Cooking with Paula Deen November 2017

AS I WRITE THIS NOTE, my heart goes out to all those in Texas who have lost so much to Hurricane Harvey. To support relief efforts, please make a donation to the American Red Cross; every little bit helps. When I think about Thanksgiving, I think about homecomings. Each year, Michael and I look forward to this sweet time when our kids, grandkids, Aunt Peggy, and our siblings and nieces and nephews gather together to enjoy family recipes and share what we’re grateful for. It’s well understood that food is always the focus for Thanksgiving, and this issue is full of terrific recipes. This year my Turkey Day feast includes Cider-Brined Turkey Breasts and Buttermilk Cornbread Dressing, plus a yummy updated Sweet Potato Casserole and more, found on page 31. For folks who…

Jamie Deen recently hosted a dinner for Sisters on a Journey–Statesboro [Georgia], the signature event of Catie’s Fund, a named fund of CURE Childhood Cancer. Catie’s Fund is in memory of Catie Wilkins, who passed away before her 5th birthday from a common illness due to a weakened immune system after treatment for a brain tumor. CURE is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research and supporting patients and their families. Catie’s Fund raises money specifically to support research into the side effects suffered from treatment and to improve quality of life. CURE Childhood Cancer was started in 1975 by Emory University pediatric oncologist Dr. Abdel Ragab along with a group of his patients’ parents to raise money to build a pediatric oncology research program. By 1989, a fully equipped…

Since 1946, Schermer Pecans has been growing, shelling, and distributing nuts from their home in Glennville, Georgia, and throughout the southern part of the state. Grown in orchards that have been in the family of owner Putt Wetherbee for five generations, their fresh whole and shelled nuts are perfect for all your holiday cooking and baking. The company also makes specialty chocolate, caramel, and cinnamon nut clusters, and all their products are available in pretty gift packaging. Visit schermerpecans.com for more information.…

Statesville Pumpkin Fest Statesville, North Carolina Come on over to Statesville, North Carolina, for the 15th Annual Statesville Pumpkin Fest on November 4. Join the town as they celebrate their agricultural heritage by way of pumpkin pie eating contests, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin painting, and so much more. Visit statesvillepumpkinfest.com for more information. Virginia Thanksgiving Festival Charles City, Virginia Celebrate a piece of history in authentic fashion on November 5 with the residents of Charles City at Berkeley Plantation. Now in its 56th year, the Virginia Thanksgiving Festival pays homage to its day of original settlement some 400 years ago by way of re-enactments, a traditional meal, and fun for the entire family. Check out virginiathanksgivingfestival.com to learn more.…

1. Present your heirloom recipes on this Family Lazy Susan that features a sweet Thanksgiving message. $56.25, mudpie.com 2. These Fall Foliage Dinner Napkins remind us of the natural beauty of this season. $5.95 each, crateandbarrel.com 3. Replenish your supply of serving pieces with these timeless Buffet Serveware Collection utensils. $2.48–$4.99 each, worldmarket.com 4. This beautiful White Pumpkin Pie Dish is oven safe and ready to use for all your pie baking, serving, and storing. $29.95, pier1.com 5. Send guests home with tasty leftovers in these handy BioPak Takeout Boxes. $7 for set of 10, shopsweetlulu.com 6. Make your family feel extra special at the table with these Leaf Place Card Holders. $13.99 for set of 12, orientaltrading.com 7. These Coco Twig Placemats have a rustic, textured, and designer-inspired look but at a fraction of the…

SLOW-COOKER GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE Makes 8 servings 3 tablespoons butter 1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh baby portobello mushrooms 2 large shallots, sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup half-and-half 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 pounds fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 cup french-fried onions 1. Spray a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. 2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Gradually stir in half-and-half, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper; cook until mixture thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in green beans, and spread mixture into slow cooker. 3. Cover and cook on low until beans are nearly…