Barbara Tenney’s ‘Berried Treasure’ Cooking Class at KaTom

Strawberries are in season so when I saw the menu for Barbara Tenney’s cooking class for May 13th, I signed up right away. I alerted friends and marked the calendar for a class that was sure to please everyone. Janice and I can report that it was an absolute treat.

A nice table was waiting for us when we walked into KaTom kitchen.

Menu

Green salad with berries and raspberry vinaigrette

Steamed asparagus

Grilled chicken with strawberry barbecue sauce and strawberry salsa

Strawberry lemonade cake

The kitchen was prepped and ready to go.

The salad was so fresh and full of flavor. The dressing would make anyone crave more.

I was very interested in the strawberry barbecue sauce. It was worth all the work and ingredients to make it.

I learned an important tip: tenderized chicken breasts cook quickly and are more flavorful. What a colorful spring plate!

The strawberry salsa was light and complemented the main course without being very sweet. I would have never thought to combine strawberries with avocado—but it was very nice.

And now, for the piece de resistance!

The strawberry lemonade cake was perfection!

The cake was a perfect blend of flavors, with a delicate lemon undertone throughout the confection. The icing was not too sweet and balanced the two fruit flavors perfectly.

One more view…a slice of heaven!

At the table next to us, we saw local friends enjoying an evening out. You never know who you will see at at KaTom cooking class.

I always enjoy arriving a few minutes early so we have time to shop. There are many grilling utensils and summer items on the showroom floor now. This gadget looks convenient.

Make sure you check the ‘discount’ area because you never know what treasure you may find there. I have purchased several pieces of glassware in my recent trips to KaTom.

To find out about more cooking classes, follow KaTom Restaurant Supply on Facebook. On the menu, click ‘events’ to see classes, demos, and other information. They are planning more summer events so stay tuned!

Here is a link.

https://www.facebook.com/KaTomRestaurantSupply

February Valentine’s Dinner at KaTom

My first cooking class in over a year at KaTom with Barbara Tenney was filled with holiday delights.

On the menu:

Mixed Greens with Strawberry Cream Dressing

Fresh Orange Rice

Simply Steamed Asparagus

Macadamia Nut Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with Vanilla Lime Butter Sauce

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Barbara Tenney (pictured right) prepared and instructed this themed dinner from behind the counter. A camera above projected the steps for each dish.

The first course was excellent. Candied pecans in a salad + strawberries = instant happiness.

The Chilean Sea Bass was the best that I have tried in my foodie experiences.

I was intrigued by the Orange Rice and it did not disappoint. Important tip: make sure that you rinse Jasmine Rice before cooking it to reduce the starch. There was still plenty of starch so I can’t imagine not rinsing it now. The orange flavor was light and made the side dish special.

I receive KaTom email announcements about cooking classes and signed up online through Eventbrite. It was easy.

After making a reservation, your party will be assigned a table with a good view of the cooking class. Each participant receives a copy of the recipes so bring a pen in case you would like to take notes during the lesson. Participants sample each course which tend to be full size servings, in my opinion. It can be a good idea to bring a ‘to go’ box if you have a small appetite.

The point of no resistance.

I have had Red Velvet Cheesecake before, but this one was the best! Very fresh, light, and creamy. Bravo!

I heard that Barbara Tenney and the KaTom team are planning an Easter themed class in the spring. Sign up for email alerts or follow KaTom Kitchen Supplies on Facebook to get the latest news in regard to cooking classes. Tickets are limited right now due to social distancing so I recommend signing up within 48 hours if you see a class that interests you.

Buen provecho!

Barbara Tenney’s Savory Appetizers Demo—Just in Time for the Holidays at KaTom

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Last Saturday, I made it just in time for Barbara Tenney’s savory appetizer demo at KaTom. The recipes were so quick and easy that I would consider trying to make them in the future. Here is a quick photo review.

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First, I watched Barbara prepare the rosemary roasted cashews.

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Fresh rosemary is essential for this appetizer.

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You will use most of a container of cashews. We buy this container at Costco or Sam’s Club and they are fabulous!

