez, Melanie McDowell, Molly Kuplen, Getty Images, Rodrock Development, Parkville Coffeehous, Hillcrest Thrift Store, Rainy Day Books, Alyssa Broadus Photography, Page Communications, Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile, KD’s Books, John Beaudoin, Teresa Poppinga CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Julie Burton, Lauren Dreher, Judy Goppert, Tiffany Killoren, Gina Reardon, Jackie Woods, Bethaney Phillips, Brennan Hallock of Exploring Creative, LLC ADVERTISING 913.209.9394 sales@simplykcmag.com INQUIRIES SIMPLYkc Magazine 11730 W. 135th St., Ste. 116 Overland Park, KS 66221 913.209.9394 contact@simplykcmag.com simplykcmag.com

SIMPLYkc Magazine is published monthly by Mach Publications, LLC. No portion of this publication June be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of SIMPLYkc Magazine. All rights reserved. SIMPLYkc Magazine accepts no infringement or other responsibility for unsolicited or contributed copy, artwork, photography, or advertisements. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to omissions and errors. Opinions and statements in SIMPLYkc Magazine are contributed by authors and/or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of SIMPLYkc Magazine. Photography and material in the publication as well as design June not be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission.

References for copy will be made available upon written request.

All rights reserved. ©2022, Mach Publications, LLC.

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NOVEMBER 2022

WHERE ART and HEALING MEET Art Gallery | Wellness Through Art | Event Space Mission Arts Center offers unique works of art from local and international artists, including those from Ukraine.

NEW Exhibition: Nov. 3-Dec.3, 2022 Eugenia Ortiz’s “Ascend: A Journey Into the Possible” Artist’s reception & musical performance by Amado Espinoza on Nov. 11 Please visit www.missionarts.center for more details.

info@missionarts.center 6124 Johnson Drive Mission, KS 66202 (913) 270 7077 www.missionarts.center SIMPLYKCMAG.COM

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AROUND TOWN

Third Street Social / Photo by Alyssa Broadus Photography

LEE’S SUMMIT

HAS SURPRISES AT EVERY TURN WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT

W

hen it comes to great places to walk about, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, takes the cake! A delightful array of shops and restaurants await you. When William B. Howard moved from Kentucky to Missouri in 1865, he understood that having a railroad meant you needed houses and businesses. He wanted to name the new town he started Strother, after his wife Maria D. Strother, then found out there was already a Strother, Missouri. That is when he changed the name to Lees Summit. It was eventually corrected to Lee’s Summit.

Third Street Social is an American restaurant inspired to bring the big city feel to Lee’s Summit. After experiencing the culture of various restaurants in Chicago, Domhnall Molloy and Andy Lock knew they wanted to bring that same feeling home. Arnold Hall is the perfect place to create that atmosphere.

Third Street Social

123 SE 3 rd St. | Lee’s Summit thirdstreetsocial.com 12

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Arnold Hall, built in 1946 by Sherwood Manufacturing, is currently across the street from City Hall in the heart of Lee’s Summit. It was donated to the city in 1950 by Joseph Arnold to provide a community center. Since then, the building has served as a senior center, restaurant, business incubator and meeting space for the City Council and other community members.

Arnold Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building stands where the old Memorial Building once stood, a building made famous by former President Harry S. Truman declaring his candidacy for Eastern Judge of Jackson County Court on the steps.

“This town owes a great gratitude to Howard,” says Kathy Smith, town historian and former director of the Lee’s Summit History Museum. “Because of his vision we are where we are today. He knew how to plan a community. You can see the progress happening daily.”

Today, over 101,000 residents have been enticed to this progressive yet restful and family-oriented community atmosphere, with a unified dream to create a dynamic, vital city.

As you meander through the thriving downtown, stop at some of these popular venues and enjoy what they have to offer.

tions, how can you not have something to talk about with friends and family while you’re here?

Main Slice

235 SE Main St. | Lee’s Summit mainslice.com Third Street Social / Photo by Page Communications Third Street Social offers a unique space with plush booths, exposed beams, a large open kitchen and a three-season patio. Along with a menu driven by the chefs’ imagina-

Main Slice is a locally owned, classic pizzeria where each pizza is crafted with love. They opened in June 2014 in downtown Lee’s Summit. Since then, the owners of Main Slice have been serving both quality pizza with a classic twist and large fresh salads with housemade dressings.

Main Slice’s interior is designed to

Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile / Photo provided by Whistle Stop Coffee reflect the local urban downtown feel, while also paying tribute to Lee’s Summit’s storied past. The restaurant offers the choice of pizza by the slice, or whole pies to enjoy. Sizes ranging from 9-inch to 18-inch (or choose a 10-inch gluten-free option). Main Slice also has fresh handmade pretzels, amazing salads and sandwiches, and delicious desserts.

KD’s Books

241 SE Main St. | Lee’s Summit @kdsbooksls on FB, IG, & Tiktok

such a wonderful shop and bringing a loyal community together. They continue her focus on children’s literature, learning materials, toys, and games. In addition, they are working to grow their stock of adult bestsellers and gifts for booklovers of all ages, as well as becoming more involved in the rapidly growing Lee’s Summit community. They host book clubs, author signings, special children’s events, and participate in downtown festivities like summer art walks and ladies’ night.

Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile

227 SE Main St. | Lee’s Summit whistlestopcoffee.com Founded 26 years ago, Whistle Stop Coffee and Mercantile has become a community gathering spot for many regulars. They are community-minded, and owner Candace Jennings is a true barista and baker—a smiling, welcoming face to all who enter.

Neighborhood Café / Photos by John Beaudoin Over time, the place has taken on many different forms. Tens of thousands of families and diners have come to visit the re-creation by owners Tony and Kelly (and Abram!) Olson. From shoes to servers, this locale has a rich history.

They will be celebrating their 30th anniversary November 2023.

