Ep 9. Thinking Thrifty

The Pioneer Woman season 33 episode 9 titled "Thinking Thrifty" is a show that revolves around the always inspired food blogger and cooking show host, Ree Drummond. With her signature cowgirl charm, she teaches viewers at home how to make the most out of their meals by using clever cost-saving techniques and tricks.

In this episode, Ree demonstrates her ability to create some delicious and innovative meals on a tight budget. The episode sets off with Ree Drummond showing her recipe of budget-friendly meatballs made with a mix of ground pork and beef and breadcrumbs instead of pricey fillers. She simmers these meatballs in homemade tomato sauce and serves them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The dish is perfect for a cozy winter night in with family or friends.

The Pioneer Woman also takes us through her pantry and shows us the many cost-effective ingredients she uses to create her signature meals. She shares important tips on shopping in bulk, selecting seasonal vegetables, and storing leftovers correctly to make meals last longer in the fridge.

As the episode unfolds, we then see Ree work with a limited budget, preparing an affordable bowl of creamy chicken and noodles. She uses a leftover roast chicken and mixes it in with sautéed onions and celery to add to the texture. Then, she adds cream and a dash of hot sauce, and tops it with frozen peas and carrots. This meal is simple, comforting, and undeniably delicious.

The show then moves on to a dish perfect for any fall meal: a savory butternut squash soup. Ree teaches the viewers how to use every part of the squash, from the flesh to the seeds, to make a soup spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cumin. She tops it off with a dollop of sour cream and freshly roasted pumpkin seeds.

To finish off the show, The Pioneer Woman creates a sweet treat to satisfy any sweet tooth but still keeping within budget. Her recipe for chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars is a delicious, easy-to-make treat. She melts chocolate and peanut butter chips together in a saucepan and adds them to cooked oatmeal, marshmallows, and crisp rice cereal. The result is a crunchy, gooey treat that is perfect for any movie night snack.

Overall, the episode is packed with clever tips and tricks to keep cooking delicious food without breaking the bank. Ree Drummond's signature style shines through in every recipe, and her enthusiasm for cooking and creating is contagious. The Pioneer Woman season 33 episode 9 is sure to inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen, all while staying on budget.