Ep 1. Shipping and Shopping

In the season 18 premiere of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Shipping and Shopping," host Ree Drummond is back in action, cooking up some delicious recipes in her home kitchen. As always, she invites viewers into her life as a mom, wife, and businesswoman on her Oklahoma ranch, and shares her tips and tricks for creating flavorful meals with wholesome ingredients.

In this episode, Ree is focused on making mealtime easier by doing some strategic shopping and shipping. She begins by walking viewers through her go-to shopping list, which includes staples like pasta, chicken breasts, and canned goods. Ree emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between convenience and quality, choosing items that can be used in a variety of dishes and won't break the bank.

Next, Ree heads to the post office to ship off a package of her famous cinnamon rolls to a friend in Kansas City. Along the way, she shares some of her favorite road trip snacks and talks about the challenges of shipping perishable foods. She also offers some advice for packing items securely and choosing the right carrier for your needs.

Back at the ranch, Ree puts her new ingredients to use in several mouthwatering dishes. First up is a creamy chicken casserole, made with shredded chicken, sour cream, and lots of bright, fresh vegetables. Ree explains that this recipe can be assembled in advance and baked later for an easy weeknight dinner.

Next, Ree whips up a hearty pasta salad, featuring rotini pasta, grape tomatoes, and black olives, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. This versatile dish can be served hot or cold, making it perfect for a summer potluck or a cozy winter dinner.

Finally, Ree cooks up a batch of her favorite beef stir-fry, loaded with colorful bell peppers and zesty ginger. She shows viewers how to achieve the perfect caramelization on the beef and shares a few tricks for getting the sauce just right.

Throughout the episode, Ree's energy and enthusiasm for cooking are infectious, as she bounces between tasks and shares stories and anecdotes from her life. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, there's something to love in every episode of The Pioneer Woman. So grab your apron, turn up the oven, and get ready to cook up some delicious dishes with Ree Drummond.