Saturday, April 7, 2007

Paula's Home Cooking - Southern Food at Its Finest



For any food lovers out there, Paula's Home Cooking may be a Food Network program that you're already familiar with. Airing daily on The Food Network, Paula's Home Cooking, brings the viewer genuine southern cooking. From fried chicken to red velvet cake, hostess Paula Deen instructs the home viewer on how to make comfort foods like these with her brand of sassy humor and storytelling.

The Georgia Belle

Before Paula's Home Cooking became a Food Network fixture, Paula Deen grew up in southern Georgia and eventually became a restaurateur in Savannah after overcoming great personal adversity. For years, Paula suffered from agoraphobia and couldn't even leave her house! After recovering, she eventually opened The Lady & Sons restaurant, which she still runs today with her sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen. Today, the Deen boys have also joined their mother on TV and have their own Food Network show called Road Tasted. Paula has also done specials for The Food Network, in addition to hosting Paula's Home Cooking. She's even become host of another Food Network series, Paula's Party.

Not for the Faint of Heart

If visions of biscuits and home-made gravy aren't dancing in front of your eyes but visions of your HDL and LDL numbers are instead, then a show like Paula's Home Cooking is probably not for you. Let's face facts: Southern food is, sadly, high in calories, cholesterol, and all kinds of things that aren't good for you or your heart. As with everything in life, one must exercise moderation with food, and as long as you eat sensible portions, things should be fine. Anyone who's suffered a heart attack may want to avoid the show however, as just watching the amount of butter she uses in a dish may clog your arteries.

A Southern Empire

Paula Deen's business empire now extends outside of just restaurants and TV, making her something of a southern Martha Stewart. She has her own magazine entitled Cooking with Paula Deen, which includes recipes (of course) and decorating ideas. She also has numerous cookbooks out, and you can find more information on all things Paula at her website. The address is ladysandsons.com, and it includes directions to her Savannah restaurant for anyone who wants to visit for a taste of good old southern cooking. Also, check foodnetwork.com for more information on Paula's recipes and show schedules. You are sure to learn plenty from her show.