Paula's Best Dishes Season 1 Episode 5 Uptown Picnic

Paula's Best Dishes is a cooking show hosted by Paula Deen, who is known for her Southern-style cooking. In season 1 episode 5, titled Uptown Picnic, Paula prepares a menu perfect for a sophisticated picnic in the city.

The episode starts off with Paula introducing the concept of an uptown picnic, which she describes as "a picnic with a bit of elegance." She explains that this type of picnic is perfect for city-dwellers who want to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing style or sophistication.

Paula begins by preparing a refreshing cocktail called a Peach Bellini. She explains that this cocktail is a perfect drink for a summer picnic because it's easy to make, light, and delicious. The Peach Bellini is made with fresh peaches, peach schnapps, and sparkling wine, and Paula demonstrates how to make it step-by-step.

Next, Paula prepares a savory Chicken Salad Sandwich. She starts by making a homemade mayo, which she uses as a base for her chicken salad. She also adds grapes, almonds, and fresh tarragon to give the sandwich a burst of flavor. Paula serves the chicken salad on a buttery croissant and adds a side of homemade sweet potato chips.

For the main course, Paula prepares a delicious Shrimp and Couscous Salad. She explains that this salad is perfect for an uptown picnic because it's light and refreshing, yet still filling. The salad is made with Israeli couscous, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Paula also demonstrates how to make a homemade vinaigrette to dress the salad.

Finally, Paula ends the episode with a sweet treat: Mini Strawberry Shortcakes. She starts by making a biscuit dough from scratch and then cuts out mini biscuits. She then macerates fresh strawberries with sugar and mint to create a sweet and tangy topping. Paula tops the biscuits with the macerated strawberries and finishes them off with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Paula shares tips and tricks for preparing the perfect picnic, such as how to pack a basket and what to wear. She also shares anecdotes and stories about her own experiences with picnics, which add a personal touch to the episode.

Overall, Uptown Picnic is a delightful episode of Paula's Best Dishes that is sure to inspire viewers to host their own sophisticated picnic in the city. With its refreshing cocktails, savory sandwiches, and delicious desserts, this episode showcases Paula's signature Southern-style cuisine at its best.