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KU News: KU School of Business receives largest gift in school history

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From the Office of Public Affairs | http://www.news.ku.edu

Headlines

KU School of Business receives largest gift in school history
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business received a $50 million commitment from an anonymous donor that will transform business education and research at the school. The gift, the largest in KU School of Business history, will also provide funds to advance key initiatives supporting undergraduate student success.

Study examines role of religion in substance use services, finds it’s often located in racially diverse communities
LAWRENCE — People have turned to religion and spirituality to deal with crises and critical needs for centuries. Yet little is known how religion plays a role in substance use care. A new publication from the University of Kansas and Georgetown University explored the religious orientation of facilities within the substance use and addiction system of care throughout the Kansas City region, the religiousness of services, where the services are located and differences in services offered.

Two Lawrence-based projects among recipients of 2023 Rocket Grants
LAWRENCE — The 2023 Rocket Grants have awarded a total of $60,000 for 10 artist projects in the Lawrence and Kansas City area. Two awards will support Lawrence-based projects: the planting of fruit trees around Lawrence Public Library accompanied by collective song by artists Skyler Adamson and Hazlett Henderson, and a new play by Timmia Hearn DeRoy, who recently received her doctorate in theatre from the University of Kansas. Rocket Grants are a partnership between Charlotte Street and the Spencer Museum of Art.

Full stories below.

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Contact: Michelle Keller, KU Endowment, 785-832-7336, [email protected]; @KUEndowment; Lauren Cunningham, School of Business, 785-864-9540, [email protected], @KUbschool
KU School of Business receives largest gift in school history
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business received a $50 million commitment from an anonymous donor that will transform business education and research at the school. The gift, the largest in KU School of Business history, will also provide funds to advance key initiatives supporting undergraduate student success.
“This transformative gift supports the School of Business’ ongoing commitment to excellence in research and student success,” said Paige Fields, KU School of Business dean. “It will allow our school to further invest in our current mission-driven initiatives, to pursue aspirational objectives and to identify future opportunities, ensuring we continue delivering relevant, innovative business education.”
The newly endowed fund will provide critical resources for several of the school’s priorities, including improving the quality and quantity of scholarly output by providing support for faculty professorships and fellowships.
As the school experiences record growth in student enrollment, this gift also will bolster student success priorities including the school’s recently revamped entrepreneurship programs; career-focused opportunities within the school’s EY Professionalism Program; and scholarship, retention and programmatic efforts among diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB), study abroad and academic enrichment programs.
The donor made the gift in honor of the school’s accomplishments both throughout its history and in recent years following its strategic planning process, which began during the 2017-18 academic year. Under the plan, the School of Business has launched certificate programs; reviewed and updated its undergraduate curriculum; created more flexible undergraduate admissions policies; introduced a master’s degree in business analytics; enhanced research incentives for tenure-track faculty; and built out previously unfinished spaces in Capitol Federal Hall to accommodate growth in the school, among other initiatives. By making this gift, the donor expressed a strong belief in the school’s future and a desire to help propel its stature.
“While a gift of this size is certainly newsworthy, it’s what this gift will enable that is truly worth noting,” said Dan Martin, president, KU Endowment. “The impact of such a sizable gift will have a ripple effect that extends well beyond this current moment in time. We are honored and humbled by the donor’s choice to invest in the School of Business and look forward to sharing future success stories that will be written because of their generosity.”

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Contact: Mike Krings, KU News Service, 785-864-8860, [email protected], @MikeKrings
Study examines role of religion in substance use services, finds it’s often located in racially diverse communities
LAWRENCE — People have turned to religion and spirituality to deal with crises and critical needs for centuries. Yet little is known how religion plays a role in substance use care. A new publication from the University of Kansas and Georgetown University explored the religious orientation of facilities within the substance use and addiction system of care throughout the Kansas City region, the religiousness of services, where the services are located and differences in services offered.
The study showed facilities that appeared more religious, or where faith or religiousness was centered, often offered a wider range of services and were located in racially diverse communities. The findings can help service providers make better referrals to direct people to places that will best serve their needs. The results also provide a roadmap for other communities to better understand their substance use services and gaps to ultimately help more people on the road to recovery, according to the researchers.
The study grew out of a larger project KU has led to better understand what substance use and misuse services are available throughout the Kansas City metro area to combat the opioid epidemic.
“The strong presence of the faith community in the substance use and recovery collective inspired this strategy of exploring the role of faith-based organizations within this system of care. We wanted to understand this topic deeper and contribute the literature by systematically considering the value faith can add in a person’s journey,” said Amittia Parker a KU alumna now with Georgetown University who was part of the services census and lead author of the publication. “Especially in communities of color where seeking mental health and substance use help is stigmatized. Faith-based services are often preferred sources of support for many in those communities.”
Researchers surveyed substance use and addiction services across a continuum including prevention, treatment, recovery and supportive services throughout the metro area, across 10 counties and two states. The facilities were asked how they identify their organizational designation and to what extent faith or religiousness was involved in their organization or service offering. Researchers documented the centrality of religiousness within the organization and in spaces that were faith-centered or permeated — there were usually religious art, scriptures/texts, symbols and personnel such as pastors, rabbis, imams or others as part of their services. This is one of the few studies that collected this type of information and mapped the location of the facilities within the service sector.
The study, co-written with Nancy Jo Kepple, associate professor of social welfare at KU, was published in the Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work.
The findings showed that a high density of faith-based or faith centered services were located in communities of color. That may mean that the organizations are potentially addressing service gaps, as those communities have traditionally been under-resourced and underserved, the researchers wrote. Findings also showed a range of services offered and an association between the number of services offered and religious orientation.
“We found faith-based services were more prevalent in more urban areas, and they were also more likely to provide a variety of services within the continuum of care,” Parker said.
The services offered at the faith-based organizations often went beyond substance or mental health treatments, including housing. However, the same facilities were less likely to provide housing for individuals who identify as transgender and expressed ambivalence about medication-assisted treatment. Faith-based organizations are known to provide free or low-cost services for low-income individuals or those without insurance.
“This brought up for us that there are gaps in the service sector and likely people not being well-served. There are a growing number of people who do not identify as religious or spiritual, and also may be under-resourced or uninsured under-resourced,” Parker said. “This research on the service sector, religious orientation and gaps in services can hopefully open conversations about the service offerings across facilities in the community and who may or may not be the best fit at these respective facilities.”
More secular organizations were also found to often offer specialized services, such as hospital-based inpatient detox, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient services. It is clear that secular and faith-based organizations are contributing to the service sector in unique ways, the researchers wrote.
Among facilities that identified as religious, the majority were Judeo-Christian based, which can leave a gap for followers of other religions or individuals who are spiritual but not in a traditional religious sense, according to the researchers.
The study is not intended to promote one type of service over another but to meet the goal of social work in helping people achieve access to the services and supports that they desire and prefer, and optimal health as they define it, Parker and Kepple wrote. That can help facilitate a match of services that results in satisfaction and increased likelihood of recovery.
“This can lead to a misfit or negative interaction,” Parker said of making referrals without considering individual needs. “When people are in that moment where they are ready to seek help, it is a very critical time. This study helps elevate the idea that there are many things to consider when helping people seek help, and understanding the religious orientation of the facility or organization can help reduce the risk of the client being uncomfortable and having a negative experience.”
The findings offer not only a better understanding of what is available in the Kansas City area but a roadmap other communities can use to determine what is available in their area. Additionally, it helps point out that facilities can collaborate, whether faith-based or not, to ensure individuals are getting the best possible services for their needs.
“It is necessary to continue to examine the integration of (or lack of) FBOs (faith-based organizations) within the system of care, and especially within the substance use system of care. This study provides insights into where FBOs may assist in addressing services gaps within the substance use system of care in addition to existing limitations,” Parker and Kepple wrote. “Understanding how FBOs continue to respond to the needs within communities, where FBOs are located and provide services, as well as the service offerings and serve access gaps, will remain important into the future.”
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Contact: Elizabeth Kanost, Spencer Museum of Art, 785-864-0142, [email protected], @SpencerMuseum
Two Lawrence-based projects among recipients of 2023 Rocket Grants
LAWRENCE — The 2023 Rocket Grants have awarded a total of $60,000 for 10 artist projects in the Lawrence and Kansas City area. Two awards will support Lawrence-based projects: the planting of fruit trees around Lawrence Public Library accompanied by collective song by artists Skyler Adamson and Hazlett Henderson, and a new play by Timmia Hearn DeRoy, who recently received her doctorate in theatre from the University of Kansas.
Rocket Grants, a partnership of Charlotte Street and the Spencer Museum of Art, support innovative, artist-driven projects outside of established arts venues through funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. This year’s selected projects address a broad range of topics, from uplifting local music to raising awareness about fatalities related to pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
The awardees were selected from a highly competitive pool of 77 applications. For this cycle, the jury consisted of four artists and nonprofit leaders: Mona Cliff, artist and former Rocket Grants recipient based in Lawrence; Eureka Gilkey, executive director at Project Row Houses in Houston, Texas; Blanca Herrada an artist based in Lawrence; and Thomas James, curator and executive director at The Last Resort Artist Retreat in Baltimore, Maryland.
“Rocket Grants promise new experiences in unexpected places this year,” said Saralyn Reece Hardy, Spencer Museum director. “It is especially inspiring to see the commitment to community and place through many forms of art-making in our region. Projects demonstrate adventurous and imaginative latitude roaming through visual art, music, collective celebration, theater and poetry.”
The public is invited to celebrate this year’s recipients at an awards ceremony from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 6 at Charlotte Street in Kansas City. A press preview will occur immediately prior to the ceremony from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information about Rocket Grants and this year’s award recipients, visit www.rocketgrants.org.
A complete list of 2023 Rocket Grants recipients:
Fruit Tree Community Choir / Skyler Adamson and Hazlett Henderson
A celebration of planting community fruit trees around the Lawrence Public Library accompanied by collective song.

