The Pioneer Woman Cooks

November 2, 2009
Blogger-turned-author Drummond gives readers a slice of frontier life in this likeable-enough collection of recipes and dispatches from the Oklahoma ranch she shares with her husband and children. Replicating the step-by-step photography that made her blog such a hit, Drummond walks readers through dishes ranging from simple-Guacamole, Chili, Artichoke Dip-to more complex, such as from-scratch Cinnamon Rolls and Sherried Tomato Soup. Drummond's careful coaching will help anyone intimidated by the kitchen fearlessly crank out favorites like Chicken Fried Steak, Meat Loaf and Rib Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce. While the recipes are reliable home cooking standards, relentless references to her husband, known as the Marlboro Man, range from distracting to juvenile, giving what could have been a comfort food classic the feel of a junior-high class project.

September 15, 2009
Named one of "Time"'s 25 Best Blogs of 2009, Drummond's thepioneerwoman.com details her life as a rancher's wife. Her cookbook debut features such classics as buttermilk biscuits and macaroni and cheese (with roasted chilies and fresh jalapeos). A warning for the calorie conscious: this grub calls for whole milk, heavy cream, and butter. The easy-to-follow recipes include step-by-step pictures, which accommodate beginning cooks. While this is certainly not the first ranch-style cookbook (see B. Byron Price's "National Cowboy Hall of Fame Chuck Wagon Cookbook" for more authentic ranch recipes and details on cowboy life), Drummond's blog notoriety and down-home dishes will surely make this book a hot ticket. [Author tour.]

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