The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Big Ridge Club, had a field trip to the TVA & I Fair, for FCE Day. It was free admission and parking for FCE members. The clubs donated Gift Cards to US Veterans and crafted patriotic cards for them to go into. This was a Community Service event for the Eastern Region FCE. They will be distributed to Veterans in Johnson City.

The highlights were the featured Guest Speakers. One Vietnam Veteran. Barry Rice who gave a lesson on the sacrifices our Veterans and families gave for us Americans. We Americans reap the benefits of their sacrifices.

The second speaker was Darrell Benton’s Bacon & Country Hams, in Madisonville, Tennessee. He told the history of Benton Country Hams, starting with his father purchasing the company from Albert Hicks of, Tennessee in 1973. They leased the facility from him at first. The Benton’s added their families Seasoning Recipe from Scott County Virginia. Darrell’s father worked seven days a week with two employees. He barely survived financially, until Blackberry Bear Farms Resort in Walland Tennessee got things rolling for the company. Their Head Chef hosted other Chefs from across the United States and introduced them to Benton’s products. Darrell’s father couldn’t wait to tell his two employees that he had orders for Country Hams from a Fine Restaurant in New York City. You know if you order a BLT sandwich with Benton’s Bacon on it, because its name will be on the restaurant’s menu. It’s an extraordinarily great fresh bacon. The bacon is dry cured by hand with salt, brown sugar, and black pepper.

Darrell hated working at the Benton Shop growing up. He said it was hard getting a date, when you always smelled like hickory smoke. He pursued his higher education and became a doctor. After a few years in practice, that desire to return to the Benton’s Business was more than he could handle. His father was not happy about this decision. He switched white coats from a Physicians Coat to a Butchers White Coat.

He educated us on how Country Hams are cured and the time it takes to cure them slowly. He said the best way to cook a piece of Country Cured Ham, was to put a tablespoon of bacon grease in an iron skillet over medium heat. When the grease begins to pop, put a thin slice of ham in for 20 seconds on each side. Slap that on a homemade biscuit with a dollop of homemade jam. I purchase my Benton’s Bacon at Pratt’s Market in Fountain City. If you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out.

He invited everyone to their Madisonville to see their facility and how they Hickory Smokey their hams. They are located at 2603 US-411 in Madisonville, Tennessee.

At the Heritage Festival, the Big Ridge FCE will be hosting the Annual Pie/Cake Baking Contest, on Friday Oct. 2nd. We will be selling the pies/cakes as a fundraiser, so come by the UT Extension Office to get a delicious, made from scratch delight.

For more information call 865-992-8038 and UT TAFCE Extension Agent Abagail Thomas will assist you.