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The recipe is very easy: mix, stir, and bake. The aroma invited all KaTom customers to come over to the kitchen area.

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It is one of the easiest appetizers to prepare for the holidays—or anytime.

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Next, it was time to see the demo for parmesan and thyme crackers.

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Chill the dough first. The secret is to use White Lily flour. That is always the best choice.

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The directions are as simple as mix, roll, chill, cut, and bake. Voila!

The crackers do not ‘rise’ as a biscuit or roll; rather, they become warm and fragrant. I was surprised how light and tasty the crackers turned out and tried a couple more to make sure. So good!

KaTom has one more holiday demo this Saturday when Barbara Tenney will prepare New Year’s appetizers: overnight marinated shrimp and cheddar-stuffed mushrooms. One could easily envision those treats served on an elegant tray at a party so that will be a nice end to this holiday series. The demo starts at 11:00 so save me a seat at the counter!

Two Coyotes Studio in Downtown Sevierville

 

One of my favorite places in downtown Sevierville is the Two Coyotes Studio. I like to drop by and browse the art and jewelry. In fact, I have bought several gifts and earrings for myself at this business. Also, it is just fun to chat with the owner/artist, Bev Gwinn Jones. Come along with me to visit this little treasure tucked away upstairs on Court Avenue.

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If you are looking in this direction then you are very close to the studio entrance. Check the Facebook page (included further in the article) to be aware of current hours. She is busy teaching classes in the summer!

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The door is to the right of D Garden Florique.

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The door is to the left of Southern Fried Hair. Now, you have found it on Court Avenue.

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Walk in the door and you will be directed up the stairs.

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It looks like a lot, but it you will be at the top in seconds.

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When you are close to the top of the stairs, you will see some pretty things!

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Everything will catch your eye!

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If you like jewelry, especially earrings, then you are in the right place.

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I love the visual presentation.

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So many pretty things!

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Bev Gwinn Jones is the artist/owner of the studio. She has had an interesting career trajectory that has led her to downtown Sevierville. Originally from Knoxville, Bev lived in Gatlinburg during her college years, working at a plant store called “Plants and Other Healthy Things.” Later, she worked with the Record Bar, a chain of record stores in the southeast. You may remember the Record Bar in West Town Mall? She traveled a lot through Nashville, East Tennessee, and more during those years.

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I always must admire this photo in the Two Coyotes Studio. OK, I admit that I always go over to this photo to pay homage to one of my favorite music artists.

Here is a short version of the story behind the photo above. Bev moved to Texas and was working as  regional manager for a record store chain when a friend invited her to go to a Sting concert. Not only did she get to see a concert of a lifetime, but they also had backstage passes. There was a long ‘meet and greet’ line to see Sting, but it was all completely worth it! Bev will tell you the story. Apparently Sting was very pleasant and personable as they got to enjoy that moment. Bev says that she had two highlights of her music store career: meeting Sting and David Crosby. What luck!

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At the height of her music store career, Bev had 24 stores under her supervision. Eventually, she was able to move back with the company to Nashville and ended up in Sevierville to start her family.

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When I asked Bev why she named her studio “Two Coyotes,” she told me that it came from a time when she and her husband lived in Colorado. Coyotes are iconic animal figures in Colorado, much as bears are in our area. Bev said, “Coyotes mate for life and their nest is usually high on a mountaintop.” One can see the parallel and it is perfect.

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Bev created and sold her art in Sevierville as she raised her family. I borrowed this photo  from the Two Coyotes Studio Facebook page that shows her selling her creations on Bruce Street in 1992. Bruce Street was her first venue; later, she began doing arts and crafts shows.  Eventually, she settled into her Court Avenue location. Catch her studio link here https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/ .

IMG_6853Bev sells her creations at my favorite boutique in town: Loraleis. She also once sold them in a store that you may remember called the Common Good. Now, her creations are primarily sold in her own studio.

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I always find 10 things that I like on this display. Love the birdcage to display jewelry!

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I admired these necklaces. Beautiful color!

