Cooking with Paula Deen July/August 2019

SUMMERTIME IS IN FULL SWING here in Savannah, and I hope y’all are gearing up for lots of sunny celebrations. From the Fourth of July to Labor Day and all the “just because” get-togethers in between, this time of year is such a treat. I love to explore my garden or even head to the farmers’ market for inspiration on what to make for all these festivities. Starting on page 43, you’ll find a collection of some of my favorite fresh veggie dishes to fill your supper tables all season long. Fried green tomatoes, squash casserole, okra succotash, and more will you remind you why the summer season is so special, and Bobby’s lighter potluck recipes starting on page 65 will be welcome at any occasion. For some heartier fare, try my…

MADE IN THE SOUTH BIG T COASTAL PROVISIONS Long before the launch of Big T Coastal Provisions in 2012, Tony Blanchard, also known as “Big T,” was known in his community for his delicious crab dip. The dip recipe was given to him by his mother. When Tony’s wife, Tracy, was looking for a job after their kids went off to school, they decided it was only logical to start selling their beloved seafood dip to the public. They started taking their product to food markets in their hometown of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and the dips quickly became a huge hit. Now sold in stores throughout the Southeast, Big T’s dips are made from wild-caught seafood and contain no artificial preservatives. Featuring a creamy, cheesy base, the dips are sold in…

1. Serve up lemonade, sweet tea, and punch in this seaside-inspired Cove 44-Ounce Carafe. $29.95, crateandbarrel.com 2. Sip cold beverages in style with these shatterproof Aqua Pacific Acrylic Tumbler Glasses. $5.98 for set of 2, worldmarket.com 3. Forgo paper napkins in favor of these picnic-perfect Saro Lifestyle Gingham Napkins. $27.99 for set of 4, target.com 4. This pretty Lemons Stoneware Platter showcases a vibrant print that is sure to add charm to your outdoor tabletop. $28, acottageinthecity.com 5. Set your table for alfresco dining with these sturdy Georgia-made Railroad Stripe Placemats featuring twill tabs that keep silverware secure. $35 for set of 4, heirloomedcollection.com 6. This bright yellow Sun Splatter Enamel Serving Set is great for serving summer salads and sides. $28, leifshop.com Use Paula’s yummy Tangy Lemon Caper Sauce, Fin-N-Fish Seasoning, Fish Fry Breading Mix,…

The Bag Lady Foundation recently made a donation to the Daybreak Center in Macon, Georgia, to sponsor the organization’s Greater Macon Sleepout. The annual event brings members of the community together to show solidarity with people living homeless in Macon and to raise funds to support services at Daybreak, Depaul USA’s day/resource center in Macon. The event’s donors collectively raised enough funds for Daybreak to add a part-time staff member and to continue to fund its programs that provide meals, bathing and laundry facilities, a health clinic, and case managers. HELPING HANDS DONATION Helping Hands Ending Hunger in Albany, Georgia, recently received a donation from The Bag Lady Foundation to help provide food to local children in need. Helping Hands collects surplus unopened food and beverages from local public schools during weekdays and…

CRAB CAKES WITH RÉMOULADE SAUCE Makes about 8 2 tablespoons unsalted butter1 cup minced onion1 cup minced red bell pepper1/3 cup minced celery24 buttery round crackers, finely crushed8 ounces pasteurized lump crabmeat1 large egg, lightly beaten1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice1 teaspoon cayenne pepper sauce* 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning1 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)Vegetable oil, for spraying Rémoulade Sauce (recipe follows) 1. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook until tender. Remove from heat. 2. In a large bowl, gently stir together vegetables, cracker crumbs, crabmeat, egg, lemon juice, pepper sauce, Worcestershire, and Old Bay. 3. Place bread crumbs in a shallow baking dish. Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, scoop crab mixture, and shape into patties. Press patties into bread crumbs, covering…

SAVANNAH RED RICE WITH SMOKED SAUSAGE Makes 6 servings 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided1 (12- to 14-ounce) package kielbasa smoked sausage, sliced1 cup diced sweet yellow onion 1 cup diced green bell pepper ½ cup finely diced celery2 teaspoons minced garlic2¼ cups chicken broth1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce1½ cups converted rice2 teaspoons hot sauce1 teaspoon kosher salt½ teaspoon ground black pepper2 bay leavesGarnish: chopped fresh parsley 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook, stirring frequently, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside. 2. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in skillet. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery; cook until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic; cook for 1 minute. 3. Transfer vegetables to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.…