I’m rounding up some gift ideas for Paula Deen fans! I’m sure many of you know that I absolutely adore the Southern gal so I’m happy to share so favorites that you’ll want to give or receive this holiday season.  She has everything from cookware to cookbooks!

First up is a good set of basic knife set. This set is great, in my opinion, for beginners. It has the basic essentials and are very sharp. They come in a beautiful wood knife block.  She has also has a bigger set with scissors and all that I also recommend.

A good rolling pin is an essential kitchen tool and every cook should have a good one. I’m actually very picky when it comes to rolling pins and prefer the nonroller type…all manual but this one was beautiful and just felt quality made.  I tried it out on a pie crust recipe and found that it was super easy to work with.  I just love the look of the wood from Paula’s collection.

Another favorite is the salt box.  I fill it with kosher salt and have it sitting by my stove for easy access to season my food.  This one has two compartments and is easy to slide. I’ve found that some salt boxes have hard to slide lids.  This is very affordable at under $15 bucks..

And to make those delicious pies, buy your favorite cook a Paula Deen Pie Baker!  I have the Robin Egg’s Blue and it’s so deep and so pretty. I just love this!  I even use it to serve other food in, as well as bake pies in!  I’m sure you’ll be able to find all kinds of pie recipes to make in it.  You can even search cooking.com for recipes to use.

And finally, for a new couple, you might think about giving a nice 2 pc skillet pan set as a gift.   Our family is a bit big for this set but my husband does bring out the one just to cook our eggs in.  The butter color is just fabulous and will brighten any kitchen!

Do you have a Paula Deen favorite that would be perfect for gift giving? Share it!

Disclosure: I was sent some of these Paula Deen pieces for review.  I’ve enjoyed Paula for years as many of you know so please understand that my opinions are not swayed by free product. They are my own opinions, always have been, always will be.  I love me some Paula!

Can you believe it? I got to meet the Queen of Butta, Paula Deen at the Blogher Conference in Chicago.  {{WOW}}  This is probably my fourth of fifth time showing this picture off but I don’t care.  It IS Paula Deen after all and that’s freakin’ cool.

Now I love Paula for her cooking (and Paula’s cookware, especially the wooden spoons..heehee) because I consider that the best southern comfort food around, however, it is her life story that is inspirational and captures my heart the most.  A quick recap for those of you who don’t know what’s she’s about……

Before she got into the professional side of cooking, Paula was a homemaker and bank teller.  In 1989, she divorced leaving her with $200 in her pockets and two teenage boys to raise.  Instead of wallowing in self pity, she started a very small catering business, The Bag Lady, where she would make up sandwiches (and other food) and have her boys deliver the food.  She never delivered food herself due to her fear, Agoraphobia, fear of public places.  Paula has said that her fear was probably due the fact that she was held at gunpoint at one time in her life.  GAH!!!

Next thing you know, “The Bag Lady“, outgrew her kitchen and moved on to bigger things.  She was hired by Best Western Hotel, to cook of course and within 5 years or so, she owned her own restaurant, The Lady and Sons.  Freakin’ awesome I’d say!!  I’m sure she never imagined that she’d own her own restaurant, much less come to be as big as she is now.

Almost 10 years later, after her divorce, she published her very first cookbook, The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook.  She moved on to TV, promoted on QVC, and went on to make other cookbooks.  In 2003, Paula Deen got her own cooking show, Paula’s Home Cooking.  Can you tell I’m a fan yet???  I even get her magazine!

GET COOKIN’

After all this, she’s still a-goin’ and has launched something new called Get Cookin’ where she shares her stories and such through her own words, photos, and videos!  And guess what, you can participate too by uploading your own videos and photos.  Connect with her and other foodies on a more social level.  LOVE IT!  You get to see her as herself…sometimes no makeup;)

Finally, one more picture of me staring the beautiful Paula Deen while she answers a question for someone…….clearly I’m in love.  She’s an amazing women to say the least and I’m so honored to have met her.

P.S.  She really is just beautiful inside and out.

Today only, you can get Paula Deen’s The Deen Family Cookbook for $16.58! It’s QVC’s Today Special Value and only lasts one day at that price. NOT a member? Signing up is EASY! If you do, you’ll get a $10 credit! (for new members only) Let me know if you sign up for the first time! Would love to welcome you to the QVC family:)  If you want to know why I heart QVC, check out some of my favorites from there.  Also, many of Paula Deen‘s other products on QVC are on easy pay! It’s like layaway but you get the product right away!

This will ship out on April 7th so that you can receive it hot off the press! This is great for people like me who just can’t run out to the store when it’s released. I order everything almost online!

The cookbook looks fabulous! I’m watching Paula Deen now on QVC and she is fabulous. The food looks amazing and absolutely delicious.

About the book:

Come and get it, y’all! Paula Deen made a name for herself whipping up down-home family recipes. Now, in The Deen Family Cookbook, Paula shares step-by-step instructions so you can fix all her family favorites–and serve ‘em up for your family!

Combining the two things Paula loves most–food and family–this book features a heapin’ helpin’ of more than 140 brand-new recipes from Paula; her sons, Jamie and Bobby; her brother, Uncle Bubba; and the rest of her food-lovin’ clan. From corn-and-crab puffs and chicken and dumplings to red velvet whoopee pies and banana spice cake with peanut butter frosting, this book will have you cooking–and eating–like Paula’s kinfolk in no time at all.

More than just a cookbook, this volume also contains full-color photographs of Paula, her relatives, and the Southern surroundings that inspired her good ol’ fashioned dishes. Of course, you’ll also find colorful shots of Paula’s prepared recipes–enough to make your mouth water!

These are the recipes that have been passed down in the Deen family from generation to generation. With this durable hardcover edition of Paula Deen‘s The Deen Family Cookbook, you can make them the recipes that are handed down in your family, too.

* Paula Deen, author
* Hardcover
* 288 pages
* Full-color photos
* Chapters include: Nibbles, Snacks, and Sandwiches; Appetizers, Soups, and Salads; Main Dishes; Casseroles and Pasta; Sides and Veggies; Breakfast and Brunch; Good Food That’s Good for You; Desserts and Sweets; Beverages
* Published April 2009

GUESS WHAT! If you want to win one, leave a comment here telling me what you love about Paula or her recipes!

BONUS: Come back each day and tell me something new you like about Paula or her recipes and earn an extra daily entry:)  That gives you a total of 6 chances to win, fair for everyone!

Ends on April 5th at 10pm CST.  Good luck!

Paula Deen’s recipes are the best and this one is no exception.  My internet has been down for over a day so hopefully things will get back to normal soon!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 10-oz packages of frozen leaf spinach (thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup or 1 stick of butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp grated yellow onion
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (“Not 1% or 2%,” says Paula.)
• 1 cup (1/4 lb) grated Swiss cheese
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• pinch of garlic powder
• dash of freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds fresh crab meat, picked through twice for shells
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs

PREPARATION

Preheat the broiler. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish or eight ovenproof individual ramekins.  In a 12” skillet over medium heat, saute the spinach in 2 tbsp of the butter with the garlic and onion for 3 minutes. Drain the spinach mixture and chop finely. Transfer the spinach into the baking dish.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the milk, stirring constantly with a spoon until smooth and thickened; this should take 8 to 10 minutes. Once the sauce is thickened, add the cheese, half and half, lemon juice, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt and cayenne. Cook over low heat until thickened again, about 10 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat and carefully fold in the crab meat.  Pour the mixture evenly over the spinach. Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs and dot with the remaining 2 tbsp butter (you may need more bread crumbs if you’re preparing individual servings).  Broil about 5 minutes, until browned.  Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

NOTE: If you’re making this ahead of time, skip the broiler. After you top off the breadcrumbs with the butter, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook uncover and bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly in a pre-heated 350º oven. Then change the oven setting to “Broil” and broil the top for about 5 minutes.

