Tips on Pressure Cooking

Many people may envision pressure cooking stories that have gone wrong and resulted with food exploded all over the kitchen ceiling. With the added safety features and by following a few general guidelines, this accident is non-existent with modern electric pressure cooker models. A few general tips to follow when using the electric pressure cooker include the following:

• Never overfill the pressure cooker. In general, do not fill the pressure cooker more than 2/3 full. For foods that will expand while cooking, like rice, beans, grains, and soups, avoid filling the pressure cooker more than ½ full.

• For foods that tend to foam, froth, and sputter like applesauce, cranberries, noodles and spaghetti take extra caution if cooking in the electric pressure cooker and choose a recipe from a reputable source. You may also choose to avoid using the electric pressure cooker for these types of foods.

• Regularly inspect the sealing ring and overpressure plug. If the electric pressure cooker is not coming up to pressure, it may be an indication that the sealing ring needs to be replaced. • Check the vent pipe each time before closing the cooker. The vent pipe should be clear and free from any food particles. A blocked vent pipe may result in pressure building to unsafe levels.

• Double check that pressure is released before opening the lid. Most modern electric pressure cookers have a safety feature that keeps the lid automatically locked until pressure is low enough to safely open the lid.

• Always use cooking liquid. Water, bouillon, fruit juices or any other liquid will work. Much less liquid will be needed when compared to a regular recipe, but the electric pressure cooker should not cook dry.

• Always read the instructions that came with the model of pressure cooker you are using. Often, the most important step regarding food safety is left off of recipes – the use of a food thermometer to ensure food has reached the minimal internal temperature for safety. Using a food thermometer is the only reliable way to ensure the safety of cooked products. Insert the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food, making sure not to touch bone, fat or gristle.

Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes

Hard-Boiled Eggs 12 eggs Water for cooking

Place 1 cup of COLD water in the inner pot of Instant Pot for a 6-quart instant pot and 1.5 cups COLD water for an 8-quart Instant Pot. Add in egg or steam rack and carefully set as many eggs as desired on or in the rack. Place lid on the pressure cooker and set for cook time for five minutes on high pressure. Once cook time has elapsed, let the pressure release for five minutes. Then do a quick release and carefully remove eggs from Instant Pot and place in ice water bath. Let eggs sit in water bath for five minutes. Remove eggs from the water bath. Store in the fridge for up to seven days unpeeled or peel and use within three days.

102/104 East Dalton Road Downtown King, NC 336.985.5464 www.daltonscrossing.com

Ask about our Customer Loyalty Program

the perfect gift!

MF 106 • Sat 103 Call ahead for Holiday, Inclement weather & Special event hours.

Rice - Electric Pressure Cooker Method 1 cup rice 1 cup cold water 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, optional

Rinse rice under cold water by gently scrubbing the rice with your fingertips in a circling motion. Pour out the milky water, and continue to rinse until water is clear. Be sure to drain really well. Add 1 cup rice and 1 cup cold water in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Close the lid, turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position. Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 3 minutes, then Natural Release for 10 minutes. Turn Venting Knob to Venting position to release the remaining pressure. Open the lid quickly. Add salt to the rice for seasoning. Honey Garlic Chicken 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes 2 green scallions thinly sliced 3 teaspoons cornstarch

FOR THE SAUCE 6 Tablespoons honey 3 garlic cloves minced 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 1/2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce 1/2 Tablespoon sriracha sauce 2 Tablespoons water

In a small bowl, add all your sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth. Add chicken to your pressure cooker. Set it on sauté function and lightly cook chicken for about 1 to 2 minutes, just so it is starting to turn white around outer edges. Pour sauce over your chicken. Seal your pressure cooker and set to manual mode, cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, do a quick release so that the chicken does

Because You Should Want to See Your Dentist

Dr. Andrew Rivers, wife Katie, son Nolan and daughter Nora

336‐751‐6289

www.RiversFamilyDentistry.com

Whitening • Tooth Colored Fillings • Crown & Bridges Extractions • Implant Restorations • Dentures Accepting most major insurances 118 Hospital St. Mocksville

not overcook. Chicken should be cooked and tender when you open your pot. Add cornstarch to your sauce; immediately whisk it in to dissolve it. Then turn your pressure cooker back to sauté function a nd stir the sauce until it thickens. Careful not to cook sauce too long as it will cause your chicken to overcook. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken further as it cools. Garnish with scallions. Serve immediately.

Asparagus 1 bunch fresh asparagus, about 10-ounces 1/2 cup water 4 Tablespoons butter 1 clove garlic, minced (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 to 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional) 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Make sure your asparagus fits in the pot. Trim the ends to make them fit. Add the water and butter to the pot. Also add garlic, if using. Press the Pressure Cook/Manual button or dial. Then press the +/- button or dial to select 1 minute. Select 0 minutes for thinner asparagus, for crisper results. When butter is melted and water is hot, add the asparagus, laying half in the pot, and the other half crossways over the first layer. You don't need a steamer rack, it is optional. Close the lid and set the steam release knob to the Sealing position. The pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure. As soon as the cooking cycle is finished, turn the steam release knob to the Venting position. When the pin in the lid drops back down, open the lid. Use tongs to gently take the asparagus out of the pot onto a plate. Add salt and lemon juice to the liquid in the pot. Taste and adjust salt and/or lemon juice as needed. Stir in the parmesan and then spoon mixture over the asparagus. Serve immediately. We’re filled to the brim with new merchandise!

Nomination forms for Quilts of Valor are available at Sew Blessed Quiltworks.

Fabric & Notions Quilting & Embroidery Services Quilts For Sale Custom Painted–Barn Quilts & Bird Houses

Libby Whittington, owner

Call the store for information & to register for our upcoming classes 3368180852

Thank you

for voting usBest Quilting/Craft Supplies! Meet Bobbin! our shop kitty

Sew Blessed Quiltworks

Text or Call 3369020999 email: sewblessedquiltworks1@gmail.com Visit our online store at: www.sewblessedquiltworks.weebly.com

Open MondayFriday 116 • Saturday 113 • Closed Sun & Wed

Offering Machine Repair on most major brands 201 Sparta Road, Suites A

North Wilkesboro 3368180852