So, listen – I know we all love The Pioneer Woman.
(And, as an aside – I think the “The” should always be capitalized when referring to her. Because, let’s be honest, no one can touch the woman.) She’s funny, lovely and incredibly talented in about a million different things. (I mean, really? She’s an exceptional writer, cook, photographer, blogger, decorator. And homeschools her kids. And gets up early. It’s disgusting. And, I mean that in in the best way possible. PW – call me.)
So, for Christmas, I asked for her new cookbook.
For Christmas, I received her cookbook from my in-laws. A wonderful gift. I was very excited. I devoured every page, looking at all the photos of her family and friends, reading her anecdotes, and marking pages of recipes that I wanted to try.
But, now it’s quite clear. The Pioneer Woman is singlehandedly trying to make me feel bad about my cooking skills. It’s really quite rude.
My first stab at a recipe from the book was Chicken Spaghetti (the recipe is also on her blog). I had very high hopes. The Pioneer Woman says this is the only casserole Marlboro Man will eat. And, since my husband also has an (unhealthy) aversion to casseroles, I thought it was perfect.
It wasn’t. It was a weeknight and it took a long time to boil the chicken, wait for it to cool and pick it off the bone (The Pioneer Woman – 1, Kim – 0). I ended up trying to pick off the meat too soon, which meant I felt like my hands were burning on boiling chicken (The Pioneer Woman – 2, Kim – 0). Plus, it was really messy. Like, really, really messy (The Pioneer Woman – 3, Kim – 0).
(This isn’t even looking at the overflowing sink. See that bowl of pasta? Most of that mixture ended up on the floor.) (The Pioneer Woman – 4, Kim – 0)
Luckily, Lola helped me clean up (The Pioneer Woman – 4, Kim – 1). See that cheese on her back?
By the time we ate, Ryan and I were both STAHHHHVING. And, it ended up just being “okay.” I could tell Ryan wasn’t loving it, and even I thought it was a little blah. I don’t think I missed anything on the recipe. Maybe it was just that we were so hungry and the kitchen was so messy. (Messy kitchens stress me out.) (The Pioneer Woman – 5, Kim – 1).
The Pioneer Woman definitely dominated me this round. But, don’t you fear. I’m not throwing in the towel yet. I’ll be trying more recipes out of the cookbook before I give up. And, if nothing else, that cookbook will make people THINK I’m a great cook. Right?
Have you ever had a kitchen disaster? (Or a famous blogger try to dominate you in your own kitchen?)
Did you like this post?
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Emily says
i’ve only skimmed her cookbook at the store, but I have done a few of her recipes from her site. The sherried tomato soup is super easy and fast to make and tastes awesome!! i always end up with a disasterist mess in the kitchen..boo.
Lisa says
Alisoin ^ sent me a link to this story. TOO FUNNY!!!! Thanks for posting.
I love PW as well but I definitely do not prefer this particular recipe. To each his own, right? Her Chocolate Cake and Baked Potatoes always get rave reviews when I make them.
~Alison~ says
I found your blog through Mrs. Adventure! Congrats on winning the giveaway! I’m jealous!
Anyway, I read this post and just had to comment! I laughed my butt off while reading it! Love how you were keeping score! Sounds like a love/hate relationship between you and The PW. LOL! Love the cheese on the dog! Too funny!
Try her twice baked potatoes. I’ve tried them and they are really good and not too difficult!
Freckles Chick says
Cheese on the back never looked so chic–love how Lola’s rockin’ it.
Oh no! I hate when a recipe doesn’t turn out as expected. If even YOU, domestic diva that you are, couldn’t make it work then I am surely steering clear of this one.
Amanda Sevall says
Your pugs are too cute!! Just stumbled on your blog — too cute and fun!! So skip to a dessert in the book. Desserts usually taste good regardless 😉
Lil' Woman says
I’m afraid of her for that very reason! 🙂 lol.
Emily says
Lol, I just read a rave review of this dish on another blog. You crack me up: Kim 1, PW 0. Maybe, like others have suggested, prep the chicken beforehand – that will give you less dishes and less burns to contest with?
I’ve only made one of her dishes (and it was Pastor someone’s recipe), and it made a ton of food, but was good. However, B said he wouldn’t eat it again after eating the leftovers for 2 weeks straight.
Emily says
Lol, I just read a rave review of this dish on another blog. You crack me up: Kim 1, PW 0. Maybe, like others have suggested, prep the chicken beforehand – that will give you less dishes and less burns to contest with?
I’ve only made one of her dishes (and it was Pastor someone’s recipe), and it made a ton of food, but was good. However, B said he wouldn’t eat it again after eating the leftovers for 2 weeks straight.
Jennifer says
I have only made a couple of PW recipes and they have all been GREAT and EASY. Hm. I don’t think I’m some fantastic cook, either! Have you thought about adjusting the recipes to what works better for you? Someone suggested cooking the chicken the night before, or I might have even picked up a rotisserie chicken and done it that way. But I’m a total rebel and really never follow a recipe to a tee. Except when baking. You can’t really make stuff up when it comes to cakes!
