The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl, by Ree Drummond

Blogger-turned-author Drummond gives readers a slice of frontier life in this likeable-enough collection of recipes and dispatches from the Oklahoma ranch she shares with her husband and children. Replicating the step-by-step photography that made her blog such a hit, Drummond walks readers through dishes ranging from simple-Guacamole, Chili, Artichoke Dip-to more complex, such as from-scratch Cinnamon Rolls and Sherried Tomato Soup. Drummond's careful coaching will help anyone intimidated by the kitchen fearlessly crank out favorites like Chicken Fried Steak, Meat Loaf and Rib Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce. 

First off- I must thank my "beautiful" friend Chellie (who’s blog Art from my Table features weekly healthy recipes) for introducing me to Ree Drummond’s website The Pioneer Woman, a few months back at a cooking club meeting. Ever since I visited one sunny afternoon, I’ve been hooked. I adore Ree's blog and love the step by step cooking information. When the website informed me of a cookbook, I had to order it- right there, right then.

I had so much fun reading through Drummond’s recipes, her thoughts and countless mentions to her beloved Marlboro Man. The cookbook makes for more than just recipes. I could sense this was a definite labor of love with all the details to the food, her beautiful pictures of the ranch and animals and the overwhelming sense that the cookbook gave you a brief glimpse of the Drummond’s family life.

The recipes and visuals will make your mouth water, I was salivating so bad I needed a glass of water to rehydrate! After rehydrating I ran to the store and stocked up on some goodies to begin Ree’s cookbook.
I decided since this was all food my husband would actually love and eat, that I would go all "Julie and Julia" on this cookbook. That’s right; I’m making every single recipe in the book- which won’t be that hard since it’s broken into appetizers, lunch, dinner and desserts. I’m not going to go too crazy, since I won’t be blogging about my cooking but just thought it would be a blast to actually work my way through a cookbook, and sneak in some not so healthy stuff..... I better plan on busting a workout on the treadmill for these babys, it might be hard living on ranchers food as a suburb girl but hey- thats what Sunday's are for!!!!!!

For all of you who love to cook, these simple, lovely recipes are for sure a winner on your cooking shelf. For anyone who’s afraid to cook, this is a great cookbook to get you started; the step-by-step pictures are wonderful visuals to walk you through the process.

5/5 Cookbook for people who aren’t afraid to use butter!!!!