Sunday, March 29, 2026
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Chocolate Zucchini Cake

By
Debbie Dance Uhrig
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Talk about being exasperated with myself. Tonight I made chocolate zucchini cake from my first cookbook. It was good, but I thought it needed something. Then I sat down to write my column and there right in front of me is my newest adaption for chocolate zucchini cake, written just a few years ago. The changes were pretty significant. You will definitely like this chocolate zucchini cake over the one in my first cookbook, ‘Simply Yours’, published in 2008.

I recently froze a few bundles of zucchini for winter baking. I used fresh today while I was baking. But the frozen is certainly great for the winter months.

This past Saturday we grabbed my dad, Jerry, close friend, Lucy, and hit several local Farmer’s Markets in Forsyth and Hollister. It was a fun morning. We even nabbed a few fresh donuts in Forsyth. I got the usual fair, a melon, tomatoes, zucchini and something very unique, lion’s mane mushrooms. They were delicious fried with fresh zucchini, a plate of tomatoes and garlic bread. Our dinner Saturday night didn’t contain any meat, just fresh produce. Our watermelon is also ‘yellow’ not red, that’s for a little later in the week. Yep, it was a fun morning. After all that early morning shopping we returned home for naps.

This week isn’t supposed to be too busy on the homefront, I would like to get a batch of cherry jam made, but it may have to wait until the following week. I’m still looking for a few more peaches as there’s more I would like to can.
The summer feels like it’s slipped through rather quickly. It’s been one of the hottest I can remember since moving to the Ozarks in 2008. And because of the high temperatures it’s kept us inside more than usual.

I was ready to share my new recipe this week for peach, pecan & amaretto jam. I don’t know what I titled the document, but I cannot locate it. The outcome was marvelous, and hopefully I can pin it down by next week.

We’ve had my dad with us for a week and I’ve spent time visiting with him this week versus doing chores. Which is totally a good thing.
Go forth and do good things my friends. Simply Yours, The Covered Dish.

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

1/2 cup canola oil or oil of your choice
1/2 cup very soft butter, almost melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, whisked
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk or (1/2 cup half/half with 1/4 cup vinegar)
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cocoa, (use good brand)
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups grated zucchini, (skin left on)
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup Pecans or English Walnuts, optional

This recipe is a culmination of several of my favorite cake ingredients. So easy to prepare. Set oven at 325 or even 300 degrees if desired. For baking I used a Bundt pan. The recipe will also fit in a 9 x 13 nicely. Spray Bundt pans with vegetable spray that includes flour, or dust by adding flour. Make sure to do a good job covering the bottom of the pan.

Start at the top of the recipe and cream the oil, butter and sugar together. Bring in whisked eggs, vanilla and buttermilk, combining all ingredients. Make a ‘well’ in center, as best as you can and add all dry ingredients. Stir mixture by hand to blend. Lastly; stir in the grated zucchini, chocolate chips and nuts, if you’re using them.

Once ingredients are well blended pour into prepared bakeware. Set timer for about 40 minutes in a 325 degree oven and begin monitoring for doneness. Sometimes a Bundt pan can be a ‘fooler’ making you think it’s done, when it is not. Use a toothpick to test besides the pulling from the sides of the pan.

Allow to cool about 20-25 minutes before inverting the cake. My family does not care for icing so I usually create a simple glaze and pour over the entire cake just to help hold the moisture. A white glaze or a chocolate glaze works on this baked good. Enjoy!

Tough Love

By
Lee Pitts
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lee pitts

To: Our Adorable Son

From: Your Loving Parents

RE; Living Arrangements

Dearest Darling,

It dawned on your mother and I that you just celebrated your 29th birthday and you are still living at home. This is a problem. By the time I was 29 I’d sired four kids, been divorced two times, been in jail and rehab for six weeks. And your mother had put me through medical school by working two full time jobs and still managed to raise the aforementioned kids.

Please don’t think that we are complaining and criticizing you in any way but we are feeding and clothing you, we pay the payment on your Lexus that is newer and nicer than what your mother or I drive, and you use our MasterCard for all your incidentals including tattoos and nose rings. Your earrings are far nicer than any your mother owns. The problem is the family business has been a little slow lately so we can no longer afford to spoil you in the style to which you’ve become accustomed.

We know you’ve been through a rough patch after that girl you met on the Internet from Sweden (who you never actually met in person) broke off your engagement but would it be too much to ask that you at least make your own bed?

We feel like we have been more than patient. We never complained about paying all your expenses for those seven years while you got a degree in Greek mythology but we are concerned that all you do all day is play video games, stare at your phone while texting God knows who and buy expensive Japanese swords on eBay with our Pay Pal account. We know you feel lost and are trying to “find yourself” but might we suggest that a good place to start looking would be in the “Help Wanted” ads in the newspaper?

It’s time son to bounce back and get back in the game. There are other women you don’t know on the Internet you might like. We are also a little concerned that you’ve been using mascara and lipstick, are wearing plush velour jogging suits from Nordstroms with tasseled loafers and no socks, and when you’re not going to pasta tastings and wine cruises you are watching inordinate amounts of HGTV.

Honey, please see our side. It’s not like we can send you to your room for not eating your peas and we can’t wash out your mouth with soap for using the F-word in every sentence but the really loud rap music you insist on playing is making the dog psychotic and killing the goldfish.

We know you’ve never had a job before and are counting on inheriting your mother’s and my fortune but we’re planning on living until we’re 90 which would make you 70 when you finally get our money. There’s also the possibility that at the rate your burning through our cash there may not be any left. Or I could die prematurely, your mother could marry a gigolo and your inheritance could be lost on a Vegas crap table. Or your mother could pass away and I could fall in love and remarry a 20 something “nurse after a purse” and your inheritance could be left to half brothers and sisters you don’t even know.

You don’t know how hard it is to say this but it is with great regret that we inform you that you have 30 days to vacate the premises. If you are still living here past that deadline we are going to get tough. Your mother will no longer wash your clothes and we will no longer pay your cell phone bill or gas for your car. If you have not shown at least some initiative at the end of one month by at least looking for a job we will take away your weekly allowance and ground you.

We know these are drastic measures son but it really is for your own good.

With love,
Mommy and Daddy.
www.LeePittsbooks.com

THE TATER WAGON

By
Sandy Pugh
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Were you a kid that was afraid of a thunderstorm? So many kids are and so are some of our pets. My Grandmother told me about thunder when I was 2. She told me a story about an angel taking potatoes to market in a push cart up in heaven. She said the angel had hit a bump and tipped over the cart and the thunder we heard was the potatoes falling out and rolling around.
That was good enough for me; if she was not afraid then I wasn’t either. In fact I loved the thunderstorms when they rolled in. I would sit in the garden with Grandfather in the afternoons and watch the thunderheads billow up. I could sit and watch them grow for an hour or more. I am sure he liked it too because I wasn’t asking questions when I was engrossed in the clouds.
When we heard the first roll of thunder I’d leap off my bucket and race to the house. I’d fly in the back door, past Grandmother in the kitchen and down the hall to the bedroom that I thought was mine.
I’d round up my coloring book and crayons and a book to read and head for the living room.
The front door would be open as I climbed into the rocker Grandmother and I could sit side by side in and I could already smell the rain. As soon as the thunder arrived overhead and the rain began I would open my color book and start to color. That was one of my favorite things to do when it rained.
Sometimes Grandmother would read to me, and that made a thunderstorm special. My dog Brownie loved the time together during a storm too, he would lay on the floor by the old rocking chair and listen to the story. If Grandmother didn’t read to me Brownie would be beside me in the chair while I colored.
My niece spent a night with me when she was about 2 and a thunderstorm rolled in and she was afraid of it. So, I sat her beside me on the couch and told her the story about the angel my grandmother told me when I was 2. Once she heard the story about the angel and the potato wagon spilling the taters in heaven we picked up a book and I started to read to her.
The next clap of thunder overhead she looked up at me with wide eyes and said; “UH OH! The angel spilled the taters. She better be careful, now she has to pick them up again.” After that every time it thundered she would look at me and say; “UH OH” and then go back to looking at the book while I read to her. Grandmother’s story worked its magic on another generation.
Even as an adult I love to hear thunder and the rain. It is by far the best time to sleep. If the thunder is not the kind that rolls you out of bed or rattles the blinds on the windows, then it is wonderful to sleep through.
I love the sound of the rain on the roof over the bed and it dripping into the gutters at the corner of the house. I have always wanted one of those machines that make the sound of rain to help me sleep, but have not bought one yet.
Our first Cocker, Lady, was not afraid of storms and just ignored the thunder and rain. She did not like to go out in the rain and get water on her back so she always wore her rain slicker when she had to go outside during the rain.
Our second Cocker, Lacy, was scared to death of rain storms when we got her. The first clap of thunder that she heard she would start running up and down the hall barking. I’m not sure why she was afraid of the thunder but she sure hated it. What she thought running and barking was going to do about it is a mystery.
It took a couple of storms for me to get her trained or convinced that there was nothing to be afraid of and that a storm was not going to hurt us. She might softly woof at the first clap of thunder but that was it and from then on she was fine with the storm that was overhead.
I taught her to not be afraid mainly by being the pack leader and the one in charge. If the pack leader is ok with something then they are too. If you are not the pack leader you can give them a treat or play with their favorite toy until they get over the fear during a storm. Then a treat when the storm hits is usually enough and finally they don’t need anything.
It is summer we can hear thunder and hear the rain on the roof and know that the threat of snow and cold and ice is gone for a little while. So, are thunderstorms and the tater wagon scary for your family and your pets? To contact Sandy: [email protected]