Poppy’s Ice Cream

307 SE Douglas St. | Lee’s Summit poppysicecream.com

KD’s Books was established in 1990 by Cheryl Collier and has been a mainstay of downtown Lee’s Summit. The current owner, Tina Perne, is a retired elementary school teacher who began working for Collier part-time in 2011 and took ownership of the bookstore in June 2022 when Collier retired.

Poppy’s Ice Cream has been making hand-crafted artisan ice cream and sorbets since 1997. Originally known as Doc’s they began in Raytown, and a decade later Teresa Poppinga opened her shop in downtown Lee’s Summit where they are today.

They are grateful to Collier for creating

KD’s Books / Photo provided by KD’s Books Whistle Stop Coffee & Mercantile Photo provided by Whistle Stop Coffee

Their product has been consistently fresh, rich, local ice cream and vegan sorbets made in-house with love. They have also added Broadway Café’s decadent coffee to the menu. Add to that tasty treats, from cookies to chocolates.

Neighborhood Café

104 SE Third St. | Lee’s Summit neighborhoodcafe.com Cinnamon rolls! That is just one of the delights you will savor at this Lee’s Summit icon owned by Kelly Olson, sister to Candace Jennings, owner of Whistle Stop. They are a dynamic duo!

The building was originally a wagon repair structure in the early 1900s, constructed as one of the first “strip” buildings in the downtown area and home to four businesses at the time.

Poppy’s Ice Cream / Photo by Teresa Poppinga

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Local

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

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LOCAL HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

LUX by Mitzy is located in Downtown Mission, KS. LUX offers one-of-a-kind gifts carefully made by local makers in Kansas City.

We offer personalized items, jewelry, apparel, candles and even unique imports from Mexico City. Come get unique gifts at LUX and shop locally.

Celebrate the Season with Cuorebella, an uncommon shop where you’ll find unique gifts, cards, and stationery.

Hawthorne Plaza, 4953 W. 119th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.325.7354 • cuorebella.com

6124 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS • capaxbym.com

Lingerie De-stress this holiday season with Samantha at Mia Bella Donna Medspa and get the glow you deserve! Our Master Hydrafacialist will give you 20% off your service by mentioning this ad.

12541 Foster St. Ste. 330, Overland Park, KS • 913.827.9898 • asa-kc.com

We help ladies of most sizes find their “Sazzy” side by helping them find the perfect piece of lingerie! We also carry corsets, stockings, chemises, and other gift items!

7228 W. 79th St., Overland Park, KS • 816.289.9767 sazzys.com

Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm & Sunday 1-5pm

Shop plant-based, essential oil-filled Zum gifts for everyone on your list. Pick your whiffs with the newest Zum gift and choose one of our five Zum Lotion blends, one of five Zum Hand Soap blends, and one of over 32 different Zum Bar Soap blends. Our products are made in Kansas City by Zummers for you.

233 S. Cherry + 101 W. Cedar Olathe, KS • 913.261.8183 junquedrawerstudio.com

3125 Wyandotte Street, KCMO • 800.361.5686 • indigowild.com

Junque Drawer + Holiday House: Located in 2 vintage houses in Downtown Olathe. Eclectic gifts, hand-made items, home decor & so much more! Come see us this holiday season!

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BE WELL

THE FACTS ABOUT LUNG CANCER PREVENTION AND SCREENING

BY JACKIE WOODS

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States, according to the American Lung Association. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and an ideal time to learn about lung cancer prevention, symptoms, and the screening options available.

We know that not smoking is the best way to prevent lung cancer, but it’s also necessary to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, and asbestos. Here’s some important information to know.

cer,” said Dr. Bowers. “However, in the late 2000s a large trial was completed showing that an annual low-dose screening CT in certain high risk populations could provide improvement in mortality.”

• The CDC estimates that secondhand smoke exposure causes more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths among non-smokers.

Speak with your doctor about scheduling a low-dose CT lung cancer screening appointment if you:

• Although the use of asbestos has declined in the U.S. over the years, exposure to this dangerous mineral at work can still be an issue in some industries.

•A re a current smoker or a smoker who quit within the last 15 years

• With the link between radon and lung cancer, many people choose to have their homes tested for radon to be sure they are not unknowingly being exposed to the harmful gas.

Another potential culprit is vaping.

Experts do not know the long-term effects vaping has on our lungs, but according to Brandon Bowers, MD, pulmonologist with AdventHealth Medical Group, doctors are starting to see more cases of e-cigarette/ vaping acute lung injury (EVALI).

“EVALI is likely an inflammatory response to the chemicals that are inhaled as part of the vaping unit,” said Dr. Bowers. “The degree of severity can vary from mild to severe, requiring hospitalization in the ICU and even the need for mechanical ventilation. Our stance is to avoid e-cigarettes and vaping, as there is so much

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• Are between 55 and 77 years old

we still do not know about the longterm effects.”

Some of the more common symptoms of lung cancer include cough, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, and abnormal weight loss. However, many times lung cancer does not cause symptoms until the cancer has spread, which is why early detection is key.

Doctors want to encourage screening before people experience symptoms.

Physicians now have access to a relatively new test called a low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening that takes a detailed image of your lungs, allowing physicians to find small, earlystage lung cancers that are not always seen on traditional X-rays.

“For a long period of time, we did not have reliable screening for lung can-

•H ave a 30-year pack-year history, which is calculated by multiplying the number of years smoked by the number of packs smoked in a day. (For example, if you smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years, you have a 30-year pack history.)

•A re being exposed to secondhand smoke, radon gas, or asbestos • Have a family history of lung cancer.

If you or a loved one needs help to quit smoking, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission offers the Freedom From Smoking® Program. This seven-week, eight-session group program was developed by the American Lung Association and is one of the most successful programs available for quitting. A trained instructor will provide the extra support needed to kick the habit for good. Visit AdventHealthKC.com/ wellness or call 913.676.7777 for more information.

