Just when you think you know everything you possibly can about Ree Drummond, she reveals just one more secret for doing your best in the kitchen. While we've followed her all year long, this interview with TODAY is especially enlightening for home cooks across the country who might be looking to cut corners in the kitchen. For all of her comfort food, The Pioneer Woman knows how to cook wholesome meals that fill her and her brood on the ranch.
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However, there are three ingredients she simply can't cook without, and in our opinion, you shouldn't skip them, either! When asked what those ingredients were, she responded:
"Butter, cream, and bacon. That's such a great foundation right there."
It might seem unhealthy, but to put it in perspective, she's feeding a very active family. From her sons' football practices to Marlboro Man's ranch duties, she isn't here to make light food. No way, she is here to make filling, healthy meals that provide her kids and husband with enough energy to make it through their very busy days.
She also shared the advice that has stuck with her all these years from feeding a family to becoming a major American food star.
"The best piece of advice I've ever gotten is very trite: 'Don't sweat the small stuff. If you ruin the main course of a dinner party, it ain't all that tragic. Just laugh!"
Here are three meals perfect for any time of year featuring her three favorite ingredients.
1. Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake
Was there ever a bad time for cake? And when you add Nutella, well, that is a real recipe for success. Find it here.
2. Holiday Bacon Appetizer
I don't know what kind of magic Ree Drummond is working up in her Oklahoma kitchen, but I do have to say that I make this recipe about three times a year for parties.
While the name says holiday, really they're bacon-wrapped crackers covered in Parmesan cheese so what can go wrong? Find the recipe here.
3. Fried Fruit Pies
This recipe is simple and tastes like it came from a real bakery and not your kitchen, so I always consider it a winner.
I'm partial to lemon pies myself, but use whatever canned filling your heart desires. Find the recipe here.
