SEASON'S BAKING

Every season has its unique set of ingredients and flavors, together creating a delightful experience for those who call Kansas home. From the warm colors of fall to the icy chill of the winter, the blooming flowers of spring, and the hot summer sun, the ever-changing seasons of Kansas are proof that our state is just as beautiful as any other…. What better way to show this beauty than to create a delicious treat…

It's time to put on our aprons and gather our ingredients as we prepare ourselves to go on this culinary journey that will transport us through the beauty of every season in Kansas. Let's start by preheating our ovens to a comfortable 350 degrees Fahrenheit, just like the temperature that warms the land in the early spring and late summer. As we do this, we’ll also want to take out the butter and eggs, for they must be at room temperature.

Next, we’ll cream together a generous helping of our butter and sugar, as the earth wakes from its winter slumber and the first signs of new life begin to appear. Now gen-tly fold in our farm-fresh eggs, for they represent the rebirth and renewal that spring allows; The time when seedlings sprout from the ground and hibernating animals awaken.

It's time to add a dash of vanilla extract, as it has a subtle sweetness that mirrors the gentle breezes that blow among the trees. Sift in a blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients help create a foundation that is as sturdy as the Kansans who have experienced the changing seasons for generations… As the dough comes together, let's take a moment for the weather conditions that have shaped this recipe.

In a unique way, the harsh winters make way for the blooms of spring and the scorch-ing hot summers give in to the cool breeze and golden hues of autumn. These seasons have not only influenced the agriculture of the state but have also pushed Kansans to stay resilient. Their determination to adapt and thrive in the face of constant change has become a major part in the state's identity. Much like the Kansans, we must also carefully adjust our baking techniques to meet the temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year… Now that we know more about the seasons, let’s gently fold in a selection of seasonal ingredients that capture the passing of each season.

For spring, we'll add a touch of fresh lemon zest to represent the bright, renewing ener-gy of the season. As summer approaches, we'll stir in a handful of juicy, sun-ripened berries to capture the warmth and vibrancy of the long, lazy days. When autumn ar-rives, we'll add in a blend of warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, for the cozy, comforting embrace of the changing leaves. Finally, as winter settles in, we'll sprinkle in a dusting of powdered sugar, like the gentle snow falls that occur once a year. This fi-nal ingredient will not only add a subtle sweetness to our creation but represent the cy-cle of our seasons.

Now that it’s ready, we’ll carefully place our dough onto the baking sheets and slide them into the oven. As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, we can't help but wonder about the developments in the world of baking…. Will new ingredients and techniques capture the changing seasons even more? Will this cookie recipe become a tradition, passed down through generations? Only time will tell, but for now, let's savor the moment and take a bite. Let us raise a glass (or a cookie) to Kansas, and may the seasons continue to inspire us, one delicious bite at a time.