TennesseeFarmTable.com

In honor of a good friend: A visit with the late, selfless Thomas Williams.

In the wake of the sad passing, Friday, July 10, 2026 of Thomas Williams, one of the most influential figures in Nashville's culinary community, I want to honour Thomas Williams and the extraordinary life of selflessness that he lived today. Thomas and I recorded this conversation some years back and I thought that it would be fitting to share it today. This show is about how Thomas rallied a group of talented and giving chefs and other selfless human beings to raise money for aid and recovery efforts after the devastating floods that hit Nashville in 2010. Founding Member Thomas Williams and the beginnings of the Nashville Food Project.

Chicken recipes and money-saving tips

Farmer Aliceson Bales of Bales Farm, Mosheim TN, shares her recipe for buttermilk chicken. The late Lois Shular Caughron and her daughter Ruth Davis of Blount County, TN, with a recipe their family has enjoyed for many years, which is easy to prepare and economical, Chicken and Crackers. James Beard award-winning food writer Ronni Lundy reads from her book “Shuck Beans, Stack Cake, and Honest Fried Chicken The Heart and Soul of Southern Country Kitchens”, published in 1990. In this recording, she reads from her book on honest fried Chicken prepared in cast iron.

Farm to Feast and She Digs Farm

Today we are sitting around the table and visiting with a family and farm and how this family uses their skills to farm, cook, and host elevated meals for private events and, on occasion, community dinners. We visit with Farm to Feast founders Chef Jeff Jorgensen, event planner Jessica Jorgensen, and Jeff’s sister Heather Fulghum, ecology teacher, farmer, and founder of She Diggs Farm, located in the Hardin Valley area of Knoxville, TN. Heather grows the food, Jeff uses it to provide farm-inspired dinners using seasonal ingredients, and Jessica uses her hospitality and event planning background to create elegant feasts on the family farm.

Jim Sanford, Logotto Romagnolo Breeder, and Trainer, Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN

Jim Sanford is a renowned trainer and breeder of Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, known for their intelligence and truffle-hunting abilities. His unconventional career began with two decades of elephant training across the globe before he settled in Tennessee. At Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort, Jim initially contributed to fly fishing and horseback riding programs. His career took a new direction in 2007 when he was asked to train a Lagotto Romagnolo to find truffles—despite not knowing what a truffle was at the time. This challenge led to the development of a breeding program, importing dogs from Italy and training them for truffle work. Over the years, Jim has delivered more than 300 Lagotto puppies to owners, emphasizing that proper training and ongoing involvement are essential. The dogs, beloved for their curly hypoallergenic coats and affectionate personalities, have become a signature part of the Blackberry Farm experience. Jim now also leads truffle-hunting tours in Italy and organizes events like Il Raduno, a springtime reunion for Lagotto owners at the farm. His work reflects not only a deep love for animals but also a talent for building personal connections and experiences through his unique skill set.

Livermush. What is it and how is it celebrated? The 18th annual Livermush Festival. Marion, NC.

Today we are setting the table with Livermush and news about the Annual Livermush Festival that takes place June 6, 2026 in Marion, NC. Our guests today are Natalie Bell and Alena Carson. Natalie Bell is the Events and Outreach Coordinator for the Marion Business Association. Alena (Lena) Carson is co-owner of “Mama T’s Rolling Snack Shack” she and her team won “Crowd Favorite” for savory Livermush dish during the Food Truck Rodeo at the 14, 15 and 17th Annual Livermush Festival and she aims to win another trophy again this year.