Home Economist Michelle Roberts returns to Athens on Thursday, May 4, bringing fresh ideas for the dinner table and demonstrating the newest cooking trends and techniques during the Taste of Home Cooking School sponsored by The News Courier.

Jackie Greenhaw, well known in the community as a performer in and, in recent years, director of Poke Sallet Follies, will preside over the event.

The theme for this year’s presentation is “American Traditions.”

Roberts promises that – as in last year’s Athens show – she will sprinkle her presentation with tips on how to spend less time in the kitchen and still make healthful, tasty meals for the family.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Athens Middle School.

Doors open at 4:30, allowing ticket holders to claim their seats early, then visit the food vendors or listen to music performed by the gospel quartet Clear Title.

The cooking school is a two-hour demonstration that introduces products that make food preparation a snap. Roberts will stir up a selection of dishes geared to traditional family dinners. Eleven lucky winners will be awarded the completed dishes.

Other prizes to be given away throughout the evening include a gas grill from Lowe’s, a framed Alabama print from USA Sports, and numerous other gifts from Taste of Home Cooking School and local merchants.

Every attendee also receives a goody bag with product samples and coupons as well as a Taste of Home Cooking School Brand Name Cookbook that includes the featured recipes.

General admission tickets are $9 each and may be purchased at The News Courier office, 410 West Green Street.