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Bev Gwinn Jones is busy creating art and teaching classes. Go to her Facebook page and click on ‘events’ in the left menu. She offers small group art camps for children in her studio. Also, she helps lead a drama camp at her church so check the Two Coyotes Studio Facebook page for times and dates. Here is the link

https://www.facebook.com/BevGwinnJones/

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A generous spirit, I personally know that Bev supports charities and fundraisers. The work pictured above has been commissioned for an upcoming charity event.

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One thing that is unique to this studio— you can design your own jewelry. There are no limits to what you can create at Two Coyotes Studio.

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I felt very attracted to this design when I realized that it reminded me of something…

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The flowers remind me of the cabi Primrose Dress. Love it!

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It is a visual pleasure to gaze at the creations in the Two Coyotes Studio.

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I learned about Bev and the studio from my good friend, Sheley. We have visited the studio together a couple of times, especially for Christmas shopping.

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And even ornaments! The store is so pretty that I used the photo above for an Instagram post last year.

 

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Bev Gwinn Jones is a talented artist with an interesting life and personal story. Her studio is so fun to visit and anyone can afford something there— some things just cost a few dollars. This artist supports downtown Sevierville and small businesses. In truth, Two Coyotes Studio is a downtown Sevierville treasure.

Check out some pretty things at Two Coyotes Studio when you are out and about in Sevierville. 

Mountain Zen Yoga in Downtown Sevierville

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I attended an Open House for Mountain Zen Yoga on Sunday afternoon and found a new favorite place downtown. This place is an unexpected addition to the downtown Sevierville landscape, but it fits in perfectly. Come along and stretch with me.

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I parked across the street from Graze Burgers and near the Crust and Crumb bakery, two of my other new favorite businesses downtown. Now, add this one to the list.

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Mountain Zen Yoga is located in the former bail bondsman office. I think that I will use this business more. 🙂

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The fruit infused water is worth the price of a class! Try this strawberry and citrus water.  Wonderful!

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Get the app or book online. Here is the contact info.

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I was greeted at the door by the studio owner, Heather Jagels. I have actually known her for years and just reconnected with her at the Night at the Derby party in April. During college, Heather used yoga to relieve stress. Later, she worked as the VP of Marketing for 3 national television networks: HGTV, DIY Network, and Great American Country. She would travel 14 days out of the month so finding yoga studios kept her healthy on the road. In doing this, she began to dream about having her own studio. She began her dream in downtown Sevierville with the December 1st opening of Mountain Zen Yoga.

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The studio is very attractive and comfortable. I loved the floor, ceiling, and big front windows.

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Heather says that you can do yoga at any age throughout life. It makes the muscles and core stronger too. I want to be able to hold this pose for 5 seconds by the end of the summer? Stay tuned.

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You are on Bruce Street, but you feel like you have entered a peaceful realm.

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The bolster pillows are so pretty, but are very sturdy and offer good support.

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Remove your shoes at the door and put them in this cubby at the back of the room. You can store your other things in this area as well.

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I stayed for the free class. Curtains were drawn to begin the stretching session. I love the beautiful lighting in the room in this shot. Also, it captures the beautiful floor and ceiling.

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It is so easy to just relax and restore in this room.

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After the relaxing stretch session, we listened to a massage therapist speak about wellness, muscles, and the body.

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Here is the contact info for the massage therapist.

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This is my goal for 5 years from now. I love the beautiful dancer pose. Heather does it beautifully.

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As you can tell, this is a busy place with classes scheduled all day. This is posted in the front window.