Flew the Coop Sessions / Cody Boston
A live music video series that provides local artists with high-quality video and audio recordings of their performances.

Kawsmouth River Carnival / Jac Danger, Matthew Lloyd, and Kimmon Smutz
A playful, interactive festival on the Missouri River offering an immersive art experience for the Kansas City community.

The KC Queertet Live Video Series / Adee Dancy
A string quartet dedicated to uplifting and accompanying queer musical artists in Kansas City.

“On Born Children and Ghosts” / Timmia Hearn DeRoy
A new play that speaks to local and international experiences of pregnancy and childbirth.

Poetry Takes (P)residence / Rhiannon Dickerson
A micro-residency for regional poets of color, amplifying LQBTQIA, female, immigrant and rural voices.

“Seasons and Cycles” / Kyle Jones and Paul Berlinsky
A public concert in February 2024 at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.

Kansas City’s Removal Act: The Reckoning on Andrew Jackson Monuments / Neysa Page-Lieberman
A community-centered research project that explores the reckoning of Andrew Jackson monuments in the Kansas City–area.

“The Black Farmer’s 2 Dilemmas” / Ryan Tenney
A performance at Sankara Farm, a Black, family-owned and operated agro-ecological farm in Kansas City.

The Trendsetters: Teen Fashion Showcase with Social Impact / Remy Wharry
A series of eight monthly workshops with high school students, followed by a fashion showcase at 18th and Vine.

