Book excerpt: Baking is near and dear to Paula Deen's heart, and you will feel the love she puts into each of these delicious Southern recipes in this cookbook. Paula Deen's Southern Baking is the ultimate collection of her favorite cakes, pies, sweet and savory breads, cookies, cobblers, and so much more. Whether you're baking a festive birthday cake, holiday treat, the perfect potluck dish, pastries for breakfast, rolls for dinner, or anything in between, your friends and family are sure to love them all. From crispy-bottomed cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet and tall, flaky buttermilk biscuits to fluffy meringue-topped banana pudding and carrot cake swirled with cream cheese frosting, with these tried-and-true recipes are fit for any occasion.