Hey there, friends! It’s that time of year again when we gear up for one of the most cherished holidays—Thanksgiving! If you’re already starting to feel the holiday pressure creeping in, don’t sweat it. The one and only Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, is here to save the day. You might know her from her wildly popular blog, her hit Food Network show, or her best-selling cookbooks. Whatever the case, she’s all about making cooking accessible, stress-free, and fun. Lucky for us, she dished out her expert tips, tricks, and recipes for a stress-free holiday season in an exclusive interview with Closer.
Start Early: The Key to Stress-Free Holiday Cooking
Ree's top tip for a smooth holiday feast? Plan ahead, and start prepping early. “If I’m prepping for a big dinner like Thanksgiving, I start thinking about it way in advance. I work backward from the big day,” Ree says. “I think, ‘What can I do on Wednesday? What can I get done on Tuesday?’ And by Sunday, I’m already chopping onions, celery, and carrots. I love having everything prepped and ready to go!” She suggests tackling ingredients you’ll use in multiple dishes all at once. “If I’m chopping an onion, I chop three and store the extras. Why bother getting the cutting board and knife out twice when you know you’ll need it again?” This simple strategy can save you tons of time and stress when the big day rolls around.
Don’t Stress About Perfection—Have Fun Instead!
Let’s face it—things don’t always go according to plan in the kitchen, and that’s perfectly okay. Ree encourages everyone to let go of perfectionism and enjoy the process. “Don’t feel like you have to set any world records. Cooking is about having fun and feeding the people you love,” she says with a laugh. Your family will still enjoy the meal, even if it’s not picture-perfect. In fact, sometimes the dishes that don’t turn out exactly right end up being the tastiest. “Don’t stress about making everything look Instagram-worthy. It’s about creating memories and enjoying the holiday together,” Ree reminds us.
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Oops, You Burned Something? No Big Deal!
Even the best chefs make mistakes, and Ree is no exception. “I burn things all the time,” she admits with a chuckle. “Timers are your best friend, but mistakes happen. It’s all part of the fun.” If you’ve overcooked something, don’t panic—there’s always a way to salvage it. “If you’ve got a charred crust, just dig out the good stuff. If you’ve overcooked meat, chop it up and turn it into a salad. Roast beef salad is delicious, trust me!” Ree has even repurposed a fallen cake into a delightful trifle. “Just chop it up, add some fruit, whipped cream, and voilà—you’ve got a dessert that looks intentional!”
When it comes to holiday baking, Ree is all about apples. “Apples scream holidays to me, even though they’re available year-round,” she says. From simple pear tarts to her mom’s famous apple puff pastry (found in her latest cookbook) to a fancy tarte tatin or her signature flat apple pie, Ree has a recipe for every skill level. “Whether you’re a beginner or an expert baker, there’s something for everyone. And if a recipe doesn’t turn out exactly as planned, don’t sweat it. Just roll with it and have fun!”
Bring the Holiday Spirit Home with Scents and Decor
Want to make your home feel extra festive without going overboard? Ree suggests focusing on scents and simple decorations. “You can make mulled apple cider or even light a mulled apple cider candle. That warm, cozy smell instantly makes your home feel holiday-ready,” she shares. Living in the country, Ree says they don’t usually decorate the exterior of their home. “No one would see it anyway!” Instead, they bring the holidays inside with simple touches. “We have cake stands filled with treats, greenery scattered around, and little hints of holiday cheer. You can add elements like pinecones or florals to your regular meals to make them feel special.”
For Ree, the holidays are all about spending quality time with family. “Some of my fondest memories are baking cinnamon rolls with my mom during the holidays. That’s why the Pillsbury Bake-Off resonates with me so much—it’s all about creating family memories in the kitchen,” she says. Whether you make everything from scratch or use store-bought dough, the memories you create with your loved ones are what truly matter. “That’s how I’ve always cooked and baked, and it’s worked out pretty well for me!” Ree concludes with a smile.
