The Pioneer Woman Cooks (25 page)

Another contestant eager to show her best side is Mimi, our contestant from Washington State. Though Mimi has dabbled in modeling and struggles with unusually high self-esteem, she would really prefer being appreciated for her mind. If she wins the crown, Mimi plans to improve her vocabulary so she can sound real, real smart. Oh, and she wants world peace and all that stuff.

Here’s Ginger, our beautiful mustang from the state of Wyoming! Despite her country girl roots, Ginger enjoys contemplating her existence and reading Dostoyevsky and Nietzsche in her spare time. Following her run as Miss Mustang, Ginger intends to return to school to receive her Ph.D. in Equine Cultures. (Oh. And don’t call her Gingie.)

This is our youngest contestant in the pageant. Please welcome Amy! Amy comes from a small town in Alabama, and really, she’s just thrilled to be here!

“I’m sorry, y’all…but I’m just a li’l bit shy.”

This is Nadine, our mustang from New York. Don’t mess with her. She’ll trample you. We’re happy to have her strength and grit—welcome, Nadine!

And finally, here’s Isabella. She fights for the rights of homeless and displaced horses all over the world, but her striking beauty and standoffish demeanor have caused a bit of animus between her and her fellow contestants. Let’s give Isabella a warm welcome, shall we?

Who’ll win the crown? You decide.(But I’m pulling for Ginger…)

EDNA MAE’S SOUR CREAM PANCAKES

Makes about twelve 4-inch pancakes

Marlboro Man’s grandmother Edna Mae spent years cooking daily for cowboys and loves this recipe for sour cream pancakes. They’re lighter than the average pancake, and are impossibly easy to whip up on Saturday morning…or any morning, for that matter.

1 cup sour cream7 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt2 large eggs½ teaspoon vanilla extractButterMaple or pancake syrup

1. Place an iron skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. You want it to get nice and hot.

2. Place the sour cream in a medium bowl. It’s the top-secret ingredient. Actually, it’s not top secret at all. But I like hyperbole. Dump in the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3. Stir together very, very gently. I stop short of the mixture being totally combined. You want the pancakes to have some interesting texture.

4. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.

5. Add the vanilla and stir to combine.

6. Pour the egg mixture into the sour cream/flour mixture.