With grocery prices continuing to rise, many families are looking for ways to make their meals go a little bit farther. A few small changes in the kitchen can help you save money without giving up flavor or satisfaction.

One easy trick is to stretch your meat dishes by mixing in budget-friendly ingredients. Try adding refried beans, black beans, or lentils to taco meat for extra texture and protein. Or, mix cooked quinoa, rice, or oats into ground beef when making meatloaf, burgers, or casseroles. These additions can nearly double your portions at a fraction of the cost.

The Union County Extension Office will be hosting a Simmer Pot Kit Christmas Class on Tuesday, December 2nd at 5:00 p.m. This festive and hands-on workshop will take place at the Union County Extension Office and offers a fun opportunity to learn new skills while preparing for the holiday season.

The Union County Extension Office invites the community to kick off the holiday season with a festive, hands-on Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Chuck Swan State Forest in Sharps Chapel.

The workshop will take place on Thursday, November 21 at 10 a.m. at 3500 Sharps Chapel Road, Sharps Chapel, TN 37866. The cost to attend is $20, and space is limited.

As the holiday season approaches, the Union County Fresh Wagon program is asking for the community’s help to collect non-perishable food items for local families in need. Donations will be accepted November 1-14, and every contribution helps make a difference for a neighbor this holiday season.

We are currently collecting boxes of stuffing mix, packages of instant mashed potatoes and boxes of macaroni and cheese. Any brands and sizes are acceptable.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites the public to attend its November meeting on Thursday, November 21, at 10 a.m. at the Extension Office.

This month’s meeting will serve as the group’s annual Thanksgiving gathering, featuring a menu of soups and sandwiches. Members and guests are encouraged to bring a soup, sandwich, dessert or drink to share as everyone enjoys a time of food and fellowship.

The annual Pie and Cake Contest at the UC Heritage Festival was a huge hit this year, drawing an impressive 27 delicious entries from local bakers eager to show off their culinary talents. The sweet aroma of pies and cakes filled the air as judges sampled everything from fruit-filled creations to rich chocolate delights.

In the Pie Contest, Kathy Venturella took home the title of Grand Champion Pie and a $100 prize with her show-stopping Lemon Meringue Pie.

The Union County Extension Office is asking for input from local residents to help shape future Family and Consumer Science (FCS) programs. FCS programs cover a wide range of topics that support families and communities, including nutrition and cooking, financial literacy, health and wellness, parenting, and more.

Abigail Thomas, Union County’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what resources and programs would be most helpful to the people of Union County.

Not all oven settings are created equal. Today’s modern ovens often come with “Bake,” “Convection,” and even “Air Fry” options. Knowing the difference can save time in the kitchen and help you get the best results from your cooking.

Bake – Gentle and Traditional

The standard “Bake” setting uses heating elements, usually from the bottom of the oven, to provide steady, gentle heat. There’s no fan to move the air around, which makes it perfect for foods that need to rise slowly or set without disturbance.

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to attend a special Deer Processing Class presented by Union County Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, with guest presenters, on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Johnson’s Deer Processing, 520 W Mountain View Rd, Corryton, TN 37721.

This free, hands-on workshop will feature a live demonstration on how to properly field dress a deer and how to break it down into different cuts of meat. Participants will also receive information on venison recipes and how to safely preserve venison so nothing goes to waste.

Keeping your cutting boards clean and in good condition is essential for food safety. Over time, boards can develop deep grooves, cracks, or warping that harbor bacteria and increase the risk of foodborne illness. While there isn’t a specific timeline from University Extension services for replacing cutting boards, following these best practices can help ensure a safe kitchen.