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KU News Service
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045
Phone: 785-864-3256
Fax: 785-864-3339
[email protected]
http://www.news.ku.edu

Erinn Barcomb-Peterson, director of news and media relations, [email protected]

Today’s News is a free service from the Office of Public Affairs

A Never Ending Project

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Guest Columnist
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Weed control seems to be a never ending project for many homeowners. We often think that every weed is controlled in the spring. That is not the case as there are exceptions. Many people mistake little barley (Hordeum pusillum) for a foxtail because the foxtail and little barley seed heads are similar. However, little barley is a winter annual that comes up in late September – October and spends the winter as a small plant. It thrives in the cooler spring temperatures, forms seed heads and dies out usually by July. Foxtail, on the other hand, is a summer annual that does well in hot weather. Also, foxtail will not produce seed heads until mid- to late-summer.

How do we control this menace to the lawn? The best control for little barley is a thick lawn that is mowed high enough that sunlight does not hit the soil. Little barley seed will not germinate in such conditions. Over seeding in the fall can thicken up a tall fescue lawn and prevent a little barley infestation.

However, if you do not plan to overseed, preemergence herbicides can be used to provide at least partial control of this weed. Dimension (dithiopyr) is labeled for barley (Herodium spp.) which would include little barley and therefore can be used to keep this weed under control. Dimension can be found in several homeowner products including Hi-Yield Turf & Ornamental Weed & Grass Stopper and Bonide Crabgrass and Weed Preventer. Other products may contain Dimension in combination with fertilizer or broadleaf weed killers.

Because little barley is a winter annual that germinates in the fall, apply the preemergence herbicide in August and water in to activate. If over seeding, do not apply any preemergence herbicide as it will interfere with the germination of tall fescue.

Horticulture 2023 Newsletter No. 35 

By
Ward Upham
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https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html

Blog Post: http://www.ksuhortnewsletter.org

Video of the Week: Overseeding Your Lawn

REMINDERS
•     Harvest winter squash when skin is hard enough that it is not easily punctured with a thumbnail.
•     Remove small tomatoes from vines to encourage development of more mature fruits.
•     Plant garden chrysanthemums for fall color.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
K-State Garden Hour: Seed Saving from Your Garden
Wednesday, September 6th, 12 pm – 1 pm
Seed Saving is a fun way to enjoy gardening without breaking the bank. Most plants produce seeds that can be saved from one year to the next, however, not all seeds are equally suited for saving. Jesse Gilmore,k Wildcat Extension District Horticulture Extension Agent, will discuss the merits of seed saving, the different types of flowers and seeds, and which plants are most suited to seed saving.
https://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/consumer-horticulture/garden-hour/

VEGETABLES
Asparagus and Rhubarb in the Autumn Season
The harvest is finished for the year, but rhubarb and asparagus plants still need attention. During dry weather apply supplemental water. Keep planters free of weeds. Wait to fertilize rhubarb until early spring (March) and for asparagus wait until after the harvest next year. Leave asparagus foliage intact until it has lost its green color. At that time, it can be cut back, if desired. (Cynthia Domenghini)

Harvesting and Roasting Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seeds are usually ready for harvest between mid-September to October. As the petals turn brown you can wrap the seed heads with a brown paper bag or cheesecloth and secure it with a twist tie. This will protect the seeds from birds as well as catch any seeds that drop.
Sunflowers are mature when:
• Florets in the center of the head shrivel
• The head turns downward
• The back of the flower head has a lemon-yellow color
Mature seeds are black with longitudinal white stripes. If the seed shell is empty that may
indicate poor pollination earlier in the season. If you choose not to cover the seed head, harvest
when several seeds have turned black and white. Though not all seeds may be mature and the
flavor won’t be as good, this will protect the seeds from becoming bird food.
Cut the seed head free from the plant and place it in a paper bag to dry. Alternatively, cut the head with a foot of stem still attached and hang upside down to dry. Cover the head with a paper bag to catch seeds as they drop. Once fully dried, rub your hand over the seeds to break them free.
Soak mature, unshelled seeds in salt water (2 quarts water:1/2 to 2 cups salt) overnight. To expedite, bring the water to a boil and simmer the seeds for two hours. Spread sunflower seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cook at 300 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Toss seeds with melted butter or olive oil and salt to taste. (Cynthia Domenghini)

