Several of the top resolutions made each new year have, at one time or another, made my list of changes to tackle. This year, I will not make a new reso-lution but rather continue improving upon those I’ve failed to accomplish in pre-vious years, and of which will remain a secret.

I will, however, embrace the fresh start a new year offers. The opportunity to wipe the slate clean and begin anew can cleanse the soul—and the messy desk buried with paper, the result of a whirl-wind 2015.

Kansas Country Living begins its 66th year of publication, and will continue to offer the content readers have enjoyed throughout the decades that cover energy efficiency, energy trends, electrical safety, food and cooking, and features about youth and co-op members. In 2016, we will introduce you to new writers and features that focus on outdoors, gardening, and trends in cooking, nutrition, and time and money savings in the home with our periodic feature, “a la mode,” which debuts on page 28.

We’ve expanded the “Cut Your Utility Bills” feature to include an additional writer, Pat

Keegan, who will rotate columns with Jim Dulley based on the topic best suited for the publica-tion each month. This month, we introduce you to our new food writer, Rebecca Howard, whose love for all things Kansas, good food and strong coffee is at the heart of her writing.

Peace and happiness to you and yours in the new year. KCL

VICKI ESTES, EDITOR

E D I TO R’ S L E T T E R

These are some of the more popular resolutions made at the beginning of a new year.

Recycling Resolutions

2 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Bruce GrahamChief Executive Officer

Doug ShepherdVice President, Management Consulting

Shana ReadDirector of Communications

Vicki EstesEditor

Bob JenningsManager of Publishing Services

Carrie KimberlinCommunications Specialist

Jackie MooreCommunications Specialist

Blake MillerIntern

Officers Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Ralph PhillipsPresident

Kathleen O’BrienVice President

Keith McNickleSecretary

Patrick RileyTreasurer

Cooperatives You receive Kansas Country Living as a communications service of these electric cooperatives:Alfalfa, Cherokee, OKBluestem, WamegoBrown-Atchison, HortonButler, El DoradoCMS, MeadeCaney Valley, Cedar ValeDS&O, SolomonFlint Hills, Council GroveKaw Valley, Topeka Lane-Scott, DightonLJEC, McLouthLyon-Coffey, BurlingtonNinnescah, PrattPioneer, UlyssesPrairie Land, NortonRadiant, FredoniaRolling Hills, MankatoSedgwick County, CheneySumner-Cowley, WellingtonTri-County, Hooker, OKTwin Valley, AltamontVictory, Dodge CityWestern, WaKeeneyWheatland, Scott City

Kansas Country Living (ISSN 0091-9586) is pub-lished monthly for $10 per year (tax included) by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604. Periodicals postage paid at Topeka, KS and additional entry offices. For members of Kansas rural electric systems, subscription cost is $5.88 per year. This cost is part of your electric service billing. Editorial offices: P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267. Phone 785-478-4554. Fax 785-478-4852.

Address Changes Please report any change in address to your local electric cooperative.

Postmaster Send address changes to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604-0267.

Advertisers Contact National Country Market: 512-441-5200, or see www. nationalcountrymarket.com. Acceptance of advertising by Kansas Country Living does not imply endorsement by the publisher or Kansas’ electric cooperatives of the product or services advertised.

Kansas Country Living assumes no respon-sibility for unsolicited material. Submissions must be accompanied by self-addressed envelopes with sufficient postage to be returned. The publication does not guarantee publication of material received and reserves the right to edit any material published.

(ISSN 0091-9586)JANUARY 2016 VOL. 66, NO. 1© KANSAS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, INC., 2016WWW.KEC.COOP

JANUARY

D E PA RT M E N T S 4 | Around Kansas Venture out for fun

6 | Commentary Ring in the New Year

8 | Guest TalkWall Street likes co-ops

10 |Exploring Inner Space Efficient use of space heaters

24 | Cooking My Way Home Following the road back

28 | à la mode Affordable food choices

O N T H E CO V E RKim Christiansen and Alex Orel in front of the Kansas Statehouse.P H O T O BY C A R R I E K I M B E R L I N

“LIKE” Kansas Country Living on Facebook to view monthly extras and submit your story ideas.

12| Legislative Outlook Co-op team prepares for 2016 Legislative Session

14| ENSO’s Impact Climatologist explains 2016 weather outlook

20| 2016 Employment Kansas employment on the upswing

22| Energy Apps Smartphone, tablet apps help monitor energy use

20JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 3

12

THROUGH JANUARY 29 Emma Chase Friday Night Music, Cottonwood Falls. Enjoy one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Customs in the heart of the scenic Flint Hills! Jam session and open mic for local and visiting musicians playing traditional music. Public is welcome; family friendly. Arts & crafts at 220 ½ Broadway, or if weather permitting outside in front of Keller Feed & Wine Co. at 317 Broadway in beautiful downtown near the historic Chase County Courthouse. First Friday is Gospel; second Friday is Bluegrass; third Friday is Country-Folk-Bluegrass, fourth Friday is Old Time Rock-n-roll & Vintage Country, and fifth Fridays are special musical events. All sessions are acoustic-instruments only except fourth Friday when electric are welcome. 220 1/2 Broadway, 620-273-8301, www.facebook.com/EmmaChaseMusic.

THROUGH FEBRUARY William “Pat” Wigley Sculptures, Lucas. The Grass Roots Arts Center is hosting this exhibit of unique sculptures created from silver-plated spoons, forks and butter knives and trees made of high voltage power cable wire. Pieces on display include a graceful ballerina, dragonfly and a variety of flowers and birds. Winter hours are Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. 213 Main Street, 785-525-6118.

JANUARY 1 Ellsworth Area Art Center, Ellsworth. Pencil, oil and water color paintings by Billie (Wright) Kueser from Canton and Lauetta Enff of Hillsboro will be on display at the Ellsworth Area Art Center. Open Monday-Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. 223 N. Douglas Ave., 785-472-5682.

JANUARY 2-16 Winter Farmers Market, Emporia. Open from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays; shop for produce, baked goods, artisan crafts and artwork. 701 Commercial St., emporiafarmersmarket.org.

JANUARY 9-16 Friends of Maxwell Annual Elk Days, Canton. Celebration of our Elk. Board our enclosed trams for a prairie tour that includes our elk and bison

herd. Lunch served upon return. Tour times starting at 10 a.m. Reservations required. 2565 Pueblo Road, 620-628-4455, www.maxwellwildliferefuge.com.

JANUARY 16 St. Paul’s Lutheran Soup Dinner, Junction City. The little church in the country, St. Paul’s Lutheran, invites you to soup dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Get out of the cold and enjoy your choice of three kinds of soup. Active duty military and families eat free. 9719 Clarks Creek Road, call Lynn at 785-482-3213.

