Ep 5. College Bound

In season 20 episode 5 of The Pioneer Woman titled "College Bound," viewers join host Ree Drummond as she prepares a hearty and delicious meal for her eldest daughter, Alex, who is getting ready to leave for college. This episode is all about creating a comforting meal that will remind Alex of home and help her friends feel welcome in her dorm room.

Ree starts off by making a creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. She starts by roasting a combination of Roma and cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil in the oven. Once they're done, she blends them with broth and cream to create a velvety soup. Ree then takes a twist on traditional grilled cheese sandwiches by adding sliced avocado and bacon to the mix. She cuts them into bite-sized pieces to use as croutons in the soup, giving it an extra hearty touch.

Next up, Ree makes her take on a classic Italian dish with chicken parmesan. But rather than frying the chicken, she opts for baking it in the oven to cut down on the calories and mess. Ree starts by dipping the chicken breasts in an egg wash before coating them in seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. She then bakes them in the oven until they're crispy and golden brown, before topping them with a simple, homemade tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. She serves the chicken parmesan with a side of spaghetti tossed in garlic butter for a comforting and filling meal.

For dessert, Ree whips up her family-favorite blackberry ice cream. She starts by making a simple custard base with heavy cream, sugar, and egg yolks, before folding in freshly pureed blackberries and whole blackberries. Ree then churns the ice cream mixture in an ice cream maker until it's smooth and creamy. She serves the ice cream scooped into bowls with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares her tips and tricks for making these comforting dishes ahead of time, so they can easily be transported and reheated when Alex arrives on campus. She even shares her packing tips for making sure the food stays fresh and safe during the journey.

Overall, "College Bound" is a heart-warming and practical episode of The Pioneer Woman that is perfect for anyone looking to make delicious, comforting meals for loved ones who are leaving for college or moving away from home. Ree's recipes are simple, approachable, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.