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Post by MammaMel on Feb 10, 2022 8:39:42 GMT -6
OK maybe scared isn't right... overwhelmed perhaps is better.
My sister in law gave me her instant pot because it was too small for her needs... Ladies it is an 8qt monster. I used it once with ok results. Then I watched a video on how to clean/care for it. I took the rubber dealy out of the lid as instructed. Now it just sits there mocking me.
I have a couple issues with it. 1) It is HUGE and my kitchen is very small. There is no counter space for it so I have it on one of my rolling carts, with my KA mixer so that cart does not move. Ever.
2) It is too heavy for me to move around.
3) Getting that rubber dealy out (which the youtuber said was a must to avoid collecting odors) was so tough, I don't really want to mess with it.
What is something I can make in it that is soooo spectacular it will be worth the fuss and bother of messing with it? What makes it worth keeping and not giving it back to her (I told her my intimidation and she said jump in and if you don't like it, I will take it back home next time I come visit) I told her maybe I need to begin with a baby one.
One thing is the size. I don't need to cook for an army anymore. I just cook for 2, neither of which enjoy leftovers even when turned into new meals. I mean yes I can do big batches of meat, rice and freeze extra but in general, like stew, It won't get eaten. We do not enjoy soup much either.
So, wow me.
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Post by eyeofthestorm on Feb 10, 2022 14:17:03 GMT -6
Honestly, Mel. I think that is too big for you.
It's a tough call. For me the best thing about the pressure cooker is the time it saves. BUT... I feel like I need to pay attention to it more than a slow cooker, so it's a trade off.
You can cook a whole chicken fast... but it will be similar to a slow cooker result (not the nice, crispy skin from roasting).
You can "hard boil" eggs fast, make rice, make beans from dry to cooked... fast, fast, fast.
I do like to make egg bites in mine... but I could probably make them in the oven.
If mine died, I wouldn't replace it, not because it's not a good tool, just because I don't use it much, and I could do other things. The pressure cooker I have (a Carey) is very much like an instant pot... it can be a slow cooker, too. And honestly, most of the time I use it is when it's a SUPER crazy busy day and I need one slow cooker for lunch and the other for dinner. 🤷🏻♀️
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Post by merrileem on Feb 26, 2022 11:24:17 GMT -6
Honestly? I would give it back. I have one, and that rubber gasket thing is a major pain. I really don't do much with mine anymore with just the two of us except make homemade yogurt, which the yogurt setting is fantastic, but like the other poster said, if it dies, I won't replace it. It takes up too much room and I have a pressure cooker in my storeroom if I need it.
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Post by MammaMel on Mar 1, 2022 10:51:14 GMT -6
I have decided to conquer my fear. Tonight I will fix one of the 1lb pork roasts I cut from a 4lb roast, with baby garlic postaotes, celery and carrots in it. If I like it, I will use next Tuesday for Uno.
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Post by vintagelee on Mar 11, 2022 12:27:07 GMT -6
I haven't had any issues with the rubber gasket- but maybe that's because I've taken it out so many times already.
With that said, 8oz is probably going to be too big for 2 of you unless you are happy to have leftovers!
One of my kids favorite IP meals is one of *your* recipes for Goulash that I changed up for the IP!
I use cooked ground beef, dry pasta, a can of corn, 2 cans of ranch beans, salsa or canned tomatoes, and enough broth to cook the pasta! I haven't made it in a while but we all love it! I often cook up broccoli separately and serve it with that, as well as a side salad for Jon and I.
Rice and beans are also something I like to make in it.
The 365 days of slow cooker meals blog has a bunch of really good IP recipes, too.
Good luck! ♡
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