Classes and demonstrations

Chef Frank Downs From the Buckhorn Inn Astounds Us at KaTom: A Very Special Menu!

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I have heard many people tell of staying, and dining, at the Buckhorn Inn in Gatlinburg and know it must be grand. On Tuesday evening, the fine dining at the Buckhorn Inn was on display in the KaTom demonstration kitchen. What a nice evening with some great people from the Sevierville and Morristown areas. Here is what we experienced.

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I quickly found my place with some good people that I know and work with at SPS.

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I love to sit with these ladies. All love to cook, learn new techniques, and enjoy fine cuisine.

Featured from left to right, Fay Andrews, Teresa Lee, Donna Jones, Harriet Berrier, and Sarah Berrier. What a fun table! I always learn something new from these ladies.

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Enjoying the time before the demonstration are Debbie Smolnyki, Rose Anders, and Cindy Anders.

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Excited to try the menu are Teresa Lee, Karen McNabb, Sharon Huskey, Harriet Berrier, and Donna Jones.

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The pamphlet from the Buckhorn Inn revealed to me that room prices are affordable. In fact, I was shocked to see how much better the room rates are than a room in Nashville, for example. Take advantage of this some day! Here is a link to the inn website. http://www.buckhorninn.com

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Appetizers were a fancy ‘pigs in a blanket.’ It was Andouille sausage, roasted jalapeño and Manchego cheese in pastry. Spicy and delightful. The mustard sauce, pictured at the top of the plate, was divine:  Dijon mustard and heavy cream. You could just eat it by itself.

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Pepper steak and Frisee parfait. You can serve it in martini glasses for panache!

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Voila! Shrimp and chorizo over Three Cheese Grits. Too good to be believed.

FullSizeRender-22Bernie Croquette potato with horse radish sauce. The crust is a blend of Panko bread crumbs and almonds.

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The presentation of the croquette potatoes. I, in fact, have never had a croquette and must have another soon. The sprig of rosemary in the top makes it look like a pear. Wonderful!

We were excited to see a dessert—and that it was chocolate. A Double Diablo Chocolate Ganache cake was awaited with great excitement.

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Out of the oven to cool. Chef Downs showed us how to invert it, thus showing a smooth and beautiful top. What you see here goes on the bottom…as if we cared!

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The decoration technique was fun to watch. Don’t stare at this picture more than a few seconds or the design will seem to move on its own. I think that it is just the light in the photo that causes that effect.

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Raspberry sauce and strawberries to garnish the cake. Unbelievable!

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The final product—a dream on a plate!  The cake was incredibly moist and probably the best that I have ever had. Bravo! We all stood and applauded the meal and expertise of Chef Frank Downs. I can’t wait to go to the Inn some day for dinner. It gets our highest recommendation!

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We enjoyed the evening and got a final picture with Chef Frank Downs before our departures. Karen McNabb, Chef Downs, ‘yours truly’, and Teresa Lee.

Go to the KaTom website or Facebook page to see upcoming events. Here is a link that will take you directly to their event /cooking demonstration bookings. https://www.facebook.com/pg/KaTomRestaurantSupply/events/?ref=page_internal

It is one of our favorite things to do when out and about in Sevierville. Save me a seat at the table!

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Amazing Art Studio in the Smokies!

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Lately, there is fun trend: painting with friends for a relaxing hour or two. As a blogger, I need to learn Photoshop and digital photography skills. Amazingly, there are some studios in our county where you can do these activities. In fact, I found a studio where you can do both, and more! This is the first art studio that I have visited and it impressed me. Here is what I found at the Art Studio of the Smokies. 
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I took the back roads to the Glades, where it intersects with Highway 321 in Gatlinburg. At the traffic light, you barely turn right then you will see Buie’s Landing on the left, location of the Art Studio of the Smokies. This studio is owned by Camille Barton Spires, an artist from Augusta, Georgia. Camille has 20 years of teaching experience and is a certified art and graphics instructor. She relocated to Gatlinburg to realize her dream to open her own art studio one and a half years ago.   
The address for the studio is
 1360 East Parkway, Suite 6, Buies’ Landing,
 Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738. 

Here is a link to her website.

http://www.artstudioofthesmokies.com

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It is quite an attractive doorway, as you would imagine. So pretty!

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I admired the comfortable sunroom like waiting area by the front door.

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This is the view from one of the sofas. I can imagine that parents would be happy here waiting for children to finish their classes/projects.

Camille is pictured below on the right. I took this photo at a  Sevierville Commons Arts Council Art Happening last summer. You can make some helpful contacts at those Art Happenings gatherings and learn some helpful skills! Plus, the people are really super nice.

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When I arrived, Camille told me that WBIR Channel 10 had just contacted her to ask permission to film her studio for a segment on Live At Five At Four. I was alternately excited for her and chagrined that I had worn an older sweater in case I was to be filmed. Lesson learned—always dress nicer than you think. It was exciting to know that the station was sending a reporter nonetheless!

