March 31, 2010

I thought I would be HAPPY....



Today I finished my Sheila and Ree Project with a heavy heart, and a full belly. I thought I would be relieved when this was over, when the last recipe had been finished, the last heart written, last crumb eaten, last dished washed, and pan scrubbed. I thought I would be happy to be done. Instead I am a tad bit sad. It's been good, awesome, even spectacular at times. But such is life...ALL good things must come to an end....and so too it is with this challenge, of cooking through P-dubs cookbook. Who knows maybe I will do it again with another cookbook (if Ree's does another cookbook that is).

I did indeed stay in my jean size...although I could probably stand to go up a size. Cupcake, muffin top, inner tube, P-dub 5.....my sister took a picture, (of my belly) but we decided it was in every ones best interest that I DID NOT put that up for all the world to see.

So I accomplished the challenge of the pants...AND I made it through every single recipe in The Pioneer Women Cooks. Although, I must have paged through a hundred times thinking, "I had to have forgotten one", and someone is going to call me out on it....I will be known as the fraud blogger!



As you can see this book as been well loved!

I invited my sweet "seestor" Carla and her husband Skidder over, my dad also made his way into the mix....he heard there was going to be homemade pizza and he came screeching over to my house.


Skidder is looking smug because he knows I made my Killer Coffee Ice Cream dessert, he's anticipating....

Ree Drummond can take simple ingredients and make them into the most amazing, spectacular food you have ever eaten. I found this time and time again as I made my way through her book.






I purposefully left the pizzas for last. Because who doesn't love a pizza party and I wanted to end on a good note with my children....although Potato Leek Pizza probably isn't most children's choice for a slice of pie.



Is that not a thing of beauty..........

I guess selfishly I was holding that carrot out there for myself. I couldn't wait to try these pizza's. Ree's pizza crust is perfection! I will NEVER make another.....It is foolproof.

Because this fool made it!

I put the ingredients together in the wrong order....now, how can one do that, you ask, when there are only 4 ingredients??! Yeh, well I got distracted.....



Look at that perfect-a-mondo crust!....On this Tomato-Basil Pizza.

We had a blast...Skidder continues to refer to The Pioneer Woman as Prairie Dog...sorry Ree, the name calling is all in love...my boys have not called you P-devil in at least 4 recipes and this day your name was not drug through the mud once! I think they could all sense my underlying sadness...like a good friend was moving away.

Skidder suggested I give away MY copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks.....



BLASPHEMER!

Be gone with you!



She wrote.."Love your cupcakes! Sheila" in my book. How could I give such a treasure away. Did she really love the cupcakes that I baked for her, and drove for 3 hours to bring her, and then stood in line for 5 hours to give her. Only God knows what those cupcakes looked like by the time she opened the box...if she did. Really pretty scary when I think about it....receiving food from a stranger like myself.

So, I thought I would be happy when this project, I got myself into, was done...but I'm not. It was fun! I gained more than a few pounds....

I gained...new friends, a sense of accomplishment, I broadened my childrens palate, had lots of fun get togethers. AND the best part is I get to give something away at the end of it all. I love, love LOVE that!

So now here it is.....sniff, sniff, snort, sooobbb....the last chance to COMMENT to win The Pioneer Woman Cooks. Never ever in the history of Strawberry Cake will this happen again . It's over after tonight, done, this is it baby...and if you don't comment quick I am gonna start singing and we all know how horrific that can be.

Please COMMENT below to win a SIGNED copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks, let me know what your favorite post was in this wacky journey of mine, and you will be entered to win!

LUVya!

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220 comments:

  1. My favorite post was the Cowgirl Dinner Party. That is how I found your blog in the first place. But if I had to pick number #2 favorite it would be that steak with the whiskey cream sauce. Weee doggies that makes my mouth water, jest lookin' at it.

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  2. It has been fun reading your blog posts. I can't wait to see what the new adventure will be.

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  3. What a fun thing to do and a good cook to follow, I love Ree and would LOVE to win her book, which I haven't gotten yet, so please add my name to the mix! I've enjoyed following your journey thru PW cookbook and I must try that killer coffee ice cream! THanks!

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  4. This one is my favorite post. The end of anything like this is always bittersweet. You did a great job. I am going to try that pizza crust. I think your pizza looks wonderful.

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  5. I am so, so sad!! But also grateful to have been able to indulge in some of the wonderful meals - I wish I could have been there for all of them! Nice work seestor - and you look maaahvelous, that pic of your tummy was just a bad camera angle. ;-p Can't wait for the next food adventure!! Love you!

