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.
Join us for the Homemakers Expo, held on the last Saturday of January at Katom Chef Supply Store! This annual event celebrates the heart and heritage of Home Economics — the practical life skills that help families and communities thrive.
Throughout the expo, guests can explore live demonstrations, interactive hands-on booths, and learning stations featuring cooking, sewing, crafting, nutrition, home management, food preservation, and more. It’s a fun and welcoming space to rediscover classic homemaking skills while also learning modern, practical tips for everyday living.
The Homemakers Expo also highlights the important role Home Economics continues to play in strengthening households, promoting wellness, and building confident, capable individuals of all ages.
Connect with local Homemaker Clubs, meet UT Extension educators, discover volunteer opportunities, and take home helpful resources to support a healthy, organized, and creative home.
Join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and celebration as we honor both the traditions and the future of Home Economics — all inside the Katom Chef Supply Store!
Click on the button below to get a ticket, which includes a homemade sourdough grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch. We ask for a $10 donation to our program. If you have questions, please call our office at 865-453-3695.
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.
Be on the lookout for Bread Making Topics such as:
- Sourdough Starters 101
- Potato Flake or Regular Sourdough Bread
- Artisan Bread
- Sourdough Discard Recipes
The cost of each program can vary from $25 to $40 per person. Scholarships Provided. Food, recipes, and handouts will be provided.
Once the registration is open, you can use the button below to register for this program.
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
The cost of the program is $25 per person. Food, recipes, and handouts will be provided.
Once the registration is open, you can use the button below to register for this program.
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
The cost of the program is $25 per person. Food, recipes, and handouts will be provided.
Once the registration is open, you can use the button below to register for this program.
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.
Pictures from Previous Back to the Basics Workshops:
Fall-themed Cupcake Decorating Contest!
decorating their cupcakes.
If you have questions, please fill out the form below for more information. Thank you!
Family and Consumer Sciences