Ep 7. Take Three

In this episode of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Take Three," Ree Drummond prepares to host her annual family reunion. She decides to change things up this year by serving a trio of delicious salads instead of the usual barbecue fare. With the help of her daughters, she whips up a Southwestern Chicken Salad, a Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad, and a Layered Salad with Italian Dressing.

First up is the Southwestern Chicken Salad, which features grilled chicken, black beans, corn, avocados, tomatoes, and a spicy dressing. Ree explains that she loves the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. She also shares a tip for removing the corn kernels from the cob: place a small bowl upside down inside a larger bowl and use a sharp knife to cut down the sides of the cob.

Next, Ree and her daughters make the Bacon and Blue Cheese Salad, which features a bed of lettuce topped with crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. As they assemble the salad, Ree emphasizes the importance of using good-quality ingredients, like thick-cut bacon and crumbly blue cheese.

Finally, they make the Layered Salad with Italian Dressing, which is a colorful mix of lettuce, peas, red onion, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and cheddar cheese. Ree explains that she loves this salad because it can be made ahead of time and gets better as it sits in the fridge. She also shares a trick for keeping the lettuce fresh: place a paper towel in the bottom of the bowl and another on top of the salad before covering with plastic wrap.

As the family reunion gets underway, Ree and her family enjoy the salads along with some grilled chicken and sweet corn. They also share memories of past reunions and play some outdoor games. At the end of the day, Ree reflects on the joy of spending time with loved ones and the satisfaction of creating delicious meals to share with them.

Overall, this episode of The Pioneer Woman is a delightful mix of cooking and family time. Ree's salads are easy to make and full of flavor, making them a perfect choice for a summer gathering. With her down-to-earth personality and infectious love for cooking, Ree reminds us that food is about more than just nourishment – it's about connecting with the people we love.