Back to the Basics

This program was created to help our community members learn skills that honor our Appalachian heritage here in the Smokies.

We offer programs related to bread making, cast iron care, drying herbs, and more!

Please check out our upcoming programs below to find out how you can sign up for our interest list or reserve your spot today.

Back to the Basics Program Topics:

Join us for a vibrant community expo that honors the timeless skills and values of home economics. This event brings together passionate speakers, interactive exhibits, and hands-on booths that showcase heritage skills like bread making, gardening, and other practical arts that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or simply curious about learning new life skills, this expo offers inspiration, education, and connection.

Event Highlights:

Engaging speakers on topics of self-sufficiency, nutrition, and heritage skills
Demonstration booths featuring bread making, gardening, and more
Exhibits that celebrate the history and future of home economics
Opportunities to connect with local educators, makers, and community leaders

Program Details:

January 31st from 10 am to 3 pm
More Details to Come!
This program is FREE and open to the public; registration isn’t required, but encouraged.

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can watch out for this future event by following our Facebook page

Click on the button below to register when the event is open.

Are you looking for tips on how to make homemade sustainable bread for you or your family?

We are excited to partner with a local sourdough bread maker to help teach this program and provide a demonstration on how to bake delicious loaves for you to take home.

We will provide more details closer to the beginning of 2026.

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can watch out for this future event by following our Facebook page

Click on the button below to register and reserve your space when the event is open.

Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned preserver, the Canning Expo offers a unique opportunity to deepen your skills, connect with experts, and explore the art and science of food preservation. This hands-on event is designed for beginner and advanced canners alike, with demonstrations, expert advice, and interactive booths.

Event Highlights:

Resources to help you preserve safely and confidently
Live canning demonstrations for all skill levels
Booths featuring tested recipes and preservation tips
Free pressure canner lid testing station

Program Details:

March 28th from 10 am to 3 pm
Located at Katom Chef Supply Store (305 Katom Drive, Kodak, TN 37764)
This program is FREE and open to the public; registration isn’t required, but encouraged.

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can watch out for this future event by following our Facebook page

Click on the button below to register when the event is open.

Dive into the delicious world of pasta-making in this hands-on workshop designed for cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Pastamania brings families and individuals together to explore the art of crafting fresh pasta and flavorful homemade sauces from scratch.

Whether you’re rolling out noodles for the first time or looking to refine your technique, this class offers practical skills, tasty recipes, and a fun, interactive experience.

What You’ll Learn:

How to make fresh pasta by hand
Techniques for crafting homemade pasta sauces
Cooking tips for perfect texture and flavor
Pairing pasta shapes with the right sauces

We will provide more details in Spring 2026.

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can watch out for this future event by following our Facebook page.

Click on the button below to register and reserve your space when the event is open..

Join us for a hands-on, one-day workshop designed for homesteading enthusiasts and anyone curious about the timeless art of cast iron cooking. Each year, we explore a different type of cast iron cookware while diving into its history, care, and culinary uses.

What You’ll Learn:

The heritage and history of cast-iron cookware
How to clean, season, and maintain cast iron
Nutritious recipes and the occasional outdoor cooking techniques

We will provide more details in Spring 2026.

Cast Iron: Dutch Oven – Cooking Class

September 22nd from 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Katom Chef Supply Store (305 Katom Drive, Kodak, TN 37764)

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can find our upcoming event on our Facebook page by clicking this hyperlink.

Click on the button below to register and reserve your space.

We cover a variety of topics throughout the year on Canning, Freezing, and Drying.

To find more information about this topic, click on the link below to be directed to our UT Extension Sevier County Food Preservation website for information about upcoming programs.

Food Preservation Website

Join us for a hands-on, flavor-filled day designed for anyone passionate about cooking, hunting, homesteading, or simply eating well. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just curious about farm-to-table living, Field to Table is your one-stop shop for real-life food solutions.

Explore the journey from field to fork through live demonstrations, expert-led talks, and interactive booths that highlight the skills and knowledge needed to source, prepare, and enjoy wholesome, homegrown meals.

Event Highlights:

Live cooking and processing demonstrations
Expert talks on wild game, food preservation, and homesteading practices
Tasty samples and recipe inspiration
Interactive booths featuring tools, techniques, and local resources

Program Details:

November 1st from 9 am to 3 pm
Located at Katom Chef Supply Store (305 Katom Drive, Kodak, TN 37764)
This program is FREE and open to the public; registration isn’t required, but encouraged.

For more information, reach out to our office at 865-453-3695, or you can find our upcoming event on our Facebook page by clicking this hyperlink.

Click on the button below to register and reserve your space when the event is open.

Pictures from Previous Back to the Basics Workshops: