Cooking with Paula Deen January/February 2019

Forget the stresses of everyday life—today, you’re in Louisiana. Start your morning out on one of Louisiana’s many beautiful waterways. Find solace as you kayak among the large, buttressed bald cypress and tupelo trees in the bayous. Or create memories that become your next big fishing story, catching largemouth bass and catfish in one of Louisiana’s 32 major lakes. Or tour the scenic marshes and diverse landscape from the seat of an airboat as you speed through the water. For lunch, there’s no better indulgence than five heaping pounds of fresh, spicy crawfish and a cold brew from one of our 29 local breweries. Spend the afternoon diving into the rich culture of the region, from mossy oak-adorned estates and 200-year-old homes to haunted historic hotels. Explore one of the 22 picturesque…

WELCOME TO 2019, Y’ALL! Last year was full of fun times and fabulous meals, but boy, am I excited to get this new year started. As you read through this issue, you’ll probably notice some changes to the magazine. My team and I freshened up the design for this new year and added a new column called “Air Fryer Favorites.” I just love my air fryer, and I’m so happy to share great recipes for you to try it as well. This issue is all about comfort food, and there’s nothing more comforting to me than sharing a home-cooked meal with my loved ones. One of my favorite family meals starts with a hearty pot of stew simmering on the stove. The aroma fills the house and gets everyone in the kitchen.…

New Orleans King Cake Festival King cake enthusiasts should head to New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 27 for the 6th annual New Orleans King Cake Festival. Attendees can taste king cakes from the finest local bakeries, enjoy live music, and help support pediatric programs at Ochsner Hospital for Children. Learn more at kingcakefestival.org. Sandestin Gumbo Festival Satisfy your gumbo cravings with a trip to the 30th annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in Destin, Florida. Held February 15–16, the festival is one of the most popular winter food events along Florida’s Emerald Coast and features a gumbo cookoff, live music, family activities, and much more. Visit sandestingumbofestival.com for more information.…

MADE IN THE SOUTH PIROGUE PRALINES Patrick and Bebe Bode, owners of Pirogue Praline Company in Metairie, Louisiana, started their family business with their sons, Seth and Parker, as a way to provide meaningful employment to their son Seth, who has autism, and to share the beloved pralines they frequently gifted to loved ones each Christmas. After experimenting with various ingredients to add to the sweet, nutty base, the family began selling the Southern confection to the public. The flavors are influenced by the rich culture of New Orleans and include Original; Hazelnut; Crème Brûlée; Purple, Green, and Praline Dream (a seasonal Mardi Gras flavor); Paula’s personal favorite, Wedding Cake; and more. Pirogue Pralines’s mission is to create opportunities for people with disabilities and to show others the impact of diversity in…

1. Keep these vintage-inspired Hand-Stamped Coffee Spoons near your morning cup of joe. $16.99 for set of 4, worldmarket.com 2. This Weigel Sugar & Creamer Set stylishly holds hot-drink essentials. $31.99, wayfair.com 3. Float a few of these butter rum, peppermint, red velvet, and Irish cream Winter Flavors Sugar Shapes Sampler goodies on top of your warm beverages. $8 for 12-count jar, artisansugars.com 4. Fuel up for your day with this 12-ounce French Press. $50, lecreuset.com 5. This Kati Steeping Cup & Infuser features a removable basket for steeping loose tea and drinking all in one. $20, teaforte.com 6. Add this festive Valentine’s Day Tea Towel to your beverage nook. $11.99, firefly-wishes.com 7. Warm up with a cup of herbal tea from this Harney & Sons Fine Teas Snowstorm Survival Guide sampler. $24.95 for set of…

VALENTINE’S DAY IS ABOUT showing loved ones you care, and I like to share the love by baking something special with my grandbabies. We have a blast shaping the dough into hearts and adding dollops of jam when they come out of the oven. VALENTINE HEART SANDWICH COOKIES Makes about 12 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened½ cup granulated sugar½ teaspoon vanilla extract1 large egg12/3 cups all-purpose flour¼ teaspoon kosher salt¼ teaspoon baking powder3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar6 tablespoons seedless strawberry or raspberry jam 1. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla with a mixer at medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add egg, beating until combined. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. With mixer on low speed, gradually add…