Ep 20. Dad-Friendly Dining

The Pioneer Woman season 31 episode 20, Dad-Friendly Dining, showcases host Ree Drummond as she prepares a delicious and hearty menu that is perfect for a family dinner. Ree believes that dads are often underappreciated or left out when it comes to meal planning, and in this episode, she focuses on creating dishes that both dads and kids will love.

The episode starts with Ree preparing her famous slow-cooker ribs. She begins by creating a rub with brown sugar, chili powder, and other flavorful seasonings. She then places the ribs in the slow-cooker with a mixture of beef broth and root beer, which gives the meat a sweet and savory flavor. While the ribs cook, Ree whips up a batch of cowboy beans, which includes bacon, onions, and her signature barbecue sauce. Together, the ribs and beans make for a filling and satisfying meal.

Next up on the menu are Ree's cheesy bacon ranch potatoes. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, as it combines all the classic flavors of a loaded baked potato. Ree starts by boiling the potatoes until tender, and then she adds a mixture of sour cream, ranch dressing, and cheddar cheese. To finish the dish, she tops it off with crispy bacon pieces and green onions.

To balance out the hearty meat dishes, Ree also prepares a fresh and colorful salad. Her cherry tomato salad is simple yet flavorful, as it combines fresh cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. She dresses the salad with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.

For dessert, Ree makes chocolate fudge peanut butter bars. These bars are decadent and rich, combining layers of chocolate and peanut butter. Ree starts by making the chocolate layer with a mixture of cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Once the mixture is heated and combined, she adds a layer of creamy peanut butter. To finish the bars, she adds a layer of chocolate chips and chopped peanuts for some added crunch.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares tips and tricks for making each dish more dad-friendly. For example, she suggests setting out a variety of toppings for the baked potatoes, so each family member can customize their meal. She also recommends buying pre-shredded cheese to save time when making the salad.

Overall, Dad-Friendly Dining is a delicious and comforting episode of The Pioneer Woman. Ree's recipes are simple yet satisfying, and they showcase her love of family and home-cooked meals. With a menu that's sure to please both dads and kids, this episode is a great choice for a family dinner or special occasion.