JANUARY 17 Revolutionary War Soldier to Visit Museum, Newton. The Harvey County Historical Museum invites the public to “Deborah Samson, Soldier of the American Revolution” at 2 p.m. Samson was one of the first American women known to have impersonated a man to enlist in the army and take part in combat as part of General George Washington’s Continental Army. Anna Smith shares her first-person portrayal of Samson. Sponsored by Janelle and Gaylord Sanneman; free admission. 203 N. Main. Contact museum director Debra Hiebert at info@hchm.org or 316-283-2221.

JANUARY 23 Knights of Columbus Toy Show, Dodge City. This annual event at the Knights of Columbus Hall runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes farm toys, trucks, dolls—new and antique. Table rental available. Proceeds go to local charities. 800 W. Frontview, right off Highway 50, call Kenny at 620-430-4727.

JANUARY 30 Celebrate Kansas Day, North Newton. Event kicks off at 11 a.m. with “The Common and Quirky Mascots of Kansas” presentation in Krehbiel Auditorium on Bethel College Campus. Kauffman Museum hosts demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, sports-related activities and exhibits, kids crafts and a bake sale. 316-283-1612, email Andi Andres at asa@bethelks.edu, visit www.bethelks.edu/kauffman or Facebook Kauffman Museum.

JANUARY 31 The Nicodemus Connection to a Vice President, WaKeeney. The Trego County Historical Society will be hosting this Kansas Day program with Angela Bates at the Western Cooperative Electric meeting room in WaKeeney, beginning at 2 p.m. Contact the

T H I N G S TO D O

FEBRUARY 26-28 EquiFest of Kansas, Topeka. EquiFest of Kansas is the largest equine exposition in the Midwest featuring educational events, a world-class equine trade show, clinics, exhibitions and entertainment. This year’s entertainment includes a Fashion Show, Ranch Rodeo Saturday night and Sunday afternoon; Premier Farm & Home Top-Horse Versatility Competition; Breed Showcase; Kids Horseless Rodeo & Show; Trick Rider; EquiFest Jumper Challenge; Draft Hitch and other events. The Mall of EquiFest will feature hundreds of vendors filling both Exhibition Hall and Maner Conference Center showcasing products for the equine lifestyle. The Capitol Plaza Hotel, located next door to the Kansas Expocentre, will serve as the host hotel. Daily passes, along with weekend passes, will be available at the door. Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive. For more information visit www.EquiFestofks.com.

Dan James of Double Dan Horsemanship headlines this year’s EquiFest of Kansas.

VIN

CEN

T PH

OTO

GRA

PHY

4 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Historical Society at 785-743-2964 or email tregohistorical@ruraltel.net.

FEBRUARY 5 Antiques Showcase, Junction City. Join us for dinner at 6 p.m. Following dinner Jay Brown with Brown Real Estate and Auction Service and Jan Gray with Garden Gate Antiques will appraise and give background on your antiques for an evening of entertainment. Cost includes dinner and one item to be submitted for appraisal. Antiques submitted for appraisal must be dropped off at the museum, 530 N. Adams from Jan. 28-30 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Space is limited. Tickets may be purchased at the museum or at Garden Gate Antiques, 785-238-4380. Geary County Historical Society, 530 N. Adams, 785-238-1666.

FEBRUARY 17-20 “The Effects Of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” Winfield. Zindel’s drama about escape from a dysfunctional family. Showing nightly at 7:30 p.m. Richardson Performing Arts Center, Christy Administrative Building, Southwestern College Campus, 100 College St., 620-229-6272, www.sckans.edu/undergraduate/theatre-arts/season/.

FEBRUARY 19-20, 26-27 “Tom, Dick, and Harry,” Winfield. In this hilarious story of three brothers, Tom and his wife are about to adopt a baby. His brothers are anxious to help make a good impression on the woman from the agency who has arrived to check on the home and lifestyle of the prospective parents. Directed by Julia Lambert; 7:30 p.m. Winfield Community Theatre, Meyer Hall, 1500 E. 8th, 620-221-6270.

MARCH 19-20 Train Show, Garden City. The Boot Hill Model Train Club sponsors this two-day event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Fair Building on the Fairgrounds. Enjoy all kinds of exhibits,

working trains and layouts, plus vendors will be on hand. Call Claude at 620-253-1372 for more information.

Send items for your free listing in Around Kansas to Kansas Country Living, P.O. Box 4267, Topeka, KS 66604 by the fifth of the month prior to publication. Or send an email to events@kansascountryliving.com. Please include a contact phone number.

We publish “Around Kansas” events as a courtesy and at no charge as space allows. Because of the large volume of event list-ings received each month, please note that we cannot guarantee publication of your event listing. To guarantee your informa-tion will be included in the magazine, please contact Carrie Kimberlin at 785-487-4554 or advertising@kansascountryliving.com to discuss advertising options.

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 5

Ringing in a New Generation of Workers B Y B R U C E G R A H A M

Bruce Graham

CO M M E N TA RY

Within the next five years, 25

percent of America’s

electric cooperative employees

will be eligible for retirement.

The lyrics of the song “Auld Lang Syne” remind us not to forget our old friends and to toast them with a “cup o’ kindness” as we bring in the excitement of a new year.

The lyrics are also appropriate in the electric cooperative family as we work through a raft of Baby Boomer retirements. We are ringing in a new generation of workers to replace profession-als who, in many cases, have invested their entire career assuring your cooperative provides a reli-able and affordable energy supply.

Here at Kansas Electric Cooperatives, we have three association employees who are retir-ing in January with close to 75 years of accu-mulated experience. That same story repeats at electric cooperatives across Kansas and the nation. There will be diverse opportunities for equipment operators, staking technicians, customer service representatives, accountants, communicators, engineers, power plant workers, linemen, clerks, and many managers. These positions require an education background that ranges from high school to technical college, to four-year degrees and beyond.

Two of the most important requirements though are a positive attitude and an apprecia-tion for life in rural Kansas. It’s no surprise that most of our cooperatives are headquartered in small communities surrounded by the beauty and freedom that can be found outside the state’s metro areas. Experience has proven, too, that our most promising employees are those who want to remain in or return to a lifestyle that is punctuated by combines, fairs, family, and vast sunsets.

At the same time, the cooperative Board may also be an opportunity knocking. As a cooperative, your electric utility is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the member-ship. Elections happen annually and trustees are usually selected for three-year terms. The cooperatives can boast Boards with a wealth of experience that have dealt effectively with big

generation and transmission decisions, technol-ogy upgrades and management transitions over the years. Cooperative trustees remain eager to serve and learn through continuing education opportunities, which assures productive and effective decision making. Someday though, if you are interested in the industry, there could be a leadership opportunity on the Board of your electric cooperative.

I mentioned the education requirements for our cooperatives and was reminded of the train-ing opportunities available from our state’s many community and technical colleges. We have three such schools that run linemen training programs at five colleges. We have community and technical schools that prepare students for accounting roles and enhance effective man-agement and communication skills. Technol-ogy experts are also in high demand as electric cooperatives continue to build dependence on advanced metering, address cyber security risks, and tackle other system efficiencies that depend on well-trained specialists. I think our state’s community and technical colleges are an under-appreciated asset and certainly open doors to well-paid careers.

