Cooking with Paula Deen September - October 2017

I’M SURE YOU CAN TELL FROM THESE photos that my favorite thing in the world is spending time with my grandchildren. Michael and I have six grandkids—all boys! They get a little bigger every time we see them, so I make a point to have them over to my house as often as possible. And fall is the perfect time to plan activities and crafts like these Halloween treats I’m making with Matthew, Jack, and Sullivan. The boys had a great time decorating them, and they’re so easy to make; turn to page 15 for all the details. For a fun meal for the whole family, check out my pizza party on page 31. It’s ideal for a relaxed fall weekend, and the flavors and ingredients are so varied that all…

MADE IN THE SOUTH: BANNER BUTTER In 2012, spouses Drew and Elizabeth McBath started Banner Butter in Atlanta, Georgia, to create small batches of this essential baking and cooking ingredient that recall the days of hand churning and rich, fresh flavor from all-natural ingredients. Banner Butter is available in perfect-for-everything Unsalted; Lightly Salted; Sea Salt; savory Roasted Garlic, Basil, and Parsley; and sweet Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Ginger, as well as rotating seasonal blends. They also sell the buttermilk that is a by-product of their butter making. Visit bannerbutter.com to locate retailers throughout the Southeast or to purchase online.…

Casey County Apple Festival Liberty, Kentucky Celebrate the beauty of the great outdoors and one of its sweetest harvests September 21–23 at the Casey County Apple Festival in central Kentucky. The annual event is full of charm and hospitality and packed with events from live music to parades—and the cutting of the World’s Largest Apple Pie, served with vanilla ice cream, of course. Visit caseycountyapplefestival.org for details. Chincoteague Oyster Festival Chincoteague, Virginia Seafood lovers, mark your calendar for the 45th Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival . On October 7, this waterfront town serves up its delectable oysters any way you like ‘em, with more than enough hush puppies, sides, and other options to go around, all in a family-friendly environment. Visit chincoteaguechamber.com for more information. Photos courtesy of Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce and Larry Rowell…

1. Whether you’re transporting three dozen cupcakes or a tall layer cake, this plastic Cake and Cupcake Carrier has all the space you need to make it happen. $38.99, organizeit.com 2. This galvanized Anissa Cake Stand displays your autumn treats with rustic flair. $12.99, paulmichaelcompany.com 3. Let your baked goods cool, as well as protect tables and countertops, with this farmhouse-style Bendt Wire Trivet–Cooling Rack. $16.95, crateandbarrel.com 4. These Kilner Faceted Clip Top Jars come in a variety of sizes for storing all your baking essentials. $10.99–$25.99, amazon.com 5. No need to order out—this 15-inch Round Pizza Stone & Wood Peel Set has all the tools that pizza fans need to create tasty pies at home. $39.99, pizzacraft.com 6. Getting every last bit of dough out of your bowl is a breeze with this Chef’n…

Marking his seventh time to do so, Jamie Deen recently emceed the 8th Annual Night of Champions presented by the Lowcountry [Savannah] Down Syndrome Society (LDSS). This annual community event recognizes area businesses that employ differently abled adults, including those with Down syndrome, and celebrates the contributions made by these employees. This year’s champions include Nicholas Brown, a groundskeeper at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport; George Gates, a custodian with Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Goodwill; Mackenzie Hancock, a sales associate with Polka Dots Gifts and Accessories; Dennis Pickett, a warehouse team member with Fulfillment.com; and Brenton Scott, a kennel volunteer with Coastal Pet Rescue. The LDSS is a family support group to benefit people with Down syndrome and their families through local leadership, outreach, education, and advocacy to champion and celebrate…

CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN WITH MY GRANDKIDS is so much fun. They look precious in their costumes and are giddy with excitement before they even get their first bite of candy. As fun as it is for them to fill their bags while out trick-or-treating, I prefer to make a few goodies with them in the kitchen. They love to decorate their treats, and I love our time together. HALLOWEEN CRISPY RICE TREATS Makes about 12 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 9 cups chocolate crisp rice cereal* 2/3 cup unsalted butter 8 cups miniature marshmallows 21/2 cups white candy coating wafers,* melted according to package directions 1/2 (16-ounce) container creamy white frosting Toppings: colored sprinkles, candy corn, squeeze frosting* 1. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, sift cocoa onto cereal; stir together until well combined. 3. In…