Ep 8. Housewarming Treats

In season 33 episode 8 of The Pioneer Woman, host Ree Drummond welcomes new neighbors to the ranch with a selection of delicious housewarming treats. The episode's theme revolves around cakes, including the perfect pound cake and a colorful strawberry poke cake. Ree also prepares a sweet and salty snack mix and a tasty dip made with roasted red peppers and feta cheese.

The episode begins with Ree gathering ingredients for her famous pound cake. She explains that a good pound cake relies on simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, but the secret is in the mixing process. She shows viewers how to cream the butter and sugar together, then gradually add in the flour and eggs to create a dense, moist cake batter. After baking, she tops the pound cake with a sweet glaze and chopped pecans.

Next up is the strawberry poke cake, which Ree describes as a showstopper dessert that's perfect for any occasion. She starts by baking a white cake mix and punching holes in it with a fork. Then she pours a mixture of sweetened condensed milk and strawberry gelatin over the cake to create a vibrant, flavorful dessert. To finish, she tops the cake with whipped cream frosting and fresh strawberries.

Moving onto the savory treats, Ree mixes up a snack mix that combines popcorn, pretzels, peanuts, and M&Ms for a sweet and salty crunch. She also whips up a tasty dip that's perfect for serving with crudites or pita chips. The dip is made with roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices for a zesty kick.

Throughout the episode, Ree shares her tips and tricks for creating perfect desserts and snacks. She emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients and taking the time to mix and bake things properly. She also reveals some of her favorite kitchen tools and gadgets, like her stand mixer and silicone spatulas.

In addition to cooking, the episode also showcases life on the Drummond ranch, including scenes of the family's dogs running around and the kids playing outside. Ree talks a bit about the joys and challenges of living in rural Oklahoma, noting that while it can be isolating at times, she appreciates the quiet and the sense of community that comes with living in a small town.

Overall, Housewarming Treats is a fun, engaging episode of The Pioneer Woman that showcases some of Ree Drummond's best dessert and snack recipes. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice cook, you're sure to learn something new and come away inspired to try your hand at some of these tasty treats.