Here's Where You Can Find Ree Drummond-Style Butcher Blocks
Let's say you're out with a friend, and they are discussing a tough day at work. "If it happens again," they tell you, "my head will be on the chopping block." Now, is your immediate reaction to (A) feel sorry for your pal, (B) conclude that the transgression was most likely their own fault, or (C) wonder what kind of chopping block, exactly, and would it need regular re-oiling with food-grade mineral oil?
If you answered "C," then this article is for you. No matter your dietary lifestyle — be it vegetarian, paleolithic, or good old-fashioned omnivorous — you've no doubt found yourself in front of the chopping block a time or two. Whether you use a plastic cutting board or the thick, wood slabs known as "butcher blocks," we've all had to slice and dice fruits, veggies, and meats on a smooth, hard surface. BBC Good Food says that there is no wrong way to chop; a plastic board is easy to clean and often color-coded for food safety, while bamboo's low cost means you can splurge on a larger block. But leave it to The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond — professional chopper and queen of cute — to find a butcher block that can not only withstand repeated attacks with a knife but look good while doing it.
Chop chop, before they're gone
It was a cold day in October when Ree Drummond set about chopping pecans for an Instagram audience. Actually, according to The Pioneer Woman blog, she was chopping them for oatmeal cookies, but of course, Instagram was watching. And oohing and ahhing, too: "Whoah! Ninja knife skills there," wrote one commenter, while another said of Drummond's, ahem, chops, "This looks like excellent therapy." And indeed, there is something meditative about watching Drummond chop a handful of pecans into tinier and tinier bits. And something else about the video is sending people positive vibes: "I need that wooden cutting board!!!" one user plainly proclaims.
And indeed, the place where the pecans met their untimely end is one good-looking butcher block. Leave it to Drummond to use a two-toned, wooden, checkerboard-style cutting board to get the job done. As Drummond says of the oatmeal-cookie-bound ingredient on top, "The texture of the pecans is essential." Luckily, The Pioneer Woman website goes on to say, lookalikes are available on Etsy, Amazon, and Crate & Barrel, for between $70 and $165, depending on the wood and pattern you choose. Of course, Drummond sells her own brand of cutting board at Walmart. Why she's using the checkerboard cutting board instead of her own brand is anyone's guess, but hopefully, no one at The Pioneer Woman site will be on the chopping block for that one.