Paula Dean--Diva of Southern Cooking!

My sister, mom and I went to the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining show in downtown D.C. for the day. It was filled with fun! My mom, Jeanie, gave us an early Christmas gift by buying tickets to Paula Dean's book signing and luncheon. It was so much fun to see her up close and personal. She's one lovely lady! I took her a hand-tied bouquet of luscious roses in coral and deep pink, mixed with white crane kale, bear grass, bullet allium (part of the onion family and has a beautiful hue of purple), and hypericum (St. John's wort) wrapped in a organically friendly paper and tied with raffia and dried okra finish. Everything to tie together a cook's love for flowers!

Next, we went downstairs to the show area and looked around and visited many booths. What great food vendors! Then came the cooking show with Paula. Yum...chicken enchiladas....pico de gallo...her version of Spanish rice. She has a way of just having fun and allowing people to ask questions.

The later afternoon show was slated with Giada de Laurentiis. She is one of my favorite Food Network host's as well. Okay, the biggest question--How does a tiny lady have the ability to stay tiny when making some of the best tasting pasta? Her recipes are delicious and mouthwatering.

We came away with great recipes, smiles, and memories that last a lifetime. Who wouldn't want that type of Christmas present?