I’m very interested to see how the next one goes!
Stephanie says
Please refer to my post in which The Pioneer Woman MADE me eat raw meatloaf.
Mrs. Adventure says
Lovin the blog today… makes me feel better for losing most of the breading from her “Chick Fried Steak” Mine turned out like fried meat… no bread ugh. I heart her and her cookbook, glad I’m not the only one though! BTW my give-away today… head over to my blog to check it out!
Kelli says
I was just where you are on Sunday. I made her white chicken enchiladas (I posted about this on my blog) and they didn’t turn out. I made them on a Sunday because I knew I was going to need some time. I was so sad, but I will keep trying. Hang in there. Oh, and yes boneless/skinless…always easier.
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
I’ve made this recipe before too. The fist time I didn’t like it (thought it was OK) the second time, I upped the spices and added more cheese. Cheese makes everything better.
And I feel you on the mixing, the first time I made it, I tried to mix in the casserole dish. Disaster!
Your kitchen probably looks like mine does when I make cake pops from Bakerella. Now I just know the mess will overtake my kitchen and take all afternoon, but its worth it!
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
I love your honesty!
I’m a disaster in the kitchen. I swear my bf was writing down the email address for Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America show… he tries to console me by saying that I’m the best at making pancakes (yes, the ones mixed from a box).
christi says
don’t get discouraged! i’m pretty sure TPW’s kitchen looks exactly like yours {and mine} when she cooks! and don’t worry … with this recipe, the chicken is what gives it the most flavor. boiling chicken is so blah blah boring, imho. it requires lots of salt and pepper {next time you boil chicken, try salting and peppering the chicken and letting it sit for at least 1 hour — do it the night before — and that helps seal in flavor}. i think you could also easily use one of those roasted chickens from the market for this recipe.
i’ll have to try it now … you have my curiosity up!
i don’t have her cookbook and have been debating purchasing it. if it makes you feel better, i tried her famous cinnamon rolls and was less than thrilled with the outcome. they looks amazing but the flavor just wanted there. i want to try it again and see if it comes out different.
Oonafey says
I am with Ryan on the casserole thing – I hate anything called “casserole”, “salad”, or “slaw”, ie: potato, green bean, etc… Ick.
I have never heard of The Pioneer Woman. Hmmm… Makes me feel even further out of the loop.
Kimberly says
LOLOLOL. I love the cheese on Lola’s back.
I’ve had many, many a kitchen disaster. But I don’t go down without a fight. You shouldn’t either!
The Brick Cottage says
I love the cheese on Lola’s back, too funny! I’ve had sooo many kitchen disasters–one of my most memorable being a Rachel Ray recipe. 1. 30 min. my butt! It took more like an hour and 30 min. 2. I used every pot and pan that I owned to cook it. 3. It was sooo spicy that we couldn’t eat it (and this is coming from someone who likes hot salsa and asks for a three at Thai and Indian restaurants). And of course I was cooking for two and I made enough to feed eight.
I agree with the commenter who mentioned using a crockpot to cook chicken. It’s the easiest way I’ve found and then you can use two forks to shred it. So easy!
Good luck with the next recipe you try!
longbrakeliving says
I made PW’s chicken spaghetti over a year ago, and was not thrilled. It was good, but not my favorite thing and I haven’t made it again.
I do however, like boiling whole, pre-cut chicken for casserole meat. I usually do this one night, then shred the chicken the next, or boil the chicken Saturday night and pull it off the bones later in the evening. I find this saves money (1 chicken can make about 3 casseroles) so its worth it to me when I plan out my time enough to get it done.
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Oh Kim! I feel for ya.
I *never* made shredded chicken like PW does. It’s too much for me. I take boneless, skinless chicken breasts, toss them in the crock pot, cover with water, and let them go on low for 6-8hrs. Then I keep them in the fridge or freezer until needed. This shaves AGES off of your prep time when you actually make it.
You should try it again but have the chicken ready to go. Then you just have 1 pot for spaghetti, 1 pot for mixing, and a casserole dish for baking. Much, much more manageable.
eddieross says
Love this post! I’m sure your next try will be fit to perfection!
Would also LOVE your support on the ELLE DECOR window I did for the Big Window Challenge this year with Apartment Therapy. Check it out at – http://www.bigwindowchallenge com. As we all know, AT doesn’t make it easy, but you can vote TWICE a day, once online and the other by texting “1” to 89800.
Your support means the world to me!!
Xo
Eddie
Leigh says
Oh no! That is so frustrating. Maybe a baked good would go better?
Centsational Girl says
You are hysterical ! Glad to see someone putting these recipes to the test in a down to earth way. I thumbed through the cookbook a few weeks ago in the bookstore and many of the recipes appear delicious, but I’ll have to be inspired by you, and rise to the challenge someday.
