Book Review: The Pioneer Woman Cooks

So remember when the Pioneer Woman and I became BFF’s? Of course you do. I was pretty excited (I’m sure she was too).

Well, since then, I’ve read her entire cookbook cover to cover am here to solemnly declare: I love it. It’s more than just a cookbook. It’s filled with stories and photographs of her life on the ranch, of all her darling punks, and of course — Marlboro Man (hello chaps!). Plus, each recipe is full color, with step by step images so you know what everything should look like at each stage of food creation. I love that. Yes. I love this cookbook. Have I said that already?

Whilst reading, I kept a record of the recipes I wanted to try first and hands down, no buts about it, the French Breakfast Puffs were at the top of the list. Maybe it was the cinnamon and sugar coating. Maybe it was the fact that they’re French. Maybe it was because I have a weakness for pastries. But I thought about them all week and no matter how many other recipes I read through, they were what I had to have first.

So I pulled out my mixing bowls and spoons and had at it. The great thing about this recipe was that all the ingredients are things you already keep in your pantry or baking cupboard. And they were so easy (but seem fancy). From start to finish (meaning the point at which I was stuffing one in my mouth), the whole process took me maybe 30 minutes. And they’re de-li-cious — light and fluffy and chewy, kind of like what you would get if a muffin and a doughnut married.

Oh and I tried one before I rolled them in the cinnamon/sugar coating, so if you’re trying to cut back on sugar (like me) they would also be delightful just plain with a bit of fruit preserves. Bottom line: you should run your little bottoms to the nearest bookstore today and get a copy of it. Or you can find it online. It is definitely a cookbook you want in your arsenal.

I can’t wait to move on to my next recipe: Sherried Tomato Soup (I’ve got to see how it compares to my tried and true Creamy Tomato Gorgonzola Soup). Happy cooking!

*Oh and the recipe says it makes 12 muffins, but I had enough batter left over to make an additional 12 mini muffins. Too cute and perfect for gifting!