The "Back to the Basics: Cooking with Cast Iron" program, led by the Lake Cumberland Area Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents, was a big success. Cast iron cookware is often passed down through generations, symbolizing family traditions and heritage. Feeling comfortable in the kitchen can lead to more home-cooked meals, which are healthier and more affordable than eating out. This can greatly improve the health and financial well-being of those who cook at home.

The program aimed to teach participants about the history, making, and uses of cast iron cookware. Out of 31 participants, 20 had never cooked with cast iron before. The lessons covered everything from the origins and production of cast iron to its practical uses in the kitchen. Participants learned to appreciate the durability and versatility of cast iron.

A major highlight of the program was the hands-on cooking demonstrations. Participants made pizza, homemade biscuits for apple turnovers, and the turnovers themselves, all using cast iron skillets. These sessions showed how efficient cast iron cooks food evenly and retains heat. Participants also learned about kitchen safety, proper measuring techniques for ingredients, and how to care for and maintain their cast iron cookware. By the end of the program, the participants felt confident and excited about using cast iron, understanding its health benefits and how it can be a healthier and more sustainable option for cooking at home.