Tips

  • It is easier to come dressed for class. If you need to change, there is a restroom down the hall or a little office upstairs above the yoga room.
  • You can rent a mat for $2 if you need one.
  • If the front door is open then that indicates no class is going on at that moment. If the front door is shut, wait until the class is over to enter the studio.  Go have a coffee at Courthouse Donuts or  Crust and Crumb. Or, run across the street and visit the Arts in Common Gallery or Two Coyotes Studio on Court Avenue. They are all my favorite places downtown and just steps away.
  • Yoga makes your life better and your body stronger. It relieves stress, makes the body stronger, relaxes muscles, and clears the mind. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need that.
  • I have two friends who love ‘hot’ yoga. It gets up to 95 degrees for that class.
  • Sevier County citizens get a 5% discount. Sevier County teachers get a 10% discount. We could use a lot of yoga benefits right now!
  • There are  5 instructors who teach classes for Mountain Zen Yoga. They are all Yoga Alliance certified teachers. These instructors have different backgrounds and styles so they bring a lot of variety to the studio.
  • Book classes through the app or online.
  • The room holds 14 people and some classes book up so planning is key to reserving a spot.
  • There are at least 3 beginner classes. Rest and Restore is for beginners and takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Conclusion

I am so glad that I was able to attend the Open House and take a quick class with Mountain Zen Yoga in downtown Sevierville. This will be a place that is convenient and on the way to other things that I like to do downtown, especially during the summer. I hope to take classes on a weekly basis this summer. Truly, Mountain Zen Yoga will help to maintain a healthy life and body and that is one of the best reasons to get out and about in Sevierville. 

Save a spot for me!

 

Polar Bear Claws Candy Demo at KaTom with Barbara Tenney

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It was the last holiday candy demo of 2018 at KaTom so I was looking forward to the Polar Bear Claws at KaTom with local celebrity chef, Barbara Tenney. I was running a few minutes late, but was lucky to find a seat at the counter with some more Tenney fans. Here is a pictorial tour of the Polar Bear Claws demo.

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First of all, you can buy Polar Bear Claws, but they are a little pricey. However, you can follow a recipe and make it yourself more economically.

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You can find a bag of caramel bits at Wal-mart or other food stores. I had never seen them before, but noted how much quicker they may melt in a pan. This is a good tip.

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Melt white chocolate wafers rather than chocolate itself because you will not need to use paraffin in the recipe.

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Melt the caramel and peanuts for the main part of the candy.

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Make the candy orbs.

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Next, dip into the white chocolate mixture.

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We added crushed peanuts on top and it added a salty, savory flavor. I usually do not like white chocolate, but these Polar Bear Claws were very good! Someone said that the taste reminded them of a Zero Bar.

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Voila!

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Today’s coffee selection was Capuccino. Very good too!

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Hands on helpers are always welcome in the Saturday KaTom kitchen.

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We have enjoyed the candy demos and making new friends. These are Barbara Tenney’s new fans. It was sweet fun!

I would like to see more demos in January and February. Maybe breakfast or brunch items? Soups and more! KaTom cooking classes are a fun way to be out and about in Sevierville. 

Truffles in the making! Barbara Tenney at KaTom.

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I had always thought that candy truffles were difficult to make—but I was wrong. The cooking demo at KaTom on Saturday proved that they could be one of the more easy holiday candies. Even better, you can make a variety of flavors. Here is how it went…

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First, there was some excitement due to an incoming weather system and the possibility of snow, a holiday surprise to come later on Sunday evening.

We looked up truffle prices online and found that this candy can be quite pricey.

 

Consequently, it can be a good idea to make your own truffles.

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The recipe is straightforward and not too difficult.

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We approve of this ingredient!

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Necessary if you want the best truffles possible.

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I arrived at the best part—scraping the chocolate mix to create the individual candies.

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Line up the candies on parchment paper before applying the coating.

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We also enjoy this ingredient.

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Time for a coffee break!

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Yes, they were wonderful with such rich flavor.

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Some of us volunteered to help with the coatings: powdered sugar, cocoa, or pecans.

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Holiday ready!

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I will say that the first bite transported me to another place. Divine!

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Voila!

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We were invited to take some samples home from the truffles demonstration so this was my reward for the drive out to KaTom. They will keep in the fridge for weeks.

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Barbara had a young fan in attendance who really enjoys cooking. I predict that Lillie may be on the Food Network some day. We enjoyed spending the session with her and her grandmother. These demos are great for children who enjoy cooking and food preparation.

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Always get your picture with the cook!

Look out for next week…

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The demo will be homemade caramels! Save me a place at the counter!

