Paula Deen!

A few days ago, I found out that Paula Deen was doing a book signing at a local store here in Pasadena. I immediately thought of my mom, and how much she would like a signed book by Paula. There were several rules that followed-only books bought at that store, no photos, only 1 book per person, etc. I was a little nervous, because I was afraid she might be a totally different person in real life, compared to the southern belle she is on tv.

I was so wrong! She was wonderful. The 3 seconds I got to spend with her were divine. She talked to Avery and McKenna, even wrote their names in one of the books-which was against the rules :) I begged Kevin to come and help with Presley and try to take a picture while we were in line. Paula even talked to him and when she saw that Presley was part of the group, she jokingly asked us if we knew how "that" happened (the whole having kids thing, it's a question we get asked a lot out here in Ca).

We arrived at the bookstore at 5:30 (signing was at 6) and there was already a long line outside of the building. She came at 6 and spoke for a few minutes about the book, which is a decorating book written with her assistant. That's the pic at the top of this post. Then, she went inside for the actual signing. By 6:30, we were talking to Paula! It was a great experience. Just like the time we met KU Basketball coach, Bill Self.

In honor of Paula, I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes of hers. It's her chicken and rice casserole. LOVE IT!