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  6. I love it all! I want to do this challenge too. Maybe when my babies are older! Thanks for entertaining us daily with your posts!

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  7. How do you pick a favorite when they were all favorites? The Jack Daniels post was hilarious.
    And the chocolate sheet cake can't be beat. Oh just say all was my favorite. (all were?)
    Dorothy

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  8. I just found your Blog and now it is over...bummer! What a really cool thing you did! What energy!!! Thanks!

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  9. OH, this is a hard question to answere because I love them all. This has felt like a journey I traveled with you! I was even able to participate in a few of the meals, THANK YOU for that. But when REE commented on here boy where we on a high that day! What an accomplishment....maybe she will comment today! And of course the "f word" post...you are out of your mind girl. Thanks for the fun ride...can't wait for what is to come. You are truely the best.

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  10. Thanks D! Don't forget to read tomorrow I give ya a shout out : D!

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  11. I just discovered your blog and have been reading through it this morning (in between chasing a 2 year old around!!) What a great idea for a blog!!

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  12. This is my favorite. The summation! You're awesome. Love this blog!

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  13. Just found your blog. Love it!

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  14. Woohoo! Great job, Sheila! :~) What ambition.

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  15. What a great giveaway! I Love Ree! I follow her wherever I can :)
    I'm a new follower! I have to pick just one? I love them all! x

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  16. I love the ribeye steak with whiskey sauce and the little birdie story too. Would love a copy of that book....snsriedel@gmail.com

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  17. Whiskey cream sauce???!!!!! Yum, Yum!

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  18. Hey!! I fellow Michigander!!! always good to read things from people 'around you'. Though Lansing and G.rap aren't that close.. they're not that far either!!

    Like the blog..

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  19. i already have the cookbook..keep up the good work!

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  20. I like this post, about the sad/tearful finale. :)

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  21. I'm just visiting your blog for the first time. What a fun idea! I am eager to go back and read all your Ree posts (isn't she great?) That will probably have to wait until my 3 year old stops begging me for snacks, though. ;)

    I am excited about your giveaway! I don't have a copy of her book yet, but I would LOVE one! And a signed one would be even better! :)

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  22. What an awesome giveaway!! I love Ree!! I love her Chicken Spaghetti recipe and so does my family!! :)

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  23. Since I'm working I can't read everything to pick a favorite, but I am even more certain that I would enjoy this cookbook. I'll be back to check out your posts!! See you soon. I want to get in on that perfect pizza crust, mine changes personality every time I try it. Time for a new one.

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  24. Congrats on making it through the entire book!! Can't wait to do the same myself. Aren't all the recipes FAB-U-LOUS!!

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  25. I think seeing what your cookbook looks like at the end of this project was my favorite part!
    Congratulations!!

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  26. I just found you today. What a great post to start with. I'm planning on reading back to see how you managed to cook the entire book. What fun!
    Blessings!

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  27. Its hard to choose btw the coffee ice cream and the most recent pizza crust...hm... so I'm going to say both!

    What a great give away!

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  28. How fun! I love your finished cookbook result and the same size pants, too?? Amazing!

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  29. My daughter recently exposed me to the Pioneer Woman and I love it! This recipe looks delicious. I will start checking out your blog also.

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  30. This last post was my favorite....What a sad yet AWESOME ending! How creative!

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  31. I'm like #1...it was the because of the Cowgirl Dinner Post that I first found your blog. :)

    Ree posted your accomplishment on Facebook, so expect a lot of visitors! :D

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  32. Oooo I want to try the steaks with Whisky sauce. My husband would LOVE them! Poor birdie, though :(

    nicole.m.pickle@gmail.com

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  33. I just found your blog, definitely going to go back and read other posts. I think it would be so neat to go through a cookbook.

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  34. I loved seeing that cookbook at the end of it, it sure was put through the ringer. Maybe one day I'll be able to cook my way through a book.

    Valerie
    vflambert@hotmail.com

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  35. Beans & cornbread is my favorite, simply because of this line:
    There are two types of people in this world as far as my husband is concerned...

    "The farters" AND "The people who act like they don't fart".

    Classic! And I love beans. And cornbread. And P-dub :)

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  36. Just found your blog and am busy catching up on your sweet strawberry life. I guess your last PW entry will be the way to go backwards. Your new fan!

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  37. This is so very Julie & Julia, and I love it! Thankfully it looks like the "new Julia" actually likes you! =)

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  38. Congrats on the completion of your project and your jean size!!! DANG! You're good!!

    I must say what a great idea to try all of Ree's recipes! What were your favs??

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  39. I loooove Pioneer Woman's cooking! Your blog is great!!

