Ep 13. Dorm Room Dining

In this episode of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Dorm Room Dining," host Ree Drummond is inspired by her daughter's college dorm room to create easy and delicious meals that can be made with minimal equipment and a small budget.

First up, Ree shows viewers how to make a simple one-pan pasta dish with tomatoes and basil. She starts by cooking her pasta in salted water, then sautéing tomatoes and garlic in a skillet. Once the pasta is cooked, she adds it to the skillet along with some pasta water and grated cheese, tossing everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is nicely coated in sauce. Finally, she adds a handful of fresh basil leaves and serves the pasta with a side of garlic bread made from a baguette and some butter.

Next, Ree demonstrates how to make a spicy chicken stir-fry that's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. She starts by marinating some sliced chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and hot sauce, then stir-fries it in a hot pan with some vegetables and more garlic. Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, she garnishes the stir-fry with some scallions and sesame seeds and serves it over a bed of brown rice.

For dessert, Ree makes a simple but decadent treat: Nutella mug cakes. She combines self-rising flour, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, oil, and Nutella in a microwave-safe mug, whisking everything together until it's smooth. Then she microwaves the mug for about a minute, until the cake is set but still moist and gooey. Ree finishes off the cakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Throughout the episode, Ree offers tips and tricks for cooking in a dorm room or other small space, such as using a toaster oven or electric skillet instead of a full-sized oven, and making the most of limited pantry ingredients. She also shares stories about her own college days and how she learned to cook for herself on a tight budget.

Overall, "Dorm Room Dining" offers practical and tasty ideas for anyone looking to cook simple but satisfying meals with minimal equipment and ingredients. Whether you're a college student, a busy professional, or just need some inspiration for weeknight dinners, Ree's easy-to-follow recipes and down-to-earth approach are sure to make your life a little bit easier and a lot more delicious.