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The painting room set-up is excellent. You can see the natural lighting from the big windows and the aisle from which the instructor can stroll and coach students with their creations.

Camille says, “I love teaching art lessons so that people grow confident and develop their own approach and love of art….both locals as well as vacations and school breaks when people can relax and explore new ways to get creative and have some ‘me time’.” She says that the ratio seems to be about 80% locals who visit her studio.

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Look at all the art fun that you can have with friends!
Art parties, art camps, ‘paint and sip’ get-togethers. theme parties, birthday parties, showers, etc.
Art classes work especially well  in groups. Individual instruction may also be scheduled.

 

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An art teacher’s dream setup for materials!

Camille says, “Couples painting is a big hit with dual canvases that go together…for anniversaries and honeymoon memories….and Valentine’s is coming up! Also, personalized paint parties with friends or family painting is a great indoor activity for the winter months. In addition, birthday parties and painting certificates as birthday gifts are growing in popularity.” It is the perfect winter activity.

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Here is a student project in progress. I like the projection on the screen to enhance instruction.

Here are a few student projects.

 

 

The computer lab is upstairs. I was amazed at what I found.

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I was expecting 2 or 3 computers, but this lab can accommodate 8-12 people at a time. This is quite impressive!

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The desktops have a perfect view of the screen which was projecting a slideshow of student projects. We sat down for about an hour comparing Photoshop to Lightroom and which may best suit my needs. Camille guided me through some basic Photoshop points, creating messages and watermarks on pictures. I can’t wait to go back and learn more.

The reporter from WBIR-TV 10 arrived on time and taped quietly in the back of the room during my lesson. It was warm enough upstairs that I changed from the old sweater to my long sleeve black T-shirt. You can only see part of my face in the last seconds of the video shown today so all was well! Click this link to see the WBIR TV segment today on Camille Barton Spires and her Art Studio in the Smokies. The segment is only a couple of minutes, but gives you a good overview of her studio. It is fabulous!

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/five-at-four/studio-appeals-to-artists-of-any-age-and-skill-level/384510680

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Here are some things that you can learn in the computer lab.

  • Digital and computer based instruction in photography and Photoshop
  • Illustration and graphics
  • Compositions and layout techniques
  • Portfolio development

These are listed on the brochure for live sound and digital recording

  • basics for running live sound
  • beginning classes for digital recording
  • instruction on analog and digital consoles

This is an outstanding studio in which to learn, create, and enjoy your time. Call to find an open appointment with Camille. I highly recommend a visit soon.

To see these pictures and more, go to my blog Facebook page for pictures only. Click this link to go there now.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Get out and about …

Barbara Tenney Christmas Appetizer Demo Tomorrow at KaTom (It is free!)

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Barbara Tenney will be creating Christmas appetizers in the KaTom kitchen tomorrow from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. She will show you how to create a few special appetizers, give you a copy of the recipe, and probably let you sample them. This is all free tomorrow at KaTom. Just walk in and sit at the kitchen counter to see some holiday goodies. I went to her presentation two weeks ago. This is what it was like…

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Barbara Tenney is a well known cook/caterer/instructor in East Tennessee, especially the Knoxville area. She has done cooking demonstrations for years at Williams Sonoma at West Town Mall, and more recently, Butler and Bailey in the Rocky Hill area of West Knoxville. She is frequently featured on WBIR cooking segments and did the Thanksgiving Day turkey demo last year. She has quite a following and we love to attend her classes when we can.

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Two weeks ago, I walked into the KaTom Chef Supplies store and was thrilled to find an open area at the counter. Barbara has a distinct fashion sense and fun to chat with. She told me that she was very busy Thanksgiving Day catering a special dinner in Knoxville. Wish that I could have been there!

She offered two holiday treats a couple of weeks ago: Mexican Mocha mix and Mexican Snack Mix. I include the recipes below because they were wonderful!

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I ended up buying a canister of this in preparation for snow days ahead.

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I got to go behind the counter and get a closer view. May I point out the beautiful countertops with a shiny silver component.

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Here is a better view of the countertops. So nice!

Let me say that the Mexican Mocha was fabulous, with just a little spice. It will be my preferred chocolate drink this winter. Barbara poured a sample into a Christmas gift bag to take home. It would be easy to make as a homemade gift to friends and family as well. Loved the packaging!

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The Mexican Snack Mix was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Loved it, but will have to keep my distance. Like Chex Mix, you could really eat a lot of it before you know it.

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Here is view from the inside of the bag. Jump in!

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And the gift bag was ready to go home. Voila!