    April

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  40. Love them, but the last post was great!

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  41. I just found your blog also, can't wait to go back in time!

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  42. Just happened onto you blog - love it - and PW. She's from my neck of the woods, B'ville.

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  43. After reading this post I went back and read almost all of your other "Ree" posts....I don't know which one I enjoyed the most, although planning the beans and cornbread around being flatus-free was at the top of the list =)

    I commend you for your effort to cook through her book, I love her recipes and her blog, and I am definitely going to be following yours more closely in the future!!

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  44. I love today's! Your thoughts on Ree's cookbook were great and the pizza looks amazing! Hope I win. Love that Pioneer Woman!

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  45. This was such a cute idea!! I love PW's food, but I'm afraid I haven't managed to stay in the same size jeans, LOL. Lucky you!! :)

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  46. Hello!
    I cannot believe you have made EVERY recipe! And yes, your book is inDEED well loved. Now, you just need to take it to staples, have them cut off the gluey binding (if there's any left) and then punch it with a 3 hole puncher and put it in a binder! Then it will be easier to REuse! hee hee

    I JUST received mine yesterday... alas without a signature... sniff sniff. I don't even know if she got close to Indiana lol.

    Thanks for sharing your journey thru the book. I too am planning on trying to make every recipe. But I don't eat onions or cilantro so I doubt I can make it lol. I have also added you to my google reader so I am now officially a stalker of yours... blogily speaking (is that a word?).

    Thanks again!

    Bobbie

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  47. I have been sticking my toe int the waters so to speak. Trying some of the great idea for her cookbooks as well. I can only imagine how much fun you had during this project. Best wishes.

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  48. The "F word" post was hilarious. Just like my family.

    Patty Harral pattyharral@verizon.net

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  49. I just found your blog (via PW's FB) and I love it! I can't wait to go read the archives. So I guess you could say my favorite post is the pizza one.....for now...... :-)

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  50. WOW! What a wonderful idea to do! Sounds like a lot of fun. I may consider doing this one day!! Would love to win that cookbook!

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  51. I love the pizza post! I really love PW and have been dying to get her book! Pick me!!!

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  52. It has to be the whiskeeeee cream sauce, because it was the first recipe I cooked from Ree's book and for that it will always be dear to my heart.

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  53. This is my first post I read - Ree sent me! :) (through her Facebook post) and now I am hooked after reading through your posts. I love this post, because I can really feel your sadness - I would be too! Maybe I will embark on that journey, too - but I will need a cookbook to do it! I've been looking all over for one, and I may have to order it online. Thanks for sharing the adventure!

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  54. Have enjoyed reading your blog backwards - just found it today! I too LOVE Pioneer Woman's recipes and I too have gained a few pounds since I found her blog!! We just had round 2 of the pizza for dinner last night. We had the first pizza from the dough recipe on Sunday night and I wrapped one half in plastic wrap and put in the frig until last night. The second pizza was just as good as the first!! Will continue to keep up with you. Have a great Easter!!

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  55. Beans & Cornbread...say it like it is sister!! What a fun idea...thank you for letting us share in your challenge. I enjoyed it all!

    Katyshops at comcast.net

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  56. I am recent Ree follower, I am so thrilled on what she is doing. Can't wait to buy her cookbook

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  57. I just found your blog from Ree's post on Facebook. That's amazing that you cooked your way through her book and didn't gain at least 20 lbs. I have one of my own and have to limit us to one recipe a week (but it's hard to resist!).

    I don't need to be entered, just wanted to say "Congratulations" and I hope she puts out a new cookbook and sends an advance copy to you!

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  58. I don't have a favorite since today is the first time Iv visited your blog, but I'm definitely going to have a look! I would love to have a signed copy of her book though, how cool would that be:)!!!

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  59. PW linked to your blog on Facebook and I have to say I love your project! That book looks so well loved :-) My husband & I gave our niece all the Walter the Farting Dog books, starting with the first one on her first birthday along with a Walter stuffed dog (that farts too).

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  60. Love reading your blog! My favorite post is this one! Accomplishing anything these days is so very hard especially when you have kids! There is NEVER enough time for yourself, pat yourself on the back for completing such a great project!!

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  61. Can anyone suggest a decent cheese substitute to use in this? I can't have cheese.

    lundy911@yahoo.com

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  62. Great post! You MUST feel a great sense of accomplishment after completing all of these recipes! I def need this cookbook. Def.

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  63. Judy H. in Kentucky says....

    This being my first post of yours is my favorite! I can't wait to read the rest and I'm sure "smile" as much as I did reading this one!
    What fun you have probably had!

