cookbook stash: the pioneer woman cooks

A few years ago, I discovered the most wonderful food blog, full of beautiful step-by-step photographs and stick-to-your-ribs food. By now, it seems like the whole world is acquainted with The Pioneer Woman. With a cookbook under her belt, she will continue to entertain us all with a published tell-all and movie.

When her cookbook was announced, I quickly pre-ordered a copy on Amazon and waited impatiently for its arrival in the fall. It arrived, just as spectacular as I had hoped and filled with tasty recipes.



The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond is a hard cover cookbook with a colorful dust jacket. It has almost 250 glossy pages filled with bright photographs. Each recipe has step-by-step instructions with accompanying photos, and a large photo showcasing the final dish. Woven throughout the book are photographs taken by the author documenting her family life on an Oklahoma cattle ranch.

The recipes are arranged by course: appetizers, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. It's a convenient set-up for a family cookbook. There are cute icons designating dishes for "cowboys" and "cowgirls". I would say this is a book for the home cook, the family warrior. The meals are hearty and not fussy. They are full of flavor and substance. The unique step-by-step format is great for cooks who are unsure of their skill. A new cook could even breeze their way through most of the recipes.

I think the thing I like most about Pioneer Woman's blog and cookbook is the intimacy. It feels like you're flipping through the family recipe box. You feel like each dish is one of those "secret family recipes". I also like the humor and tell-all tone that the book has. Even if you don't cook a thing, it's an entertaining read.

Every dish I have tried has been replicated with success...and everyone loves them. The cookbook retails for $27.50, but can be found a little cheaper on Amazon. If your wallet is a little bare for now, a lot of the recipes can be found on the Pioneer Woman blog.

Best features: step-by-step photography, lots of color
Recipes worth trying: Guacamole, Cinnamon Rolls, Beans and Cornbread, Potato-Leek Pizza, Simple Perfect Enchiladas, Lasagna, Oatmeal Crispies
Yay or Nay? Yay! As long as you don't mind butter.
Purchase here: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl