The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels–a Love Story by Ree Drummond
Review by Susan R. (Sue-in-AZ)
Story Synopsis
Ree is a city girl. Night clubs, high fashion shoes and all-night sushi delivery. But then she encounters the most sexy man she’s ever met. He’s a cowboy she calls Marlboro Man, a title that evokes a very specific picture of a man’s man.
This book is the true life story of Ree’s steamy romance with Marlboro Man, along with her journey from city girl to country girl. She started telling her story via her wildly popular blog The Pioneer Woman. Her simple blog grew from a few recipes and stories to become one of the most successful blogs on the web. In February 2010, Ree was listed as No. 22 on Forbes‘ Top 25 Web Celebrities — one of only three women to make the list. She went on to author several cookbooks and a children’s book. She’s made multiple appearances on TV, and now has her own show on The Food Network.
My Review
I’ve followed The Pioneer Woman for years. I’ve made the recipes, followed the stories and watched the TV appearances. So I might be a little biased…but I loved this book.
Full of wry humor, Ree portrays the people in her life with generosity and grace. She takes the fall for anything bad that ever happens – usually in a hilarious, self-deprecating fashion. If you love romance novels but thought they could never happen in real life, you will enjoy this book.
I have an absolute favorite recipe from Ree Drummond. In fact, running across this recipe is how I first heard about her and her blog.
Crash Hot Potatoes
Added by Ree on August 7, 2009 in Potatoes, Sides
| Prep Time Cook Time |
Servings 6 | Difficulty Easy |
Ingredients
- 12 whole New Potatoes (or Other Small Round Potatoes)
- 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt To Taste
- Black Pepper To Taste
- Rosemary (or Other Herbs Of Choice) To Taste
Preparation Instructions
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make and cook them until they are fork-tender.
On a sheet pan, generously drizzle olive oil. Place tender potatoes on the cookie sheet leaving plenty of room between each potato.
With a potato masher, gently press down each potato until it slightly mashes, rotate the potato masher 90 degrees and mash again. Brush the tops of each crushed potato generously with more olive oil.
Sprinkle potatoes with kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper and fresh chopped rosemary (or chives or thyme or whatever herb you have available.)
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