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  64. Love this post. The pizza looks amazing.

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  65. What a great/yummy journey. LOL...As a first time reader, I can only assume that my favorite recipes would have been all the ones that used butter!!

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  66. I heart the post with the dieing bird. I too would eat while my three children sobbed. Sorry but mama has to eat!

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  67. Congrats on your accomplishment. I would love to win a signed copy of the cookbook as I am a new fan of PW.

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  68. The COWzones sound awesome! I will definitely have to try this recipe --- after I finally get the cookbook:) I have another friend that is blogging PW recipes and I LOVE it!!!!! The recipes are awesome! Way to cook through the whole book!

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  69. OH MIGAS! I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT P-dub GAVE ME A SHOUT OUT ON Facebook!!!!! traveling through Canada now witht he chitlins and trying to type is not so easy cause I am so EXCITED! Thanks for visiting. Ya'll come back now ya hear!

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  70. love your blog! love PW, would love to have her cookbook! gwen.howell@lusfiber.net

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  71. I just got here...from PWs FB link. I can't believe I'm just finding out about you. I've got a lot of catching up to do. But it's worth the time. Thanks for the encouragement to make that pizza dough. Blessings, SusanD

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  72. Congrats!!! I love your blog. I liked the COWzone post/

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  73. I have a copy of the cookbook home from the library right now - and I definitely need a copy of my own. I enjoyed the last post - getting the ingredients out of order, but still a fantastic crust for the pizza. It is something I would do! Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  74. Great blog. I can't beleive you made every recipe. That is great!

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  75. Me too, didn't know this Julie/Julia thing was goin on....but congrats...considering the jeans for sure!

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  76. It is hilarious that you call her P-Dubs. So funny!
    I really like your Feb. 15, Pizza Party Post. It has inspired me to not be afraid to have all of my kids' friends over all at once for a homemade pizza party.
    Even if I do not win the book, I am happy to have a new blog to follow. You are way too fun!

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  77. Congrats on finishing the cookbook! All of the recipes are absolutely fantabulous!! I love your post titled Hyacinth on March 15...the part where the French Pastry Puffs are calling your name! Those little devils will call anyones name! They are yummy!

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  78. "The F Word" was pretty awesome :). Just found your blog from PDub's FB post...so I'm sure I'll meander through and find more posts I like! Would really love a copy of the cookbook though...that's for sure!

    tdubes@gmail.com

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  79. i love the post back in november about the start of your PW cooking adventure. you guys are going to be the next "julie and julia". :)

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  80. Loved this post!! Too funny!! Although I haven't nearly made half of her recipes yet, love the PW cookbook!

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  81. Loved today's post... seeing how much you loved your cookbook and oh my that pizza. Can't wait to make it. We print Pioneer Woman's recipes from online and my husband and boys get so excited everytime they see it's a PW dish. We've not had a bad one yet.
    soniejones@hotmail.com

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  82. Just found your blog through PDub's FB post. Can't wait to read back through all the recipes you tried though. And love the shout out for the pizza crusts. gonna try those this weekend. Don't you just love her sour cream pancake recipe?? Yum!

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  83. Just saw The Pioneer Woman's facebook post about your blog! I have been browsing and your post on the "CowZones" looks so yummy!

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  84. This one is my fave! That pizza crust is a must-make!

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  85. wow, now i am aspiring to do the same, right after i complete my original goal of introducing the world to PW's Perfect Potatoes Au Gratin recipe!!

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  86. My fav...the F word....you make me laugh! And that is priceless!!!! I would love love love a cookbook....believe it or not I have not gotten one for myself yet!

    Thanks
    Lora

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  87. Jenny from White Bear LakeMarch 31, 2010 at 2:37 PM

    I can't pick. All of the PW recipes you have done are so real and look soooooo good.

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  88. Linked you on my Facebook!

    Katyshops at comcast.net

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  89. I like this one the best. I'm working my way through PW's recipes too. Don't know if I'll keep the same size in jeans though. Congratulations!!

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  90. Coffee ice cream I love your blog.

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  91. Congrats! You are now officially famous! I found you through PW's facebook post. You have a great blog; I love her food! Congrats on completing the cookbook. I'll be anxious to see what you do next!

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  92. The Rosemary Rolls, for sure! Congrats on the jeans size thing - I am so jealous!