Cheap Fuel

By
Milo Yield
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0
Thayne Cozart
Milo Yield

Lots of folks, including me, have been griping about high vehicle fuel prices. And, even though gas and diesel prices have eased a bit recently, prices are still high enuf to take a bite out of about anyone’s budget.
However, that all changed for me — albeit, temporarily — last week. I got more than $99 of free ethanol from a local self-serve fuel station — and, no, I didn’t win the lottery. The company volunteered to give me nearly $100 of free fuel.
Here’s how it happened: Ol’ Nevah and I went to town to pick up a medical prescription, eat lunch at Sonic, buy a few needed groceries, stop at the farm supply store for green bean seed and chicken feed, and buy fuel for our utility vehicle, riding lawnmower, and top off the tank in my pickup. We took my old Ford pickup because we wanted to put the plastic fuel containers safely in the pickup bed.
Our final stop wuz for fuel and the first pump I pulled into, I wuz half-way through the credit card and fuel reward program when the pump’s internal computer apparently shot craps. It quit working. Well, since the temperature wuz over 100 degrees, the computer glitch didn’t make my internal temperature go down.
So, I cancelled out and moved to another pump. There, I got through the credit card folderol okay, dropped the truck tailgate and opened the lids on the five fuel containers lined up across the bed. Together their capacity is around 20 gallons.
However, when I took the fuel dispenser out of its slot and pulled on the fuel line to start filling up the containers, whoops! The entire danged fuel line dropped from its high hookup point and curled around my feet on the scalding asphalt. That’s about when my internal temperature matched the air temperature, but, truth be told, it scared me a bit. For an instant, I could envision gas pouring down on my head.
So, holding my ire in check, I went inside to the cashier on duty and explained what happened. The poor gal’s face blanched and she explained that someone ahead of me must have tried a drive-off without paying and yanked the rubber fuel line from its hookup to the pump.
Then, she said, “Company policy is that you get a freebie for your inconvenience. Just move over to another pump, run your credit card, and when you’re through, I’ll cancel the purchase.”
So, that’s what I did. And, the total was about 25-cents shy of $100. Before I left, I rechecked with the clerk and she assured me that there was no charge.
So, that’s the long story of how I got free fuel during a time of record fuel prices. However, I’m still a bit of a doubter, so I’m gonna check my next credit card bill to make sure the fuel wuz really free.
***
I got a phone call last week from Faith Philreeder, from Benkleman, Neb. She explained that she gives my weekly column a thorough once-over and even shares it with her friends. And, she told me she wanted to share a funny story. I never turn down a free story because I’m basically lazy — and thankful.
However, as we conversed, it turns out that we have two mutual friends. Just for reference, Benkleman is just across the border from Bird City, Kan., in extreme northwest Kansas. I mentioned to her that I used to hunt a lot of pheasants with friends from Bird City and we usually hunted until one p.m. in Kansas and then went to Benkleman for lunch at noon because it is in the mountain time zone.
When she asked who my Bird City friends were, I told her ol’ Claude Hopper and Poole Shark, who were in the dorm room next to me in 1960 when we all three started attending Bea Wilder U.
Claude is still my bestest fishing buddy who now lives in Pratt. Poole lives in Lincoln, Neb., and I seldom get to see him. Faith told me she knew both of my friends when they lived in Bird City. Small world, indeed.
***
Now, here’s Faith’s funny story: An old rancher, Hayes T. Dryver, wuz hurrying to get to happy hour at the local Dew Drop Inn Bar and Grill in his rattle-trap old pickup truck. In his haste to get a cold brewski, and thanks to a bit of day-dreaming, he got caught by a county mounty doing more then 100 miles per hour.
After he pulled him over, the deputy looked the situation over and told Hayes, “If you can conjure up a convincing enough story about your excessive speeding situaton, I might see fit to only give you a warning, not a real ticket.”
So, Hayes cleared his throat and said, “Well, officer, here’s the deal. My wife died a few years ago. I was lonely and desperate for companionship, so I remarried to an ambitious younger woman and, let me tell you, she made quick work of my finances before she left me high and dry.
“Truth is, when I heard your siren and saw all those flashing lights, I thought you were trying to return her because she ran off with my money and with a handsome highway patrolman. That’s why I tried to outrun you.”
His convincing story earned Hayes a warning ticket.
***
Words of wisdom for the week. “Needless to say, one of the most successful aggie inventors of all time was the fellow who invented the hay baler. He made a real bundle.”
Have a good ‘un.