Trust the women’s care experts.

We’re moving women’s care forward in Kansas City by delivering a comprehensive network of services for every stage of life. From minimally invasive heart surgeries and innovative cancer treatments to personalized OB care including a level III NICU, we’re here for you every step of the way. It’s all designed to help you feel whole for your whole life.

Learn more at WomensCareKC.com.

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HOLIDAYS

HOW TO GET ALONG WITH RELATIVES THIS THANKSGIVING WRITTEN BY BETHANEY PHILLIPS

T

he holidays are around the corner, and for people all over the country that means spending time with loved ones we don’t often see. For many, it may even mean seeing friends or family members we haven’t connected with in years due to the lasting pandemic. Seeing these family members should be a special time in which you can eat pie in peace, not a feared event in which you dread seeing relatives or wonder who will be cleaning up thrown whipped cream.

Make the most out of your travels or visiting guests by following these smart tips for ensuring everyone gets along. It’s as important as thawing the turkey and

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frequent basting—just one more step to a successful and peaceful family gathering.

Arrive with realistic expectations

But conversation is healthy, and so are differing opinions. The key is how and when you choose to voice said opinions.

Come with facts

Before you ever pass a platter of stuffing, come to the table with patience and kindness. Adjust your expectations. Someone will say something you don’t agree with—it’s not a matter of if, but when. However, you are in control of your own emotions and reactions.

Do you have a relative who loves to stir the pot? (Are you the one who usually stirs the pot?) Do your research. Read proven, respectable sites, including those of differing sides. Keep them bookmarked on your phone for quick reference, if needed.

Remember that your opinion isn’t needed at every moment; everyone gets along just fine through the rest of the year without your two cents.

The same is true of you without them.

These facts can be used in conversation for quiet, confident, confirmed statements. They shouldn’t be used to spew, yell, or fuel opinions.

Steer the topics

Another thing you can do to help keep the peace is to provide a variety of topics of discussion. Most notably, opt for ideas that are not especially controversial. For instance, films or types of art, weather, or your latest work project (or theirs), and food trends. If this is really a struggle to keep things going, make a list or ice breaker topics.

You can also stick to activities that will keep everyone busy, such as board games, cards, going on walks, playing yard games, etc.

Who is your favorite Beatle? Does tap water taste better when cold? Milk chocolate vs. semi-sweet, how is your sports team doing—simple topics like these allow you to have a discussion based on opinion, while still keeping the stakes low. It’s a low-risk way to enjoy your family, without veering toward

things that are more controversial like politics, medical news, etc.

Tip the odds in your favor

If you’re having a difficult time keeping your thoughts in check, try keeping the alcohol to a minimum. It’s a substance that in itself stirs the pot, so take note of how much you’re drinking. Other factors can also affect your mood such as hydration, blood sugar, and level of sleep. Keep note of all of these to help remain your happiest self.

Meanwhile, if things get dicey, don’t be afraid to excuse yourself from the situation. Leave the table, take a restroom break, leave for a walk, or volunteer to go to the grocery store. Even a few minutes away can help everyone cool off. Or it can just be a great reminder to change the subject and talk about something else.

Finally, remember to treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter how much you disagree with what they say. You can still respond with kindness.

Or you can not respond at all; even when someone asks for your opinion, you aren’t required to provide it.

By following these tips, you can work to have a more pleasant Thanksgiving with your family. Though these moves may not be easy, they certainly do work. Keep them in mind as you make plans with family members this time of year, and work toward having interactions that are as pleasant as possible.

Now is as good a time as any to start healthy habits, and learning to get along with others, even when you disagree, is a great place to start.

junque drawer Boutique + Holiday House

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L ocal

GOOD EATS Austins Bar & Grill has been serving Southern Johnson County for over 34 years. Our family-owned establishments offer a fun sports bar environment to watch all the games. Fresh quality food is provided with great daily food and drink specials. Enjoy our happy hour menu 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday!

SOUTH OLATHE - 2103 E. 151st St. • 913.829.2106 NORTH OLATHE - 11180 S. Lone Elm Rd. • 913.322.2337 GARDNER - 245 Moonlight Rd. • 913.856.6965 austinsbarandgrill.com

Burnt End BBQ is a fast casual BBQ restaurant located in Overland Park.

They are the tastiest of the tasty! Come in hungry and walk out satisfied.

If you can’t make it in, don’t worry! They deliver and cater. Burnt End BBQ can cater any event from a simple office lunch to an old-fashioned BBQ wedding. Come in and try the best BBQ in town!

11831 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS • 913.451.8888 burntendbbqkc.com

Chef Carl Thorne-Thomsen’s award-winning restaurant offers creative American cuisine, craft cocktails, and fine wines. Chef Thorne-Thomsen, chef/owner of Story, is a James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef Midwest! Enjoy patio, bar, or dining room seating at Story.

Featured menu items include: Alaskan halibut, beef short ribs, lobster tagliatelle, fluke ceviche, and more. Story also offers monthly wine dinners, a fried chicken special on Wednesday nights, and a burger special on Thursday nights. Visit storykc.com to learn more.

3931 W. 69th Terr., Prairie Village, KS • 913.236.9955 info@storykc.com • storykc.com

Our food is simple, elegant, and honest. The menu is inspired by a combination of American, Greek, French, and Italian cuisines. Our commitment to freshness and quality is first and foremost, as we use the season’s best offerings and buy from local farmers and purveyors whenever possible.

The service team at YaYa’s consistently aims to provide the best service and complete guest satisfaction. We’re proud to be able to meet each special request of our guests, whether it’s food, beverage, or a special setting.

7021 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.345.1111 yayaskc.com

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BEAUTY

THE BITTERSWEET OF SUGAR WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON

E

veryone knows a candy bar or soda is not “good” for you. They’re what some call “empty calories”—food or beverages that do not contain any nutritional value because they’re full of sugar. It’s fair to say sugar has a bad rap.

