Food Lovers Will Adore This Gift for the Holidays
So, when my close friend (and fellow busy mom) told me about a kitchen appliance that can make anything from meat to rice to yogurt, I thought “Are you for real?”
But she was spot on. A one-stop for all my cooking needs – the Instant Pot introduction into my culinary life has literally been a game changer for me. It's a cooking wonder that can do the job of many other small appliances. (It’s also a great gift idea for those who appreciate a good meal - and especially one that's easy to make.)
Feeling skeptical? Here's what to know about the Instant Pot:
What is an Instant Pot?
This multi-use pressure cooker is programmable to make virtually anything. The basic programs and cooking abilities include slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker and food warmer. Some models can also make eggs and cakes, while others are even large enough to insert certain dishes, molds and pans directly into the Instant Pot. Prices vary by size, color, design and retailer, but are generally around the $100 mark.
Are there special recipes to follow?
Of course! Food Network served up some must-try Instant Pot Recipes for beginners, including mac-and-cheese, cheesecake and soups. Delish has even more, with risotto, Alfredo, mashed potatoes, brisket and other dishes on the Instant Pot menu.
In fact, there are entire cookbooks dedicated to the magical machine. (Busy mom tip: These cookbooks are the perfect add-on to an Instant Pot holiday gift, or a great follow-up present for an upcoming birthday.)
Why will they love it?
Along with the ability to make endless kinds of meals, the Instant Pot offers delicious benefits that the food lovers in your life are sure to enjoy. It's perfect for the cook who likes to experiment, the foodie with a busy schedule and even those who appreciate good food but aren't as savvy in the kitchen.
Here are some more reasons why people love the Instant Pot:
1.They get the food right
Delish noted that these machines are self-regulating, which means they have sensors to pick up on when it's time to change the temperature or pressure. That means you can leave it all to the Instant Pot without worrying about under- or over-cooking the food.
2. They can cook almost anything
Instant Pots can make many types of food. Its abilities include - but are certainly not limited to - rice, pasta, vegetables, soup, chicken, meat, stew, beans, chili, cake and yogurt.
3. They make delicious meals in groundbreaking time
When you're in a rush (which I ALWAYS am), the Instant Pot is your wing man. It can defrost and cook frozen meats in no time, plus baked potatoes are ready in minutes. According to Instant Pot, the multi-cookers can make food up to 70 percent faster than conventional methods do.
4. They save time and space
With so many capabilities, the Instant Pot can replace other appliances to save space in the kitchen. Plus, they're easy to clean, which makes long-term upkeep and cleaning up after dinner a breeze.
5. There are smart options
Some Instant Pots are made for smart homes, with certain models set up with Bluetooth, WiFi and other advanced features.
6. Instant Pots are energy-efficient
These multi-use cookers can save up to 70 percent of energy consumption when compared to boiling, steaming, baking and slow cooking, as estimated by Instant Pot. That's because pressure cookers require less water and are also fully sealed during cooking to retain heat.
If the Instant Pot isn't right for some people on your list, check out our holiday gift guides for her and him for more inspiration.
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