Ag Summit Evaluates Growth For Kansas Equine Sector

By
Frank Buchman
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Horses are an important part of the animal industry in Kansas.

Thus, the 2022 Kansas Ag Summit dedicated one program to the Kansas Equine Sector.
The public program was sponsored by the Kansas Department of Agriculture at Manhattan where Sammy Gleason introduced the session.
“Historically, horses were a significant part of the original cattle ranching infrastructure in Kansas,” Gleason said. “Although no data completely identifies the number of horses in Kansas, horses remain an important part of the state’s animal industry.”
Justine Staten, executive director of the Kansas Horse Council, served as moderator for the Kansas Ag Summit Equine Sector panel.
“Opportunity exists to significantly expand support for the horse industry in Kansas,” Staten emphasized.
Horses serve many purposes across the state from pleasure and competition to work uses. “To fully realize the horse industry’s potential requires increased focus on the challenges that currently prevent growth,” Staten said.
“Many challenges can be overcome with input and discussion among key partners committed to long-term strategic growth,” Staten continued.
Keith Kleine, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) official, also heads the Foundation for the Horse.
“Supporting education, research, and benevolence, the Foundation for the Horse wants every horse, everywhere, cared for and respected,” Kleine said. “We are dedicated to improving horse health and well-being, relying on expertise of world-renowned caregivers and researchers in identifying needs.”
Horses are suffering in the war-torn Ukraine, according to Kleine. “The Foundation is working to provide feed, veterinary services, and equipment for Ukrainian horses,” he said. “Most of the 2,000 horses are stabled with accessibility quite difficult although safety is utmost concern for horses and services.
“Please join us as we bring our vision of improving the welfare of horses to life,” Kline encouraged.
Billy Smith representing U.S. Livestock Genetics Exports (USLGE) briefly discussed opportunities for equine genetics exports.
“Our mission is to better serve world markets with superior horse genetics from leading, progressive horse breeders,” Smith said. “We represent international marketing interests of the horse breeding industry.”
Members include the embryo and semen industries, livestock export sector, and Departments of Agriculture.
“We match international producers with sources in the United States that offer genetics with superior credentials,” Smith said. “This unique broad-based team offers you more sources for superior performance-oriented genetics than any other group in the world.”
Amateur status of horse show exhibitors has become a controversial issue among all horse breed associations. Smith joined Ward Stutz, American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), and Tom O’Mara, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), discussing the problem
Briefly, Smith pointed out, “Youth ages six to 10 decide their lifetime sports and athletic interest. Horses are one option, but there is a shortage of knowledgeable horse people to guide youth in that direction.”
AQHA’s Stutz said, “There is a shortage of lesson givers. Those competing in amateur competition are not allowed to be compensated for helping this younger generation.”
USEF’s O’Mara pointed out prospective rule changes allowing amateurs to provide introductory horsemanship lessons to youth and adults. “There has been rebuttal among horse professionals,” O’Mara admitted. “But exactly what is or who is a professional, a trainer, a judge, horseshow secretary?