MISCELLANEOUS
Reblooming Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti
Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) are differentiated by the stems. Christmas cacti stems tend to be smooth whereas Thanksgiving cacti stems have hook-like appendages.
Both varieties of holiday cacti require a period of short day-length in order to bloom. Growers control lighting and temperature to the plants forcing them to bloom in time to distribute them to retail sites before the holidays. If you’ve received a holiday cactus over the years, you may notice it doesn’t bloom all year long. By controlling the hours of daylight as well as the temperature you can force the plant to bloom.
For about six weeks, keep the cactus in a cool, dark room. The ideal temperature range is between 50- and 55-degrees F. At these temperatures, the cacti should bloom regardless of daylength. When buds begin to develop you can return the cactus to a warmer room to enjoy the bloom. If buds begin to drop it is likely due to the environment. These cacti prefer bright, but indirect light. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid fertilizing and repotting during the bloom period. (Cynthia Domenghini)

Using Compost
You’ve done all the work to prepare, gather, store and maintain a compost pile; now what do you do with it?
When you have usable compost there are many ways to incorporate it into the garden.
Fertilization and soil improvement: Though the amount of specific nutrients available in compost varies depending on what was composted, there are nutritional benefits when incorporating it into the soil. Apply about ¼ inch of compost over the garden just before tilling. Work the compost into the soil as you till. The decomposed organic materials of compost can improve the soil quality by loosening heavy clay soils and increasing water holding capacity of sandy soils.
Compost at planting: Compost can be added to the bottom of holes prior to planting for a slowrelease of nutrients early in the growing period. It can also be added after planting as a topdressing for direct-seeded vegetables and flowers. This will protect the soil from developing a
crust layer on the surface.
Potting mix for seedlings: Screen the large particles out of the compost and incorporate soil or sand in equal parts to create a potting mix. Ensure the organic matter is fully decomposed and free from disease.
Use on a lawn: Apply a layer of compost prior to planting and top dress every year to fertilize the lawn. (Cynthia Domenghini)

TREES
Elm Leaf Beetle
Description: Young larvae are dark-colored, hairy grubs. Older larvae are yellow with two long, dark stripes. Adult beetles have green and yellow stripes and are about 1/3-inch long.
Life Cycle: There are typically two generations of elm leaf beetles each year. They overwinter as adults and emerge from their protective shelters in early spring. As elm trees develop leaves the beetles move in and females begin laying eggs. Larvae hatch and spread throughout the tree to feed. Larvae reach maturity within four weeks and seek shelter to pupate. They may drop to the base of the tree or crawl within cracks of the bark to pupate. Adults
emerge in about two weeks and relocate to the leaves to eat and mate giving rise to the second
generation of larvae. This generation of adult beetles will wait to lay eggs until the spring.
Damage: Larvae cause most of the damage by skeletonizing leaves of elm trees, giving
preference to Siberian (Chinese) elms. Adult beetles chew holes through the leaves. Leaves that
have been heavily damaged may turn brown and drop.
Control: For healthy trees, at this point in the season, elm leaf beetles and larvae tend not to cause significant damage so spraying is not recommended. If the larvae are active, they can be
controlled with several insecticides. If they have already dropped to pupate spraying will be
ineffective.
Larvae and adult sprays include: acephate (Acephate, Orthene), spinosad (Natural Guard
Spinosad, Conserve, Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew, Monterey Garden Insect Spray), lambda
cyhalothrin (Scimitar, Spectracide Triazicide). (Cynthia Domenghini)

Tree ID
“What Tree is That?” from the Arbor Day Foundation is a small booklet packed with information about Kansas trees. It includes a step-by-step approach for tree ID and full color illustrations making it a great resource for plant lovers of all levels of expertise. More information can be found at http://www.arborday.org/trees/whatTree/ (Cynthia Domenghini)
What Tree Is That? Tree Identification Guide at arborday.org
What Tree Is That? is a tree identification guide from the Arbor Day Foundation, featuring an easy-to-use, step-by-step process to identify nearly any tree in North America.
www.arborday.org

Contributors:
Cynthia Domenghini, Instructor
Ward Upham, Extension Associate

 

Division of Horticulture
1712 Claflin, 2021 Throckmorton
Manhattan, KS 66506
(785) 532-6173

For questions or further information, contact: [email protected] OR [email protected]
This newsletter is also available on the World Wide Web at:
http://hnr.k-state.edu/extension/info-center/newsletters/index.html
The web version includes color images that illustrate subjects discussed. To subscribe to this newsletter electronically, send an e-mail message to [email protected] or [email protected] listing your e-mail address in the message.

