Paula's Home Cooking Season 3 Episode 17 Cooking for the Troops

In season 3 episode 17 of Paula's Home Cooking, titled Cooking for the Troops, Paula Deen dedicates an entire episode to creating meals for those in the military. Paula shares her heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and their families, and she wants to do her part in showing her gratitude through food.

Paula begins by making an appetizer that is easy to transport and can be eaten on the go: ham and cheese pinwheels. The pinwheels are made with a cream cheese spread, thinly sliced ham, and shredded cheddar cheese, all rolled up in a crescent roll and baked to perfection. Paula explains that these pinwheels are perfect for military care packages or for a quick and easy snack for those in the field.

Next up, Paula makes a casserole that is always a crowd-pleaser: chicken spaghetti casserole. This dish is made with cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and lots of cheese. Paula adds some extra flavor with her secret ingredient - a can of Rotel tomatoes. Once everything is mixed together and baked, the casserole is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

For the main course, Paula prepares a grilled pork tenderloin with a tangy mustard glaze. To start, Paula marinates the pork in a mix of Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a few other spices. After marinating for a few hours, Paula grills the pork until it's perfectly cooked and then brushes on a glaze made with more Dijon mustard and honey. The result is a juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin that's sure to be a hit with all who eat it.

To round out the meal, Paula makes a classic southern side dish: butter beans. Using fresh butter beans, Paula cooks them with bacon, onion, and chicken broth until they're tender and bursting with flavor. This simple side dish is the perfect complement to the other dishes on the menu.

Throughout the episode, Paula also shares stories of her own experiences with the military. She talks about family members who have served, and she tells heartwarming stories of the support that the soldiers and their families give each other. Paula's passion and gratitude are evident in every dish she prepares, and it's clear that she truly wants to give back to those who have given so much.

Overall, Cooking for the Troops is an episode full of delicious recipes, heartfelt appreciation, and a deep respect for the sacrifices made by those in the military. Paula's dedication to honoring the troops through food is both inspiring and heartwarming, and her dishes are sure to bring comfort and joy to anyone who eats them.