Ep 23. Cleaning Out the Fridge

In this episode of The Pioneer Woman, host Ree Drummond tackles the task of cleaning out her fridge. She begins by taking everything out of the fridge and freezer and assessing what she has to work with. Ree explains that cleaning out the fridge is not just about throwing out expired food, but also about making use of what you have and minimizing waste.

Ree starts by making a frittata with leftover vegetables from her fridge. She whisks together eggs and milk and then adds in chopped bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. She then pours the mixture into a skillet and cooks it on the stove until the eggs are set. Ree explains that a frittata is a great way to use up leftover veggies and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Next up, Ree takes on a slightly more challenging task - using up a large quantity of leftover rice. She decides to make a rice and chicken casserole, which she starts by browning some chicken in a skillet. She then adds in some garlic and onion and sautés them until they are fragrant. Ree then combines the rice, chicken, and onion mixture in a casserole dish, along with some cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. The casserole is baked in the oven until it is hot and bubbly.

Ree also takes the opportunity to clean out her freezer, where she finds a bag of frozen shrimp. She decides to use the shrimp to make a quick and easy dinner - shrimp scampi. She starts by melting some butter in a skillet and then adds in the shrimp, garlic, and red pepper flakes. She cooks the shrimp until they are pink and then adds in some white wine and lemon juice. The dish is finished off with a sprinkle of parsley.

Finally, Ree takes on the task of using up the remaining odds and ends in her fridge by making a sandwich. She starts by toasting some bread and then adds in sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. She also whips up a quick herb mayo by combining mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and some chopped herbs. The sandwich is a great way to use up leftover ingredients and makes for a quick and easy lunch.

Throughout the episode, Ree emphasizes the importance of minimizing food waste and making use of what you have. She explains that by getting creative and using up ingredients in new and different ways, you can not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact. Cleaning out the fridge may not be the most glamorous task, but as Ree shows in this episode, it can be a delicious and rewarding one.