Instant Pot

Naturally, when the Cooking Dude discovered the Instant Pot, he had to have one. Sure, I had a pressure cooker that I have had for years, but the non-stick coating inside was getting pretty rough, and I had consigned it to only cooking artichokes – I was a little worried about eating some Teflon in my food, which I don’t recommend.

Besides, the Instant Pot is much more than a pressure cooker. It can also sauté food right in the same pot. That means you don’t have a separate skillet or pan to brown the meat before you make chili, stew, or pulled pork. I use a long-handled spatula, tongs, and spoon to stir the food. The lightweight shiny stainless-steel inner pot is both healthful and easy to clean.

And hard boiled eggs in five minutes? And tamales in ten? And my red Mexican sauce made in the same pan? Plus, there are an assortment of third-party gadgets, like racks, that are made to go with the Instant Pot.

But here’s something I really like: I have found ways to cook for one or two people. You don’t have to make a dish for 15 people! You get fast preparation and easy clean-up, plus great homemade food in a juffy.