Talking Tomatoes with the Pioneer Woman

Maybe you've seen her best-selling cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks, or her popular blog, thepioneerwoman.com. We're delighted to help you get to know Ree Drummond now that she's dishing with LHJ on a regular basis.

"I love to cook, and if I could spend my days preparing elaborate gourmet meals, I'd be happy as a lark," Drummond tells us. "But I live on a busy ranch with my husband and four children, so I look for simple, scrumptious meals that use readily available ingredients. Right now my garden is bursting with tomatoes in different shapes and colors. A BLT with a tomato still warm from the sun is pure perfection. Slices of fresh mozzarella and that just-picked tomato will change your life. And a simple panzanella salad is the ideal summer meal after a long, hot day of work...or play."

To make panzanella

• Cut day-old crusty French bread into cubes.
• Toss in a large bowl with tomato wedges and red onion, halved and thinly sliced.
• Make a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Lightly toss salad, pouring in the amount of dressing you like; bread cubes should be lightly coated but not soaked.
• Add salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
• Cover and allow to sit for at least an hour.
• Sprinkle basil leaves over the top before serving.