Paula Deen is Not a Racist Y’all

Me and Paula hanging out in her gift shop in historic Savannah, Georgia.
Me and Paula hanging out in her gift shop in historic Savannah, Georgia.

I’ve never met Paula Deen, but this I know: She is not a racist. I write this post on the heels of yesterday’s breaking news–that Food Network will not be renewing her contract.

Paula Deen’s Hashbrown Casserole

Like many of her fans, I too am from the South, her native state of Georgia. We share a love for Southern comfort food, seafood and the coast. For years, I’ve cooked from her cookbooks, eaten at Savannah’s The Lady and Sons, visited her gift shop and looked forward to Saturday mornings when I could sit down and learn from her as I watched Food Network. I’ve spent many an hour in the kitchen following her recipes and laughing with my Grandma over how long it took me to bake her lemon cake, and how easy they made it look on TV. I can’t count the number of times I’ve eaten a delicious cake or herb-roasted pork tenderloin with the family, and upon that first bite of pleasure uttered the words, “It’s a Paula Deen recipe,” as everyone tasted in agreement. I’ve read her book It Ain’t All About the Cooking and have found myself in her as I admired her rags-to-riches story. I’ve tasted some of the best food I’ve ever put in my mouth from Paula Deen’s Southern Cooking Bible. Paula Deen is a nationwide household name. As fans, we feel a connection to her, relate to her and associate good memories with her food and her name.

Just this week before the news was revealed, I made known my ambitions to cook with Paula on her Best Dishes Food Network show. She has been a huge inspiration for me in the kitchen and without her, I wouldn’t be the cook I am today. Paula paved the way for many Southern TV food personalities that have come and are coming after her. For that, I’m thankful.

I believe Paula Deen is a kind-hearted, generous and caring woman. Her fans–black and white–are loyal. Those that know and love Paula admire her courage. I believe her apologies were sincere. When reading the fan’s reactions to the news on Food Network’s Facebook wall just yesterday, one comment said it all: “Leave my Paula alone. Yes, I am African-American.”

Paula, Michael, Jamie and Bobby…if any of you read this, know that this morning we sit around our breakfast tables saddened. We’re wondering how this will affect Jamie and Bobby’s Food Network shows, how we’ll ever be able to watch the network again without hearing Paula’s laugh and seeing her familiar, friendly face. No matter what lies ahead, we love you all and will always be fans. Know that our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Paula Deen is not a racist, and that’s just the truth y’all.

Statesboro Cooks Starring Rebekah Faulk

This is it y’all! History in the making. Me on TV!! In this episode of Statesboro Cooks, I star as a guest host.

The show will air on local cable, Channel 99 at the following times throughout the month:

  • Monday        7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday        1 a.m.
  • Wednesday  1 p.m.
  • Thursday      7:30 p.m.

Statesboro Cooks is a multimedia communications team production. My next appearance will be in September. Thank you for watching!

Crack This: Farm Eggs vs. Store-Bought

I’ve eaten eggs from the grocery store my entire life. I’m sure at some point in my childhood I’ve tasted an egg fresh from the chicken coop because my Grandpa raised chickens, but that was before my palate was experienced enough to appreciate the difference. It’s true that when you’ve never experienced better, you don’t know what you’re missing.

wpid-IMG_20130510_185756.jpgSo, when my good lookin’ boyfriend showed up at my door last week with one dozen, light brown and cream-colored farm eggs in one hand and a beautiful bouquet of flowers in the other (I know…keeper), I set my sights on cooking the eggs just the way a farmer recommended: in a little bacon grease with salt and pepper. I’ve never tasted anything like these eggs…it was pure eggstacy (had to do it!). Seriously, the flavor is out of this world, and sure to make you crack a smile (okay, okay). During cooking I found them to be more fluffy than a store-bought egg. Produced by free-range chickens, farm eggs are more nutritious because the chickens are able to roam freely and eat a natural diet. They contain no added hormones or fillers and are not processed. 

wpid-20130520_195459.jpg

wpid-20130520_195545.jpgOne meal that exemplifies comfort food for me and really lets the farm egg shine, is the tried and true bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. A fancy meal has its time and place, but it’s not always the five-star, fine dining plates that trip my trigger. Sometimes, a good ol’ familiar meal is the only thing I need to feel centered, satisfied and one with my kitchen again. Served with a side of cheese grits, breakfast for dinner has never been better.

