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SCCTC Culinary Arts Teacher Judy
Hensley holds two cookbooks that feature
her recipes.

Local Teacher Published in 'Best of the Best' Series Cookbook

Jason McCarty
Staff Writer

Scott County Career and Technical Center Culinary Arts teacher Judy Hensley has worked with students in Scott County for eight years, sharing her recipes and cooking knowledge with area students.

More importantly, Hensley's love for food preparation has provided joy for many people in Scott County and the surrounding areas who enjoy the fruits of her labor.

In 2003, Hensley published a collection of recipes titled "Just Like Mama's" and sold 550 copies. Last year, she spiced up her collection with a few more recipes for a second printing and sold another 450 copies. Recently, Hensley received notification that five of her recipes from "Just Like Mama's" were selected to be included in "Best of the Best from Virginia Cookbook II."

Since the original "Best of the Best from Virginia Cookbook" was published in 1991 as the eighth book in the prestigious series, so many fine cookbooks have become available in the state that the editors knew it was time for a second edition. Seventy-seven distinguished Virginia cookbooks were selected to contribute a sampling of their most popular recipes, and Hensley's "Just Like Mama's" was one of those cookbooks.

Editors Gwen McKee and Barbara Moseley are known nationwide for the "Best of the Best" recipes. The two ladies, known as the "Cookbook Ladies," have compiled and edited over 80 cookbooks in their careers. Their recipes are always easy to follow, and are edited for the utmost clarity. And most of all, the recipes have to pass the taste test.

Five of Hensley's recipes passed the taste test, and they are now published in the second edition of the "Best of the Best from Virginia Cookbook II."

"It was a great honor to be chosen," said Hensley. "I just came home one day and there was a message on my answering machine telling me that my recipes were going to be published in a nationwide cookbook."

The editors chose Hensley's recipes for Apple Dip, Egg Rolls, Cabbage Casserole, Don't Peek Casserole, and Turtles for the "Best of the Best" series from Quail Ridge Press. "I have been told that I am the only person in Scott County to be published in this book, but I am just happy to be able to share some of my favorite recipes with people," added Hensley.

Hensley has lived in Hiltons all of her life, but she says she really didn't start cooking until she got married. She chose the title of her own cookbook in order to pay homage to her mother's cooking.

"My mother was well-known for her cooking abilities, and she always set a bountiful table," said Hensley. "I loved spending time in the kitchen with my mother, and I learned many of her traits about cooking."

Edna Mae Vanzant, Hensley's mother, never used a recipe, and she recalled the exact ingredients for any dish from memory. With the publication of "Just Like Mama's," Hensley hoped to share the memories of her mother through a collection of recipes. "I learned many things from my mother, and I have tried to continue on the tradition of hospitality and good ole-timey cooking that I learned from her," said Hensley.

"Now, I am trying to pass these talents to my students." Before joining Scott County Public Schools, Hensley worked as the Assistant Manager of Food Services at Arcadia Graphics in Kingsport. She has been employed at the Scott County Career and Technical Center for eight years, and she still caters many weddings and parties.

Almost everyone in Scott County is aware of Hensley's talents and reveres her as a great cook. During the school year, Hensley and her students put together a buffet every Wednesday for all to enjoy. "We have patrons from the School Board, the Sheriff's Department, the Health Department, and even people from Kingsport at the Wednesday meals," said Hensley.

Hensley's first love may be food, but her students come in a close second. "Some people read novels, but I read cookbooks," said Hensley. "If I find a good recipe, I go out right then and get the ingredients to make the dish. If the dish comes out good, I enjoy sharing it with my students. I really enjoy my students, and I've had some go on to have good careers in the food industry."

Hensley hopes to come out with a third printing of "Just Like Mama's" in the near future, and the new "Best of the Best from Virginia Cookbook II" is available in bookstores, kitchen and gift shops, and online at http://www.quailridge.com.

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