Ree Drummond has been a household name for years — first as a blogger sharing life on her Oklahoma ranch, and now as the host of “The Pioneer Woman” on Food Network. But these days, the bestselling author and mother of four says her focus has shifted from building an empire to embracing peace, gratitude, and her growing family.
“I started posting recipes way back in—brace yourself—2007,” Drummond told Woman’s World in her new cover interview. “It was mostly photos of family ranch life, but one night, I blogged about cooking a steak for my husband—and I took step-by-step photos. I didn’t think the recipe would turn into anything. But readers asked for more and more—and that’s where it all began.”
Now, nearly two decades later, Drummond has ten cookbooks, a hit TV series, and a new role she calls her most joyful yet — grandmother.
Ree Drummond Says Becoming a Grandmother Changed Her Life
Drummond and her husband, Ladd, recently welcomed their first grandchild, Sofia, and she says the experience has been pure joy.
“I’ve never experienced joy like I have since the birth of my first grandchild, Sofia, last year!” Drummond said. “At first, I was a bit of a reluctant grandmother because I felt like I was still raising some of my own children…but she’s the best thing. She’s the most delightful baby with the sweetest arm rolls—like the Michelin baby!”
As she prepares for the holidays, Drummond says she’s most excited to start a new tradition with her granddaughter. “When she’s old enough, she’ll be in the kitchen with me,” she said. “Now that I’m an empty nester, I can’t wait for Sofia to be my sous chef.”
Family remains at the center of Drummond’s life, especially during the holiday season. “There’s a certain peace and serenity that comes in one’s 50s,” she said. “We’ve lived enough life to know the most important part of the season is being with our loved ones.”
The Pioneer Woman Talks Cooking, Confidence, and Holiday Favorites
Drummond shared her go-to advice for anyone preparing for the hectic holiday season. “All the striving for a perfect table, an immaculate house or a flawless menu just causes unnecessary stress,” she said. “If you are calm, cool, collected and having fun, your guests will relax with you.”
Her holiday must-haves are as classic as they are comforting. “I would be hard-pressed to name a more nostalgic family recipe than my mom’s cinnamon rolls,” Drummond said. “My mom and I used to make them when I was growing up and she’d always deliver them to friends and neighbors. Once I got married, I carried on that tradition. They are the most special cinnamon rolls I’ve ever tasted.”
She also swears by her rich, creamy mashed potatoes — a recipe perfected over nearly 30 years. “They have butter, heavy cream, half-and-half and cream cheese,” she said. “The result is the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes! I make them a couple of days before Thanksgiving and simply bake them alongside the rest of the sides. Perfect every time.”
Ree Drummond’s ‘Recipe Bible’ and Her New Outlook
Drummond’s latest cookbook, “The Essential Recipes,” collects 120 perfected versions of her classic dishes, including Chicken Pot Pie, Whiskey Carrots, and those famous cinnamon rolls.
“I had such fun working on this cookbook,” she said. “Readers don’t just want to see the finished meal—they want to see the during and after! I’m a visual learner myself, and I love providing that reassurance for them.”
Drummond also reflected on her journey into fitness and self-care. “At age 56, I learned I can build muscle!” she said. “I turn on an ’80s movie and spend 30 minutes doing lunges, squats, and calf raises. It’s fun at my age to squeeze my thigh and think, ‘Hey, where’d that quad come from!?!’”
And if there’s one ingredient she swears by? “Tough to choose!” Drummond laughed. “I would say pesto or tomato paste.”
