“Under Pressure”

“Under Pressure”

Over the last week, I have been hearing from all of my Instagram and Facebook friends regarding a very important topic: plug-in kitchen appliances. I recently asked, “What countertop kitchen appliance do you use the most?”. The answers ranged from coffee makers to blenders and several answers in between.

Kim M. said, “Magic Bullet!”

Ashley D. said “coffee maker!”

Sonia said, “love my microwave & stove.”

littleamyleigh said “Love my toaster ;)”

elle_46 said, “Keurig!!!”

Denise L. said, “my fridge is always being opened!” (hahha–mine too Denise!)

Mary Ann said, “my mini chopper — I use it like a mini food processor, easier to get out & easier to clean.”

Diane T. said, “ninja blender”

Brooke R. said, “ninja”

Jeff F. said, “food processor”

Gloria F. said, “Vitamix & magic bullet.”

There were more answers, but the most popular was the Ninja or the Magic Bullet. I am sure coffee lovers would make a valid argument for their favorite appliance but it would fall on deaf ears here at Food for a Year…I can’t stand coffee ((SORRY)). If “they” made a countertop appliance that pumped out Rt. 44 Diet Dr. Peppers – I would put that baby to good use and be telling everyone about it!

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I would say, my most used plugged in kitchen appliance is the toaster oven. Oh how I love my Breville!!  My slow cooker has saved the day more times than I can count – and if you use the Reynolds slow cooker liners, clean-up is a breeze, as the Reynolds site says”fast, easy clean-up with no scrubbing or soaking”.

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But the appliance I most love is my pressure cooker. Now, I didn’t always love my pressure cooker. Honestly, I was afraid of it. I have a VERY good reason and it goes all the way back to 1997. I will share that story another time. But this electric version takes the fear right out of the equation.
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Cuisinart updates a classic! Our brushed stainless pressure cooker is safe, easy to use, cooks up to 70% faster than conventional methods and cooks healthier, too. Steam trapped in the pot builds up pressure that creates hotter temperatures, and the pot is so tightly sealed that vitamins and minerals can’t boil away. Foods stay moist and flavors stay true. Features variable pressure and temperature settings, plus Browning, Simmering and Sauté functions for perfect roasts, stews, vegetables, cheesecake or custard. The Cuisinartâ„¢ Pressure Cooker is absolutely safe, with a lid that has to be locked in place before pressure builds, and stays locked until pressure is released. Cook faster, eat healthier, with Cuisinart! (www.cuisinart.com)

Did you catch that?? 70% faster and cooks healthier too — the tightly sealed pot keeps vitamins and minerals from evaporating away. Wow!! I think it is time to put on some pressure. I mainly use my electric pressure cooker to make beans but I have decided I am under-utilizing this appliance, and from your answers apparently I am not alone. So, I will start incorporating more pressure in my cooking – wait, that doesn’t sound very appealing (hah) I will start cooking with pressure – I feel like I currently have plenty of pressure while cooking, not sure I can take anymore… How about, I will start using my pressure cooker more frequently and I will tell YOU all about it…so get ready for some pressure cooker recipes.
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