Matt Lauer set himself up for a flirtatious interview when he introduced Paula Deen as "TV's sexiest female chef." That set the tone for a 'Today' (weekdays, 9AM ET on NBC) cooking segment that was supposed to be about mashed potatoes but ended up being more about Deen getting handsy in the kitchen.

"Why do you like buttermilk in so many recipes?" Lauer asked. "The buttermilk gives it a little tang, just a little bite," Deen replied, squeezing his cheek. "You get named the sexiest chef on TV and start flirting with everybody," Lauer quipped.