Within the next five years, 25 percent of America’s electric cooperative employees will be eligible for retirement. We are looking to the future generations to move us forward, to help us prepare for an evolving global economy and the changes that will come with new policies and regulations, both in the environmental and secu-rity sectors. We need people who will help us to do this while ensuring that we remain true to our mission: providing safe, reliable and afford-able electric service while improving the quality of life for our members.

With a “cup o’ kindness” held high, here’s wishing you a Happy New Year! KCL BRUCE GRAHAM is Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., Topeka

6 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

How Good are Electric Co-ops? Ask Wall Street B Y P A U L W E S S L U N D

G U E ST TA L K

Paul Wesslund

As a not-for-profit

business, all of a co-op’s

resources go to keep prices low

and quality of service

high.

Electric co-ops are good businesses. Just ask an executive of the hard-nosed Wall Street credit research group Fitch Ratings. Dennis Pidherny, managing director and head of public power, said in a company news release last year, “The hallmark of the electric co-op sector has been its financial strength and stability.”

Or, take a look at the nationally recognized rankings by the American Customer Satisfac-tion Index (ACSI). Last year’s ASCI gave electric co-ops a score of 80—other utilities scored 74.

“It’s a business model that works,” says Mel Coleman, president of the board for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The business model Coleman refers to is a utility owned by the same people who buy its electricity. As a not-for-profit business, all of a co-op’s resources go to keep prices low and quality of service high.

“We have financial targets to meet to stay in business, but we’re not driven by the need for excessive profits or stock value,” Coleman says. “The reason we’re in business is all about member satisfaction in the price they pay and the quality of the product they get.”

The ACSI scores are compiled by a private company that bases its ratings on surveys of about 70,000 Americans each year. For electric utilities, the questions cover things like reliability and restoration of service after a power outage.

The ACSI score of 80 for electric co-ops compares with 74 for investor-owned utilities, which are governed by investors wanting a finan-cial return on their investment. The third type of utility ownership, municipal utilities, are owned by a unit of government, like a city. Last year, municipal utilities received an ACSI score of 73.

While customer satisfaction provides one measure of business success, analysis by financial investors gives a different perspective.

A leading expert on co-op financing is Sheldon Petersen, CEO of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). CFC is itself a co-op, created by and owned by electric co-ops across the country to raise money on their behalf. Building electric lines and power plants is enormously expensive, and CFC currently has more than $21 billion in

loans to electric co-ops. Nobody can invest in an electric co-op—as a

not-for-profit utility owned by its members who use the product, it’s in business only to provide a service to those member-owners, not to benefit investors. However, when a co-op needs an expensive power plant or transmission line, it will look for outside financing. A lot of that financing comes from Wall Street firms looking for safe places to put money from pension funds, mutual funds, and other investors. And when those investors look at electric co-ops as places to get a safe return on their money, they like what they see.

Petersen agrees that “the co-op model is a real strength” for raising money from investors.

“Our business motivation is different,” Petersen says, comparing co-ops to investor-owned utilities. “Our objectives are not to maximize the rate of return, our objectives are to minimize costs to the members. That’s very posi-tive for us and leads to competitiveness.”

Petersen says investors view co-ops “as a stable industry that can withstand a lot of the stress in business cycles.”

And the Wall Street investment rating firms back that up by regularly giving co-ops strong ratings of “A” and “AA.”

A 2015 report from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services praised co-ops as an industry that over the years has made good business decisions on such major issues as environmen-tal regulation and electricity deregulation. That report said, “Over the years, these utilities have withstood many challenges, including costs of complying with emissions controls, adapting to restructured wholesale markets and dealing with the economy’s effects on ratemaking flexibility.”

And a 2014 Fitch Ratings report that declared electric co-ops “fundamentally sound,” said, “Almost a century after the passage of the Rural Electrification Act, the sector remains largely true to its core mission of providing low-cost, reliable electric service to its member-owners.” KCL

PAUL WESSLUND writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

8 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

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C U T YO U R U T I L I T Y B I L L S

Exploring Inner SpaceHow to use space heaters efficiently

BY PAT R I C K K E E G A N

Dear Pat: It’s cold this winter! Instead of turning up my central heat, I’m consider-ing purchasing a space heater to help warm my living room. I saw one in the store that is 100 percent efficient! What should I consider when choosing a space heater? —Arthur C.

Dear Arthur: It can be more cost-effective to run a space heater than to turn up your central heating, but if you’re not careful you may increase your electric bill.

Generally, it is best to run a space heater when you need to heat just one or two rooms, or if you need temporary heat in a normally unheated area like a garage or shed. If you have a particularly cold-sensitive person in the home, it can be more efficient to use a space heater in the room they most often occupy rather than overheating the whole house.

However, be mindful of the costs that these little heaters can add to your electric bill. Nick Rusnell, an energy adviser with HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative in Portland, MI, shared, “During an energy audit, I found three 1,500-watt heaters in the house of a co-op consumer with a high bill complaint. I did a cost analysis for him and he was shocked.”

Do your own calculations for how much running one, two or three space heaters in your home would cost. And beware the efficiency hype around space heaters: electric space heaters are all 100 percent efficient at turning electricity into heat, but an ENERGY STAR air-source heat

pump can be 300 percent efficient!If a space heater is right for you,

remember a few things to save energy and money: ff If you’re using a space heater to

heat one or two rooms you use most, turn down your central heating so you don’t heat rooms you aren’t using.ff Close doors to rooms that are

being heated to avoid heat loss.ff Turn off the heater when not in

use or get a space heater with a timer feature.ff Purchase a heater with thermo-

stat settings and use the lowest setting most comfortable for you. ff Select a space heater that is the

This is an example of a fan-forced convection space heater.

FREE

IMA

GES

.CO

M/C

HRI

S W

ITH

AM

Use this formula to calculate the monthly cost of using your space heater.

