Verified answer

I think that is a very good question, despite it being asked three times, here's a hint only press submit once. Myra C, based on the number of points you have, it is pretty obvious that your greatest accomplishment in life is getting off by putting people down on these forums. WHY don't you not answer the question instead of demeaning people?

Paula Deen does making disgusting food. She is different from the other cooks on FN and I think that is why people like her.

Paula Deen was in her proverbial comfort zone, like many who claim not to be racist, yet undermine those of color anyway. It's the American Way. NOT! You are right, none of us should use racial slurs but it is hard to de-program or de-brainwash those who think it was alright in the first place and used it as a way to stereotype regardless if it were true or rang true of any individual. I can't get over all the comments about Paula not saying the "N" word now. That is not how it was reported. Even if she didn't say the "N" word she has many racially questionable slogans she uses all the time and has admitted to that. I too, do not wish her to be marked for a racist, especially if she is sincerely sorry for what she has done in the past or the present, but one shouldn't think that your comfort zone behavior is entirely acceptable to other people either. You always pay the price for something that is not right. You have to face it, own it, like a champion. Maybe she will. Depends on whether or not she is racist.

She appeals to many people because she cooks downhome Southern homecooking that many people are familiar with from their childhoods and that they don't get anymore in today's fast-paced society. Other chefs are just too fru-fru for them, which is fine. Who are you to judge what someone likes or dislikes simply because you have issues with it?

I think she's a great cook. She doesn't use fancy expensive ingredients like many others do, has a wonderful fun personality and knows what she is talking about. There are many dishes that I would love to try from her shows that I haven't had the chance to yet, many of which I have only ever heard about from relatives but never tasted them.

If you don't like her, don't watch her or buy her magazines. It's simple as that. That's why there are so many different chefs out there that appeal to different crowds. I can't stand alot of the chefs on Food Network since they are not my style and I don't like what they fix or their overall presentation and attitudes but I don't go slandering them.

If you take some time and read her Chefography on Food Network, you'll have more respect for her.....Battling single motherhood back then was difficult, and she also had agoraphobia which she handles, and she brought up two sons by herself.......I think a lot of people can relate to her "mother-like qualities"........I know, she uses the most unhealthy things in her recipes, but these days with all the health conscious foods out there, this is kind of a retro on cooking, as you get to see some of the "secret" down-home recipes that only people with a LOT on ingenuity could get by on.....Enjoy!!

Christopher

I have met Paula and she is a wonderful person and has a wonderful success story.. talk about making something out of nothing. She's an inspiration. Nothing was handed to her. Her food is delicious.. but not for the calorie minded and I wouldn't eat it everyday, but it is nice every now and again.

Oh, she has deep fried butter.. it was hilarious.. sometimes you just have to live a little

Her cooking might not appeal to everyone, I'll admit that one. Not everyone is ready for "deep fried anything".

However, she is simply one of the most personable personalities out there! She has a laugh that is completely infectious and is just a real down to earth "rags to riches" person. And I think that everyday background is what is most appealing. She's not stuck up, not above anyone, just makes you feel like you're another one of her "kin".

If it's not obvious, I'm a Paula Dean Fan! And personally, can't wait to visit her restaurant in Savannah when we vacation there soon! :)

I love her and actually she has fried butter balls before. I would not cook like her everyday,but almost every recipe of her's that I've tried has been amazing. I've met her before too at a book signing and she was just as sweet and down home as she is on her show. I'm from the south,so maybe that's the appeal for me.

I think she represents 'down-home comfort food' cooking.

And amidst all the healthy food subsitutions, it seems there are some people who are missing 'all that fat and lard' flavouring and feel some comfort in that type of cooking...childhood memories maybe.

I agree with you that she probably has deep-fried butter lol ! It isn't the healthiest cooking and a lot of her recipes incorporate foods with trans-fats.

But I think that healthy food does taste better and there is no flavour loss...and healthy food can be comfort food too.

I'm right on the same page as you regarding health food...but I do watch her show and enjoy it.

She is relaxed, has a warm personality and she is funny. Her show is 'homey'. You can always change the recipes to suit your health needs.

Deep fried butter? Why is she a horrible cook? I love her food, but some if it I could do without. Most of her food is just down home southern cooking. To be honest all people have different tastes in food. If you don't like her, then don't watch her!

This phenomenon probably has a lot to do with the aggressive marketing of the Food Network and its subsidiaries. Lately, it seems that many television personalities are appearing on the Food Network despite their lack of training and expertise. This is true of virtually all of the Food Network programs. Many have below average skills and experience. Their personalities are grating at best and many are only fitfully inspired. The few personalities who do have some skills have been prostituted to the point now where they are moving more into show business than cooking. This is sad, as many of these personalities really need to build on the fundamentals.

The sad thing is that this publicity is resulting in an avalanche of Food Network-backed cookbooks that clog up bookstore shelves with gimmicks while taking space away from the truly gifted and inspired. Food Network personalities need to focus more on quality rather than on quantity.