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  93. I just found your blog via PW -- I'm looking forward to reading all the back entries! So I guess your last one, my first one, is my favorite (so far). :)

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  94. Hurray to Sheila!!!! I have enjoyed watching you cook your way through the signed, most loved Pioneer Woman cookbook!!!!! How you have given me reason to try, although falling short of your ALWAYS perfect and yummy meals! As my two youngest, time consuming kids get older, I plan to keep trying!!!
    Kristen VanLaecke

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  95. i enjoyed the last post as well, we are always in a rush to finish things, to move on to the next thing and sometimes we don't enjoy the ride, but you certainly did!

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  96. I liked the breakfast bowls blog. I noticed we have the same dishes.

    tomrc@aol.com

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  97. I liked so many of them but pizza takes the cake! hahaha!

    Would love to win!

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  98. I wish I had found this sooner! But now I get to read it all at once instead of having to wait. I'm an instant gratification kinda girl! :)

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  99. Thanks for the chance, I don't have the book yet.

    I love that you can wear the same size still, =)

    kennick89@hotmail.com

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  100. Oops, this is Meg again....had to link my addy to this.

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  101. I'm sooooo envious of you - woot, woot!!! If you start singing, maybe Ree will chime in with her rendition of Ethel Merman!! Kudos to you, and all I can say is... well done, girlfriend! xo

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  102. I enjoyed the post before this last one with the bird. Mostly because it encompasses my life so well....only my daughter is 6! She's even brought worms home for dinner (to eat WITH us not be eaten)! Good job BTW!

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  103. The end would have to be my favorite! The poor cookbook. lol. Great job!

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  104. Thanks to PW's shout-out, I just found your blog too. Right now, it's pizza for the fav, but I'm done done reading through the whole adventure yet.

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  105. holy smokes!!!!! 84 comments! you go Sheila! I knew from day one bouncin down the hallway in school you were a special type of person. I have to say that my favorite blog was... as I was just telling my husband about 2 days ago about "there are farters, and people who say they don't fart" or something like that you said. hahahah LOVED IT!! But now that it is done, I have to say this last post. One of my favorite foods is PIZZA, and i love trying different kinds anywhere and everywhere.. kinda like a burrito. I try them everywhere too. hmmm maybe that explains my pants size. heehee. I always think.. AHHH could be worse I guess. I am a good person with a good heart and love to give also! just ask my younger brother Pat. He is the proud owner of my right kidney. his friends say he must have gotten some of my nice-ness, cuz he is alot nicer these days. 5 yrs ago in July and he is goin strong! anyway... you have much reading to do. it is only 2:45 and I am sure you will be well over the 100 mark by nightfall! GREAT JOURNEY! i am glad you shared it with us all! remember... the world can never have enough of the do-gooders. keep up the giving! it is such a wonderful feeling huh?
    <3 Elsie

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  106. Great blog! Love how you cooked your way thru the PW cookbook...brilliant! I would love to win one!

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  107. Fantastic Blog.. i probably should wait until i'm off work to read it though..lol.. I'm going to have to get the cook book.. the kids say i need all the help i can get :)

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  108. This is my favorite! Getting to the end of a project and knowing that you completed the whole thing is a great feeling!

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  109. Hey! Came here from PW's shoutout on FB! Great idea! Congrats! Looks like you have a cute blog. :)

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  110. Ribeye steaks baby! Good luck in your future endeavors too!

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  111. Well, just found your blog today...so I guess for now this is my favorite? Because that pizza looks amazing and I think I might have to go get Ree's cookbook now because it all looks so YUM! And you say its all easy? Sign me up, I need easy, yum recipes!

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  112. What a fun endeavor! I am really liking the looks of those breakfast bowls!

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  113. Just found your blog through PW. Love it. The ribeye steaks with cream sauce is my favorite so far but I haven't read all of them yet.

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  114. I love your blog!
    I linked to you from Ree's FB page.
    I discovered Ree's cookbook this past week while on vacation in Texas at my husband's grandfathers ranch. I read the entire cookbook while I was there....so if I don't win this one, I will certainly be purchasing one!!! Can't wait to try some of these recipes at home!!
    Happy blogging!

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  115. Sheila:
    So proud of you and your huge...accomplishment (for a moment, I thought about that picture your sister took...). It was so fun being a part of the meals you included us in and to watch you grow with excitement upon each new recipe. The ice cream/oreo/candy dessert is by FAR my favorite - and I eat one spoonful a night to make it last (you only sent me home with one piece). Looking forward to you publishing your own cookbook and reading about your recipies every step of the way as you blog about them. No offense Ree, but Sheila knows how to cook and in my humble opinion - could give you a run with some of her secret recipies...in fact, how cool would it be to have a friendly 'cook-off' between the two of you?!?! We could video it and post it via YouTube, etc...that would be the crowning moment, as long as I'm included as an official taste tester. (Ree, know you are a member of our Thanksgiving meal every year...especially the BRINE!)
    Way to go, Sheila! Looking forward to reading about your vacation adventures...and please do some research when you are at Niagra Falls to find out if it did indeed freeze - THREE times!

