Ep 8. Not Your Mama's Thanksgiving

In season 7 episode 8 of Paula's Best Dishes, titled "Not Your Mama's Thanksgiving," Paula Deen gives traditional Thanksgiving dishes a modern twist. The episode begins with Paula preparing a spicy bacon-wrapped turkey that's marinated in a mixture of spices, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce. She also shows viewers how to make a creamy cornbread dressing that's loaded with sausage, herbs, and vegetables.

Next, Paula prepares a flavorful glazed ham that's perfect for those who prefer ham over turkey. She also demonstrates how to make a tangy cranberry sauce that's made with red wine, fresh ginger, and orange zest. Paula believes a good Thanksgiving feast is never complete without a variety of sides, so she whips up some of her favorites, including mashed potatoes with a twist and green bean casserole with a crispy onion topping.

In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving dishes that Paula prepares, she shares some of her time-saving tips and tricks with viewers. For example, she suggests cooking the turkey and the ham at the same time in the oven to save time and oven space. She also recommends preparing some dishes in advance, such as the cranberry sauce, to avoid stress on the day of the feast.

Throughout the episode, Paula reminisces about her own family's Thanksgiving traditions and shares stories about some of her favorite holiday memories. She also encourages viewers to make their own family traditions and to not be afraid to put their own spin on classic dishes.

The episode concludes with Paula sharing some of her tips for repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers. She demonstrates how to make a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich with stuffing as the bread, and a hearty ham and bean soup that's perfect for a cold winter night.

Overall, "Not Your Mama's Thanksgiving" offers viewers a new take on traditional Thanksgiving dishes while still maintaining the heart and soul of the holiday. Paula Deen's warm personality and southern hospitality make for a cozy and welcoming episode that's sure to inspire viewers to put their own twist on their Thanksgiving feasts.