It's not as well-known as some of the other shows on the Food Network, but lately
I've been finding myself drawn to Paula's Home Cooking with Paula Deen. Rachel Ray and Emeril each have their
shtick, but Paula's show reminds me of the old cooking shows on PBS when the host wasn't so much a
"celebrity" as they were a"chef with a camera pointing at them." In other words, their inexperience
in front of the camera would sometimes show, which simply meant they spent more time perfecting their craft than trying
to put on a big show. Paula Deen is not a natural in front of the camera, but she can't hide her genuine Southern
charm. Actually, she suffered from agoraphobia for twenty years of her life, so the fact that she's in front of the
camera at all is impressive. Perhaps it's more of a show for old folks who used to get excited about watching The
Victory Garden, but I don't think TV always has to grab me by the lapels and shake me around. I enjoy those quiet
moments sometimes, too.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-19-2006 @ 8:35PM
Jimmy said...
I think you underestimate Paula Deen's popularity on The Food Network, and elsewhere. Ray and Emeril are popular, but I would say Deen is just as popular. In fact, I would say Deen is as well-known as either.
Reply
1-19-2006 @ 9:57PM
Chef Brian said...
I'm a chef, and love the food network. I have to say that Paula is one of my favorites from the network (in with Mario Batali, Alton Brown, and Giada de Laurentiis). I think she's a very underestimated act. First off, I would agree that she is one of their most popular hosts, and is maybe even more known than Mario (who is the most talented person on that network if you ask me). I got a chance to see her live when she was at the Mall of America for a book signing. She is as personable in the flesh as she is on the TV. I don't think that I agree that she isn't that professional on TV. True, she isn't all about the glitz, but she is simply charming, beautiful, and really knows home-cooking. I do like pretensious cooks (that is, if they actually know how to cook, so the extremely over-rated Emeril is out - and don't get started on Bobby Flay who is all talk and no talent), but what I like about her is that she is real and likable... the perfect person to be your grandma (and then wouldn't you be the envy of all your friends growing up?). That's just my two cents on the matter. I highly recomment her show to anyone and everyone, because though most people on the food network show some amazing product, her food is really an attainable goal for most home cooks. And it isn't cheating like 30 minute meals and semi-homemade cooking, which I don't think belong on that network.
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1-20-2006 @ 8:37AM
sensitive_man said...
BUTTER! :)
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2-01-2006 @ 11:08AM
Danseurette said...
Nice lady but...
WAY too much fat. Eat that way and die young.
Some of her recipes are right off the internet, only she blames 'a friend'
Other recipes right off the Libby's pumpkin can label.
Reply
2-04-2006 @ 10:52AM
Peggie B. Lane said...
Of course, being a Savannian, I am partial to Paula.
She is the most believable of all the cooks on T.V.
I have her books and often use them-especially her "Just Desserts". I hope she keeps her southern drawl and continues her use of "Y'ALL !!!
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2-04-2006 @ 10:52AM
Peggie B. Lane said...
Of course, being a Savannian, I am partial to Paula.
She is the most believable of all the cooks on T.V.
I have her books and often use them-especially her "Just Desserts". I hope she keeps her southern drawl and continues her use of "Y'ALL !!!
Reply