New class to offer tips in mastering art of making biscuits and apple butter

New class to offer tips in mastering art of making biscuits and apple butter There's nothing quite as good as apple butter with fresh-baked biscuits. It's a pairing made in culinary heaven, so it's little wonder that Melissa Shelton is bringing back a class she first offered back in 2021. Shelton, an extension agent focused on Family and Consumer Science with the UT Extension's office in Unicoi County, said that the class dates back to 2021 when she and a neighboring agent partnered together to bring the class to the public. "It was a full class," she noted. Now she's inviting the public to attend a new class on making apple butter and biscuits. The class is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Mountain Harvest Kitchen in Unicoi. Visit tiny.utk.edu/AppleButter or email mshelt20@utk.edu to register. The $15 fee includes all supplies and a pint of apple butter to take home. "A recent survey revealed folks here in Unicoi County want to learn how to preserve their own food," she said. "Of course, all apple butter goes with a biscuit so that's why we have the biscuit portion in there." "This class is for adults, but I have opened it up to 16-year-olds," Shelton noted. "If anyone younger than 16 would like to take the class, their parent must sign up and take it with them." The approach of the fall season influenced her in reviving the class. It is also influencing the adding of a new culinary competition to the upcoming Unicoi County Apple Festival. "There will also be a canning competition added to the Apple Festival this year, so we're hoping folks will make their apple butter and submit it in the competition," she said. "Apples are such a staple to Unicoi County, and what better way to become more acquainted with your county than learning to make apple butter?" Shelton said. "My goal is to use apples grown right here in the county for the class." Shelton, who has shifted her focus with the UT Extension from 4-H to Family and Consumer Science said that she is still learning different parts of the FCS world. She also said that the public can expect more food preservation classes in the future. "Also be on the lookout for heritage skills classes, such as sewing, crafting and things of that nature," she said. "All of these have been a request and a big hit in the county." If anyone has a suggestion on a class they would like to see offered by the Unicoi County office of UT Extension, she invites people to email or call her at the office. The phone number is (423) 735-1637. The office is located on the lower floor of the Unicoi County Courthouse in downtown Erwin.