Holiday Demos Begin at KaTom for 2018

Local cooking expert/celebrity, Barbara Tenney, gave a holiday treats demo at KaTom last Saturday. The demonstrations are kind of like ‘mini-classes.’ She will be conducting these informal demos on several Saturdays leading up to Christmas. Sophia and I slipped into the one last Saturday on how to make Peanut Brittle—and it was divine! Here is what you need to know.

  1. The demos typically last from 11:00-1:00 so you can drop in and enjoy it.
  2. The holiday treats demos are informal, so just walk in and sit at the counter to get a good view and ask questions.
  3. I try to arrive close to 11:00 so I can linger and not be in a hurry.
  4. Barbara Tenney will make the treats in front of you so there will lots of opportunities to talk and ask questions.
  5. You get a copy of the recipe.
  6. You get to sample the recipe.
  7. In some cases, you may get to take home a sample.
  8. There is a cool sale room in KaTom where you can find some kitchen treasures for super low prices.
  9. You can browse the store afterward. There are a lot of gift ideas for the holidays. I am going back to shop again for Christmas gifts.
  10. The coffee machine!

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We observed this recipe for peanut brittle and it was excellent.

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A secret: you have to use Spanish peanuts. No other kind will be as good.

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Candy thermometers are a must to get it perfect.

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You must butter a granite counter first, then pour the hot batter out to pull. It cools quickly so work fast.

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Use gloves to pull the batter as it will still be super hot. Barbara said that thinness is key to good brittle. Break it apart.

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Almost ready!

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Voila! The finished product.

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My sample bag of peanut brittle! I shared with colleagues at work yesterday.

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I want this coffee machine!

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KaTom is ready for the holidays.

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Here are the upcoming dates for holiday treats demonstrations:

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Save me a seat at the counter!

The Flavors of Fall: A Special Barbara Tenney Cooking Class at KaTom

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It is always a pleasure to see Barbara Tenney at a KaTom cooking class, but the flavors of fall are calling as the temps drop now. The menu looked perfect so I made a reservation and had a seat waiting for me last week. The evening did not disappoint. Here is what we enjoyed at the “Perfect Pork and Pumpkins Cooking Demo.”

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Here is a screenshot of the menu. It was a collection of the best fall flavors.

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Barbara Tenney made a wonderful Butternut Squash and Apple Chowder. It only had a few tablespoons of butter. The soup was rich and thick from the vegetables and apple. It was fabulous and I am ready to make this myself.

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Voila!

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My table mates were from Dandridge and Morristown. I was sitting by Faye Andrews, one of my favorite seat mates for these events. She said that it is easy enough to cook an entree, but you really have to know what you are doing to cook a good side dish. I agree and this side dish was excellent.

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Our table was front and center so the view was the best. The overhead projection helps as well. I like KaTom’s state of the art demonstration kitchen. You always learn something new and enjoy every moment.

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I would never have thought to use a stuffing with these ingredients—but now prefer them.

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The main course and side dish were excellent. It was a good idea to bring a ‘to-go’ box because the portions were generous.

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Of course, dessert was the piece de resistance!

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The question of the evening was this: Does a crack in the top of the cheesecake bother you? Everyone at our table said ” not at all!”

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This was the best pumpkin pie that I have ever had anywhere. My advice to you is always to use a ginger snap crust. Heavenly! We were applauding.

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One must shop a little before leaving so here are a couple of treasures that I found…

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Go Vols!

IMG_8597I was looking at these champagne glasses in the sale room. They were only $1 each! Barbara walked by and said that they would also be good for serving a dessert, such as strawberries and cream, etc. I bought them at once. Count the glasses and you may guess who will be invited to have this dessert sometime soon. (A friend will get this embedded mystery.)

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The sun had set so I hurried toward the car to be on my way.

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KaTom is an excellent place to shop and educate oneself on food and food preparation. If Barbara Tenney is there then it is an event that should not be missed. She is not only a renowned cook in East Tennessee, but she is one of my favorite people.  It is one of my favorite things to do when out and about in Sevierville.Â