“Horse associations must modify their definition of amateur, so we don’t lose horse enthusiasts for the future,” O’Mara demanded. “Amateurs helping create more involvement in showing horses will be an asset to professional trainers rather than a deterrent. They will have more customers in the long run.”
Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz discussed the newest facility upgrades finished at the fairgrounds in Hutchinson.
“Our Expo Center, that’s our equestrian center,” Schulz said. “We did about a $1.3 million renovation on that building. New roof, new heat, new side panels, new insulation, new lighting.
“I mean, it looks fantastic in there,” Schulz boasted. “Obviously, there are little things that we need that weren’t in the budget. We’re going to be working on them in the next couple of years. A new sound system should be going in there shortly.”
An equine unit and ag competition complex to be identified as the K-State Animal Sciences Gateway is planned at Manhattan.
Kerry Wefald, K-State Foundation; Michael Day, Animal Sciences Department head; and Justin Janssen, Livestock & Meat Industry Council, briefed the blueprint.
“This will be a two-part, 100-percent philanthropically-funded facility enhancement project,” Wefald verified.
“It will feature a multi-species arena as well as a modern horse unit,” Day clarified. “They will support teaching, research, youth and Extension efforts in equine and livestock sciences.”
Janssen insisted: “The Animal Sciences Gateway is to serve as a recruitment showcase for K-State. It will be an economic boost for Manhattan and the Flint Hills region.”
Ross Peddicord, Maryland Horse Industry Board, and Anne Litz, Maryland Department of Agriculture, talked about that state’s Horse Discovery Centers. Their program is considered a model for growth of the Kansas horse industry.
“The Maryland Horse Industry Board launched a statewide network of 35 Horse Discovery Centers in 15 counties during April 2015,” Peddicord said. “It has grown each year and now has 42 Horse Discovery Centers in 18 counties.”
According to Litz, “These centers are part of a volunteer, certified program of already existing licensed stables. They welcome the general public of all ages and experience to learn about horses in a knowledgeable and friendly environment.”
Breadth and diversity of the stables in the Discovery Center network is wide and deep, Peddicord emphasized. “They range from trail riding centers to Western riding and English equitation to horse rescues. and stables offering summer camps.”
A summary of the 2021 Kansas Equine Impact Economic Study was reviewed by Staten with complex details available at www.kansashorsecouncil.com.
An equine sector poll conducted last year indicated these six priorities in order. Adding/Improving Equine Expo Infrastructure. Appointing Kansas Equine Extension Specialist. Restoring Federal Appropriations For USDA. Defining Horses As Livestock For All State Departments; Providing Trail Support In The Flint Hills To Dickinson County. Establish An Equine Checkoff Program.

CUTLINES
Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz discussed the newest facility upgrades at the fairgrounds in Hutchinson with Justine Staten of the Kansas Horse Council. (Kansas Horse Council photo)

An equine unit and an ag competition complex to be identified as the K-State Animal Sciences Gateway is in the planning stages at Manhattan. (Kansas State University photo)

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