Ep 5. Surprise!

In the fifth episode of season 11 of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Surprise!", viewers will follow along with host Ree Drummond as she prepares to surprise her husband Ladd with a special dinner. The episode opens with Ree taking a trip to town to do some shopping for ingredients. She decides to make steak and lobster tail for dinner, and is excited to see Ladd's reaction when he discovers what she has planned.

Back at the ranch, Ree gets to work in the kitchen. She starts by preparing a homemade marinade for the steak, consisting of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a variety of herbs and spices. Next, she moves on to the lobster tails, cutting them in half and sprinkling them with seasoned salt. Ree explains that she likes to cook the lobster tails in a cast iron skillet, because it gives them a nice, crispy texture.

As she waits for the meat to marinate, Ree takes a break to visit with her children and talk about the surprise dinner. She explains that she wants to make the evening extra special, since Ladd has been working so hard on the ranch lately. The kids seem excited about the prospect of surprising their dad, and Ree jokes that they'll have to keep quiet so he doesn't figure out what's going on.

Once the steak and lobster are finished cooking, Ree sets the table and adds some delicious sides, including roasted potatoes and a simple salad with homemade vinaigrette. As she puts the finishing touches on the meal, she seems excited and a little bit nervous to see Ladd's reaction.

When Ladd finally arrives at the house, Ree meets him at the door and leads him to the dining room. She's thrilled to see the look of surprise and delight on his face when he sees what she's made. The couple sit down to enjoy their meal together, savoring each bite and catching up on their day.

Throughout the episode, viewers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Drummond family's life on the ranch, including scenes of them working together, playing together, and enjoying meals together. Ree is as warm and personable as ever, sharing stories and tips as she cooks, and providing a glimpse into what it's like to live on a working ranch in rural Oklahoma.

Overall, "Surprise!" is a heartwarming episode that celebrates family, food, and the joy of coming together around the dinner table. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Pioneer Woman or tuning in for the first time, it's a must-see for anyone who loves a good home-cooked meal and a warm, inviting atmosphere.