Ep 9. Tomatoes

The Pioneer Woman is a popular cooking show that features the life of Ree Drummond, a wife, mother, and blogger from Oklahoma. In The Pioneer Woman season 34 episode 9, titled "Tomatoes", Ree focuses on the versatile, juicy fruit which is a favorite of hers, and shows the audience how to use them in some of her most coveted recipes.

The episode begins with Ree heading to her garden to harvest some freshly grown tomatoes. She takes the time to explain the different types of tomatoes, their flavors and uses, and how to properly store them for maximum freshness. Ree then heads back to her ranch kitchen to whip up some delicious tomato-based dishes.

The first dish Ree makes is her signature Tomato Soup. She uses a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes, along with onions, garlic, and cream to create a comforting and hearty soup. Ree stresses on the importance of using San Marzano tomatoes for this recipe, as it imparts a depth of flavor that canned tomatoes can never replicate. She also makes grilled cheese sandwiches to go along with the soup, making it a perfect meal for a cozy night in.

Next, Ree cooks a Tomato Tart that is perfect for a summer brunch or light lunch. She uses fresh puff pastry as the base, and tops it with homemade tomato sauce, a mix of cheeses, and freshly sliced tomatoes. Ree adds some fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor. The end result is a stunning and delicious tart that is sure to impress guests.

Ree then switches gears to make some Tomato Salad. Her version of this classic dish is simple yet flavorful. She uses a mix of different colored tomatoes, sliced onion, and fresh herbs, and tops it with a simple vinaigrette. Ree stresses on using vine-ripened tomatoes for this recipe, as they are the most flavorful and juicy.

For the main course, Ree makes a Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta. She starts by cooking some rigatoni pasta, and then adds a generous amount of tomato sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes. She then adds some diced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to the mix. Ree explains that the key to this recipe is to use fresh mozzarella that has been sliced rather than shredded, as it melts beautifully and gives the pasta a creamy texture.

Lastly, Ree makes one of her favorite tomato-based dishes, Tomato Pie. She uses a combination of sliced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and spices to create a savory pie that is perfect for any time of day. Ree mentions that this dish can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.

Throughout the episode, Ree incorporates tips and tricks for cooking with tomatoes, including how to peel and seed them easily, and how to properly store them for optimum freshness. She also highlights the versatility of tomatoes, showing viewers that they can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads to pies.

Overall, The Pioneer Woman season 34 episode 9, "Tomatoes", is a delicious and informative episode that highlights the magic of this juicy fruit. Ree Drummond showcases her favorite recipes that use tomatoes in unique and flavorful ways, making this episode a must-watch for any food enthusiast.