Paula Deen Will Publish 'Paula Deen Cuts the Fat'

By Daniela Galarza

America, how could you? Photo credit: Aaron Davidson/Getty Images

Disgraced foodperson Paula Deen has signed a publishing and distribution deal with French publishing house Hachette, according to the Associated Press. This is the first major partnership Paula Deen Ventures — the company Deen formed after she was fired from the Food Network — has secured since her fall from grace.

Hachette is the first cookbook publisher to side with Deen since her long-time lucrative deal with Random House imprint Ballantine Books blew up in her face. The U.S. branch of Hachette Books has agreed to sell and distribute electronic and print versions of all of Deen’s previous and future books. Notably, Hachette will publish a new title later this year: Paula Deen Cuts the Fat.

The book will include 200 new recipes, plus 50 “lighter” versions of Deen’s classic recipes. Deen told People, “I cut the calories from 50 of my favorite classic dishes. The best part is that the same delicious southern taste remains.”

Hachette will also reissue Deen’s older books including The Lady & Sons and A Savannah Country Cookbook. Hachette’s Hachette’s vice president of client distribution services Todd McGarity said in the release: “We are thrilled to be working with Paula Deen, whose trademark warmth and culinary flair are as appealing as ever. Her large, dedicated fan base is eager for more from her, and we are looking forward to continuing to build on her impressive sales.”

In the summer of 2013, Deen was sued by a former employee for making racist comments in front of staff at her restaurants; the suit was later dismissed. Deen lost everything in the wake of her unsettling testimony and subsequent interviews. Since then, Deen has been plotting to weasel her way back into America’s heart. Shockingly, it looks like she’s right on track.