10 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

right size for the space you need to heat; most will have a sizing table on the box.Because of safety and air-quality concerns,

portable propane and kerosene space heaters are not recommended for use in a home or other unventilated area. Even when installed prop-erly, these types of heaters can emit low levels of carbon monoxide. Instead, look for an electric space heater. There are two main types: ff Infrared heaters: Radiates heat to the objects

and people directly in front of it, rather than the air in the room. If you are often sitting in one place, such as at a desk, this can be a good option. Note that the surface of these heaters can get very hot.

ff Convection heaters: Uses convec-tion to warm and cycle the air in a room. These heaters are relatively quiet and can be warm to the touch, but not so hot as to burn you. Some models use fans to push the air over warm coils; these heaters can warm a room faster, but are usually noisier.If you need a space heater to keep

your home comfortable, this may be a sign that your home needs insula-tion or air sealing, both of which can be great investments and significantly reduce your energy bills. You can consider simple short-term measures, such as:ff Putting in weather stripping

around drafty doors and windows.ff Hanging thermal curtains or blan-

kets or installing window film.ff Using rugs to cover uncarpeted

floors.In the longer-term, increasing

your home’s insulation or switching to a more efficient heating system, such

as a ductless heat pump, can be a more cost-effective solution. A good energy auditor can help you figure out the best measures to take to keep your home comfortable. If your co-op offers free or discounted home audits, take them up on it! KCL

Patrick Keegan writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

SPACE HEATER SAFETY TIPSRegardless of the kind of space heater you purchase, practice safety: Space heaters are involved in more than 80 percent of fatal home heating fires. When you purchase your heater, check that it is has the following: ffTip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts the heater off if

it tips over;ffTemperature sensor to detect when any internal components

become too hot;ffGuard around heating element to protect curious hands or paws;

andffUL-listing or other certification to show that it meets voluntary

safety standards.Practice safety and teach your family what to do:ffUse the heater only on a flat surface.ffPlug the heater directly into the wall instead of an extension cord

and avoid plugging anything else into the same outlet. If you must use an extension cord, use the shortest possible heavy-duty cord.

ffKeep the heater away from pets, children and flammable items like bedding, furniture and curtains.

ffDon’t use in the bathroom unless it is designed for bathroom use; moisture can damage the heater.

ffDon’t leave a heater unattended—turn it off for safety and to save money!

If you need a spaceheater to keep your home comfortable, this may be a sign that your home needs insulation or air sealing.

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 11

Kansas electric cooperatives rely on their team of

government relations specialists to ensure your

cooperative’s voice is heard during the legislative

session. They meet with the Governor’s administration

and members of the Legislature regularly to

develop relationships that allow cooperatives

to express their positions on bills that impact your

pocketbook. How many bills, you may ask, could

that possibly be in a given year? It varies. Legislation that changes taxes, agency

regulations, transportation, and of course, expectations

or restrictions on utilities can all impact your

cooperative—and your electric bill.

2016

Kim Christiansen, Director of Government Relations and Legal Counsel, and Alex Orel, Manager of Government Relations, prepare for the 2016 Kansas Legislative Session.

12 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Continued on page 16 f

At the State LevelHere are a few things that may demand

our time and efforts in the 2016 session that will be of interest to Kansas electric cooperative members:

The first Kansas bill regard-ing the Clean Power Plan (CPP) was passed in 2014 and updated in 2015. The

Americans for Prosperity group and the Ameri-can Legislative Exchange Council have been pushing states to “just say no.” Saying no means the state would NOT submit a state work plan and ignore the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Saying no means the EPA would likely issue a federal CPP plan for the state. The Kansas utility industry is opposed to altering legislative direction to file a state plan with the EPA that is reviewed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as well as the Kansas Corpora-tion Commission. The CPP will be costly—but a plan imposed by the federal government will likely be more expensive and burdensome than a state-created compliance program.

The Governor supports moving Kansas toward a “consumption tax” revenue

base so sales tax exemptions have been a hot topic. Kansas residents currently benefit from no tax on residential utility bills (electricity and gas, among others). However, a sales tax could raise your electric bill by 6.5 percent and gener-ate $170 million for the state. KEC’s govern-ment relations team is closely monitoring the work of the special interim committee and their

recommendations. Kansas needs legislation to address issues with the Southwest Power Pool’s

current transmission siting and bidding process. The current process does not give Kansas compa-nies first chance at building their own projects, which could increase construction costs and impact rates and reliability.

Kansas and other states are in the midst of a renewable energy growth, both at the

utility and individual levels. How to charge for the use of the utility grid, how individuals should be compensated for energy production and how to fund efficiency and renewable use present challenges.

Electric cooperatives incorporate renew-able sources as part of the energy they provide to members so it is vital to monitor these bills and the legislation’s actual consequences.

The session may include some renewable-related bills, among them a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bill, which is a concept to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation upgrades to buildings. PACE provides funding for heating and cooling systems, lighting improvements, solar panels, water pumps, insulation, and other efficiency upgrades. PACE repays project costs with an assessment added to the property tax bill. PACE financing stays with the property/building if sold. Twenty-nine states have PACE and it is possible Kansas will have a bill this year. Caution is in order as some states have reported shady tactics

The government relations team at Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. works year-round to safeguard service reliability and rates for members

B Y K I M C H R I S T I A N S E N

Legislative Outlook 2016

Clean Power

PLAN

Sales Tax on UTILITY BILLS

Right of First REFUSAL

RenewableENERGY

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 13

ENSO’s

How far in advance can experts predict what the weather will bring for the upcoming season or year?

“It depends,” said Mary Knapp, assistant state climatologist at the Weather Data Library, Department of Agronomy at K-State Research and Extension. “The Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlooks are probably the most reliable components and the most accurate when the ENSO is in a strong phase.”

El Niño and La Niña (collectively known as ENSO, which is short for El Niño South-

ern Oscillation) are weather patterns involving unusual distributions of sea surface temperature across the tropical Pacific Ocean. The El Niño represents the warm phase of ENSO and La Niña represents cooler than normal sea surface temperatures. When the water temperatures in that part of the world are near normal, climate scientists call it “ENSO-Neutral.”

These water temperatures influence the distribution of thunderstorms across the tropics, which causes shifts in the jet streams that influ-ence the weather worldwide. According to the National Weather Service, the ENSO patterns tend to last about a year once they get estab-lished, and it takes about 4-5 years on average to get from one El Niño to the next.

What do changes in ENSO mean for Kansas in 2016?

The most recent 90-day outlook released by the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center on Dec. 17, 2015, indicates that persistent strong El Niño conditions will likely peak and then transition to ENSO-Neutral during the late spring or early summer of 2016. The odds of a La Niña developing by next winter have also increased.

“What we are watching is the El Niño, which is a very strong El Niño,” Knapp said. “There are some indicators that show it might

The ENSO Cycle—also know as El Niño and La Niña collectively—is nature’s mechanism for maintaining long-term global climate stability by transporting heat from the Tropics to the higher latitudes. Numerical models study and predict ENSO events and their influence on weather patterns throughout the world. Not a perfect predictor, but under certain conditions these models can indicate which climatic conditions are likely to prevail during the next season or two.

Impact

The name El Niño, which means the little boy or Christ Child, was cho-sen based on when warm water events tended to occur (in December).

14 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

BE PREPARED FOR WEATHER EMERGENCIESAs assistant state climatologist Mary Knapp knows you can’t always predict the weather. She is emphatic about being prepared for winter storms, power outages, hail and windstorms. “You can’t eliminate the severe weather but you may reduce its impact by having a plan in place and reviewing that plan regularly. It’s going to happen. Severe weather is part of Kansas.”

Preparing for weather events and natural disasters could be the difference between life and death. Will you have enough food and water for you and your family for at least 72 hours? How will your family members contact each other if separated when a disaster strikes? Resources for making an emergency plan, creating a family communications plan, stocking an emergency kit and more can be found on many websites and ordered

from several agencies.If possible, keep some of the follow-

ing items in your pre-identified protec-tive locations at home, work, school, or your place of worship. You may need to keep other items in a “Go Bag” or other container to bring with you should you be forced to evacuate.