You didn’t actually think I was gonna cook with her did you;) Well of course you did.  After all, I am having lunch with a celebrity chef   We all love Paula and we love surprises even more!  Well, here ya go folks…a new one!

• Win this lovely gift set that includes:
• Paula Deen‘s Celebrate Cookbook
• A Mortar and Pestle
• A couple of kitchen towels
• and of course, wooden spoons:)

Super easy to enter

Leave a comment telling me your favorite food:)  Yep, that’s it!  If you have the banner up, tell me in the same comment please.

This ends on Sunday the 13th!  GOOD LUCK!

Read official rules under current giveaways.

Great cookware sets here from Rachael Ray to Paula Deen!

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Paula Deen Cookware Sets

“Poring through antique shops with my Aunt Peggy is one of my most cherished memories. This line was inspired by the many treasures she and I found on our adventures. My wish is that they are as fun to collect for you as they were for me.”Features:Includes: 1 Qt. Covered Saucepan, 2 Qt. Covered Saucepan, 2.75 Qt. Covered Saucepan, 6 Qt. Covered Stockpot, 8 ” Skillet, 10″ Skillet, Slotted Turner, Slotted SpoonColorful speckled porcelain exterior will enhance every kitchen from contemporary to traditional. This attractive exterior is durable, stain resistant and a breeze to cleanAluminum construction heats up quickly and evenly. The interior of each pan is a high quality nonstick allowing food to slide off easily and ensuring a lifetime of easy clean upColor coordinated, dual riveted, rubberized handles are designed to provide a comfortable, secure grip. Stylish copper plated rings are attached for hanging convenience. Oven safe to 350

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Rachael Ray 10-Piece Hard-Anodized Cookware Set, Orange

Give your kitchen a Rachael Ray makeover! Professional 10-Pc. Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware Set! A WIDE selectionof most-used pots and pans, approved by TV’s Rachael Ray. The hard-anodized surfaces combine quick, even heating with a no-spray-required nonstick surface. In these 10-Pcs., you’re sure to use at least one every day… it’s amazing how easy cooking can be when you have the right tools! With gripy bright orange silicone handles for comfort and glass lids for easy monitoring. Offered here for less! All you need in one handy Set: Baking-safe up to 400 degrees F; 1 1/2 and 3-qt. covered saucepans; 6-qt. covered stockpot; 3-qt. 10″ covered saute pan; 8″ and 10″ french skillets; Entire Set weighs 20 lbs. Get cooking… this 10-Pc. Set makes everything from pancakes to pasta to stew! Order your Cookware Set today! 10-Pc. Rachael Ray Hard Anodized Cookware Set, Black

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Martha Stewart Collection Hard Anodized 12-Piece Cookware Set

Wherever your culinary adventures take you, you’ll always be ready with this all-inclusive cookware set. Each handsome piece is ready to satisfy all your stovetop needs, crafted with hard-anodized aluminum to resist everyday wear and nonstick coatings inside and out for healthy cooking and easy cleanup. Limited lifetime warranty.

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Le Creuset Enamel On Steel 10 Piece Cookware Set, Cherry Red

10 piece set includes 8 quart stockpot with lid, pasta insert, 1.5 quart saucepan with lid, 2 quart saucepan with lid, 4.5 quart casserole with lid and 9.5 inch skillet

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Paylesscookware Frange Blue 5-piece Classic Cast Iron Cookware Set

Distributes heat evenly and retains heat longer than other cooking materials Each piece is completely covered and sealed with an incredibly strong, chip-resistant enamel that doesn’t require seasoning and will not rust. Dishwasher safe Dimension: 4-qt. Round Dutch Oven : Diameter 9 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ Depth. 3-qt.Round Dutch Oven : Length 10 1/2″ , Diameter 8 1/2″x 4″ Depth. 10″ Skillet : Diameter 10″ x 2″Depth. Product Features: Enamel Coated Cast Iron Interior: Enameled Beige Enamel Coated Frange Light Blue Exterior Set includes: A 4 qt. Round Dutch Oven, A 3 qt. Round Dutch Oven, A 10-Inch Skillet. Please see other colors at website:paylesscookware.com

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This is a continuation of utensils/gadgets and cutlery.

