Electric Pressure Cooker Fantasticness!

I have had about 3 Electric Pressure cookers in the past 5 or 6 years.  I love mine and I use it ALL the time.  My newest favorite is the Instant Pot.  It is a multiple use appliance that allows you to make yogurt, slow cook, and pressure cook.  Here are a few tips for using your EPC and some recipes that are just plain good!

Using your Electric Pressure Cooker

1.     Read your instruction manual!  There are lots of EPC’s and there may be different requirements for use.

2.     Follow all safety guidelines. Always check that your vent is clear. Always add oil or butter to starchy foods.

3.     Always put at least 1 cup of liquid in your EPC.

4.     Never overfill your EPC.

5.     Don’t leave your EPC unattended…i.e. don’t go out of the house to the store.

6.     DO NOT CAN in your EPC…even if the instructions say it’s okay!

7.     Practice, Practice, Practice using your EPC! 

EPC uses high/low pressure to cook your food faster.  They are 100% safe when used correctly. 

PC Mac and Cheese

1 pound pasta
4 c. water
2 T. butter
1 t. salt
Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Use Quick Release (QR) . When pressure is all gone add :
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
2 c. shredded sharp cheddar
2 c. shredded Monterey Jack

Mix until melted. Let sit for about 5 minutes to thicken and serve.

You can use whatever cheese your family loves.

Chicken Taco Meat

Chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup salsa
½ cup water
½ pkg. taco seasoning  or your own taco spices
Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes….35 minutes if using frozen chicken. Use NPR (natural pressure release). When pressure is gone there will be lots of liquid in the PC. Drain out most of the liquid.  Shred the chicken with 2 forks. Add the rest of the taco seasoning, more salsa if desired, and serve.

Mexican Beans

3 cups soaked pinto beans. You can use un-soaked beans..it just takes longer.
6 c. water
2 or 3 dried chilies. I use chili de arbol
2 bay leaves
¼ c. chicken broth powder. I use the Caldo from Knorr. It’s in the Mexican section.
1 T. garlic
Chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cook on high pressure for 45-50 minutes.  Use NPR. Adjust seasoning, take out the bay leaves and chilies.  Serve.

Hard-cooked Eggs Perfecto!

Put a rack in the EPC.  Place as many eggs in the PC as you desire.
Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.  As soon as the time is up use the Quick Release. When pressure is gone, take eggs out and put into cold water.  Let sit for a few minutes and peel.  Perfecto infinity!  This works for my FRESH eggs!

Brown Rice

2 c. brown rice
2 ½ c. water
1 T. butter or oil
1 t. salt
Cook on high pressure for15 minutes. Use NPR.

Pulled Pork

Boneless country-style pork ribs
1 c. water
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
½ cup BBQ sauce

Cook on high pressure for about 40 minutes.  Drain excess liquid and shred the meat.  Add your favorite BBQ sauce and eat on a bun.

Super Yummy Baked Beans

Independence Day is on it's way!  Time for picnics and BBQ's with family and friends....and time to bring out the yummy food to share. I love baked beans, but I don't like to wait for hours to eat them.  So....I decided to make these super great beans in the microwave!  Yes.....the microwave!  I don't really "cook" in the microwave...maybe some bacon, in a rush.  But, these beans are easily made and enjoyed in about 30 minutes time. 

Super Yummy Baked Beans

1/2 pound of bacon- about 6 strips, depending on the cut-thick or thin

1 large onion, chopped
3 cans of pork and beans
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup mustard
1/3 cup brown sugar

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the bacon into nice chunks, 1/2 or so.  Fry it until it is nice and crispy, take it out of the pan and drain on paper towel. Save for later. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it's softened.
While the onion is cooking, pour the beans into microwave-safe dish.  Add the ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.  Stir well.  Add the bacon and onions and taste.....it is gonna need salt. Salt and pepper to taste.  Now....put it in the microwave for 5 minutes on high power.  After 5 minutes, stir the beans well and put in for 5 more minutes.  Done! 

*You could also add chili powder or cumin or BBQ sauce to make the beans your very own.

*You may also substitute turkey bacon if you want to lower the fat content.

*You can also make these beans completely vegetarian by using the vegetarian pork and beans, leaving out the bacon and adding diced green peppers with the onions and saute them in olive oil before adding to the beans.