Emergency Kit SuppliesffWater, one gallon of water per

person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

ffFood, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

ffBattery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

ffFlashlight and extra batteriesffFirst aid kitffWhistle to signal for helpffDust masks to help filter contami-

nated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

ffMoist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

ffWrench or pliers to turn off utilitiesffManual can opener for foodffLocal mapsffCell phone with chargers, inverter or

solar charger.

switch to a La Niña, which tends to shift the rainfall patterns and put us in for drier conditions.”

Knapp explained that ENSO-Neutral condi-tions, since not strongly tilted one way or the other, make it more difficult to forecast the sea-sonal weather.

“The weather is easier to predict when there’s a strong El Niño or La Niña, but if it’s neutral, which they are talking about it going to, then the ability to forecast goes down because it’s the individual influences—any one of which can dominate—so we have a lot more chaos,” Knapp said.

Based on nine of the strongest El Niño/La Niña episodes since 1950, an El Niño favors near-normal temperatures over much of Kansas, with slightly above normal temperatures over portions of northeast Kansas, and near to slightly above normal precipitation statewide. La Niña, on the other hand, favors slightly above normal temperatures across much of Kansas, with below normal precipitation.

Predicting the likelihood of severe spring storms is difficult as well, but the ENSO Cycle could be a factor. A paper published in Nature Geoscience in April 2015 by John Allen, Michael

Tippett and Adam Sobel examined the influence of El Niño/La Niña on springtime hailstorms and tornadoes. Their research indicates that tornadoes and hailstorms from March through May are less frequent in the central and southern United States during El Niño and more frequent during La Niña.

So, Knapp’s advice concerning the weather for 2016?

“Just be ready.” KCL

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS RESOURCESffFEMA – www.ready.gov

800-BE-READY (1-800-237-3239)ffCDC – emergency.cdc.gov

800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)ffAMERICAN RED CROSS – redcross.org/prepare

800-733-2767ffSTATE OF KANSAS – ksready.gov

The name La Niña means the little girl, and is also referred to as El Viejo or simply “a cold event.”

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 15

by sales groups eager to take advan-tage of the PACE funding and have recommended purchases for con-sumers that may not be in their best interest.

There may be a drone bill, pos-sibly one that would restrict the

use of the aerial devices commercially. The drone technology is in its infancy but shows incredible promise for a variety of industries including utilities. Kansas electric co-ops will oppose restrictions on utility use of drones.

At the Federal LevelFederal laws and agency actions

also impact your electricity bill. Cooperative organizations work hard to keep your electricity reliable and affordable, while minimizing impacts on natural resources. In the past few years, Federal agencies have estab-lished regulations originally designed to protect resources but are actually undermining the very industry they regulate. Three examples:

The EPA’s new Clean Power Plan (CPP) rules, dis-cussed above, will

have a widespread utility impact. The CPP is a set of regulations advanced by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Air Act that is designed to cut carbon dioxide emissions from U.S. power plants 32 percent below their 2005 levels by the year 2030.

Americans enjoy low-cost, reliable electricity from coal. CPP regula-tions target coal use and jeopardize our access to affordable power. A National Economic Research Associ-ates (NERA) Economic Consulting analysis projects that the CPP will cost consumers and businesses as much as $39 billion a year, far outpacing the $7 billion compliance costs for all EPA

power plant rules in 2010.

Most current coal plants have significantly reduced carbon emissions, and new technology to further reduce emissions is not available. NERA indicates that additional coal plant retirements may curtail up to 47,000 megawatts of coal-based electricity, posing a major threat to electric reliability in many parts of the country. At the same time, industry and many states, including Kansas, are challenging the rule and have asked the courts to “stay” implementation. A stay will reduce cooperative invest-ment into compliance that will occur before the completion of legal chal-lenges to the CPP.

The listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LPC) by the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service has a consider-able impact on cooperatives in western Kansas. States had hoped to avoid listing the species by creating a five-state, range-wide conservation plan to protect the LPC and its habitat.

Individual ranchers, farmers and companies (including oil and gas, utili-ties and wind energy) can voluntarily enroll in an approved conservation program that will provide mitigation in return for assurances they have a pathway to continue operations and development in the region. The mitigation price tag is fairly hefty and the impact on the economy may be dramatic.

Court challenges are in place and Texas has blocked implementation in one court’s domain. We hope a court

in Oklahoma will agree with the Texas court and stay implementation across the region until a number of issues are resolved.

The new defini-tions of what can be regulated as Waters of the

United States (WOTUS) by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers dra-matically expands federal jurisdiction over land use. The rule adds trou-bling new categories of tributaries like ditches and certain short-lived waters. WOTUS expansion is being imple-mented even as major parts of the rule remain incomprehensible. It should not be a surprise that the price tag on Kansas will be very high.

There is some good news. Federal courts have blocked the WOTUS rule implementation across the nation pending legal review.

KEC spends considerable hours tracking the Kansas Legislature, Con-gress and many regulatory agencies. You can play a role in these critical issues by letting legislators know you are a cooperative member and you hope they will do their best to assure a reliable and affordable energy supply. KCL

Kim Christiansen is Director of Govern-ment Relations and Legal Counsel for Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

Continued from page 13 f

Legislative Outlook 2016

Senator Pat Roberts, center, met with Kansas Electric Coopera-tives, Inc., CEO Bruce Graham (right) and ag leaders at the KEC offices in Topeka during 2015.

D r o n eUSE

Federa lCPP

LesserP R A I R I E C H I C K E N

Waters of the UNITED STAT E S

16 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

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Generator SafetyEven if Kansas escapes major snow events in the next few months, high winds and ice can bring down power lines resulting in extended power outages. Depending on the extent of the damage, power could be restored within a few hours or may take much longer if there is widespread damage. The illustration on page 19 explains the steps co-op line crews take in safely restoring power.

To get an idea of the damage and potential power restoration timeline, monitor your electric cooperative’s website, Facebook page or other social media accounts. Here you can learn more about the outage, which will help you determine the best course of action for your family. Extra clothes and blankets may suffice for short outages, as will a properly vented wood burning stove or fireplace, but extended outages in bitterly cold temperatures may force you to shelter elsewhere until the power is restored. If it’s safe for you to travel and you need help finding the nearest shelter, Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find one. (Example: shelter 12345)

If you have a generator to use during power outages be mindful of risks such as electric shock and toxic exhaust.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than half of the annual acci-dents with generators occur between November and February, the coldest months of the year. Safe Electricity provides the following tips on the safe preparation and operation of generators this winter:ffBecause carbon monoxide is colorless and

odorless, always run the machine outdoors, as carbon monoxide levels may be fatal within minutes in enclosed areas. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, dizziness, confu-sion, fatigue and nausea. If you suspect that someone has been exposed to carbon monox-ide, move them into fresh air immediately. It is also a good idea to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Follow the instruc-tions in the manufacturer’s guide for proper placement, and test the batteries regularly.

ff Carbon monoxide produced by generators is not the only hazard from generator use. If you are not careful with the preparation of a portable or standby generator, you can put the lives of others in danger because of backfeed. Backfeed is a situation where a generator is feeding electricity back through your electrical system and meter into the power lines. This jeopardizes the safety of line crews working

If you are not careful with the preparation of a portable or standby generator, you can put the lives of others in danger.

Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold

18 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

If your home remains without power, the service line between a transformer and your residence may need to be repaired. Always call to report an outage to help line crews isolate local issues.

Individual Homes

Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations (and thousands of members) rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Each substation serves hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself, or if problems exist down the line.

Distribution Substation2

If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments.

Main Distribution Lines

Powering UpWhen electricity goes out, most of us expect power will be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm causes widespread damage, longer outages may result. Co-op line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible. Here’s what’s going on if you find yourself in the dark.

1

5

3

If local outages persist, supply lines, called tap lines, are inspected. These lines deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools, and homes.

Tap Lines4

to restore power as well as anyone who may be near the downed or sagging line that becomes energized.

ffGenerators come in a variety of sizes, capacities and power sources, so it’s important to thoroughly read and follow all manufacturer instructions. Also before you use a generator, inspect it for damage. If no damage is found, prepare it for use in an area outside of the home and away from dangerous or wet conditions.

ffTo prevent backfeed, standby gen-erators should have a transfer safety switch installed by a professional. This device automatically separates your home system from the utility system. Portable generators should never be plugged directly into a home outlet or electrical system. Use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord to plug appliances into an outlet on the generator for power. Your generator should have more output than the wattage of the appliances you will plug into it.

ffBe sure to keep pets and children a safe distance away. When the generator needs a refill on gasoline, first reduce flammability by turning off the machine for at least 10 minutes so that fumes can dissipate. Safety is of prime importance in

a heating emergency. Fire, asphyxia-tion from lack of oxygen and carbon monoxide poisoning are much greater dangers than your chances of freezing in your home.

For more information on winter safety, visit SafeElectricity.org. KCL

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 19

If projections come to fruition, Kansas will experience modest job growth in most employment sectors in 2016.

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University has projected a 1.4 percent nonfarm employment growth rate for the new year, which translates to nearly 20,000 more people employed statewide in 2016 than in 2015.

The center’s projections for employment by industry:ff The service sector in Kansas is forecast to lead the state’s

job growth with an increase of 14,549 jobs in 2016, a 2.2 percent increase over 2015. The professional and business services segment is expected to lead the service sector with 3.5 percent growth, adding almost 6,000 jobs. Education and health services are also anticipated to have strong growth, adding more than 4,700 jobs.

ff Production sectors are projected to see a 1.2 percent increase in jobs with the natural resources and con-struction area expected to have the strongest growth at 2.4 percent.

ff The trade, transportation and utilities sector is expected to grow 0.8 percent, adding 2,048 additional jobs. Wholesale trade is projected to be the fastest growing subsector, adding 700 jobs for a 1.1 percent growth.

ff The government sector stands to gain the least number of jobs at 536, or 0.2 percent. The federal and state government sectors are forecast to decline slightly in employment, while the local government sector is anticipated to experience a small amount of growth statewide.

Jeremy Hill

Employment Upswingon the

20 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Also noteworthy was an employment increase of 2.1 percent nationally in the last twelve months, with a 0.9 percent increase in Kansas employment during the same time frame.

It’s expected that the Kansas economy, however, will grow at a slower pace than that of the nation, according to Jeremy Hill, Direc-tor of the Center for Economic Development and Business Research, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Wichita State University. Hill attributes the projected slower growth in Kansas to three main factors: global economy, industry specific business cycles, and long-term expectations with population growth.

“The state is highly connected to the global economy with farm goods/commodities and manufacturing goods,” he said. “Meek global growth means slow growth across the state.”

The industries within Kansas driving the slower growth are oil, agriculture, beef production, general aviation and farm equipment, but Hill cautions this may not be caused by anything negative. “It has more to do with the business cycle of those specific industry segments than fundamental issues with the state,” he said.

Hill also noted the state has an aging population, slow fertility rates, and not much net economic in-migration (people moving here for employment opportunities).

“All three of these population variables affect the overall labor supply, which is a key growth factor for longer term expansion. Because of the slow growth expectation in population, there is not a lot of expected growth in the overall economy within the state,” he shared.

The forecast does not address job prospects for new college graduates, but Hill suggests the outlook is mixed based on decreas-ing “churn” (hires, quits and separations), a reluctance to quit a job because of concerns about future economic conditions, and the sectors in which jobs are opening up in Kansas.

“There are several sectors with an aging workforce—healthcare, government, manufacturing, construction, oil, and agriculture,” Hill explained. “As those sectors see more retirements, there are likely going to be more jobs opening up. The problem is that degrees of recent college graduates don’t necessarily match up with our current structure of the labor market.” KCL

JEREMY HILL is Director of the Center for Economic Development and Busi-ness Research, W. Frank Barton School of Business, Wichita State University. CEDBR has been forecasting employment and talking about future expecta-tions for more than 30 years. The center uses an econometric model and a group of business leaders to provide industry-level insight. As a neutral party, CEDBR provides data and analysis alone and does not take positions on policy issues.

ff Professional Services will lead the state economy; however, growth will be limited until production workers are re-engaged.

ff Increased costs nationally and the slow state economy may impact some companies in the coming year.

ff Consumers are regaining their strength (employ-ment and wages); however, they remain slightly over leveraged and have little cushion for another downturn.

ff Provided consistent positive news, manufac-turing should see some employment growth within the next two years.

ff Kansas oil production declined in the first half of 2015 due to low oil prices.

ff Construction labor market continues to improve at the state level. Some cities have reached their previous peak.

ff Profit margins are improving in aerospace and defense sector because of efficiency and improvements within the supply chain.

ff Optimism has increased, which will spill over to more positive labor market conditions in 2016.

ff Core inflation has been holding at 1.9 percent. Food costs have been increasing and energy dropping due to oil prices.

ff The value of the U.S. dollar continues to climb as the global economy weakens.

ff Increased technology and substitution have created more demand for skilled labor.

ff Highly skilled production workers are working more hours to make up for weak growth in wages.

ff Increased business optimism, business profits, and an improving market place should make the next 18 months prime for investments across the state.

Information provided by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research, Wichita State University. Visit www.cedbr.org for more information.

FACTS & FIGURES

There’s an app for

Interested in saving energy? There’s an app for that. Home energy use often goes unno-ticed because it is largely an intangible good. It isn’t until the monthly electric bill arrives that you get concrete feedback about your energy use. But, because of the delay between energy use and billing, people often can’t accurately account for how specific actions contribute to their overall energy use. This is akin to shopping at a grocery store where customers cannot see the prices of goods and are billed just one time per month in aggregate. However, this is starting to change as more consumers adopt and use home energy monitoring applications.

