Ok, so a few weeks ago, I went to see the movie, Julie and Julia. It really hit home for me. I mean, I love to cook, love to feed folks and well, other than the fact that Julia Child has never really been high on my list of favorite television/celebrity chefs, I could relate to the Julie character in the movie. I do sort of find myself in the kitchen, get a grounded feeling. It's hard to explain, but when a dish comes out just right and my "testers" give it great reviews, I'm prouder than any peacock!! So, I came home thinking about this movie. OK...I want to do it. I want to choose a cookbook (or two) from a chef. A chef I can really relate to. No problems. My first and ONLY thought was of the ever cheery, Mrs. Paula Deen! Do I want to follow the books implicitly? Nah...everyone knows that I'm too laid back for that. Too finicky too. I found the first two cookbooks she published for a steal on Amazon and had them delivered last week. I think I've gained 5 lbs. just reading through them. I want to take the time to try most of the recipes in each book. In order? Nah...but I'll write dates and notes in the margins so I won't blog about a repeat performance of a recipe for you all. Will I set a time frame like the lady in the movie? Nope. I don't know if I'll have the time or funding to try a few new recipes a week, so I'll really try to do at least one a week. Now...I must warn you, if you have any of Mrs. Deen's cookbooks, you will start to notice I won't do anything with wild game, duck, organ meats, or goose in it. Why? I simply cannot stomach such foods, so if I won't dare eat it, I won't dare cook it to impose it upon my loving husband and/or family.

So, if you've read this far, you're aware of my plans. When will I start? Hopefully in the next week or so. We just sort of remodeled our kitchen over Labor Day weekend, so I feel like I have the space and ability now. I will try to publish pictures of everything I cook and the recipe as well as any things I'd change next time or any liberties I have taken. If you like to eat, like to eat SOUTHERN, like to feel the love that is cooked into every great Southern dish, then you'll want to check back. I'll go as long as I can, or until I run out of recipes from the first two books, if I want to continue, I'll pick up another of her cookbooks. I'll just play it by ear, ya' know?

Now, since I'm taking on this project, it might not be a bad idea if any of you play the stock market, to go ahead and invest in butter...yeah...with Paula as my inspiration, there is very likely going to be pounds and pounds of it purchased in the coming months/years.

I hope you enjoy reading my postings as much as I anticipate posting/blogging to be enjoyable for me.