Instant Pot Fear - It's a Thing

Instant Pot Fear - It's a thing.  I remember the first time I used a electric pressure cooker, which I received as a gift from my mom. You may have heard of these by a popular brand name, Instant Pot. Basically, these contraptions speed up cooking times by cooking under pressure.

Upon receiving this incredibly thoughtful gift, I came down with a terrible case of "Instant Pot Fear". Can anyone reading this relate? Is this a diagnosable ailment? Maybe there's a CPT code for it, I don't really know.

Anyway, if Instant Pot Fear is a real thing, I had a bad case of it. Trembling hands, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and cold sweats are all symptoms of this condition.

Eventually, I had a brave moment and I carried the contraption up from the basement and removed it from the box. I searched the internet for a suitable recipe, I prepared my ingredients, and then I plugged the scary cooker, oops - I mean, pressure cooker, into the wall.

Just as my fingers twisted the valve to "sealed", panic set in.

What did I do when this panic emerged? Well, I did what any grown woman would do in this situation. With a shaky voice, I called my mom to tell her I was about to blow up the kitchen. In a very calm, patient manner, my mom assured me that no, I positively was not about to blow up the kitchen.

Just as I hung up the phone, I caught a glimpse of our two oldest kids, who found this entire ordeal to be hilarious. They were collapsed in a heap in the adjoining dining room, laughing hysterically, struggling to catch their breath. Grrrrrr.

Still terrified, I did the next best thing to calling my Mom. I posted to Facebook, hoping for some words of encouragement.

I think we all know how this story turns out. We are so thankful for our local fire department who extinguished the fire, as well ass help from the Red Cross and the local HAZMAT team. We were fortunate to have kind neighbors who helped salvage my wooden spoon collection, which was found several miles away. The house rebuild after the explosion happened quickly, because we have an awesome remodeler in the family.

Joking, of course...

Everything turned out fine. Deliciously, tastily, totally fine.

If you have Pressure Cooker Fear, I'm here to tell you - fear not. Dust off your Instant Pot or similar pressure cooker box you received as a Christmas present. (They're everywhere, I've even seen generic ones at Aldi). Read the manual, identify the parts on your cooker (there aren't many). Start with something simple, like cooking water in your pressure cooker and work your way up from there.  You can do this.

And if it helps, phone a friend, call your mom, or post to Facebook. If that doesn't do the trick, see below for some resources and recipes I put together.

Instant Pot Fear - Antidotes & Resources to help you on your way

Great Food Fast is a cookbook I frequently use. The recipes are pretty simple to prepare and the meals I have made are delicious!   

The Instant Pot Cookbook I don't own this cookbook but I've checked it out from the library so many times. I guess I should just buy it already! 🙂

Skinnytaste is a website I've been following for years. Gina has some great recipes that are converted to be made in a pressure cooker/Instant Pot.

Facebook has some great Instant Pot and pressure cooking groups - check them out and learn along with other people.

Happy Cooking my friends! And if you need some encouragement or are struck with a case of pressure cooker fear, give me a shout!! I'd love to help!

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