Cooking with Paula Deen May/June 2018

FRIENDS, SUMMER IS HERE! I’ve got a skip in my step, and I’m so lookin’ forward to celebrating all the good food and special occasions of the season. My garden has kicked into high gear, and Mother Nature is starting to show off her bounty again. One of my favorite fruits of early summer is strawberries, and I’m using them in some classic and unexpected—but always delicious—ways starting on page 41. Another beloved crop of Southerners is peanuts, and you cannot miss the scrumptious dishes that they star in, beginning on page 59. Early summer is the perfect time of year to head outdoors for a cookout, and on page 35, I’m sharing easy recipes that’ll have you looking like a grillmaster to your family and friends. Speaking of family, it’s so important…

MADE IN THE SOUTH BACON’S HEIR Brett Goodson, owner of Bacon’s Heir in Atlanta, Georgia, is on a mission to show people a modern take on one of the South’s favorite snacks. A few years ago, while staring at a package of pork rinds in a gas station, Brett was surprised to read that these slices of deep-fried pork skin are actually a good source of protein. He was inspired to build a new reputation for the beloved chip that he grew up eating on an Alabama farm. After some experimentation and taste-testing, light, fluffy Pork Clouds were born. Each variety is seasoned with no more than three ingredients, and they are available in unexpected flavors such as Malabar Black Pepper, Cinnamon Ceylon, and Garlic Thyme, just to name a few. Along…

1. Protect your hands in style with these brightly colored Women’s Silicone Oven Mitts. $13.90, lovethiskitchen.com 2. Baste and glaze with flair with this Circa BBQ Sauce Set featuring a ceramic sauce server and wooden basting brush. $33, mud-pie.com 3. Take advantange of every inch on your grill with this bendable Original Flexible Fire Wire skewer. $9.99, firewiregrilling.com 4. Retain moisture and infuse smoke into your food with these Cedar Planks crafted from Western red cedar. $29.95 for set of 4 planks and holder, williams-sonoma.com 5. Keep food warm as it comes off the grill with heavy-duty aluminum foil from this BBQ Tools Foil Dispenser. $17.99, chicwrap.com 6. This 3-in-1 Ember BBQ Tool unfolds into a full-size spatula, fork, and knife. $20.99, picnicsandmore.com 7. Add delicious flavor to your food with this Smoking Chips Sampler 3-Pack.…

Earlier this year, Easterseals Southern Georgia celebrated the grand opening of their newest Megan’s House facility in Leesburg. Construction began after four years of a successful capital campaign, and thanks to continued support from the local community and generous donations, the home is open for business. Paula headlined the Easterseals Ragin’ Cajun event, which raised more than $20,000 for the campaign, and she has continued to be involved in this much-needed care facility. The home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two large common areas, and a modern kitchen featuring dishware, cookware, and accessories donated by Paula. Megan’s House is a respite home for children from infants through age 17 who have developmental disabilities, a diagnosis of autism, or may be considered medically fragile. Megan’s House can accommodate up to four children at…

YOU’RE IN FOR A HAYRIDE SHREVEPORT AND CENTRAL As the original country and western music legends were getting their start, Shreveport’s beautiful Municipal Auditorium was a must-play venue. Known for the Louisiana Hayride radio program, the building was frequented by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Johnny Horton. For an intimate listening environment with contemporary singer-songwriters, music aficionados catch a show at the House Concert Series. And if Shreveport is known for its country and western music, Ferriday, Louisiana, on the Mississippi River is notable for its Delta blues, rockabilly and gospel heritage. A trip to its Delta Music Museum and Arcade Theater showcases the town’s musical heritage (which includes locals Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart—who also all happen to be cousins). DANCING IN THE STREETS GREATER NEW ORLEANS New…

THE SECRET TO SUPERIOR SEAFOOD Nearly a third of the seafood landed in the U.S. comes from Louisiana. The state’s nutrient-rich estuaries, fed by the Mississippi and Atchafalaya Rivers, create an environment where delicious seafood thrives. These estuaries provide a delicate balance of fresh and saltwater, which forms an ideal habitat for microscopic organisms that make the base of the marine food chain. The Bayou State’s warm, fertile waters are particularly helpful to brown and white shrimp, so much so that Louisiana shrimpers land almost 50 percent of shrimp from the entire Gulf of Mexico (with an economic impact of $1.3 billion). For more information about Louisiana shrimp, visit LouisianaSeafood.com. GREAT AMERICAN SEAFOOD COOK-OFF Each summer, chefs from throughout the country converge upon New Orleans to compete for the title of King or…