Ep 11. House Special

Paula's Best Dishes season 5 episode 11, titled "House Special," is an exciting cooking show that is aimed at teaching viewers how to create delicious home-cooked meals that will impress their guests.

In this episode, Paula Deen focuses on her "House Special" recipes, which are some of her family's favorite dishes that she has perfected over the years. Paula shares the secrets of making these dishes in a simple and easy-to-follow way so that viewers can make them at home without any fuss.

The show opens with an introduction to Paula's classic Southern cuisine. She stresses the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare them properly to achieve the best flavors. Paula also talks about the traditional recipes that she grew up with, emphasizing their comforting flavors and the memories they evoke.

In the first segment, Paula takes us through the process of making her famous Fried Chicken and Waffles. She starts with a crispy, golden-fried chicken that is juicy and tender on the inside. She then shows how to make the perfect homemade waffles, with a light, fluffy batter that is crispy on the outside. Paula shares some of her tips and tricks for getting the chicken and waffles just right, and how to plate them for an impressive presentation.

Next, Paula moves on to her delicious Seafood Gumbo, which she describes as "a little bit of heaven in a bowl." She starts with the holy trinity of Cajun cooking – peppers, onions, and celery – and then adds in the seafood, including shrimp, crab, and oysters. Paula explains the importance of building flavor layers in the gumbo, and she demonstrates how to make a roux to thicken the broth. Finally, Paula shows how to serve the gumbo over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

In the final segment, Paula reveals the secrets of her Banana Pudding, which is a classic Southern dessert that is loved by all. She starts by making a simple vanilla custard, which she then layers with fresh bananas and Nilla Wafers. Paula discusses the importance of getting the consistency of the custard just right so that it is firm enough to hold its shape but still creamy and decadent. Finally, she shows how to top the banana pudding with whipped cream and additional Nilla Wafers for an extra crunch.

Throughout the episode, Paula shares her infectious enthusiasm for cooking and entertaining guests. She emphasizes the importance of making delicious, satisfying meals that bring people together and create lasting memories. Paula's Best Dishes season 5 episode 11 "House Special" is a must-watch for anyone who is looking to learn how to make classic Southern dishes with a modern twist.