Ep 5. Around the World in 16 Minutes

Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, is back with her popular cooking show and in this episode of season 7 named "Around the World in 16 Minutes," she is taking viewers on a culinary adventure across the globe. The show starts by introducing Ree and her husband, Ladd, on their beautiful ranch in Oklahoma, where they live with their children and numerous pets.

The episode then jumps right into the cooking segment, where Ree explains her menu for the day which includes four different dishes from various countries. First on the list is a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, followed by a Moroccan Carrot Salad, then Mexican Pinto Beans, and finally, a Thai Noodle Salad. Ree reveals that she has only 16 minutes to cook all four dishes and is determined to do so.

The first recipe she tackles is the Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich. She starts by mixing the marinade, which includes soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. Ree then coats the chicken thighs with the marinade and deep-fries them to a golden brown. She assembles the sandwich with a few slices of cucumber, pickled onions, and a mayonnaise-based sauce. The combination of flavors is delightful, and Ree notes that this dish is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Next up is the Moroccan Carrot Salad. Ree explains that this recipe is inspired by a salad she tried in a Moroccan restaurant and fell in love with. She starts by grating the carrots using a food processor, then adds a homemade dressing which includes olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and honey. She also adds some chopped cilantro for extra flavor and crunch. The salad is colorful and vibrant, and Ree emphasizes the importance of using fresh carrots for this recipe.

Moving on to the Mexican Pinto Beans, Ree reveals that this recipe is a simplified version of a traditional Mexican dish. She starts by heating up some bacon grease in a pan and adding some chopped onions and garlic. She then adds the pinto beans along with some chicken stock and lets it simmer for a few minutes. Ree finishes the dish with a few slices of jalapeno and the result is a hearty and flavorful bean dish that is easy to make.

Finally, Ree ends the show with a Thai Noodle Salad. She starts by cooking some rice noodles and adding a homemade dressing that includes peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. She adds some chopped vegetables like carrots and peppers and mixes everything together. Ree notes that this dish is a great option for a light lunch or dinner and can easily be customized to one's taste.

Overall, "Around the World in 16 Minutes" is an exciting episode that showcases Ree's creativity in the kitchen. The dishes are easy to make and incorporate a variety of flavors from different cultures. Ree's passion for cooking is evident throughout the show, and it's clear that she enjoys sharing her love for food with her viewers. Whether one is an experienced cook or just starting out, there is something for everyone in this episode.