Ep 8. Reinventing Southern Faves

Paula's Best Dishes Season 13 Episode 8 is titled "Reinventing Southern Faves." In this episode, Paula Deen takes classic Southern dishes and gives them a modern twist.

The episode starts with Paula showing off her beautiful garden, where she's growing all kinds of fresh herbs and vegetables. She talks about how important it is to use fresh ingredients in your cooking, especially when you're trying to reinvent classic dishes.

First up, Paula makes a modern take on shrimp and grits. She starts by cooking bacon in a skillet, then sautéing shrimp and garlic in the bacon fat. She adds in some sliced mushrooms, green onions, and a splash of white wine, then serves the mixture over cheesy grits. Paula says that this dish is a great example of how you can take a classic Southern staple and make it a little more unique and flavorful.

Next, Paula tackles fried chicken by making a baked version that's still crispy and flavorful. She starts by marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, then dredges it in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices. Instead of frying the chicken, she bakes it in the oven until it's golden brown and crispy. Paula says that this recipe is a great way to enjoy the taste of fried chicken without all the extra calories and mess.

For a side dish, Paula reinvents collard greens by adding in some unexpected ingredients. She starts by sautéing bacon and onions in a skillet, then adding in the collard greens. Instead of using the traditional ham hock for flavor, she adds in some dried cranberries and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Paula says that this dish is a little bit sweet, a little bit sour, and a lot delicious.

Finally, Paula makes a dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth - sweet potato pie bars. She starts by making a shortbread crust, then tops it with a filling made from mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, vanilla, and spices. She bakes the bars in the oven until they're set and golden brown, then cuts them into squares. Paula says that this dessert is perfect for the fall season, and it's a great way to enjoy the flavors of sweet potato pie without all the fuss of making a whole pie.

Throughout the episode, Paula shares tips and tricks for reinventing classic Southern dishes. She encourages viewers to experiment with ingredients and flavors to make their own unique recipes. Paula says that cooking is all about having fun and being creative, and this episode is a great example of how you can take traditional recipes and turn them into something new and exciting.