They say the pioneers moved westward in covered wagons, but it’s also apparent they couldn’t have withstood the hardships they faced without some kind of hearty, sustaining and—on some level—satisfying vittles. Somehow, it seems like the original settlers didn‘t likely have anything as mouth-watering or photographically fetching as “Sweet Roasted Acorn Rosemary Squash Wedges” on their plates, but recipes like that and “Rib-eye Steak With Whiskey Cream Sauce” created by Ree Drummond impart the flavor of the West.
After blogging about country life since 2006 on ThePioneerWoman.com, Drummond has published The Pioneer Woman Cooks, (William Morrow Cookbooks), including stunning images and stories about rural life, a generous helping of humor and, of course, a section about canning. Her authenticity comes from living on a ranch 90 minutes outside Tulsa, Okla., being married to a cowboy and, as she says, “There’s horse poop on my porch.”
Ree Drummond: The Pioneer Woman Cooks @ The King’s English Bookstore, 1511 S.
1500 East, 801-484-9100, Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. KingsEnglish.com