When Rachael stopped by the American Idol auditions, she made Paula, Simon, Randy, Ryan and Kara a healthy three-course lunch. Paula noticed that Rachael was losing her voice, so she returns the favor and brings Rachael a gift of her own -- a "concoction" to heal her throat. First, Paula adds a bit of ginger, lemon and cayenne pepper to some hot water. Then, it's time for the secret ingredient, loquat honey. "It's a funny little fruit," Paula says, "but what it does is lessens the mucus in your vocal cords."

"Ok, I think we've probably told America a little too much about my mucus!" Rach laughs.

After Paula shares her concoction, Rachael has her prep kitchen staff repay the favor by offering Paula a doggie bag for her chihuahuas. Click on the slideshow for a a peek at Paula's pooches!

The eighth season of American Idol is just getting started, but already there is one big change -- another chair is being added to the judging table for songwriter Kara DioGuardi. She may not be a household name now, but watch the video above to see Paula explain how Kara once was an actual part of her household!

When Paula isn't busy with Idol, she's busy with her own line fragrances named after her songs, a new album and a cheerleading special for MTV called Rah! Not that she's got the time right now, but would Paula ever consider being on Dancing with the Stars? "That would be great if I knew how to do that kind of dancing," Paula admits, "but I could totally go on as a contestant and be the total dork who steps on everyone's feet because it's dancing I don't know!"