What could be more exciting for a future chef than to meet famous Southern cook and author, Paula Deen? 6-year-old Gracie O’Shields had that honor on December 4 in Victoria. Ms. Deen even signed Gracie’s chef’s coat.

Gracie has won 6 grand championships and 5 reserve champion ribbons at the Calhoun County Fair in the past two years. She enjoys making cookies and cakes and made pumpkin pies for her class at Port O’Connor School for Thanksgiving. She plans to make cookies for Christmas. Keep up the good cooking, Gracie!