Ep 4. Southern Special

Paula's Best Dishes season 10 episode 4 is titled "Southern Special" and features Paula Deen cooking up a storm of traditional southern dishes. As always, Paula's warm and bubbly personality shines through as she shares her favorite recipes with viewers.

The episode begins with Paula whipping up a classic dish that is near and dear to her heart: fried okra. She reminisces about how her grandmother used to make it for her when she was a child, and how it remains one of her all-time favorites. Paula's recipe calls for a simple coating of flour, cornmeal, and spices before the okra is fried until crispy and golden brown. As she fries up a batch, Paula shares tips on how to ensure the breading stays crispy and the okra stays tender.

Next up is another southern staple: pimento cheese. Paula's take on this classic spread is loaded with flavor, thanks to a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, diced pimentos, and spicy cayenne pepper. She blends it all together with mayonnaise and cream cheese until it's creamy and delicious. Paula notes that pimento cheese is incredibly versatile, perfect for spreading on sandwiches or crackers, or as a dip for veggies.

For the main course, Paula prepares a hearty chicken and dumplings dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite. She simmers chicken in a rich broth flavored with celery, onion, and garlic before adding in her homemade dumplings. Paula's dumplings are made from scratch with flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. She drops spoonfuls of the dough into the simmering broth and lets them cook until they are fluffy and tender. Paula notes that this dish is perfect for a cold winter day or any time you're in need of some comfort food.

No southern meal would be complete without a side of cornbread, and Paula's recipe is a winner. She adds a twist to the traditional cornbread recipe by adding in fresh corn kernels, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Paula's tip for getting the perfect texture is to make sure you don't overmix the batter. She pours the batter into a cast-iron skillet and bakes it until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

To round out the meal, Paula whips up a simple but delicious peach cobbler. She layers fresh sliced peaches with a mixture of sugar, flour, and spices before topping it all off with a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. Paula notes that this dish is perfect for using up ripe or overripe peaches, and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.

Throughout the episode, Paula shares personal anecdotes and memories that make each dish even more special. Her passion for southern cooking and hospitality shines through in every recipe, making "Southern Special" a must-watch for anyone who loves classic southern cuisine.