Ep 2. Herbalicious

In season 9 episode 2 of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Herbalicious," Ree Drummond explores the world of herbs and spices and creates some delectable dishes using this aromatic ingredient.

Ree starts the episode by taking a stroll in her garden and pointing out the various herbs she has planted. She explains how each herb has its unique flavor profile and how they can be used in various dishes to add depth and dimension to the flavors.

The first dish Ree makes is a Roasted Garlic and Herb Butter Spread. She mixes together butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a smooth spread that she slathers on bread. Ree emphasizes how the fresh herbs make all the difference in the flavor of the dish.

Next up, Ree makes a Lemon-Herb Fried Chicken. She mixes together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme to create a seasoned coating for the chicken. Ree then dips the chicken in a batter made with lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg before pan-frying it to crispy perfection. Ree also makes a side dish of Green Beans with Lemon and Garlic, which she tops with chopped fresh parsley.

For a lighter dish, Ree makes an Herbed Butter Steak Bites. She grills up cubes of steak and tosses them in a mixture of butter, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Ree shows how the added herbs take these steak bites to another level and introduce a new flavor profile that people wouldn't normally expect from a classic steak dish.

Finally, Ree puts a spin on a classic dish with her Herby Pulled Pork Sliders. She slow-cooks a pork shoulder in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and a variety of herbs and spices. Once the pork is cooked, Ree pulls it apart and serves it on homemade slider buns with a generous drizzle of her homemade sauce.

Throughout the episode, Ree emphasizes how fresh herbs are key to creating delicious dishes and how easy it is to grow them at home. She also shares tips on how to properly store and preserve fresh herbs so they can be used in various dishes throughout the week.

Overall, "Herbalicious" is a flavorful and informative episode that highlights the versatility of herbs in cooking and inspires viewers to experiment with new flavors and ingredients in their own kitchens.