But the truth is sugar comes in all kinds of forms, and some are even healthy for you. Dr. Steven Flanery of Flanery Chiropractic Clinic breaks down the good and bad of sugar and how you can make better choices when it comes to added sugar in your diet.

What is sugar?

Sugar is just a carbohydrate. Carbohydrates, along with fat and

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protein, are macronutrients that provide the body with energy.

Sugar can be broken into two basic categories: simple and compound. Dr. Flanery explains, “You’ll find simple sugars in food in its natural form. They’re always best for you. Foods such as whole fruit and honey. Compound sugars are things like table sugar, soda, and processed foods. These refined sugars undergo a massive processing endeavor that includes bleaching. It’s this type of processing that spikes your blood sugar levels in unhealthy ways.”

Exactly how “bad” is compound sugars?

“There are some supportive stud-

ies that show compound sugars are as addictive as alcohol and drugs. Consuming sugar and carbs are essentially a dopamine hit,” Dr. Flanery says. “Our blood sugar spikes and then we build a tolerance to it.”

Side effects of too much sugar in your diet can be things as simple as tooth decay, or more serious effects like insulin (hormone) resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, pancreatic disease, and circulating inflammation.

Dr. Flanery explains, “Inflammation in your gut is like a sunburn on your skin. If you continue to get repeated sunburns on your skin, it blisters and destroys your skin.

That’s what’s happening to our arteries with added sugar. And remember, you can still have diabetes and be a healthy weight. Sugar can be behind massive health issues. It’s a bigger deal than most people think.”

All carbohydrates circulate as glucose. It’s the body’s preferred energy fuel. Problems occur when you consume too much added sugar, or compound sugar. Once you hit your storage limit in your muscle and liver, it’s stored as fat. This is why marathon runners carb up before and even during a race. The storage limit is higher due to the number of calories being burned. It takes more fuel for a long-distance runner.

Where does sugar hide?

Added sugar is in nearly everything: milk, yogurt, crackers, spaghetti sauce, and bread. “The trick is to

read labels on things you wouldn’t expect,” Dr. Flanery says. “It’s in weird stuff you wouldn’t think.” If you can decrease your sugar intake, you can even reverse insulin resistance.

more than 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons) and men no more than 150 calories (about 9 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. That is close to the amount in a 12-ounce can of soda.

Dr. Flanery also says to be wary of natural 100 percent fruit juice. The reason 100 percent fruit juice is not as good as you think is because juice is all the sugar squeezed out of the fruit.

You could be drinking up to 10-16 oranges in one glass. The equivalent of eating an orange versus drinking 100 percent fruit juice is not equal. This is what makes a juicing diet not ideal.

Therefore, eating a piece of fruit filled with fiber and extra nutrients is a better dietary choice.

When cooking, swap out granulated sugar in recipes for something like coconut sugar or honey. Look for drinks made with stevia (a plantbased sugar substitute). These types of natural sugars are not as likely to spike your blood sugar.

How do we decrease sugar in our diet?

Read labels and choose simple sugars when you can.

“I tell my patients to add one good thing a week or subtract one bad thing a week. That way you have 52 weeks of good decisions,” Dr. Flanery suggests.

“Sugar is not all bad for you, especially if we stick to natural sugars.”

The American Heart Association suggests that women consume no

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INFOCUS

RODROCK DEVELOPMENT BUILDS COMMUNITIES WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RODROCK DEVELOPMENT, INC.

F

With a legacy of 40 years creating places to match families’ lives and styles, it’s no wonder people embrace their concepts.

inding a place you love to call home is challenging, yet Rodrock Development meets this challenge with grace and style. A family name synonymous with integrity in the Kansas City area for 40 years, Rodrock Development is dedicated to helping families find a place to match their life and their style.

You could say homebuilding and realestate development are in Brian Rodrock’s blood. His grandfather became a homebuilder after World

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War II and encouraged his son-inlaw to follow suit. In time, Brian’s father transitioned from school teaching to homebuilding full time before becoming one of the largest residential real-estate developers in Johnson County.

Brian Rodrock is carrying on his family’s tradition, along with his brothers-in-law Jeff Gifford and Jeff Reglin who grew up and raised their families in Johnson County. Rodrock Development’s breadth and depth of experience is thoughtfully and

intentionally incorporated into the planning of its signature communities that are rich in amenities and embrace the best in family living.

Jeff Reglin, Chief Marketing Officer for Rodrock Development, notes, “Our premier new home community is Sundance Ridge, located along 175th St., east of Mission Rd. in Overland Park. Sundance Ridge boasts rolling acreage and mature trees, yet it is just minutes from Blue Valley High School, shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.”

Sundance Ridge is a $4 million, topnotch amenities package that is underway. This master-planned community will be the first of its kind in southern Johnson County. It will be anchored by a resort-style clubhouse, pool complex, workout facility, expansive play area, pickleball court, and indoor sports court. Spacious common areas and nearly 4 miles of paved, scenic nature trails linking the neighborhoods will round out the extraordinary, one-of-a-kind community.

A unique element of Sundance Ridge will be multiple pocket parks nestled along the trails. These are little treasures intended to create destinations throughout the community.

Rodrock Development is honored to have earned the trust of thousands of families with one of life’s most important decisions—where to call home.

“Watching families move into the communities we create is why we do what we do. The fact that it is in the very area in which I grew up makes it even more special,” shared CEO Brian Rodrock.

arrival of a family into a new home is the most gratifying part of his work.

“Watching families move into the communities we create is why we do what we do. The fact that it is in the very area in which I grew up makes it even more special.”

When he’s not at the helm of Rodrock, Brian enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and piloting small aircraft. He also finds immense pride in surveying the rooftops Rodrock Development has constructed, knowing he’s had his hand in something that serves as a cornerstone for the growth of Johnson County—built to withstand the test of time.

New home construction has had a historic two-year run with extremely high demand. Recently, Jeff Gifford, COO of Rodrock Development, has seen that they have come back to a more “normal” market, which needed to happen to help with the cost of building new homes and developing communities along with improving delivery timelines. While there are still supply chain and labor constraints, he noted they are starting to see some of those constraints begin to loosen up.

“For homebuyers, make sure you go into the process understanding the items that are most important to you, then find a community and a builder that can help make those happen. At Rodrock Development we are honored to work with the best builders in Kansas City,” Gifford continued.

“Utilize onsite community real estate agents to help educate you on the process and what to expect when buying or building a new home.”

“I was around construction and building all my life,” explained Brian. “It’s what I knew from day one.” He began building homes in 1999 before partnering with his own brothers-in-law to form the current Rodrock Homes in 2002. In 2019, the trio expanded the business to encompass Rodrock Development.

Brian specializes in banking relationships, land acquisitions, product development, and realtor relations.

He enjoys the beginning phases of a planned development and says the

Rodrock Development, Inc. • rodrock.com • 913.681.2121 • Lenexa Kansas Office / 9550 Dice Lane, Lenexa, KS Instagram: @rodrockdevelopment • Facebook: RodrockDevelopmentKC

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BECAUSE I SAID SO...

AIM FOR THE TURKEY WRITTEN BY JULIE BURTON / PHOTO BY JAMI BOWMAN

No! There’s no need for that. It’s a Hallmark holiday. Wooing consists of a mass-produced “I love you” card and a dozen overpriced flowers. Do not cave for this, ladies!

Not in February. Have your way with men in … oh I don’t know—July. Show ’em some real fireworks!

Jimi Hendrix, Caroline Kennedy and Bruce Lee. … Fine. And Jaleel White—also known as Steve Urkel.

You know what they all have in common? November 27th. They all share a birthday with me.

I know we can’t choose our birthdays, but is it really necessary to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Is it really necessary?

But if you are a romantic and you get struck

by Cupid, then you’d better double up on birth control because you risk conceiving a child with a Thanksgiving birthday. My mom and dad let Cupid take aim and fire.

Any child born between Nov. 22 and Nov. 28 will eventually have a Thanksgiving birthday.

If not on the day, the birthday will get gobbled up by Thanksgiving week and forgotten.

Thanksgiving birthdays are decided for you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re turning four, 41 or 81 because Thanksgiving birthdays are always the same.

• Turkey and mashed potatoes. That’s your birthday dinner. You don’t get a choice where to eat because every restaurant is closed.

• You can’t celebrate how most people celebrate birthdays. Brunch, pedicures, and shopping with girlfriends? Closed. It’s all closed! Sure, you could celebrate with all the shopping you want on Black Friday but you risk getting trampled to death at 5 am.

And that would just suck to have a matching birth and death day on your headstone.

• Birthday lunch with friends? Forget it.

They’re with their own families.

• A Facebook serenade of “Happy birthday!” on your feed? Nope. It’s considered rude to look at your phone at the dinner table. Your long-lost high school science partner will never even know it’s your birthday.

• Everyone naps on Thanksgiving. Wake up. I said wake up, it’s my birthday!

• Families get together for Thanksgiving.

I cannot deny that it is special to be able to see out-of-town relatives. “Happy Thanksgiving” and hugs are given all around. It’s awkward staring at each person, waiting to see if they have anything else to say. I mean, I’m right here.

• Some years, Thanksgiving birthdays are not with your own family. Some years you’re forced to spend your birthday with the in-laws. I don’t have those anymore so now it’s just Thanksgiving alone, which is far worse.

• Thanksgiving is included in “the holidays.” Oh, that’s your Christmas present too.

• When the pies are brought out for dessert, you pray one of them does not have candles on it. There is no substitute for birthday cake.

I know. I do exist. I can’t complain about the day I was born so thank you for making me, Mom and Dad. It’s just not my choice day to pop out of the womb. This is all Cupid’s fault—Aim for the turkey, you flying baby! Just say no to celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Julie Burton is an Overland Park mom, writer, K-State lover, and bacon-hater. She is a blogger and contributing author to the humor book, But Did You Die?: Setting the Parenting Bar Low. Burton’s also been named one of the Today Show’s “funniest parents.” And yes, she really does hate bacon. Please don’t drop her as a friend. Follow Julie at: julieburton.blog • facebook.com/julieburtonwriter • twitter.com/ksujulie • instagram.com/ksujulie

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Treasures Timeless

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Who,

PHOTO CREDIT: JAMI BOWMAN

WHAT, WHERE

Meet Gretchen McGraw

Who: Gretchen Graber McGraw

is owner of FitWear Boutique.

As a child she always had a love for fashion and clothes. She also started running in middle school to help with anxiety and mental health. Growing up she was given the opportunity and love to travel by her parents. She went on her first trip to Mexico in middle school and fell in love with the colors and vibrancy of a completely different culture.

What:

After getting her degree in dental hygiene at Wichita State, McGraw used it to further her cultural experience. She visited Russia, and between exploring St. Basil’s and the GUM in Moscow (which is the main department store and largest shopping mall in Moscow) she did her dental work at orphanages.

Along her path back to KC, McGraw lived in New York and Detroit. Both of those stops added another layer to her fashion and cultural experience. In 2012, living in Overland Park, McGraw asked her girlfriend if she could open a

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shop in her girlfriend’s Pilates studio, merging two of her favorite things—her love for clothes and for working out.

“That was the beginning of FitWear Boutique. My whole idea was to bring in clothes that allow working out to fit into your lifestyle, not interrupt it. I love smaller made-in-USA brands, womenowned businesses, lines that give back to their community—and being comfy and cute is super important too!” McGraw said.

“I travel for inspiration and to bring back things that are different than big box stores,” she added. This year she has the opportunity to celebrate eight years of being open by opening her first brick-and-mortar in Prairiefire.

“It was definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment to look around at all the people who have come into my life since starting in the studio,” said McGraw. ”I truly am blessed to get to do my two favorite things every day—work out and go out to run the store!”

Where: FAVORITE PLACES TO

DINE AND DRINK I’m a KC girl so I love the local spots: Brass Onion for brunch (their beignets are amazing), Nick and Jake’s patio and happy hour, Veritas, Sunset Grill post-tennis, YaYas for date night. If you want to get out of the bubble, Farina, Rockhill Grill, Novel, Le Fou Frog, CaVa, and Port Fonda.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP I love to shop boutiques when I travel.

But besides my store, my go-to in KC is Clairvaux and Halls!

FAVORITE HIDDEN GEMS IN KC I love Verdigris! Great bartenders and hand-crafted drinks. Nighthawk downtown is also on my list.

FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE OUTOF-TOWN GUESTS Chiefs games are always a good time, and I love to tailgate. Reiger Distillery and Electric Park are fun for out-oftown guests. I also love live music, so Green Lady is a good choice!

WHY KANSAS CITY? I’ve lived here the longest, and every time I go on a trip or adventure I’m always ready to come back home!

All of us. For all of you.

Medicare Annual Enrollment ends Dec 7 A better kind of health care is on the way. And just in time. Until December 7, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan that gives you all Optum Care Network – Kansas City has to offer, like a whole care team, home and virtual visits, and community centers opening in 2023. And, Medicare Advantage can save you 30% to 40% on health care costs.1

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1. According to UHG Medicare Advantage Cost Savings Report 2020 *A licensed insurance agent. Optum Sales Support Center connects Medicare beneficiaries with resources including licensed insurance agents that sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. *Optum Sales Support Center connects Medicare beneficiaries with resources including licensed insurance agents that sell Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, co-payments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/ co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. ©2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved.The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in health programs and activities. We provide free services to help you communicate with us. Such as, letters in other languages or large print. Or, you can ask for an interpreter. To ask for help, please call 1-877-389-2186, TTY 711.ATENCIÓN: Si habla español (Spanish), hay servicios de asistencia de idiomas, sin cargo, a su disposición. Llame al 1-877-389-2186, TTY 711.

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INFOCUS

PROVIDING SAFETY AND SERVICE THROUGH A LOVE FOR DOGS

WRITTEN BY BRENNAN HALLOCK PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

D

ogs can be essential to our lives, both as pets and as service dogs. And Vital K9 understands that.

Vital K9’s mission is to help people feel safe and help them know they matter through dogs. And this has led owner Abigail Wilmoth to offer service dog training for mobility, allergies, and PTSD, in addition to training pets and companion dogs.

Wilmoth grew up in Arkansas, and she began her business in the Natural State (as Arkansas is known) during her senior year at the University of Arkansas. She majored in animal science, completing her bachelor’s degree along with a master dog trainer certification.

“I started Vital K9 because I’d trained a lot of dogs, and I wanted to help people through dogs,” explains Wilmoth. “There are not a lot of businesses that do it how I love

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Abigail Wilmoth with her two personal working dogs, Nugget and Vita.

to do it. Service dog work just fell right into place.”

Wilmoth’s business focuses on three types of service dogs: mobility, allergies, and PTSD. Every service dog is different for what they’re trained to do. Some service dogs help with mobility, such as helping someone stand up or get out of bed. Or it could be helping with simple tasks

that many people don’t pay attention to but are difficult for others.

This could be getting up off of a park bench, walking on an uneven surface, or standing for long periods of time. Dogs trained for mobility also retrieve items such as phones, keys, and wallets—things we drop or misplace on a daily basis.

Vital K9 also trains dogs for indi-

viduals who have food allergies. Many breeds of dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and they are able to sniff the environment around them to detect traces of specific foods—such as peanuts—and warn their owner.

This warning will be a certain “alert” that the owner is taught to detect, such as a sit.

PTSD is another common issue that can be helped in powerful ways by a trained dog. PTSD can trigger all kinds of anxiety-based behavior in an individual, and a PTSD service dog is taught to help ground the individual during these incidents, possibly by guiding them home, retrieving medication, or using a skill taught to the dogs called compression therapy.

PTSD service dogs can use compression therapy to help the individual in public. “The dog can provide compression therapy, where they lay on the individual and release endorphins, helping them end an anxiety attack quicker. It’s really cool what all they can do,” Wilmoth explains.

the community is. “It’s big enough to get the city experience, but we’re still able to have such a community. I love all the daily conversations I have with people I run into. I’ve been here for a little over a year and it just feels like home.”

our fur babies. Her follow-ups were very impressive. Post-training, she continued to check in on our pups to see how we were doing.” Ramkissoon said she highly recommends Vital K9’s services and will be using them again.

She added, “Thanks for being such an awesome person, Abigail!”

“Abigail was such a pleasure to deal with. She has a true passion for training and she showed so much love to my pups.”

There are a couple of exciting parts of Wilmoth’s business that you can get involved with right away. She explains, “A couple big things we’re doing right now are that we are raising a group of three puppies that are going to be placed as service dogs. We post a lot on our social media about them growing. It’s really fun.”

Natasha Ramkissoon, one of Vital K9’s clients, said, “Abigail was such a pleasure to deal with. She has a true passion for training and she showed so much love to my pups.” Ramkissoon continued by saying that Wilmoth was patient and insightful during the training. “I loved how she equated our pups’ behavior to real-life human scenarios to help us better understand

Wilmoth adds that they are also starting an enrichment program for dogs with a day camp. “We have a lot of pet dogs and family dogs that we want to keep benefiting. I have a little day camp program where they come, socialize, play with other dogs, and we go on field trips to parks.”

