Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

As a Southern belle, born and bred, and having lived in Georgia for 45 years, I have to say that everyone in my family agrees that Paula puts on a lot of that drawl. In all my years I have never heard ANYONE talk like she does, unless they are parodying ignorant Southerners. But hey, it seems to be getting her what she wants - lots of attention.

As for her recipes, they too are mostly for show. Southerners know about serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and diabetes. Yes, we have regional favorites, but they wouldn't make Yankees gawk and watch a show. Folks, "that's entertainment," I suppose.

For a true slice of Southern cuisine, please pick up a copy of Southern Living magazine or one of their cookbooks. For a funnier parody of Southern rednecks, watch reruns of "HeeHaw."

As a "healthy cook" I watch what we eat and prepare things in the healthiest possible way, but this weekend at the farmer's market I was attacked by a memory of my Mother and Grandmother and those amazing vegetable suppers they made in the summer. The idea that vegetables should be steamed and crisp was anathema to those ladies and I got a craving for green beans and new potatoes ( used Paula Deen's recipe cause I didn't write down my Mother's) with salt pork and bacon grease (yes I had to go locate those things in the grocery store!), sliced tomatoes, squash casserole ( with butter and cracker crumbs and cheese...lots of cheese), maninated cucumbers and onions, icy cold watermelon and cantaloupe. Today I have huge guilt that I did it and am headed to the gym to do penance, but OMG it was good!

lovetenfoe - ITA with you. I love Paula. I met her in person when she was here in Tampa last year. What a sweet lady. I read her book and realized, she's one of us! I've tried several of her recipes that I like and subscribe to her wonderful magazine - I can say, They Are Great! For the Naysayers out there - If you don't like her, then CHANGE THE CHANNEL!! Jeez - like the saying goes - "Life's Too Short For The Dumb Junk", you know?

I absolutely love Paula Deen. Find someone else to leave your rude and ignorant remarks about because Paula is the last peson to deserve such critisicm. She has enough spunk to beat out all of you people who have nothing better to do than to point fingers. I have never witnessed a more loving woman than Paula Deen, so leave your unappreciative comments to yourself.