…the Instant Pot that is!

I admit it…I’m a kitchen gadget-holic.  I don’t go to meetings, because I openly acknowledge my appliance, gadget, cookware addiction.  I embrace it!

This past December, at my husband’s company Christmas party, I was able to select the Instant Post Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker.  I had been eyeing this for quite some time, however, being the cheap-o that I am, refused to shell out $100+ for another gadget.  Plus, my husband might’ve divorced me.  I buy kitchen gadgets/appliances like he buys car parts (5 cars/2 drive…just saying).                                                                                                                     

Needless to say…I am addicted!!!  Some people call it a “magic pot” and it can feel that way.  When I can cook an entire, whole chicken in 25 minutes…it’s a bit magical.  Granted, it’s a pressure cooker, not an oven, so there’s no crispy skin.  Some people will pop that chicken into the oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp the skin, but I don’t normally eat the skin anyway.   I also love using chicken quarters (pictured) and shredding them for tacos or enchiladas.

While the chicken is resting, let’s use some of that leftover cooking liquid and make some rice pilaf!  There’s even a rice button.  It doesn’t get simpler than that.

Chicken not your thing?

What about hard-boiled eggs?  Can you believe just 4 minutes in the Instant Pot (commonly referred to as the IP), 4 minutes of natural release and 4 minutes in an ice bath.  Done!  The shells peel off much easier too.

Trying to eat healthier…how about some homemade Greek yogurt?  I go through a lot of yogurt.  For gluten-free yogurt, it costs just under $3.50 for a 32-ounce container.  For about $2.50, I can turn an entire gallon of milk into a 64-ounces yogurt.  Then I strain it from the whey and I have Greek yogurt.  The whey can be used in making bread, smoothies and all sorts of baking options.  Take some of the yogurt, blend in some berries (maybe a bit of honey) and make homemade yogurt pops…DELICIOUS!

       

One of the best aspects of the Instant Pot is I can come home, make a meal that takes hours in just about 30-minutes.  I used to use the crock pot.  However, that would finish hours before I got home, turn itself to warm and sometimes the meat would be dry.  No more. Those days are over!

There’s a Facebook group IP Community.   There’s another Facebook group just for IP recipes!  My addiction has come “full circle” and I’ve added a second Instant Pot to my counter tops.  I couldn’t help myself.  The first one was free (from the party) and there was one at the flea market, brand new, for $50 (SQUEAL of excitement)!!!  Ok, so I took the money from my truck payment; don’t judge me.  I just had to have it.  My husband rolled his eyes.  He knew it was coming home with us.

I have the ability to have an IP just for making yogurt and one for savory dishes.

So, if you’re a foodie…this is a kitchen must-have.  If you’re going to a wedding or housewarming…bring an Instant Pot and you’ll be the favored guest for quite some time.