Brand names appearing in this newsletter are for product identification purposes only. No endorsement is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products not mentioned.

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, or a dietary restriction please contact Extension Horticulture at (785) 532-6173.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Ernie Minton, Dean.

 

Good News Kansans!

By
Guest Columnist
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0

It’s been a little while since we talked about the good news that’s happening in today’s day and age. We’ve kind of got caught back up in political turmoil as the election next year edges closer and closer. There are also a lot of other bad things that have plagued the news, convicts escaping prison (don’t worry he was recaptured and it was in Pennsylvania, climate change and its effects on our world, and many other different pieces of negative gossip. Lucky for you though, and for me, that’s not all the news has to offer. There’s plenty of good news out there, and that’s exactly what we’re going to be looking for today.
In local good news, something that we’ve all heard about, the wonders of the State Fair. If you didn’t get the chance to go, it’s all the more reason to go next year. If not at least for the 4H building. Those kiddos from all over the state have been hard at work making sure their individual projects are incredible for the fair that happened these past couple of weekends. I myself really enjoyed looking into the rocket display. My favorite area to visit, however, is probably the agriculture section. The sheer mass of some of those squash and pumpkins are just incredible. More like pumpKINGS, am I right? It’s either that or the deep-fried Kit Kats for me.
In addition to all these things, a unique quilt was up for display at the State Fair this year in case you didn’t get to see it. The Reno County Community Quilt was created this year and in each part of it, you see a different show of some part of Reno County. Whether that be the Boys and Girls Club logo, Heartland American Girls, or any other part of Reno. It truly is wonderful to see a community working together on the project.
For those of you who are good fans of funny public figures and crowded spaces, you’ll be pleased to hear that Adam Sandler recently announced his plan to stop at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita for part of his comedy tour. The massive 25-show tour is planned to start in Vancouver and make its way down to Wichita on December 10th. If you have any interest in things that are remotely funny, you should consider going to this event. I’d bet that it’ll be well worth it.
Up north of that in Salina, we have some school spirit good news that comes in the form of 7-foot metal mustangs that were created by the students themselves. The mustangs were a product of welding experience in a project that will be on display for the community to see outside of Salina Central High School. A fellow classmate says that students at this high school can frequently take what they learn in class into the real world. That sounds like a teacher who needs a raise right there.
Overall, there are plenty of good things happening all over the state this week. I didn’t even tell the good news for Kansas Football teams this past couple of weeks. Not to mention the new nickname for the K-State O-line, the “Manhandlers of Manhattan”. Regardless of what the world tells you, there’s plenty of good news all around at every point in time. You just have to know where to look for it. So be happy, and grateful for the good life that we all partake in. It’s worth something, and I know I am especially appreciative of it.

Macaroni Salad

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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Any time of the year is a good time for a fresh macaroni salad. It was a dish from the depression era, right beside it’s bestie, macaroni & cheese. Several years before the tragedy of this historical time, Velveeta cheese had made its impact on the food styles in America. The product is still a favorite in many homes. Not because it is so economical, like it was during the depression, but because of the way it melts! It’s smooth and makes good dishes to this day. If you think you are hearing any hesitation from me on the subject of Velveeta…..well, you are.

The cost of this cheese product today has soared to 3-4 dollars per pound, and it’s not 100% cheese. There are a great many things in this ‘product’ that are not good for us. However; on the backside of these comments, I remember how soft and creamy it was in macaroni salads during my youth.