Here’s how I make the classic McDonald’s biscuit-turned-sandwich at home:

  • Thick cut, hickory smoked bacon
  • Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread
  • 2 Farm Fresh Chicken Eggs
  • Blackberry Jelly (I used homemade jelly from the Amish country that I got from a quaint market, but Smucker’s works great if you don’t have that).
  • Kraft’s Sharp Cheddar Cheese, sliced

Cook three strips of bacon in a skillet on medium heat until just crispy (I like mine slightly underdone). Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels. Pour off some of the grease, reserving enough to cook the eggs, about 1-2 tablespoons. Whisk the eggs together in a small bowl, season with salt & pepper. Pour the eggs into the pan and let set. Cook for about 2 -3 minutes on each side, flipping once for even browning. Meanwhile, slice or grate the cheddar cheese and toast two slices of bread. Spread toasted bread with blackberry jelly, then build the sandwich. Serve with a side of cheese grits for optimum enjoyment!

wpid-20130520_194926.jpgAnd remember, when building the sandwich, it’s all about good architecture! Somehow, the sandwich tastes better when cut into a triangle shape too. At least, that’s the way mama always sent me to school, with a neatly packed cut-in-half sandwich in my brown paper sack.

Have you ever tasted a farm egg? If so, how would you describe the difference?

2013 Brings New Kitchen and Cast Iron Skillet, Renewed Health

Greetings, Some Kinda Good fans! It’s great to see you. I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve stood at a stove and really cooked. The month of December and January were filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cereal for dinner and multiple trips to Starbucks–because I was running on pure caffeine and adrenaline.

I had the Christmas “break” from Hades and only recently have I sat down long enough to even think about blogging. Between my dad having a heart attack, one of my dearest friends experiencing devastating tragedy and me being diagnosed with a serious case of mono and tonsillitis simultaneously, there was no time, much less energy to whip up anything worthy of being deemed Some Kinda Good. On top of all that, I was searching for a new place to live and had to move at the end of December.

I wanted y’all to know I hadn’t dropped off the planet and Some Kinda Good is still a top priority.

The dust has settled now and I’m happy to report that my dad has lost nearly 30 pounds and is recovering very well at home, I can finally swallow without bracing myself and though I still have a guest room to unpack and put together, the cardboard boxes are disappearing from my new home one by one each day.

Meet my new kitchen, where I'll be bringing you dishes that are Some Kinda Good all year long!
Meet my new kitchen, where I’ll be bringing you dishes that are Some Kinda Good all year long!

When I stood at my brand new cooktop last night in my quaint little kitchen, searing a beautiful filet of beef with red wine and sautéed peppers and onions, I made that cast iron skillet sing. I realized just how much I’d missed cooking and sharing it with you.

I’m looking forward to reviewing some incredible restaurants on the coast this year. First stop? Beaufort, South Carolina. As for my next home cooking post, get ready for some seriously incredible Strawberry Streusel Muffins.

So, Happy Belated New Year fans! I’ve missed you. Here’s to eating well and raising our glasses to good food and good company in 2013. Cheers!

Georgia Blueberries Star in Summer Tart

I’ve always loved the concept of a tart. I think it’s the ease of preparation that appeals to me. The idea that you can whip up a pastry base and fill it with anything you like, whether sweet or savory is just exciting, and the ridges–I can’t get over the ridges. Any combination of summer fruit will make a beautiful tart. This buttery, comforting blueberry tart was inspired by The New York Times Dining & Wine Recipes of Summer Fruit. Continue reading “Georgia Blueberries Star in Summer Tart”