    Love, Uncle Skidder.
    (Hope I win...wait, we already have a signed copy...and a t-shirt...um...hope you make another coffee/oreo ice cream dessert soon!!!)

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  116. Jan 30; the Cowgirl Party....but have enjoyed them all and just reread lots of them.
    Tomorrow...April 1...is my birthday.
    Seriously! And thanks.

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  117. awww, don't give away your signed copy . . .

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  118. BTW...my favorite blog post was in preparation for your cowgirls meal and the pic where you buckled in the meat upon driving it home...nuturing it like a child.

    Buster Milton Messing

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  119. I just found you thanks to Ree's link post on Facebook it will take a while to read through the archive- I can't wait though the few entries I've read are awesome- so far my favorite is the linguine in clam sauce(I love Ree's story), I love clam sauce, and I think your daughter's poem is adorable!

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  120. What a great idea! I'll have to plow through the book myself! (thankfully no calfnuts will be involved!)

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  121. I am impressed - what fortitude and strength you have to go through the whole book - saving the best for last!
    I will be following you, vicariously enjoying every step you take - and trying in fact to take some with you.
    I am an addicted PW follower, and love her stories, writings and photos, i would love to own the book.
    :)
    Take care,
    Cory

    come check out my works sometime!
    www.fallingstarlane.etsy.com

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  122. This post was my favorite...it wrapped up the whole experiment!

    I LOVE PW and would LOVE to win this cookbook!

    lavidalori{at}gmail{dot}com

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  123. I'm so glad I found your blog. So far, my favorite post on here is the one with your youngest daughter and the "girls day". I laughed, I almost cried, I got chills, and I walked away inspired!

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  124. So, I just read your blog for the first time today following a link from Ree's facebook. I thought your post about eating the ribeyes and roesmary rolls while your kids mourned the robin was funny, hope that doesn't make me calloused.

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  125. I just stumbled upon your blog and I love it! What a great idea to cook through PW's cookbook!

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  126. Just found your site... via Ree's facebook! So glad I did...

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  127. I just found your blog from PW's facebook post. Now I learn that I found it at the end, which makes me sad :( So I will have to go back and read about your cooking adventures and try to live vicariously through them. Especially since I am a terrible cook. But I am really good at ordering take-out if that counts? =) Oh, and I would LOVE to win a copy of PW's book!

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  128. what a great/fun idea! congrats on completing it =] My fav is the Prune cake! I'd probably have frosting still on my face too lol.

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  129. Loved Walter, the Farting Dog!! But not as much as I love PW's cookbook!!!

    Elaine McKnight aka Ryan's GranE

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  130. I found you from PW's facebook also. What a fun idea, I'll have to take some time to go through the whole site but so far I like the F-word post:)

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  131. Love all the posts, Cowgirl dinner party was my fave. Thanks so much for the chance to win this great cookbook.

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  132. Congrats on finishing! What would we do without PW??

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  133. I just discovered your blog from wonderful Ree - you've given me the desire to want to work through her cookbook as well - guess I'm off to Borders - that is unless I get lucky on this site and win!!

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  134. I like this one myself, very honest and the pizza looks great! I made it too but it wasn't as pretty!

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  135. My favorite post is the one of "girls day out"...It's not a P-dub ( I call her that too, the boyfriend thinks I'm crazy) post but.... My fave P-dubby dub post would be the 1/6/10 post...You tried to "forget" about your quest, but couldn't :)

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  136. OMG! Haven't been on yet today and Demetria FBed me to tell me that PW put a shout out to you on FB! I have goosebumps and tears as I finish reading your last post and reading all the comments. What a journey this has been and I am glad that I have been a part of it! Once Spring Break is done we are so going out for Sushi for sure! Have a great Spring Break with your Family. Oh, my favorite post was the F-word, but they all were great. Luv ya, Robin

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  137. Just found your blog and added myself as a follower...you are too cool not to follow. Love the idea of making everyone of PW's recipes. :) Happy Spring ya'll from Houston, TX

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  138. I'd love to win PW's cookbook! I just recently discovered her and her site and have been in love ever since! I tried her carmelized onions & prociutto pizza recently...Yum!!

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  139. I want this! I want this! Yes. 80% of my cooking of late is from either Ree's site or Tasty Kitchen.

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  140. I would love to have a copy of her cookbook!