After college, Wilmoth moved her business from Arkansas to Kansas City. “We moved to Kansas City because once I graduated college I wanted to leave northwest Arkansas but I still wanted to be close enough that I could visit my clients there.” She decided Kansas City was a good fit because she can still drive to northwest Arkansas in under four hours. “And it’s a really good location because it’s in the center of everything. I’ve traveled to St. Louis, and we even just had a dog come from Montana for service work,” she adds.

Wilmoth says that when she moved to Kansas City, she didn’t realize how big

Vital K9 Training • vitalk9training.com • 816.339.8555 • vitalk9training@gmail.com instagram.com/vital_k9 • facebook.com/vitalk9training

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PARENTING

KIDS OF ALL AGES LEARN FROM THEIR PARENTS’ DIRECTION WRITTEN BY JUDY GOPPERT

We help our kids learn responsibility by assigning tasks to them. Kids not only learn responsibility by completing tasks, they also learn about attitude, the idea of taking action, and the feeling of being proud of accomplishment. And they know Mom or Dad won’t always do it for them.

TASKS FOR TODDLERS

When you consider assigning a task, make sure your child is capable of doing it. For toddlers and young children, model behavior for simple one-

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step tasks. Include your little ones by calling them the “helper.” Complete the task together and make them feel important and useful.

“For example, we were at a wedding shower and my cousin’s three-yearold daughter was the bride’s helper,” notes Jodi Briggs, chief of staff at Notre Dame de Sion Schools of Kansas City, and former grade school and high school principal. “She sat next to her and collected the wrapping paper and tissue paper and gave it to her aunt to help.”

For young children, task charts are an excellent visual. Get fun stickers and use pictures and words. Set aside a certain time of day to complete the task, whether it be reading a book, feeding the dog, or washing a few dishes. Make it a game and count the stickers when they are done.

Have an end-of-week celebration— an ice cream cone, screen time, or doing something else they love. This doesn’t have to cost money.

“Madden (my grandson) and I planted a blackberry bush together. He

chose the plant, we planted it together and each Sunday during the summer, it was his job to pick the blackberries,” Briggs adds. “This past weekend, we trimmed the bush back and prepped it for the winter. We cleaned up the branches together. He’s learning to be responsible, and we get to spend time doing something we enjoy. We are creating memories, but also instilling a servant’s heart and a willingness to help when needed.”

of rewards and consequences,” Briggs insists. “Build in the consequences if the task isn’t complete when agreed upon.”

HIGH SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY

MIDDLE SCHOOL REMINDERS

By the time your child is in high school, you should have already built the foundation of making sure they know what is expected. Families should sit down together to plan the week. Students are so busy they need to schedule time slots for homework, studying, and activities. Discuss what your child is dealing with and facing each week.

“Kids this age still crave one-on-one time with Mom and Dad. This is the age

Kids need responsibility and like to feel useful. By creating a plan together, demonstrating the expectation and following through on the rewards and consequences, we help develop responsible young people. Rewards do not need to be monetary, in our busy and fast-paced life kids enjoy one-on-one time with parents playing a board game, reading a book, or doing an art project.

In middle school, visuals and charts are great, as we all need reminders. If your child has a phone, set a reminder in the phone to complete a task. Allow them to choose which chore is done on which day—for example, taking out the trash, feeding the dog, or emptying the dishwasher.

Remember, never shy away from assigning tasks. You’re not being cruel, you are simply allowing children to solve their own problems. Assigning tasks and getting them completed is not easy, but it is part of parenting. It can take years and plenty of patience, but the end results will be raising a responsible child who will grow into a responsible adult.

When my son was young and had many friends coming in and out of our house, I gave him the task of changing the code on our garage door. We even kept a little notebook that would show the codes as he changed them. This also helped him to be the “adult” among his friends and explain that he had rules to follow. Follow your child’s lead, and together you will find the answers.

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A Not-So-Ordinary Book Discussion

BY TIFFANY KILLOREN

A TOUR OF THE BOOK AISLES For those who lose themselves in books, a bookstore can be like a black hole that sucks away hours of your day when you think only minutes have passed. Kansas City is full of amazing book nooks and shops that offer a perfect little getaway. The following have made it onto my initial tour list, but there are so many more to explore.

Parkville Coffeehouse (Main Street, Parkville, MO)

The upstairs of the Parkville Coffeehouse is like walking back in time to the days when lamps were made from amazing colored glass and flowered couches were the focal point of living rooms.

It’s one of my favorite place s — m a n y words written while I’ve been lost in thought at one of the tables surrounded by original artwork hung on stone walls.

Nestled in one Photo Credit: Parkville Coffeehouse corner is a display devoted to local authors where you can purchase their books and help make a writer’s day. Oh, and try the quiche!

White Light Bookstore (39th Street, Kansas City, MO) You’re not going to find the latest New York Times

bestseller here, but it’s still one of my favorite little shops. I first visited this bookshop looking for crystals to give as gifts to friends. It has an entrance tucked away on the street and a steep staircase that feels like it’s leading somewhere special. If you’re a believer in love and light, the power of crystals, and a New Age wellness approach, grab a coffee and lose yourself in this charming little store.

Rainy Day Books (53rd Street, Fairway, KS) Oh,

how I love a rainy day. Rainy Day Books is more than a bookstore, it’s a beloved institution. A little gem not far from the Country Club Plaza, the shop itself is cozy and one-of-a-kind.

And, in addition to a great selection of books, readers in Kansas City constantly check the events Photo Credit: Rainy Day Books calendar for updates on who will be featured in upcoming author events, ranging in genre and intended audience to provide a little something for everyone.

Here and There (and Everywhere) “Here and there”

references a book buying approach rather than the name of a bookstore, but the name would be cute for one of those, too. Honestly, books can be expensive, so get creative when filling those shelves. Half Price Books has multiple locations and is a great place to pick up a few reads for less. Also, don’t underestimate your local thrift store. One of my favorites— Hillcrest Thrift Store—is located in the Northland and has an impressive supply of books, many of which go on sale for even further discounts.

