The Pioneer Woman Cooks (26 page)

7. Stir together gently. Don’t worry about the mixture being totally combined; a little white and yellow swirling is fine!

8. Melt about a tablespoon of butter in the skillet.

Pour the batter into the skillet ¼ cup at a time.

9. Cook for 1 to 1½ minutes, then flip the pancakes over. Cook for another 45 seconds and remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.

10. Stack the pancakes as high on a plate as your appetite dictates. See how high you can go—take it on as a personal challenge!

11. Top with plenty of butter and maple syrup and eat to your heart’s desire.

WORKING CALVES IS FUN!

When we work calves, there are kids, cowboys, and cattle everywhere. And nobody stays still longer than a few seconds.

Except the old-timers, who’ve earned the right to hang back and watch.

The calves just sit and wait, hoping if they stay still enough, they’ll go unnoticed.

But eventually, they all get their turn. We don’t want anyone to feel left out.

DINNER

(TRANSLATION: LUNCH)

SIMPLE, PERFECT CHILI

Makes 6 servings

This is my go-to chili recipe for everything from Frito pies to chili fries. It can be left very basic or made more interesting with additions like chopped onion, kidney and pinto beans, and cans of diced tomatoes and chilies. But whatever the eventual use, I never make chili without adding a mixture of masa (used in Mexican cooking) and water. While acting as a thickener for the chili, masa also lends a distinctive corn flavor, which gives the chili a wonderful dimension. Make this in huge quantities and freeze smaller portions—I love having chili in the freezer!

2 garlic cloves, chopped1 teaspoon ground oregano1 tablespoon ground cumin¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)2 tablespoons chili powder2 pounds ground beefOne 8-ounce can tomato sauce1 teaspoon salt¼ cup masa (corn flour, found in the Mexican food section of many supermarkets)OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS1 can pinto beans, drained1 can kidney beans, drained1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (I use the Rotel brand)FOR SERVINGShredded cheddar cheeseChopped onionFritos

1. Begin by measuring the spices: chopped garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne and chili powder

2. Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic.

3. Cook the beef until brown…