When executives at Food Network asked if I would consider appearing in their first-ever scripted TV movie, I thought they had accidentally reached out to the wrong person. I have no acting experience, after all, and most of my on-screen time has been on TV with multiple sticks of butter in my hands. I may have managed to get more comfortable cooking for cameras over the past ten-plus years, but acting? Definitely not something that's ever been in the cards for me.
But then they elaborated: It would be a Christmas movie, they explained, set in a town called Peppermint Hollow, and I would have a relatively small role. Oh, and the part? Well, let's just say the apple didn't fall too far from the tree on that.
Long story short, I didn’t have to think about it for long—I said yes, and the movie airs Friday, November 19! Here are some behind-the-scenes shots of the fun.
My Sweet Bakery
In the movie, I play a bakery owner named (are you ready?) Bee! As luck would have it, a new bakery was weeks from opening in the Utah town where we shot the movie, and the owner let the movie production use the space for several days. It was decorated so beautifully, it actually gave me some fun ideas for The Merc!
Special Delivery
In my first scene, I’m delivering a basket of goodies for a family’s Christmas party. Fun fact: All the treats in this basket are recipes I’ve made on my show!
On Location
The town of Bountiful, UT, played the part of Peppermint Hollow. It was sweet and idyllic, just as a Christmas movie town should be.
Romantic Lead
Haha, got your attention, didn’t I? Just kidding, no love scenes or anything (😂)—but I did get to spend time shooting with Lonzo Liggins, who plays a real estate agent in the film. We danced together at the fictional Christmas party, which took place in a real barn. I had to choose between a green formal dress and this green satin shirt with leather pants, and I was glad I chose the pants! I had enough to think about with memorizing my lines without having to also worry about fitting into a slinky dress.
All Business
This is Aaron O’Connell, who plays the main role of Noah. Here Noah is presenting Bee with his business idea for turning a mint farm into an empire. You’ll have to watch to see what happens!
In Closing
All in all, I had the BEST time filming the movie, and being on a movie set was really a fun, one-of-a-kind experience. I was flying home after filming was over, reflecting that I'd love to continue my big time acting career...but only if I only appear in Christmas movies. 😂
Okay, okay...I won't quit my day job! But I sure did have a magical, merry time.
Hope you enjoy!!
Ree Drummond is the founder of The Pioneer Woman and a lover of butter, basset hounds and life on the ranch! Ree started her blog in 2006, and now millions visit ThePioneerWoman.com every month for her trusted recipes and fun family stories. Here’s what she has been up to since it all began:
New York Times Bestselling Author
Ree has written two memoirs (Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, and Frontier Follies) plus nine bestselling cookbooks:
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl (2009)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier (2012)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays (2013)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime (2015)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! (2017)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier (2019)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Super Easy (2021)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinner’s Ready! (2023)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes (2025)
Food Network Host
Since 2011, Ree has been sharing simple, family-friendly recipes—and the occasional kitchen prank!—on her award-winning show The Pioneer Woman, filmed right on Drummond Ranch. Ree is also a regular judge on Food Network competitions, including Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Founder, The Pioneer Woman Collection
Ree has been creating and selling kitchen and home products at Walmart since 2015 and she’s involved in designing every piece and pattern. The line now includes best-selling appliances (you have to see the floral blender!), plus hundreds of pieces of cookware, tableware, and more. Ree doesn’t like to play favorites but the Agatha print has a special place in her heart.
Restaurant and Hotel Owner
Together with her husband Ladd, Ree has opened several bustling businesses in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, including The Pioneer Woman Mercantile—a bakery, restaurant, and general store that draws visitors from across the country (many come for the biscuits alone!), P-Town Pizza, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop, and The Boarding House, a charming hotel with eight different rooms decorated by Ree and Ladd.
Media Personality
Ree appears regularly on national TV shows like Today, Good Morning America and more—all while managing to keep flour off her shirt.
Wife, Mom and…Grandma!
Ree’s kids (daughters Alex and Paige and sons Bryce and Todd) are all grown up, and as of December 2024, Ree is the proud grandma of the cutest baby ever, Sofia Scott, born to Alex and her husband Mauricio. Ree still cooks for Ladd (and the kids when they’re home), and she also looks after a few mischievous ranch dogs.