Photo Credit: Hillcrest Thrift Store

Tiffany Killorenis a local author and lover of the written word. Her novel, GOOD WILL, was released in 2020 and she is always thinking of new stories to tell. Follow her at @readandthreads on Instagram for book and life musings as she tries to balance career, family and her passion for writing one step - or word - at a time.

PHOTO BY MOLLY KUPLEN

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Join us!

Our intention is to return to the basics of aromatherapy: using plant aromas to benefit the mind, body, spirit and emotions.

Essential oils are becoming more and more popular and mainstream. Unfortunately, much of the information about them is superficial or focused heavily on sales and marketing.

These workshops are not affiliated with any network marketing.

This is a fun and interactive class taught by Jan Kelly, nationally Certified Aromatherapy Instructor.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDING & MYOFASCIAL RELEASE Workshops

Upcoming workshops include: Full Day and Evening classes Please visit our website or call for upcoming dates and times.

Myofascial Release Therapy is a vital component to our health, and is utilized for pain relief and restoration of body function. You will learn about the complex role of the fascial system and the mind-body connection, as well as how fascial restrictions occur, and the symptoms they can create. Self treatment tools included in the workshop price. This workshop is for anyone who is interested in learning more about Myofascial Release Therapy.

INTRODUCTION TO MYOFASCIAL RELEASE SELF TREATMENT WORKSHOP

Check out our website for upcoming Myofascial Release Self Treatment Workshops & Classes

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1421 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO

We are adhering to COVID-19 with the following increased sanitizing procedures: • Your car is the new waiting room. • We will all be wearing face masks.

• We will be performing health screenings. • We have added Medify H-13 air cleaners. • We have enhanced sanitizing procedures.

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r a e D

KACIE SOBER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I’ve been sober for almost a year now. I’m really nervous about traveling to see my family for the holidays. Last year, I got a DWI before Christmas.

My whole family knew about it. But I’ve since had treatment and am going on eight months alcohol-free.

I don’t want to talk about last year with my family. I’m not ready for the humiliation, not to mention my family is a big wine family. Is it okay to skip the holidays with my family? I love and miss them but it’s giving me anxiety.

First of all, happy holidays! The holidays shouldn’t be a stressful time but, for many, they are. Mixing families and the holidays can be a major trigger, especially in early sobriety. I think you need to stay where your support system is. In the post-pandemic world, it’s okay to stay home for the holidays.

Stay home and find a later time to visit your family by yourself. That will hopefully take the edge off everyone drinking together in front of you. Let the holidays be a time for you. It’s okay to look after yourself first.

Have a list of things to do to keep you occupied and have a back-up list too. Watch a movie. Go out with a few friends. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Have a coffee and watch the snow. Do whatever brings you joy. Your family will understand, I promise.

Happy Holidays!

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.

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KANSAS CITY’S FIRST BOUTIQUE STYLE SALON SUITE! Your vibe...

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GOOD TASTES

THE FALL EXOTIC WRITTEN BY GINA REARDON / PHOTO BY MELANIE MCDOWELL

One of my favorite desserts, especially when I don’t want to commit to a whole pie or cake, is crème brûlée, appreciating its do-ahead nature, the creamy texture and crisp, crackly burnt sugar top!

Traditional vanilla, dark chocolate, raspberry, lemon, black bottom … all versions have been featured in the final act at a dinner party or catering function over the years, sometimes in miniature form.

Blood Orange Crème Brûlée is one of the stars of the crème brûlée lineup. Available in the late fall and winter months, blood oranges are a wonderful source of Vitamin C and A, their juicy flesh a deep red color. And when they are juiced, they almost look like they are bleeding, giving them the name “blood orange.” It feels almost exotic to feature them in this creamy dessert.

Blood Orange Crème Brûlée SIX 6-OUNCE SERVINGS

Ingredients

Make the curd:

BLOOD ORANGE CURD

Place the yolks, sugar, and juice in the pot of a double boiler over simmering water. Whisk to blend and continue to stir with a wooden spoon until mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon, 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and salt until melted.

2/3 cups sugar

Pour custard into a glass container. Line the top of the curd with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and cool to room temperature. The curd will continue to thicken as it cools. (This may be prepared up to three days before using.)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Make the custard: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange six 6-ounce ramekins

4 egg yolks

in a baking dish. Spoon a layer of chilled curd into the ramekins, about 1/4-inch deep.

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups heavy cream

Whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Heat the cream in a large saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer, with small bubbles around the edge of the pan. Remove from heat and add half the cream to the egg mixture in a steady stream, whisking gently to blend. Pour the remainder of the cream into the egg mixture and stir gently until blended. Pour the custard back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon, about 5 minutes.

TOPPING

Ladle the custard into the ramekins. Pour boiling water into the baking dish halfway up the ramekins to make a water bath. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake until the custards are just set but still a little jiggly, 35-40 minutes.

CUSTARD 6 large egg yolks 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons granulated sugar 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack and cool the custards in the water bath for 15 minutes. Remove the ramekins from the pan and cool completely on the rack. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least six hours (or overnight).

Topping: Before serving, mix the granulated sugar and brown sugar in a small

bowl. Sprinkle each ramekin evenly with sugar to cover. Light a butane blowtorch and hold the flame 2-3 inches above the custard, slowly moving it back and forth until the sugar melts and turns a deep golden brown. (Alternatively, place the ramekins on a baking sheet and broil under an oven broiler until the tops are deep golden brown, carefully watching to prevent burning.)

Let stand for five minutes to allow the tops to harden.

Chef’s Note: Feel free to substitute Navel or Cara Cara oranges, depending on the season, or a combination of ruby grapefruits and oranges!

Gina Reardon, former owner of Catering by Design and culinary philanthropist, leads the KC team for No Kid Hungry, culinary professionals and community members focused on supporting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Funds raised help connect the nation’s 16 million low-income children with more school breakfast, lunch, and summer meals.

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