The Pioneer Woman on Food Network

Howdy folks!  I have been on the go quite a bit over the summer, so I've been slackin' on the blog.  My hope was to write a post at least once a day.  When this didn't happen, I thought I'd blog at least three times a week.  Well, this didn't happen either so now I hope to make it happen at least once a month!  A friend warned me it is hard to keep up just doing three posts a week.  I didn't believe him, but he was right -- especially when you keep a schedule like mine!

Ree Drummond.  Food Network photo.

So, did any of you catch the debut of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, on the Food Network on Saturday?  It was a great treat for a farm gal like me to see some farming stuff on the Food Network channel.  They were working cattle, too!  Plus, she made chicken fried steak and mashed taters -- you know, the type of food us country folks like.  Be sure to check her out as she shares her family life on an Oklahoma ranch.  Personally, I want her kitchen!  Click here to see scenes from Saturday's show:  Ree on the Food Network

If you are looking for a simple and yummy meal for your family tonight, try Ree's Sour Cream Noodle Bake.  A friend posted this recipe on her Facebook page a while back, so I gave it a try.  She said it would be simple, fast and good....and she was right!  I didn't think my daughter, who tends to be anti-cottage cheese, would eat it, but it has become one of her favorite meals.  The only thing I did different was add one more can of tomato sauce and a small can mushrooms to the tomato sauce/meat mixture.  This way you can be sure there is enough sauce to cover all of the noodles.  The ground pepper, green onions and sharp cheddar cheese -- oh my!  They make this meal.  There is something about the combo that isn't overpowering, but just right.  Since July 4th, I've made this recipe about seven times and it has been a hit every time! 

Photo from www.thepioneerwoman.com  -- Sour Cream Noodle Bake.

And if you are watching your weight, I figured out that the Weight Watcher points for a hefty serving only comes to six!  To calculate the points, I used lower fat food items (93% lean ground beef, 2% sharp cheddar, low fat cottage cheese and fat free sour cream) and then divided a 13x9-inch pan into eight servings.  Wella!  Guess what I am fixing for dinner tonight?