If you click this link to the KaTom Facebook page then you can see their video of Barbara Tenney making spiced pecans for their Twelve Days of Christmas ideas.

https://www.facebook.com/KaTomRestaurantSupply/

I am not sure which appetizers that Barbara Tenney will be making tomorrow at KaTom, but I don’t care—it is Barbara Tenny! She is amazing and we are lucky to have her visiting us so close to home so we don’t have to fight the Knoxville traffic. She is quite the treasure. It is a great way to get out and about in Sevierville tomorrow. Plus, a way to get some new ideas for Christmas treats.

Save me a space at the counter!

Chef Jeff Ross of Blackberry Farm Cooks Christmas Dinner at KaTom: A Meal to Remember!

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It was the best cooking class of the year! All my friends agreed. We were so thrilled to attend the last class of the year at KaTom, instructed by Jeff Ross of the famous Blackberry Farm. Read on and I will share the delights!

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A cool, damp evening was considerably cheered up by festive lights and regalia at the KaTom Chef Supplies store. I couldn’t wait to get inside!

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Our favorite table was decorated and ready to go. We loved the centerpiece. Here is another view. We certainly missed Harriet and Sarah, but look forward to seeing them next month.

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Little ramekins held good things ready to spread. KaTom sells jars of these: pumpkin butter, strawberry butter, and rhubarb marmalade. So good! One of my friends may have bought some.

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Jeff Ross is a chef at the Blackberry Farm luxury hotel and resort. He was very friendly and glad to answer any questions during the evening. His delivery is comfortable, informative, and humorous. In his introduction, we learned that Jeff started in the garden at Blackberry Farm and now creates wonderful meals in the kitchen as well. “Horticulture to kitchen.” We are glad! He also gave us a lot of tips about cooking that I had never heard before. Also, good restaurants and stores that he, himself, likes to visit. That says a lot.

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We received full recipes at our tables to take home. Here is the special Christmas Dinner menu:

Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Benton’s Sausage and Pepper Jam

Fig Simmered Benton’s Holiday Ham with Fig Mostarda

Steamed Puddings with Tennessee Hard Sauce

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The KaTom cooking demonstration experience is very comfortable and fun. Notice the large screen TV over the kitchen area so every seat has a great view.

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Getting ready.

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Benton’s Holiday Ham.

A good tip for me to remember: slowly simmer the ham in water for a couple of hours to reduce the salt.

A good view from the overhead screen. Preparing the steamed puddings, which he explained would be more like moist cake. Oh my!

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A view from the back of the room during class.

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We were getting excited at this point. Below are the ingredients for the Tennessee Hard Sauce. Divine!

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Brussel sprouts will roast in the oven soon.

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Dinner is served! Barley is on the upper left of the plate to give a winter crunch and balance out the flavors.

The piece de resistance!

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Serve the steamed puddings like this…

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Or this!

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In summary, my friends were delighted with this class and the dinner. In fact, we believe it was one of the best that we have ever had anywhere. When Jeff Ross comes back to KaTom for a demonstration/class then we will be there. This was the best of the year!

It was an extraordinary gastronomic adventure while we were out and about in Sevierville.

To see more pictures, go to the Facebook page where I post pictures.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1254469567899261/

Sevierville 7 Day Planner: November 12 – 19, 2016

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Things start getting busier in Sevierville next week, plus more things approaching the holidays. Here are some fun happenings coming up in Sevierville to mark on your calendar. I am going to use screen shots because the information is excellent.

First, this just popped up on my Facebook feed. Everyone loves the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. While not in Sevierville, it is only minutes away with great food, shopping, and photo opportunities. My favorite store is Sassafras so this looks like a ‘must do’ on Saturday. Red Velvet Fudge? Oh my…

 

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We are (finally) getting a new Dairy Queen across the street from Sevier County High School. Will you be in line early next Tuesday morning? Worth it!

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There is a cooking demo at KaTom next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. presented by the Executive Chef from Babalu Tapas and Tacos in downtown Knoxville. It is a fun place to eat so I can’t miss this class. Call KaTom at 865-225-1545 to RSVP.  Save me a seat near the counter!

Here is a link to the website. https://eatbabalu.com

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This event is more than a week away, but you need time to register and, perhaps, train for it. Get ready for the Thanksgiving Day 5K at Sevier County High School. The race this year, if I remember correctly, stays on the high school campus rather than out on the streets. The campus is quite large and will easily accommodate a 5K. You walk it or you can run it. Proceeds benefit Dr. Suzanne South’s science lab.

Go to the Foundation Facebook page and scroll down to learn more about the race and to see pictures of the science lab. The upgrades from previous fundraising have really made a difference so come and support the school.

https://www.facebook.com/SevierCountyHighSchoolFoundation/

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This is what it looks like when you open Eventbrite to register for the race. Run and be home by 9:30 a.m. to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner! Don’t worry about the buffet lunch after this race.

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(If you have an event that you want for me to share then send me an invitation or announcement via email or Facebook two weeks before the date. A month in advance would be even better.)

I see several fun events coming up at the end of the month and into early December so get ready to get out and about in Sevierville for the holidays!