These are a few of my favorite things...

We're not talkin' about rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens...


Instead- every weekend I've decided to share a few of my favorite recipes from the best cooks in the world! These dishes have been tested in my kitchen- and let me just say, each and everyone of them is a hit!

These recipes are from the QUEEN of Southern comfort, Paula Deen. I think this chick has really got it goin' on. She is a unique personality that holds little back. She is effortlessly creative while still being "classic" in the kitchen, and totally not afraid of the ever feared ingredient, BUTTER. Although her food isn't always the healthiest, it is definitely the tastiest. One of my favorite dishes of Paula Deen's is the Divan Chicken.

You will need:

• 2 10-ounce packages frozen chopped brocoli
• 6 cups shredded chicken (I like to pre-buy a rotisseri chicken from the grocery store and shred it myself)
• 2 10 3/4-ounce cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 
  
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Microwave the frozen broccoli, while following the directions on the package. Drain the broccoli in a colander and put in a casserole dish with the shredded chicken.

In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well.

Place the mixture into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.
For an extra cheesy kick sprinkle the top with Cheddar, or Gruyere cheese. TOO GOOD FOR WORDS!!!

And after you finish eating that YUMMY dish, I guarantee you will be craving a sweet treat. I look again to Ms. Deen for some sweet Southern comfort with the delicious Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.

You will need:

• 1 (8-ounce) brick cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 stick butter, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (18-ounce) box moist chocolate cake mix
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Now that you have the ingredients cook along with Paula ---> Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies 

And if you are craving more comfort food click here.

Have a yummy Saturday!

*images courtesy of FoodNetwork.com