I’ve Got an Instant Pot, Now What?

Is your instant pot still sitting in the box? I’ve had a few friends confess to me that they bought an instant pot a while back and it’s still sitting in the box. When I asked them why, their response was “I am intimidated by it” or “I don’t know how to use it.”

If you are among those who are feeling intimidated or clueless where to begin, you are not alone my friend. I was blessed to have one of my dearest friends show me her instant pot and she showed me step by step how to use it. I have to admit when I came home and ordered my instant pot I was still a little nervous about using it. However, I got it and immediately took it out of the box and dove right into using it and never looked back.

Have I had some “fails” while using my instant pot? Most definitely, I have had at least two that I can think of. One was because I didn’t have a clue of what I was doing and needed to do a little research. Allow me to introduce you to my best friend. Her/his name is google. Whenever I’m not sure what to do I ask google and google brings up a plethora of videos or websites on “how to…”. That has been a life saver for me.

In the video below, I talk about what comes with your instant pot and their purposes. I talk about a couple of safety precautions, and I also talk about the control panel. I hope this video helps to take away any fear or intimidation you may feel toward your instant pot. Maybe you aren’t intimidated by your instant pot but you need a little motivation to start using it. Watch my video and I bet you will want to get started. By the way, I have several instant pot recipes on my YouTube channel. Feel free to check them out.

If you have any questions or comments please leave them down below. I would love to connect with you. Happy instant potting my friend!

——-DISCLAIMER——-

This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2S5Ch1i

Pansinpot I used can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2RZfrLY

The 8 quart instant pot can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2CQzZxG

Steam Release Accessory

https://amzn.to/2QFlep8

Sealing Rings for instant pot lid

https://amzn.to/2Wln6Uj

Silicone Mini oven mitts

https://amzn.to/2L9NT0y

Pyrex bowls

https://amzn.to/2S8O2Hr

Gluten Free Chicken & Dumplings

Chicken and dumplings has been one of my favorite meals for years. I was talking to one of my dearest friends about making it and she told me how much she loves chicken and dumplings too. The only thing is she now has Celiac disease and can no longer eat anything with gluten in it. So I determined to figure out how to make it gluten free.

In the video below, I show step by step instructions on how to make gluten free chicken and dumplings. Watch to see how you can make them too.

If I have to say so myself, this recipe turned out pretty amazing. My husband enjoyed it and he isn’t too crazy about anything that is gluten free.

Have you made any gluten free recipes? I would love to hear about them. Please leave me comments and I promise to respond.

Happy instant potting!

Chicken and broth recipe:
Set your instant pot on poultry for 10 minutes.
Add:
2 diced celery stalks
3 carrots cut up into bite size pieces
1 medium diced onion
3 chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
2 – 32 oz. cartons of organic gluten free chicken broth (low sodium)
poultry seasoning (a couple of dashes of it)
black pepper
salt (a couple of dashes)
Put the lid on and allow it to come to pressure and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes allow it to self-release for 15 minutes and then a quick release.

Dumplings (gluten free) recipe:

Combine:
1 1/4 cups of Pillsbury gluten free flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp gluten free baking powder (I made my own)
1/3 cup of Crisco
Blend these ingredients together until evenly combined
Add 3/4 cup of buttermilk little by little and stir until your dough is soft but not sticky. Knead the dough.

Roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick and cut into strips.
Mix 4 tbsp of corn starch with 4 tbsp of water.
After you have opened your instant pot, add your corn starch mixture and whisk it around.
Now turn your instant pot off and turn it on saute mode
Place your dumplings into your instant pot and allow them to cook for 7 minutes
Now sprinkle in parsley flakes and stir. Taste to see if you need more salt and pepper. If so, add and then serve.
Enjoy!

*I added 3 tbsp of buttermilk blend to 3/4 cup of whole milk. You can use water instead of milk if you want.

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links below and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

——-DISCLAIMER——-

This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

Equipment I use:

Light Kit: http://amzn.to/2DcvdJq
Light bulbs: https://amzn.to/2EO2ZEh

Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone

https://amzn.to/2RgQegp

Lightening Extender Adapter

https://amzn.to/2SI3IOU

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:
https://amzn.to/2S5Ch1i

The 8 quart instant pot can be found here:
https://amzn.to/2CQzZxG

Steam Release Accessory
https://amzn.to/2QFlep8

Gluten Free Flour
https://amzn.to/2GUVJww

Silicone Mini oven mitts
https://amzn.to/2L9NT0y

Cream of Mushroom Soup in the Instant Pot

Cream of Mushroom soup is one of my favorite soups. In the video below, I show step by step instructions on how to make this delicious soup from scratch.

