Southern hospitality...

I wonder what happened when that patron foodie/genius first pitched the idea to create a network that was all food, all the time. I wonder if people thought he/she was crazy. I wonder if anyone had a clue as to how successful such a deliciously simple idea would turn out to be.

I'm a Food Network junkie. I love to check out the shows and the Web site for party menu planning, recipes, and all-around food-spiration. And while I like most of the shows and stars on the network, one Food Network star has a special place in my heart: Paula Deen. Between you and me, one of my goals is to have some of my recipes featured on her show. I'll let you know when her people get in touch with my people and ink the deal...

From her perfectly coiffed hair to the way she tells you to add eggs "one at the time," as opposed to one at a time, she's full of southern charm and wit. But be careful: Watching her show can raise your cholesterol a bit, especially when she breaks out the mayo (her favorite condiment) or the sticks of butter, like in this recipe for Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cakes. I mean, the woman puts cheese on her corn on the cob. Paula is so bad (that means good, in this case) that she turns something as benign and healthy as green beans into a deliciously bad (again with the bad = good) dish with this recipe. Just remember to exercise (no pun intended) moderation when you enjoy southern goodness from Paula's kitchen.

Fried Green Bean Bundles
1 pound fresh green beans
1 bunch green onions, cut into strips
2 tablespoons House Seasoning, recipe follows
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
Oil, for frying

Bundle about 5 green beans by tying in the center with a green onion strip. Combine house seasoning and flour. Dip green beans in buttermilk and roll into flour mixture. In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.