Ep 8. Here Piggy, Piggy

Paula's Home Cooking season 3 episode 8, titled "Here Piggy, Piggy," is a lively celebration of pork in all its many forms. As always, host Paula Deen brings her signature southern charm and approachable cooking style to the table, making it easy for viewers to follow along and replicate her delicious recipes.

The episode opens with Paula introducing her guest for the day, a local pig farmer named George. Together, they'll be preparing a variety of pork dishes using fresh, locally-sourced meat. Paula chats with George about his farm and his passion for raising happy, healthy pigs before getting down to business in the kitchen.

The first dish on the menu is a classic southern breakfast staple: biscuits and gravy with sausage. Paula whips up a batch of flaky, buttery biscuits from scratch while George fries up some homemade sausage patties. Together, they make a rich, creamy gravy from scratch using pan drippings and milk. The end result is a comforting, hearty breakfast that's sure to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

Next up, Paula and George tackle a more complex dish: pork ragu. Using a variety of cuts of pork (including some lesser-known ones like pork shoulder and pork belly), they create a rich, flavorful sauce that simmers for hours on the stove. Along the way, Paula shares tips and tricks for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor in a ragu, and the end result is a dish that's as impressive as it is delicious.

Moving on to something a bit lighter, Paula and George prepare a salad with grilled pork tenderloin. The pork is marinated in a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to juicy perfection. It's served atop a bed of leafy greens alongside other fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers. A tangy, homemade vinaigrette ties the dish together, making for a refreshing lunch or dinner option.

For the next dish, Paula and George take inspiration from a classic southern tradition: barbecue. Using a homemade dry rub and a slow-cooking method that involves wrapping the meat in foil, they create fall-apart tender pulled pork that's perfect for sandwiches or tacos. Paula shows viewers how to assemble a delicious taco using the pulled pork, along with other elements like homemade salsa and pickled onions.

Finally, Paula and George wrap up the episode with a dessert that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth: banana bread pudding with bourbon sauce. Paula takes a classic banana bread recipe and transforms it into a rich, decadent pudding by adding in a custard mixture and baking it in a water bath. The bourbon sauce, made from scratch using brown sugar and heavy cream, adds a boozy, indulgent touch to the dish.

Throughout the episode, Paula and George's passion for pork is evident in every dish they create. From comforting breakfasts to impressive dinners and everything in between, they showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved meat. As always, Paula's Home Cooking is a fun, approachable cooking show that's perfect for home cooks of any skill level.