During the depression we did consume a great deal of carbohydrates, mostly because they were economical. And…they were satisfying, keeping bellies from rumbling until the next meal. Hot dogs, were a mainstay, as I mentioned last week. They too often found their way into macaroni salads and mac & cheese dishes. Not to mention the poor man’s meal of fried potatoes, onions & hot dogs.

The recipe I’m presenting today is what I call a very basic macaroni salad. But…when you’re in a struggle to feed your family it’s going to take on many different approaches. The dressing I made for this dish is made predominantly with your favorite mayonnaise or salad dressing. I remember when I made this at the culinary school clients spoke about the creamy dressing based upon Eagle Brand Milk. It’s on line in many places, in the event you desire a different dressing.

These days when I make this salad, I’m going to be using 100% real cheese, perhaps a bread & butter pickle, chopped ham and a few other ingredients that will bring additional color: peppers, tomatoes and pimentos are a few examples.
Remember the tip about resistance starches? Well, this is a perfect example of eating pasta without all the carbs. It’s a strong recipe to carry in your lunch, just don’t go overboard on the pasta, or you may nod off at your desk! Ha, that would be a good one. The kids too will enjoy it in their lunch boxes. Add fresh fruit with the entrée and there’s nothing else to pack.

Sometimes when I make cream-based dishes like pasta salads, potato salad, etc., I will make a little extra dressing and add it just before serving time. Even if you rinse your pasta in cold water (good idea) to stop the cooking process, it’s going to absorb your dressing.

One thing I do remember about my childhood is the fact we had very little cheese in our dishes. Why? Well, for starters back then my mother, the cook of our family, wasn’t overly fond of cheese, in general. Secondly and most importantly adding 100% cheese to your grocery list really raised the price of your meals. We didn’t make tacos and homemade pizzas during the depression era in the United States. The only thing I remember my grandma Lucy making with Velveeta was her famous cream salad, which contained small chunks. The very ‘few’, and I mean ‘few’ times I had a grilled cheese sandwich it was made with Velveeta.

The Depression era brought us comfort foods that are still served in our families today. Even the Hawaiian favorite, ‘Spam’, came about during the depression. No joke, I keep one can of it in the pantry at all times. We consider it an emergency food. You can dress it up with sauces and such to glorify it a bit. Oh…I hear the responses now: ‘You can never glorify spam, yuck!’

We mentioned last week how many families got by without meat by eating beans of all sorts. I do appreciate a good Mulligan Stew or a vegetable soup. My depression dish fav is probably creamy potato soup. My mom made the type where it’s just milk, potatoes, onions and perhaps celery. Hers was thin with no thickening. Today mine contains a binding ingredient so the sound of slurping doesn’t get quite so annoying! Talk about comfort foods, this is it!

Other foods that debuted at this time were dishes like hamburger gravy and chipped beef on toast. Oh, I do enjoy the chipped beef. Today when I make ‘SOS’ I might embellish with chopped green onions and a small amount of cream cheese. If your kids have never had it, you really need to make it for them. I still use the Buddig bags at the grocery store. This would also be yummy over a baked potato. Chipped beef over biscuits with an over easy egg on top!

Next week we’re going to talk about the many desserts of the Depression and I’ll share one of my ultimate favorites. Until then, have an outstanding week.
Simply Yours, The Covered Dish.

Macaroni Salad
8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni
1 pound diced/chunked ham
½ pound diced American cheese
7 ounces thawed, drained frozen peas
Chopped green onion to taste

Dressing
1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon honey mustard
4 tablespoons half & half
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon *Black Kettle seasoning
1 tablespoon sugar

Possible Options:
Celery, pimento, sweet peppers, olives, hard boiled eggs, pepperoni, cooked chicken, tomato or pickles.

Prepare macaroni and all salad ingredients and place in a large bowl.
Mix all the dressing ingredients together until smooth and blend into the salad. Refrigerate and serve as a main entrée or side dish.

Serves 6-8 persons

 

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