At least you got to each cheese. Bonus points for that ! I’ve never met a piece of cheese I didn’t like.
Nick and Cindy says
You lost me at chicken with bones. I always (always) use boneless skinless chicken breasts or occasionally a rotisserie chicken if I don’t want to even bother with the cooking part.
I’ve been drooling over PW’s cookbook too…even got it for my SIL for Christmas!! Let me know when you find a recipe I should try that won’t take all night. : )
Jessica says
Hey Kimmy –
I love the Pioneer Woman too (of course). When she was on her book tour, I went to her book signing up here in the ‘burbs. Totally fun.
Anyway, I tried the Chicken Spaghetti recipe too. But we just cooked up a couple of chicken breasts and shredded them. I don’t have the patience to do it the other way. I thought it came out pretty good, though.
I’m trying to think of what other recipes I’ve tried of hers. Oh, I LOVE Penne a la Betsy. Super easy and quick for a week night. I don’t like shrimp, so I either sub chicken or just leave it plain. I’ve tried her chocolate sheet cake, carrot cake, and apple dumplings. All delicious. Queso, salsa, guacamole, ranch dressing, jalapeno bites, enchiladas, lasagne (into which I accidentally put twice as much parsley, oops), and thai salad were all good too. The only thing of hers that I’ve made thus far that I didn’t love was the MM Sandwich. And even that I assumed I did something wrong. So I may try it again someday. We all have bad days in the kitchen.
But don’t feel bad – some of the recipes are a little labor intense and probably are not the best thing to cook when you get home from work. Keep it up and let us know what else you make from the book (or the website). I’ve been dying to try the cinnamon rolls, but have thus far been too lazy!
Jen@Notes From the Heartland says
Very funny Kim….love the cheese on the pup’s back! I agree with Cindi…definitely boil chickens when you’ve got a bit of time to deal with it (Saturdays for me). Pop the shredded chickies in the freezer, super easy for the next recipe that calls for chicken.
I’ve definitely had my share of disasters…one that involved cheddar biscuits for a family gathering that left the kitchen full of smoke and BLACK bottomed biscuits! YIKES!!
Jennifer says
I’m feeling ya on this one. I tried her mac’n’cheese recipe and it seriously turned out dry and kinda flavor-less. Blah as you say.
But I’m determined to try more of her recipes too!
Good luck to us both!
Amy@My Front Porch says
This made me laugh 🙂 I got her cookbook for Christmas too — I’ve tried two recipes, the one I liked the best was the Spicy Pulled Pork — I didn’t really think it was spicy but it was delish. But be forewarned…it makes enough to feed an army. We used the leftovers to make BBQ pork sandwiches later that week. Anyway, good luck with your next recipe — I’m sure you’re a great cook 😉
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
Kim, you are too funny. You are totally going to win next time, even if PW is 5 points ahead of you!
I’ve been making about one recipe per week out of her book and I have to admit, none have been absolutely perfect yet. I’m sure it was my execution. So, I feel your pain.
Cindi says
Kim! Love you! Love your blog!
I have one word for you…SHORTCUTS! Serious fellow blogger, it’s the key to my success! I love to cook but there are some great steps to make a homemade meal easier…especially in getting it on the table on a weeknight when you are already tired from the day. I find that if I spend too much time in the kitchen, I don’t enjoy what I’ve just made anyway.
I buy the whole cooked chickens from the grocery store when they are on sale and pick all the chicken off the bone (when it’s slightly warm…it’s hard to pick it off a cold chicken) and put them in freezer bags, write the date of them and throw them in my freezer. Or I’ll cook them myself on a weekend and throw those in the freezer. It makes making homemade chicken noodle soup, chicken pot pie or whatever that calls for cooked chicken so much easier!
I do the same thing with ground beef. I’ll cook off 5 lbs. or so on the weekend and freeze it for pasta sauce and casseroles. I’ll even do some with the taco seasoning for tacos or taco salads.
Check out my coooking blog for some easy quick recipes. You can find it at http://www.fromtheheartofmykitchen.blogspot.com
Laurel @ Ducks in a Row says
I love PW and have cooked many things from that book that turned out – sorry about your experience. My friend made the chicken spaghetti for a freezer meal and everyone ate it – always a bonus. That being said, I’ve had so many kitchen disasters that I stopped trying to remember them.
Jordan says
I’ve had PLENTY of kitchen disasters. In fact I had one just the other day when I was trying to make homemade cheese with a new kit I got for christmas… I’ll be blogging about that soon.
Mom says
You are tooooooooo funny. It’s just like you not to give up. Don’t be to hard on yourself Kimmy. I think you are a wonderful cook and so does your Grandma Edie!
Heather says
I don’t know if this would work but can you cook the chicken the night before and then it will be cooled and you can pull it off the bone? I have done that for some casseroles and it seems to work.
I haven’t tried any of her receipes though.
I hate it when I try new receipes and I don’t like them and so I go back to the same ole same ole 🙁
At least you tried.