Ep 8. Simple Meals

Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman, is back with another episode of her hit cooking show. In season 12 episode 8, titled "Simple Meals," Ree demonstrates how to make quick and easy meals that are perfect for busy weeknights.

The episode begins with Ree making chicken quesadillas. She starts by cooking chicken breast in a skillet with a homemade seasoning blend that includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Once the chicken is cooked through, Ree shreds it and sets it aside. She then assembles the quesadillas by layering shredded cheese, the cooked chicken, and a little bit of salsa onto flour tortillas. She cooks the quesadillas in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. The result is a simple yet delicious meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

Next up, Ree makes a classic family favorite: spaghetti and meatballs. She starts by mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices to make the meatballs. She cooks the meatballs in a skillet until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. She then simmers a jar of marinara sauce on the stove and adds the cooked meatballs to the sauce. While the sauce is simmering, Ree boils spaghetti noodles according to the package directions. Once the noodles are cooked, she tosses them with a little bit of olive oil and adds them to the sauce. The result is a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

For her final meal, Ree makes a one-pan salmon dinner. She starts by roasting baby potatoes and asparagus in the oven with a little bit of olive oil and salt. Once the vegetables are almost cooked through, she adds salmon fillets to the pan and finishes cooking everything in the oven. She tops the salmon with a simple sauce made from Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. The result is a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares tips and tricks for making mealtime more efficient and enjoyable. She emphasizes the importance of meal planning and preparation, suggesting that viewers spend some time on the weekends prepping ingredients and cooking large batches of food that can be used in several meals throughout the week. She also emphasizes the importance of cooking with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and prepare.

Overall, "Simple Meals" is a great episode for anyone looking to simplify their weeknight cooking routine without sacrificing flavor or variety. Ree's recipes are easy to follow and use ingredients that are readily available, making them accessible to cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy chicken dinner, a classic and comforting pasta dish, or a healthy and flavorful salmon meal, this episode has something for everyone.