Ep 15. One-Stop Thanksgiving

In The Pioneer Woman season 17 episode 15 titled "One-Stop Thanksgiving," viewers join Ree Drummond as she prepares a full Thanksgiving spread. The episode is set in the Drummond family's Oklahoma ranch, and Ree is determined to make the holiday as stress-free as possible by prepping as much as she can in advance.

Ree starts off by making her Thanksgiving turkey, which she brines overnight to make it extra juicy and flavorful. To go with the turkey, Ree prepares several side dishes including mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce. Viewers also learn how to make Ree's famous gravy from scratch, which she says is the perfect way to tie all the Thanksgiving flavors together.

As Ree cooks, she shares her tips and tricks for making the holiday meal as easy as possible. She emphasizes the importance of prepping in advance and making use of shortcuts, like using store-bought pie crusts, to save time and effort. She also encourages viewers to delegate tasks to family or friends who are willing to help out in the kitchen.

Along the way, Ree also shares some of her own Thanksgiving traditions and memories. She talks about how her family always gathers around the table to share what they're thankful for, and how they all take turns naming something they're grateful for. She also recalls her childhood memories of Thanksgiving, including how her mother would always burn the rolls but they would all try to make the best of it with a laugh.

Viewers also get a glimpse at Ree's life outside of the kitchen as she spends time with her family and friends. She takes a walk in the brisk Oklahoma weather with her husband Ladd and spends time with her kids as they play with their dogs. She also hosts a Thanksgiving potluck with her close friends, where everyone brings a dish to share and they all enjoy each other's company.

Overall, "One-Stop Thanksgiving" is a heartwarming and informative episode that captures the spirit of Thanksgiving. Ree's easy-to-follow recipes and helpful tips make it seem like anyone can make a delicious Thanksgiving meal with a little bit of planning and preparation. And her emphasis on family and tradition reminds us all what the holiday is truly about.