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  141. What a great Idea! I wish I would have found this blog sooner! I'm gonna have to sit down and read it all tonight after all my little monsters go to bed. I discovered PW around Turkey Day and have been working her recipes in ever since

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  142. I have to say that this is one of my favorite posts. I did also love the Whiskey Cream one.

    Enjoy your tattered cook book.

    ~K!

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  143. I just discovered your blog, but will be back to read about your journey. Looks like a fun project - I'm hungry for pizza now! :) Thanks.

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  144. I am just finding your blog and I am a bit sad I missed the whold adventure. I love Ree's recipies and many of my girlfriends and I will whip them up and then talk about how fabulous they are. I glanced through your posts and I think the Cowgirl party was a great idea. Ive been dying to try the olive cheese bread but no one in my family likes olives but me. I look forward to seeing what else your blog will bring!

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  145. I love the prune cake post! Too funny about the freaky icing! :)

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  146. I liked the one about the cowgirl party.
    I found this link from PW.
    Keep Cookin' :)
    Tammy

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  147. Love this post!

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  148. Oh wow, I just found your blog through PW's link and I'm working on going through the entire cookbook too and mine is starting to fall apart as well!
    Congrats for finishing!

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  149. Man...those cinnamon rolls look delish! The pizza looks great too....actually, it probably ALL looks great. :)

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  150. I wish that I would have learned about this earlier. I just found out via PW's facebook post. Congrats, and it sounds like fun. Now I will have to read your blog to find some good eats, and I would LOVE to win a copy of the cookbook. Cheers!

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  151. That pizza looks AWESOME! I just found your blog through PWs FB post - but I scrolled through this months posts and I love the steak sauce post - sad about the bird not making it though :( I'm going to poke around for a while, but I definitely wanted to enter for that cookbook - and I am SO happy you're not giving away YOURS! Great blog!

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  152. This post is my favorite because you inspired me to try her homemade pizza crust. :)

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  153. Hi Sheila-
    Ree posted something on Face book, and I came and looked. Beautiful blog! Since this is my first time to your blog, I pick this post (but being a huge PW fan and a fan of "Julie and Julia," which this seems like:) I plan to check out your blog thoroughly! I see a new book/movie in the making..."Sheila and Ree"

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  154. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  155. Congratulations! I LOVE PW and everything she stands for and I LOVE that you went for it! Way to go. I must try that pizza crust now... best wishes!

    My fave was Dinner with Friends- bc it involved friends and Twice Baked Potatoes!

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  156. Can't wait for the give away! Loved all the posts!

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  157. I love love love my PW cookbook and would love to give one I win to a special mom I know...mine! She stood in line with me for hours to get my book signed, and we couldn't...bummer!
    My favorite post was the "Hyacinth" post...Kevin Henkes is one of my favorite authors and I think of that book myself each time I get to that recipe in the book.
    Great job on your journey! Very impressive

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  158. My fave post is the one about the PW Chicken Pot Pie. The picture of the pot on your head, combined with the giddyness that comes from making & giving a smiley faced pot pie away... Hilarious!

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  159. I found your blog thru PW and I'm totally inspired. The current post is my favorite. It's bittersweet...but as all things come to an end, new and exciting things happen. Added you to my favs and can't wait to see what you're up to next!

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  160. Oh my...I just checked out your complete profile...and I'm right in your backyard. GR, MI is where I call home. You must be enjoying the beautiful weather, too! :)

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  161. Doesn't it always come down to pizza.

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  162. I really liked your Cowgirl Dinner post. Some friends & I are going to have a Pioneer Woman dinner night & we all have to bring dishes cooked from her recipes.

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  163. I love this post! I'm in awe that you cooked your way through the book!

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  164. I found your blog when one of your friends gave Ree the link to here on FB a few weeks back. I have read all of your entries. What fun it has been to read all. Drooling all the way. ;)

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  165. I'm so glad my friend told me about your blog. Amazing!

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  166. Found you through FB. Love the posts and how you cooked your way through the cookbook. Thanks for sharing your journey.

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  167. kelgirl105 at yahoo dot comMarch 31, 2010 at 4:59 PM

    Cowgirl Dinner Party!

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  168. I just caught the end of this what a fun idea. I just love Ree!

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  169. What a very cool idea-and lots of good food too! Your cookbook is as loved as those recipes Sheila. Congratulations on your accomplishment! I too love Ree!

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  170. I gotta love the last one. Way to celebrate the book, the experience, Ree, yourself, the whole shabang! CONGRATS!