 

Recipe:

Turn your instant pot on saute mode.
After your pot reads hot add 6 tbsp. of unsalted butter
Add 1 large diced onion and saute for 3 to 4 minutes
Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and saute for 1 minute
1 1/2 lbs to 2 lbs. of Baby Bella mushrooms
Add 3 tsp. ground thyme
Add 1 to 2 tsp of grape seed oil
Saute mushrooms for 3 or 4 minutes (until mushrooms have cooked down.
Add 6 tbsp of all purpose flour (or gluten free flour) and mix well
Add 4 cups of organic low sodium chicken broth
Add 1/2 cup red cooking wine
Add 2 crushed beef bouillon cubes (mix)
Add 1 dash of salt
Add black pepper (about 1 tsp)
Stir well
Turn off instant pot
Turn instant pot on pressure cook (or manual) for 4 minutes
Put your lid on and make sure the valve is on sealed
Allow your pot to self release for 4 minutes and then do a quick release
Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
Add 1 to 2 tsp of parsley
Stir for 1 to 2 minutes
Serve
Enjoy!

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links below and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

——-DISCLAIMER——-

This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2S5Ch1i

The 8 quart instant pot can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2CQzZxG

Steam Release Accessory

https://amzn.to/2QFlep8

 

To Iron or Not to Iron

Do you iron your clothes? I know a lot of people don’t iron any more. I guess I am old school and I still iron my husband’s dress shirts and some of his casual shirts and khakis. I usually iron about once every couple of months because it’s such a chore. Fortunately, my husband has a lot of shirts (due to my bargain shopping) so it’s not a problem. The downside of this is I always have a ton of ironing to do at once.

I have been using the same iron basically since Noah built the ark. It’s an old Rival iron. I finally decided it’s time for a new iron and I began my research. I decided to go with the Rowenta Focus iron and I love it! I told my husband I actually kind of look forward to ironing now. Never dreamed I would ever say that.

If you are one of those that still iron your clothes and are in need of a new iron or would love to have an iron that makes your job easier, feel free to watch my video below. I show how amazing it is and share some of it’s features. Or if you just want to show some love and watch my video just to give me another view on YouTube that works too.

What kind of iron do you use? Please leave me comments below. I would love to connect with you. By the way, this is not a paid promotional video.

You can find the Rowenta Focus Iron here:
https://amzn.to/2zXIrdf

——-DISCLAIMER——-
This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

Chicken Burrito Bowl in the Instant Pot

One of my favorite things to eat at Chipotle is the chicken burrito bowl. For quite some time I’ve wanted to make my own at home. The other day I decided to give it a try. I was very pleased with how it turned out. This recipe is simple and easy to make and it tastes great.

You can watch my video below for step by step instructions on how to make the burrito bowl. I would love to connect with you. Please leave me a comment below.

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 7 mins

Adapted From Melissa at: Number-2-Pencil.com/instant-pot-chicken-burrito-bowl

Ingredients:

1 1/3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons of grape seed oil

1 diced yellow onion (size medium)

1 cup of uncooked brown rice

1 14.5 oz can of fire roasted diced tomatoes drained

1 15 oz can of organic black beans drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of onion powder

1/2 teaspoon of paprika

2 teaspoons of chili powder

1 teaspoon of cumin

2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth

sharp cheddar cheese

kosher salt and pepper

freshly diced tomatoes

diced green onions

sour cream or Greek Yogurt

avocado

Instructions:

Add 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil to your Instant Pot. Turn the saute button on and allow pot to read “Hot.”

Season diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Once oil is hot, add your chicken to the pot. Saute chicken ½ batch at a time.

Once chicken is browned remove it from the instant pot.

Add onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add an additional tablespoon of grapeseed oil and rice. Cook for about 2 minutes.

Stir in black beans, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin and chicken.

Lock Instant Pot lid in place and set to Manual for 7 minutes.

Use Quick Pressure Release.