Calculating how much energy devices inside a home use is not a new concept. The first online tool designed specifically to reduce home energy use—the Home Energy Saver—was introduced in 1996 by the Lawrence Berkeley National Labora-

tory. The Home Energy Saver and other early web-based tools for energy monitoring

lacked automated collection, processing and presentation of energy data, and they were not widely used. Much has changed in today’s options.

Energy monitoring apps essentially come in two flavors.

The easiest and least expen-sive apps, like Energy Tracker and Wiser Home, ask you to provide an inventory of all electricity consum-ing devices within your home. The information needed will include your home’s size, number of windows and an outlet-by-outlet assessment of everything plugged in. The more detailed and accu-rate you are, the more accurate

the app will be in predicting your energy use and providing practi-

cal energy saving tips. Depending upon the size of your home and the dexterity of your fingers, it may be time consuming to input all of this infor-mation into your phone or tablet. But these apps can provide useful insight into your energy use. They also tend to be free or cost less than a couple of dollars.

Other apps and software, like TED (The Energy Detective), depend on data from your utility or from sensors installed inside your home. People should be careful sharing utility account usernames and passwords with apps that are not provided by their utility. Sensors installed in the breaker box or in other areas of the home can provide accurate real time energy consumption information. These products will range in price and may not be right for someone uncomfort-able opening their breaker box. Some apps may provide a remote control capability over some devices, such as thermostats or table lamps.

The best source of information on your energy use actually is your electric cooperative. Many offer resources on their websites, includ-ing the “Together We Save” app to help you discover easy ways to save energy and money in your home. Your co-op can help you determine when, where and how energy is being used in your home based on models and your account information. They can also provide energy saving tips and information specific to your area. Visit your co-op’s website or call them. They are there to help.

Saving energy is not always easy, but the right mix of tools can go a long way when it comes to making educated decisions on how to make an impact. Just be sure to read the fine print. KCL

THOMAS KIRK is a technical research analyst special-izing in energy efficiency and renewable energy for the Cooperative Research Network, a service of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Coopera-tive Association.

B Y T H O M A S K I R KTHAT

22 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

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“The prairie is still in me, in my talk and manners,” wrote photographer, author, director, composer and native Kansan Gordon Parks in his poem, “In This Huge Silence.”

The prairie is still in me, too, though I moved to California years ago (I left in the ’80s when the wheat was high, and so was my hair).But time and distance have not dimmed my recognition or affection. I’ve often thought that if you put me behind the wheel, blindfolded, in Kansas City (don’t try this at home), I could easily find my way “out in the country” where I grew up. It has that homing effect. And when I say I am going “home,” Kansans know what that means.

The prairie is still in me. It’s in the strong dark coffee I learned to make from my mother that gets me going each morning, Midwestern time. I begin conversations talking about the

weather, and stop conversations to listen to the call of a wild bird. My address says one thing; my heart, another.

It’s not so strange that a Kansas girl who landed in California has now landed in the pages of Kansas Country Living. This magazine has come to my parents’ mailbox for the 55 years they have lived in one spot in north central Kansas—first, when their address was a rural route; then when the dirt road they lived on was finally named.

I spent my early years running that country road from end to end, turning my bare feet into shoe leather in the summer, and climbing—feet itchy with cold—the mountainous snowdrifts that blocked it in winter.

I followed the road away from home, to college at K-State, then further, thinking that was best. But my work kept circling back home, too. I took my family’s lively enthusiasm for food (we talk about it to the point of hunger) one step further by writing about it, as a news-paper food editor and freelance writer. For the last five years, I’ve kept my nose down and my hand stirring with a food blog called “A Woman Sconed,” where cooking and baking—and writing

and photographing my efforts—have allowed me to follow my muse.

The prairie is still in me. I also find my muse in my long line of prairie forebears, who made their way as gravel workers, country store owners, timber claimers and wheat farmers. They cooked and ate what they pulled from the rivers, hunted in the grasslands and grew in their gardens. They got their days going with black coffee. Always ready for family with a snack and a pot of

Following the road back through memories and the smell of coffee B Y R E B E C C A H O W A R D

CO O K I N G M Y WAY H O M E

Rebecca Howard

Old-Fashioned Coffee Pudding

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, salt and cinnamon. Stir in coffee until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.

Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Fold in whipping cream. Chill. Garnish with additional whipped cream and chocolate, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

f 1/4 cup sugar f 4 Tbs. all-purpose flour f Pinch salt f 1/4 tsp. cinnamon f 2 cups cold strong coffee f 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten

f 1 tsp. vanilla extract f 1/4 tsp. almond extract f 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped until stiff

f Additional whipped cream (optional) f Shaved bittersweet chocolate (optional)

24 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Here’s the thing: the same road you follow away can lead you back. I return, lured by love and memories and good food, and strong coffee.

coffee, my grandmother offered me my first tastes, heavily sweetened and so thick with Coffeemate, it was a nearly off-white pudding (I offer a recipe for coffee pudding here in her honor.)

I come back when I can to my home, as Parks wrote, to “draw strength.” Mornings, I emerge, bleary-eyed, from my old pink bedroom, and my mother brings me her stop-your-heart coffee in a handled pint jar. She herself sips it from a quart jar, while my dad, claiming the coffee is so stout, you can “slice it with a knife,” drinks a diluted version all day long.

Here’s the thing: the same road you follow away can lead you back. I return, lured by love and memories and good food, and strong coffee.

When in Kansas, I sometimes take my moth-er’s deep brew and wander outside to watch the sunrise that is obscured where I live. I head to an old cottonwood tree that has seen me through many tough times. I put my hand on its trunk, feel it shift with the wind and listen to the rattle of its leaves and I say, thanks. I sip my coffee and not only delight that the prairie is still in me, but that I am still in the prairie.

I played with a few ingredients (adding cinnamon and almond extract) for this coffee pudding, which is really more like a fluffy mousse. I prefer dark coffee, such as Italian roast, for this or any coffee recipe. If you are serving this as an evening dessert, you may want to go caffeine-free. This pudding, which is just slightly sweet, would also make a great filling for layer cakes or cream puffs! KCL

REBECCA HOWARD grew up in Kansas and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University. Early in her publishing career, she was a newspaper food editor and later worked as a reporter, newspaper page designer, copy editor, proofreader and fact-checker. She has written for the Los Angeles Daily News, the Los Angeles Times and LA Parent Magazine, and currently writes the food blog, “A Woman Sconed.”

JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 25

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26 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 27

À L A M O D E

It’s a common belief that eating healthy is more expensive. In fact, keeping healthy food affordable was among the top five most concern-ing life issues revealed by an annual consumer study by The Center for Food Integrity. The truth is, eating healthy can be quick, easy and afford-able. You can have value without compromise.