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  171. I've been following Ree for a few months now and WOW! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it all! And what a clever girl you are! Love your idea to cook her cookbook- I've tried the caramelized onion & prosciutto pizza and can I say, D-E-L-I-S-H!!! My fav post of your fun Cook-O-Rama adventure was definitely the Cowgirl dinner Party! So stinkin' cute....adored the bandannas as napkins and the cowboy cut-out was divine! (do you rent him out for parties?) just askin' :) Thanks for the fun!

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  172. I just found your blog via PW and LOVE it! I've been catching up this afternoon and can't wait to read more!!! Had to comment quick for my chance at the Cookbook, heard wonderful things about it and would love to get one for my home!
    Jess in Nebraska

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  173. I am so proud of you!!! And sad for you and for me that it is over. I loved reading and am still watching the mail for a party invite!
    The Park Wife

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  174. Good For you! And it's so great I found this sight!!!

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  175. Whatta great site! LOVE PW's recipes! :-)

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  176. A FAVORITE?! Are you kidding? I have loved this, thank you. What a joy to have you mavelous women to read, great photos to drool over, words to mke me LAUGH. Rosemary Rolls, Pizza crust, chocolate cake... do you detect a little carb action here?

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  177. So fun, too hard to pick a favorite. Congrats on your accomplishment!

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  178. I've made a few recipes from the book so far, and I really enjoyed the Potato Leek pizza. I looooove pizza, so it was a nice change. I have also made Penne A La Betsy many times.

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  179. I would love to win a copy of PW cooks I`ve been drooling over her recipes for awhile, I have made her spagetti and meatballs twice yumm. I just discovered your blog and I`ll be looking back at your posts, so my favorite is todays....I could cook all the recipes and eat them too and not go up a size I love that!

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  180. You make me laugh. What a great writer! Loved the F-word post. Our family stands on the same side of the line as your husband and noe I know what I am taking for my next white elephant gift.

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  181. What a great blog! PW on facebook sent me your way - and OMG I need her book! She's not going to make it to my sleepy little Northern California town and I would love to own a signed copy! I just started reading your blog - but I've really wanted to try the rosemary rolls of PW's so I enjoyed that post! And, I think I'll try the ribeyes to go along with them!

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  182. Chocolate Sheet Cake for sure! I totally need to do this, especially now that I can't just pretend I am by reading your posts :)

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  183. I love PW! I want my best friend to change her name to Hyacinth, I want a dog named Charlie, I want cows and horses, I want a signed cookbook! I love every recipie and just made the comfort meatballs for a group of 20 friends, huge hit!!

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  184. Hi, I found your blog through PW's link on her FB. I love her book, I read through it one sitting when I first got it. Too bad I didn't come across your blog sooner. :p

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  185. I like your pizza post - who doesn't love homemade pizza (and the opportunity to truly have it the way you like it)? I'm curious, though, about you giving away the cookbook. Wouldn't you use some of the recipes again? I must say, that's a great accomplishment to make every recipe in a cookbook!

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  186. Love your blog! So upbeat and springy! (Although now I feel a sudden over-whelming desire to make strawberry muffins...)

    Good job making it through Ree's whole cookbook without gaining a size. I fear I will not be so lucky.

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  187. I actually love leeks. They are my favorite veggie of all time. So my vote goes to the leek pizza!

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  188. Gonna have to try the Killer Koffee Ice Cream Dessert!

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  189. So, this is a sad day indeed. I'd have planned on being sad, then I wouldn't have been so sad. Love this pizza entry, it being the last and all. It's the most fresh in my mind. About the book. I already have a copy, but my poor seester, Jeni, does not. And I know she wants it. And I know she won't buy it for herself. But if I won it, I could give it to her, and then I'd be the best seester ever, right? Thanks!

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  190. I just found your blog today!!! It will take me a few days to go through your posts but I cannot wait to do it. I do not have a copy of Ree's book...yet. It is on my Mother's Day gift wishlist. The only recipe I have made so far is her Chicken Spaghetti. My m-i-l has a different recipe that is a family favorite...to eat. Cooking it turned me off it for years. Yuck!! but Ree's version is oh-so-good and my hubby prefers it to his mom's.

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  191. This post is the only one I have had time to read, so it is my current favorite, natch!! I will continue, however!

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  192. I came into the game a little late, but I have loved getting to know you through this P-dub challenge! I love the rosemary rolls, and everything that you put with them! My fav. recipe! Sad this challenge is over!

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  193. I JUST found your blog from PW's website. Excited to go through all your posts and relive your experience trying all of them. I've only made a few from her cookbook. Congrats on this amazing accomplishment. Cheers

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  194. oh this sounds so much more fun than trying to get through a cookbook that involves killing lobsters and de-boning ducks!

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