Once pressure pin drops, open Instant Pot and stir ingredients with a fork.

Allow this mixture to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Add your favorite toppings. I used avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, plain Greek yogurt, green onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. You can add salsa if you like. Enjoy!

Equipment I use:

Light Kit: http://amzn.to/2DcvdJq

Light bulbs: https://amzn.to/2EO2ZEh

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:

http://amzn.to/2h1j4Az

My Defrosting Tray can be found here:
Tramontina Reverseable Grill Griddle/Quick Defrosting Tray
https://amzn.to/2QF7Dvj My tray is a charcoal color but this is the same tray in a copper color.

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links above and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

Instant Pot Meatloaf

You want an easy and delicious dinner? My meatloaf in the instant pot is both. I love a meal that is quick, easy, and makes yummy leftovers.

The other day I cooked meatloaf and served it with homemade mashed potatoes and green beans. It was so good. The next day we had meatloaf sandwiches. I choose not to eat bread very often but this meatloaf on sourdough bread, OMGoodness, it was delish!

Please feel free to watch my video for step by step instructions on how to make it. I would love for you to leave me a comment. I would love to connect with you.


My Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe:

1 ½ lbs of ground beef
1 large chopped yellow onion
1 heaping ½ tsp of minced garlic
1 egg beaten
¼ cup of Italian bread crumbs
A few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp of yellow mustard
A couple of dashes of pink Himalayan salt
Crushed black pepper (about ½ to 1 tsp)
Ketchup (however much you want to use on top of your meatloaf)

Directions:

Put one cup of water into the Instant Pot and set on manual for 44 minutes.

Mix the meat with the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, Worcestershire Sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and ketchup.

Spray your oven proof baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. (I use a round 7 cup Pyrex baking dish.)

Place the meat mixture into your baking dish.

Cover the top of your meat with ketchup or you can use barbecue sauce.

Place the bowl onto the trivet and into your Instant Pot. Close the lid and make sure the sealing valve is closed.

After the timer goes off, allow the pot to self release for 10 minutes. Then quick release whatever pressure is left.

Allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes then remove the grease and serve. Enjoy!

Equipment I use:

Light Kit: http://amzn.to/2DcvdJq
Light bulbs: https://amzn.to/2EO2ZEh
Green Screen: http://amzn.to/2D9NsiF

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:
http://amzn.to/2h1j4Az

You can find Pyrex dishes I use in my instant pot here:
http://amzn.to/2sb4kUq

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links above and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

 

Zuppa Toscana Soup

Nothing like a big bowl of soup on a cool day. We don’t see very many of those here in Florida but we eat soup anyway. My husband’s favorite soup at Olive Garden is Zuppa Toscana so I decided to come up with my own version. I did a lot of research and finally came up with this recipe. The first time I made it he absolutely loved it.

My recipe is heartier because I add more meat, potatoes and kale to my soup. Watch the video below to see step by step instructions. Spoiler alert: I add an extra ingredient to my soup.

 

Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 lb. Italian sausage
1.5 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 large diced white onion
5 strips of turkey bacon cut into bite size pieces
2 tsp. garlic puree
10 cups of water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon (can use low sodium)
1 cup of heavy cream
3 large russet potatoes diced
6 oz organic kale
6 to 8 oz of sweet frozen corn

Instructions:

Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pot saute bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 minutes or until onions are soft.

Add water and chicken bouillon to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.

Add the sliced potatoes and corn and cook until soft, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Add the heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.

Stir in the sausage and the kale and heat thoroughly.
Enjoy!

Please feel free to leave me comments. I would love to connect with you!

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links below and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

A great stock pot can be found here: https://amzn.to/2NQNX9o\

 

Quick and Easy Meatloaf

The other day I made my quick and easy meatloaf and decided to cook it in my Instant Pot. It turned out great. We had meatloaf, homemade mashed potatoes and green beans. It was so yummy.

Have you ever made a meatloaf sandwich? That’s what we did with the leftover meatloaf. We heated it up and then placed it on our favorite bread. (Mine is sour dough.) I added a little more ketchup before heating it up. Talk about yummy goodness, that sandwich was amazing! I don’t allow myself to eat very much bread but I decided this was one of those times I would eat it. I enjoyed every bite!

Below is a video of me making meatloaf and cooking it in the Instant Pot. Watch it to see step by step instructions. It’s so easy.