However, the produce section can pose a special challenge to grocery shoppers. Mixed information about the value of organic foods and confusion about the benefits of fresh versus canned or frozen produce make it hard to shop smart, especially when budget is a factor.

Nutrition experts caution that while fresh foods are always a treat for the senses, consumers should be careful to avoid making the assump-tion that in-season produce or organic are more “fresh” and, therefore, nutritionally superior, to traditional fruits and vegetables that are canned or frozen.

“We know we need to eat more fruits and vegetables, but when we think they have to be fresh and organic, that just adds more barriers to getting our fruits and vegetables,” said Melissa Joy Dobbins, mom, wife and registered dietitian. “I hope my children learn that nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. I want them to enjoy, savor and celebrate food with health in mind.”

Use these smart shopping strategies from Dobbins to save time and money as you work your way toward a healthier approach to eating within your budget.ff Look to the freezer and pantry to help

supplement and complement fresh produce choices. Canned, frozen and packaged foods are affordable, nutritious and convenient.

ff When you’re reading food labels, look for lower sodium or no salt added canned vege-tables or fruit packed in its own juice instead of added sugars.

ff Forget the crisper drawer. Put produce on a top shelf so you can always see it and know what needs to be eaten before it goes bad,

and you end up wasting not only food but money.

ff Focus on nutrient-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seafood, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, lean meats and poultry—and limit the empty calorie foods, such as sugary snacks that can swell your budget and your waistline. Dobbins adds that having a plan when you

go grocery shopping is also empowering when balancing your budget with food needs.

“I’ve learned through counseling thousands of people and through my own experiences that feeling guilty about food is very counter-produc-tive,” she said. “On the contrary, when you feel empowered, you make better choices, you feel good about those choices and you are better able to maintain healthier choices and behaviors.”

Visit www.bestfoodfacts.org for tools to help you make more informed choices about your food. KCL

Source: Center for Food Integrity.

Supplement fresh produce with canned, packaged and frozen foods for affordable, convenient and nutritious meals.

GET

TY I

MA

GES

Healthy, Affordable Food Choices Made Easy

The term “À LA MODE” brings to mind sweet treats served with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The French phrase also means “in or according to the fashion.” This new feature will run periodically and provide the latest information about cooking trends, nutrition, money-saving ideas and other trending topics to improve your health and welfare.

Look to the freezer and pantry

to help supplement

and complement

fresh produce choices.

28 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY 2016 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING 29

Tuscan Pasta

f1 can (28 ounces) diced tom

a-toes, undrained

f

1 can (8 ounces) no-salt added tom

ato sauce

f1 Tbs. sugar (optional)

f

2 Tbs. packed brown sugar, divided

f

2 tsp. garlic powder

f2 tsp. Italian seasoning

f

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

f1 Tbs. olive oil

f

1 pound zucchini, sliced

f1 package (8 ounces) sliced m

ushrooms

f

1 small onion, chopped

f

6 ounces pasta, such as spa-ghetti or linguine

In medium

saucepan, mix tom

atoes, tomato sauce, sugar and seasonings. Bring to boil on

medium

heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simm

er 20 minutes.

In large skillet, heat oil on medium

-high heat. Add zucchini, mushroom

s and onion; cook and stir 4 m

inutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp. Stir tomato sauce into vegetables.

Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well. Place pasta in serving bowl. Add

vegetable mixture; toss well. Serves 6.

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Butternut Squash Soup

f5 Tbs. butter, unsalted

f

3 pounds butternut squash, peeled and chopped

f

3 cups of water

f1/2 cup heavy cream

f

1 cup milk

f

1 Tbs. brown sugar

f

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

f

1/2 tsp. Saigon (or regular) cinnamon

In a steamer or large pot with a steam

er basket add the water to the bottom and the squash

to the basket. Cover and steam for about 30 m

inutes or until tender. Remove the squash and

set aside the liquid. You should have about 1-1/2 cups. Puree the squash with a little of the steam

ing liquid in batches until smooth. In a large stock pot, m

elt the butter and add the squash and nutm

eg. Stir in the milk and heavy cream

, and brown sugar; season to taste. Serve with cinnam

on sugar croutons. Serves 6.

Cinnamon Sugar Croutons

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl add the bread and butter, and toss to combine. In a

small bowl, stir together the cinnam

on and sugar and sprinkle over the bread, then toss again. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for about 9 m

inutes. Serve with soup if you can resist eating them

all.

Nutty ‘n’ N

atural Popcorn

f2 Tbs. sunflower seed kernels, finely ground

f

2 Tbs. almonds, finely ground

f

2 Tbs. walnuts or hazelnuts, finely ground

f4-6 Tbs. m

elted margarine or butter

f

2-1/2 quarts popped popcorn

f2 Tbs. w

heat germ

fOne 6-ounce package (1-2/3 cups) chopped dried fruits and raisins

Pour melted m

argarine over popcorn. Sprinkle with ground nuts and wheat germ; toss to m

ix. Stir in dried fruits. M

akes three quarts.

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Citrus Herbed Chicken w

ith Asparagus

f

1/4 cup flour

f2 Tbs. grated Parm

esan cheese

f1/2 tsp. garlic powder

f

1/4 tsp. black pepper, coarse ground

f1 pound thin-sliced boneless skin-

less chicken breasts

f1 Tbs. oil

f

1-1/2 cups chicken stock

f1 tsp. basil leaves

f

1 tsp. oregano leaves

f1 pound asparagus, trim

med and

cut into one-inch pieces

f2 Tbs. lem

on juice

In shallow dish, mix flour, Parm

esan cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons. M

oisten chicken lightly with water. Coat evenly with remaining flour m

ixture.

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil on medium

heat. Add 1/2 of the chicken pieces; cook 3 minutes

per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining chicken, adding additional oil, if neces-

sary. Remove chicken from

skillet; keep warm.

In medium

bowl, mix stock, basil, oregano and reserved flour m

ixture until well blended. Add to skillet along with asparagus. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; sim

mer 3-5 m

inutes or until sauce is slightly thickened, stirring frequently. Stir in lem

on juice. Return chicken to skillet; cook 2 m

inutes or until heated through.

f

6 slices of good quality white bread

with crusts rem

oved, cubed

f3-1/2 Tbs. butter, m

elted

f

6 tsp. sugar

f1-1/4 tsp. Saigon (or regular) cinnam

on

30 KANSAS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 2016

Season to season, all year longWE’RE LOOKING OUT FOR YOU.

Delivering Energy for Life

1936...................$3,9252015...............$343,100

INCREASE.............87X

HOUSING

RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY1936..................................5¢2015...........................12.64¢

INCREASE....................2.5X

Based on average cost per kilowatt hourU.S. Energy Information Administration

During the past 79 years, the price of a home has increased dramatically, but your electric cooperative has worked to keep your electricity as affordable as possible. Even as new government regulations threaten affordable energy, we continue to speak on your behalf.

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