I know this may sound like an extravagant spending item, but I have saved a lot of money in the long run with a stainless steel pressure cooker. Why? I can cook up to 1/4 the time it would conventionally. I find I save water, too. Just don't put more food or liquid than the recommended amount.
REAL pearl barley that takes up to an hour to cook, takes only 20 minutes. Just add 1/2 cup more water than the barley.
Rice is a cinch; SAME AMOUNTS of water and rice. If You have two cups of rice, you cook for only 2 minutes (and etc.) after the pressure gauge begins to jiggle or signals it is reaching the pressure point of cooking. There is no over boil to deal with either!
Pinto beans that may take up to 4 hours to boil tender or done in 30 minutes!
Even tough meat can be tenderized in a pressure cooker. I just marinade it and the flavor gets soaked in record time. I don't soak it, just put it in, and begin cooking! Depending on the amount and the way it is cut, it will take from 15-30 minutes.
I have seen STAINLESS STEEL pressure cookers starting as low as $30. It will definitely be worth the cost even if it costs $70 initially. Aluminum burns easily and has been thought to be a probable cause of Alzheimer's disease.
So what do you do if there are burns on the bottom? I put the pressure lid back on the pan and let it set. That alone usually loosens the burns.
By Tim from Science Hill
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I had never used a pressure cooker until just recently, but I am here to tell you, I think that thing is my new best friend. Cook time is ever so much shorter, also it tenderizes tough meat, and the flavor of whatever you are cooking is more intensified, because it is all left in the pot, not escaping into the air through steam. I heard somewhere that pressure cookers were making a come-back; I had never used one due to the fear of explosions that were common in earlier times, but pressure cookers have been greatly improved upon as far as safety is concerned.
I think that Pressure Cookers are the best item in the kitchen. Like Tim I think they are wonderful. I know a lot of people still think they're dangerous, but the modern ones just blow out of the safety hole, and the worst that can happen is chicken soup on the ceiling. However, one should be able to hear them, and will definitely know if the pressure is getting too much. One of my favourite desserts, Creme Caramel, I can cook in 5 minutes in the Pressure Cooker, then just leave it to de-pressure on its own.
I asked my dad if I could have my mom's pressure cooker a few days ago. I used to use mine all the time. The gasket on mine leaks & it takes too long to cook anything AND it is too small for us. I used to use the huge 16 qt canner when my kids were still home. Even cooked turkeys in it.
I totally agree with the previous posters. And Creme Caramel sounds scrumptious. I'm going to google that recipe for sure.
Tim, I,ve been using a pressure cooker for forty years or more,my present one I,ve had for about eight years. I use it constantly.Not only do i use it for stews, casseroles etc but i make jams, chutneys and even made christmas puddings.I don,t usually burn mine but if i do i just put a couple of cupfuls of water in and bring it back to low pressure for about five minutes and hey presto a clean pressure cooker.
I agree they are a great way to save money & time. I like to make stew in mine. I have two & now want to buy a large one to can in. Does anyone know of a good place to buy one?
Liz Az
You can buy a pressure cooker at Bed Bath & Beyond. Last price was $19. They're in the stores or order on the internet. I need a recipe for chicken & dumplings made in the pressure cooker.
Dear Tim,
I just found an aluminum pressure cooker at walmart.com for about $20.00. I never heard of them causing a disease. Now I am worried. Do you think I should return it?
This is a great device.
I love my pressure cookers. I have used them for over 40 years and can't imagine life without one. It is the only way I have ever canned, fruits, veggies or meat have always turned out great and beautiful as long as you watch the pressure. I do believe one should have a great respect for them as they can really hurt you bad if not used properly, also there are some people who should never be allowed near them and she knows who she is. One of my biggest surprises was when I got my first electric one, I was in love all over again.
I used an aluminum pressure cooker that was handed down to me by my mother. When the handle broke and couldn't be replaced I purchased a new one. I use it, but I am not as happy with it as I was my old aluminum one was. My old one you simply put the weight on top of it. But my new stainless steel one has a plastic dial that is awkward to use. I have heard aluminum is found to be higher in Alzheimer patients BUT aluminum is found in water, cosmetics, antiperspirants, toothpaste, and the list goes on and on.
I can't imagine being without my pressure cookers and canners.
The old theory that aluminum pans cause Alzheimer's has
been debunked years ago, and still it lingers on.
If you can afford it the electronic pressure cookers are fantastic. You don't have to 'babysit' it. It starts and stops and then keeps warm. if you let it sit for 10 min after it is done beeping to let you know it is done then the pressure is reduced when you use the pressure release valve (don't do with pasta/rice etc or it will be mushy). They are so fantastic. I would put the old kind on the stove and then get distracted by something and would overcook/burn food. Just love mine. So worth the splurge.
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