Quick and Easy Meatloaf in the Instant Pot

1 ½ lbs of ground beef

1 large chopped yellow onion

1 heaping ½ tsp of minced garlic

1 egg beaten

¼ cup of Italian bread crumbs

A few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp of yellow mustard

A couple of dashes of pink Himalayan salt

Crushed black pepper (about ½ to 1 tsp)

1 to 2 tbsp ketchup

Directions:

Put one cup of water into the Instant Pot and set on manual for 44 minutes.

Mix the meat with the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, Italian bread crumbs, Worcestershire Sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and ketchup.

Spray your oven proof baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. (I use a round 7 cup Pyrex baking dish.)

Place the meat mixture into your baking dish.

Cover the top of your meat with ketchup or you can use barbecue sauce.

Place the bowl onto the trivet and into your Instant Pot. Close the lid and make sure the sealing valve is closed.

After the timer goes off, allow the pot to self release for 10 minutes. Then quick release whatever pressure is left.

Allow your meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes then remove the grease and serve. Enjoy!

Please leave me comments. I would love to connect with you.

The Instant Pot I used in the video can be found here:

http://amzn.to/2h1j4Az

You can find Pyrex dishes I use in my instant pot here:

http://amzn.to/2sb4kUq

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links below and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

 

 

 

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Fall is right around the corner. There’s nothing like a pot of soup on a chilly day. A few days ago a friend shared one of her favorite recipes for making Creamy Broccoli Soup. I’ve made Cream of Broccoli soup before but this recipe has more veggies and adds cashews for extra protein. I thought I’d give it a try.  It was so delicious. When my husband ate a bowl of this soup he said it really hit the spot!

You can watch my video to see step by step instructions on how to make this soup.

Please leave me comments. I would love to connect with you!

Creamy Broccoli Soup
Adapted from Alexis Joseph’s Recipe from Hummusapien at hummusapien.com/vegan-cream-broccoli-soup/
Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

¾ cups raw cashews soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
2 tsp of grape seed oil
2 medium onions, diced
2 stalks of celery, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
3 cloves of minced garlic
16 oz of broccoli
6 cups of water (set aside 1 cup)
1 to 1 ½ tsp of salt (I use Pink Himalayan salt)
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Place cashews in a small bowl covered with water. Soak for 30 minutes.
Add grape seed oil to a large pot. Bring it to medium heat.
Once hot, add onions and a pinch of salt. Saute for 3 minutes.
Now add carrots and celery and saute for another 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic and broccoli and saute for 5 minutes.
Add 5 cups of water.
Add salt & pepper.
Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain cashews and place in your powerful blender. Add 1 cup of water and blend on high until it is completely smooth & creamy.

After the soup mixture has simmered for 15 minutes pour part of it into your Vitamix and blend until smooth. Pour into a different pot and continue the process. Once all the soup is blended add the cashew mixture. Stir and taste.
Feel free to add more salt & pepper according to taste.
Enjoy!

You can find my Vitamix here:
https://amzn.to/2oxixGE

You can find my Ninja here:

http://amzn.to/2C832dn

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the links above and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

——-DISCLAIMER——-

This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

Sous Vide Steak

If you want a perfectly cooked steak, the Sous Vide method is definitely the way to go. I bought a Power Precision Cooker this summer and I have been so pleased with it. Recently, I bought steaks to take to my parents to celebrate their birthdays and used the Power Precision cooker. My parents and sister couldn’t get over how delicious the steaks were.  Watch my video to see just how easy it is to cook steaks Sous Vide style using the Power Precision Cooker.

If you’ve been wanting to try cooking using the Sous Vide method, I put a link down below where you can find the Power Precision Cooker at an affordable price.

Do you cook using the Sous Vide method? If so, I’d love to know what you’ve cooked. Please leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you and I promise to respond. Thanks.

My Power Precision Cooker can be found here:

https://amzn.to/2II1IAw

SUPPORT:
Want to support me in creating more videos? Purchase your items by clicking on the link for the Power Precision Cooker above and I’ll receive a small percentage of the final sale. Thank you!

——-DISCLAIMER——-

This video and/or description contain affiliate links. These links have the potential to earn me a small commission which is what helps to keep the channel running and helps me have the opportunity to continue making videos such as this one. Thank you so much for your support.

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