Texas gave Paula Deen a standing ovation because of course they did

You probably remember Paula Deen as the kitchen whiz that gave you that scrumptious almond chicken salad recipe the Food Network star who fell from grace for using the N-word. Well, Deen made her first public appearance since that whole racism fiasco when she spoke at the Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show at Houston's Reliant Center and the folks their welcomed her with a standing ovation.

"These are tears of joy, y'all," Deen told the audience. "I've said all along that the one place I'd want to make my first step back out is Texas. Y'all's hearts are as big as your state."

Deen was at the event to put on demonstrations with her sons, Bobby and Jamie.

Not only did the fine people of Texas give Paula Deen a standing ovation, some of the 1,500 people who turned out at the event were sporting sashes to show their support for Deen.

Four friends from the Fulshear-Richmond area wore sashes and carried placards with Deen's photo to show their support.

Stephanie Young said they had the placards from last year's show; the sashes were a last-minute addition that she made Friday night for fellow supporters Kelly Eldridge, Sue Yoder and her daughter-in-law, Alix Yoder.

"We wanted to step it up because she's had a rough year," Young said. "We want her back on TV, and we love her." [Houston Chronicle]