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Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer

I have this and love it. It makes baking an apple pie so much easier!
Heavy duty, suction base, Gift box,3 modes

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Pinzon Stainless-Steel Mandoline

* Redesigned blades on mandoline create precise, uniform slices of fruit or vegetables
* Made of durable 18/10 stainless steel with sturdy plastic knob
* Includes 4 blade attachments for waved, rough, fine, and smooth cuts
* Side knob adjusts cut to desired thickness; blades slide into side slot
* Measures 20-3/4 inches long by 8-1/4 inches wide; hand-wash; imported

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French Fry Cutter

Cutter makes professional-style french fries at home
Stainless steel and rubber
Hand wash

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CDN Proaccurate Stainless Digital Thermometer

Accurate and efficient digital thermometer perfect for grilling
Features a 5-inch stem, premium stainless with shatterproof housing, data hold feature, and auto-off after ten minutes
Measures from -40 to 350 degrees fahrenheit
Safe to use in dishwasher
stainless steel housing

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MIU #90049 Candy/Deep Fryer Thermometer

12.5″ long
Clear marking
Stainless Steel frame
100 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
12″L x .5″H x 2″W

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Paula Deen 10 Inch and 13 Inch Spoon Sets

Includes: 10″ and 13″ Solid Spoons
Sophisticated styling crafted from sustainable, eco-friendly acacia wood
Handles are fitted with a copper plated ring for convenient hanging
Perfect for nonstick pans
Hand wash only

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12″ Right-Handed Lazy Spoon TNR

Jonathan’s Lazy Spoon is taking the cooking world by storm!Celebrity chef Rachael Ray calls this innovated spoon “a must have”! Notched to rest on your pot’s edge, drips stay in the pan and the handle stays cool!Wooden spoons are some of the simplest tool

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MIU Stainless-Steel 7-Piece Measuring Cup Set

Measuring cups with sizes that include 1/8, 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, and 1 cup
* Constructed of 18/10 stainless steel that will not rust, stain, or corrode
* Straight-sided cups are heavier, sturdier, and more beautiful than average measuring cups
* Clearly displayed capacity; long, broad handles for an easy grip; dishwasher-safe
* Measure approximately 9 inches long when completely stacked; limited lifetime warranty

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Norpro 2-Tablespoon Stainless Steel Scoop

* Use to portion ice cream, sherbet, cookie dough, meatballs, purées
* Made of 18/8 stainless steel polished to mirror finish
* Heavy-duty spring action releases food by sliding band beneath it
* Scoop is 8-1/2 inches long, with 2-inch diameter head
* Safe to use in dishwasher

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Kitchenaid Culinary Gadget & Utensil Set – 10pc

* Set includes: Euro Peeler – High-carbon special cutlery stainless steel blade
* Nylon Tongs – Strong and durable. Can Opener – High-carbon special cutlery w/ stainless steel cutting wheel
* Utility Whisk – Strong stainless steel. Flat Grater – Strong stainless steel for cheese, chocolate and vegetables
* Slotted Turner – Nylon fiberglass reinforced for strength. Basting Spoon – Nylon fiberglass reinforced for strength
* Slotted Spoon – Nylon fiberglass reinforced for strength and durability. Measuring Cups – Set of 4: 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 1 cup

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Rachael Ray 2pc. Tong Set

Other colors are available!  I love these for salad!!!  I always had such a hard time getting those little bits of tomato or onion in my salad and now I can with these great grippers!

* High heat silicone heads are heat safe to 500°F
* Lil’ Huggers lock in the closed position for convenient storage
* Dishwasher safe

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Trudeau 11-Piece Basting Set

# 11 Piece set
# Contoured base catches messy drips, and serves as storage container for small components
# Unbreakable calibrated see-through basting tube
# High-heat resistant bulb specifically designed to prevent rolling

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