Paula Deen, whose southern charm is as irresistible as her fried chicken, is cooking up something new for her fans to crave. Teaming up with Hoffman Media, the publisher of her magazine, Paula is kicking off a national tour this summer. Paula Deen Live, which will begin in early June and go through September, will be visiting Shreveport, Charlotte, Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta.


The concept for the tour stemmed from Paula Deen's hugely successful Cooking Schools, which she began in 2004. When tickets went on sale for all 52 classes in 2006, they sold out in less than two weeks. "That's why we partnered with Hoffman Media to offer Paula Deen Live," said Theresa Luckey, Paula's executive assistant. "We are able to offer larger venues with better price points so that anyone who is a fan of Paula's can come and see her."


Each two hour show will feature Paula cooking up some of her down-home favorites, sharing tips, and answering fans' questions. Paula hopes the tour will encourage families to get back into the kitchen and around the table, where she says her family shared some of their favorite memories.


"People need to get on back to the kitchen," said Paula. "I'm gonna show you how we do it at my house. I'll tell you what I cook and share the secrets to making it good. But the most important thing I want folks to realize is that the memories are what matter. Families get to know each other through cooking a meal together, and then sitting down and lickin' their plates clean. Now that's comfort food."


Paula's magazine, cookbooks, and specialty products will be on sale at the event, along with an assortment of tour branded items. Tickets for the show range from $45 to $65 and can be purchased by calling your local Ticketmaster office or logging on to www.ticketmaster.com. For dates and more information about the tour, log on to www.cookingwithpauladeen.com. Tickets on sale now.