Paula Deen Celebrates!

October 9, 2006
Popular Food Network personality Paula Deen returns, focusing on memorable meals for special occasions. Teaming up with Savannah Magazine's Martha Nesbit, the two offer full-blown menus for a wide range of events-from Easter and Mother's Day to Sunday afternoon football and Elvis's birthday. True to form, butter, cream and mayonnaise are well represented, as are a healthy sprinkling of "ya'lls." Deen packs the book with her trademark stories of family and friends, as well as decorating and entertaining tips from her personal assistant, Brandon Branch. Recipes run the gamut, from old favorites like Peppermint Bark and Chicken Pot Pie to Cream Cheese and Chicken Enchiladas, Oyster-Stuffed Quail and Herb-Crusted Pork Loin. Deen is known for her love of southern cooking, and dishes like Black-Eyed Pea Dip, Succotash and Country Fried Steak with Gravy are surefire winners. But her use of collard greens in Collard Green and Ham Hock Pizza and Collard Green Wontons push the envelope a bit, as do some of the decorating ideas from Branch. Those with a cursory knowledge of cooking will find the recipes well within their range, and Deen's low-key approach to cooking-which emphasizes enjoying the process rather than getting wound up about the results-will build confidence.

September 15, 2006
Deen has a lot to celebrate: two wildly popular Food Network shows, three earlier best sellers, a new magazine, a line of sauces and seasonings, and, of course, her family and friends. Her latest book is organized by holidays and other celebrations, including -Elvis -s Birthday, - -An Easter Egg Hunt, - and -Fourth of July Low-Country Boil. - The introductions to the menus offer reminiscences and observations in Deen -s friendly, down-to-earth style, and there are photographs of family and friends scattered throughout. Sure to be in demand.

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.