Ep 1. Quick and Easy: Kid Approved

In the season 23 premiere of The Pioneer Woman, titled "Quick and Easy: Kid Approved," host Ree Drummond shares some of her favorite recipes that are not only simple and speedy to prepare, but also sure to please even the pickiest eaters in the family.

The episode starts off with Ree demonstrating how to make mini meatball sandwiches, a fun and easy lunch or dinner idea that is perfect for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers with friends. She starts by making the meatballs from scratch using a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, and then quickly fries them in a pan until browned and crispy. She then assembles the sandwiches with mini slider buns, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, and bakes them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The end result is a delicious and satisfying meal that kids (and adults) will love.

Next up, Ree switches gears a bit and shows how to make a simple pasta dish with just a handful of ingredients. She starts by boiling some spaghetti in salted water until al dente, and then drains it and sets it aside. In a separate pan, she sautés some garlic in olive oil until fragrant, and then adds in some chopped tomatoes and fresh basil. She lets the mixture simmer for a few minutes, and then tosses in the cooked spaghetti and some grated Parmesan cheese. The result is a light and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

The third recipe in the episode is for crispy chicken fingers, a classic kid-friendly dish that is always a hit. Ree starts by coating some chicken tenders in a mixture of breadcrumbs, flour, and seasonings, and then fries them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. She serves them with a creamy honey mustard sauce that is made by whisking together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a few other ingredients. The chicken fingers are crunchy, juicy, and flavorful, and the sauce is the perfect accompaniment.

The final recipe in the episode is for a simple and delicious dessert that is perfect for kids (and adults) with a sweet tooth. Ree shows how to make a quick and easy chocolate cake that only requires a few pantry staples. She starts by mixing together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt, and then adds in some oil, vanilla extract, and water. She stirs everything together until well combined, and then pours the batter into a greased cake pan. She bakes the cake in the oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and then lets it cool before dusting it with powdered sugar. The cake is moist, fudgy, and absolutely delicious.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares tips and tricks for making these recipes both kid-friendly and quick and easy to prepare. She also provides plenty of ideas for customizing the recipes to suit individual tastes and preferences. With its focus on simple, delicious, and family-friendly cooking, "Quick and Easy: Kid Approved" is the perfect episode for anyone looking for inspiration in the kitchen.