Instant

I’m not much for kitchen gadgets anymore. I found that I would rather chop by hand than use an electric chopper and since I don’t entertain a lot anymore I don’t need those little fancy gadgets that do specialized things. Most of the fancy things have ended up on a storage shelf in the basement. But I decided to try out an Instant pot when my sisters continually told me how great her pressure cooker was. At first I hesitated thinking about my mother’s pressure cooker and thinking it was a dangerous thing. But my curiosity overwhelmed my fear and an Instant pot came home with me from Walmart. The very first time I used it I was convinced that this is the best thing I’ve had in a long time. I think we all have cooked meat only to have it tough and inedible. But with this pot that never happens. I’ve cooked stews and soups and everything I’ve made in it turns out tasty and tender.

Last night I tried something completely different.  I found this seasoning packet at Big Lots. I am all in favor of these little envelopes. This one was beef Stew Goulash. I had a small steak which I browned up in an oiled pan with some spices. I added the steak, this envelope and some water to the pot and pushed the stew/meat button (after I carefully put on the lid of course). It takes a few minutes for the pot to get up to temperature and then it begins timing down (for 35 minutes for meat). All that was left was for me to cook the noodles. Don and I both agreed that it was delicious. The steak was melt in your mouth tender and the flavoring of the thin sauce was extraordinary. There are many recipes online and on Pinterest for using this convenient device. Have you tried it yet?