Instant Pot craze
In December, I broke down and purchased an Instant Pot with a gift card bonus from work. I’ve been hearing about how well, and how quickly it cooks everything from a whole chicken to hard boiling the perfect eggs. It makes yogurt (I had no idea that one could make her own yogurt). It makes perfect rice. Apparently it does almost everything. Does it do windows, I asked? No, it doesn’t do windows.
In purchasing my incredible new machine, I did research. I had no idea that it was introduced in 2010. It took me almost 10 years to buy in to this important cooking wonder. I was told by someone that the “real” machines were called “Insta Pots” and that knockoffs were called Instant Pots. I shared this with my friend, Sandy.
Come to find out that there are no “Insta Pots.” They’ve always been called Instant Pots. It came with a skinny “how-to” book which I’ve read cover-to-cover – twice. Co-workers have offered me recipes for meatloaf and pressure cooking an entire chicken. My sister-in-law, Amy, has even offered to walk me through my first recipe by Facetime or Instant Messenger. Now, if someone would just offer to come to my house and offer to make a meal with me the first time …
You see, I’ve not actually made anything with my Instant Pot yet. I remember my mom using a pressure cooker in the 70s and 80s and it scared me to death. I just remember the valve being released and it hissing like a cat in heat. I know one time the lid popped off and flew across the kitchen. At least that’s the way I remember it. I’ve heard the stories of pressure cookers exploding and having to scrape potatoes off the ceiling. I have 12-foot ceilings. The fear is real!
During this COVID-19 outbreak, I can find no more excuses to not use my Instant Pot. I even bought beef ribs to cook in them two weeks ago. I really was going to make them. Then I got busy cleaning out my sock drawer and just couldn’t find the time to re-read the how-to book. I had to throw out the ribs today because they no longer looked like they came from a cow. I know – a waste of money. People, the fear is real.
I talked to my friend the other day and she said, “You know, I’m thinking about getting an Insta Pot. I hear the Insta Pots are the genuine article and the Instant Pots are knock-offs.” How do silly rumors get around like this?
So, I’m interested in my fellow writing companions sharing their Instant Pot easy-yet-favorite recipes with me, and any tips on not burning down the house. Please share!
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
8 Comments
Carol
I have a concern about all pressurized cooking appliances after a not-so-pleasant experience with a coffee maker as a waitress. I do use my antiquated crock pot and discovered the air fryer in the last few months. Thanks so much for stopping by Buttercupland. Enjoyed my visit here today.
In my own words
I have my crock pot and I’ve heard wonderful things about the new air fryers. Thank you so much for visiting. I really appreciated it! Stay safe and healthy.
Doesnt Speak Klingon (@NotKlingonRed)
I understand your fear. We had a pressure cooker back in the 80s, and I wasn’t allowed to touch it. I don’t think ours ever blew, but there’s a fantastic scene in Breakfast At Tiffany’s where she’s trying to learn to cook and gets rice all over the ceiling.
Here in Vietnam, it’s a “kangaroo”. That might be the brand. I can’t read anything on any of the setting labels, but fortunately they have pictures, too. We use ours mostly for rice, and also for steaming veggies, or making Vietnamese Buffalo chicken. MMmm… Not a single problem. These new ones have more than just a clasp holding the lids on. You should try yours!
In my own words
Thanks for the vote of confidence. Any chance you’d share your recipe for Vietnamese Buffalo chicken? I love that type of food! Thank you for visiting. Have a great day!
Frédérique
Yeah, high pressure cookers can be scary, but they are safe. They are made for it. By the way I’m not the one who cook at home ;))
Your post is very funny and thank you for making me laugh!
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In my own words
You are very welcome. Thank you for visiting my blog!
Namratha Varadharajan
As one who uses a pressure cooker everyday to cook, I don’t really find it scary. But, my kids do find the pressure cooker whistle unsettling!
In my own words
I’m sure once I catch on, it will seem silly that I was so stressed out. Thanks for visiting my blog!