Celebrate National Apple Month with Electric Pressure Cooker Recipes

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and that’s because apples are one of the most nutritiously beneficial foods you can find, not to mention they’re delicious.

Apples are such an important food to keep in our diet that October has been designated as National Apple Month to promote the sales of apples, and honor those involved in growing and harvesting them for our enjoyment.

You can show your appreciation for apples in many ways if you purchase or already own an As Seen on TV pressure cooker. Using a pressure cooker can make preparing snacks, meals and desserts fast and easy.

Take full advantage of National Apple Month with these electric pressure cooker recipes.

Apple Cider Pork Loin

Ingredients:

• ·         2 pounds center-cut pork loin 
• ·         2 tablespoons olive oil 
• ·         2 cups apple cider 
• ·         1 medium onion, sliced 
• ·         2 apples, cored and sliced 
• ·         1 tablespoon sea salt  
• ·         1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper 
• ·         1 tablespoon minced dry onion 

Directions:

• ·         Season the pork loin with salt, pepper and minced dry onions.
• ·         Place the inner pot in the cooker. Place the olive oil in the inner pot. Press “CHICKEN/MEAT” button to sear the pork loin on all sides. Remove and set aside. Sauté the onions.
• ·         Add the remaining ingredients and the pork loin.
• ·         Place the lid on the Power Pressure Cooker XL, lock the lid and switch the pressure release valve to “Closed.”
• ·         Press the “CANCEL” button.
• ·         Press the “CHICKEN/MEAT” button and then “TIME ADJUSTMENT” to 20 minutes.
• ·         Once the timer reaches zero, the cooker will automatically switch to “KEEP WARM.” Press the “CANCEL” Button. Switch the pressure release valve to “Open.” When the steam is completely released, remove the lid.
• ·         Serve (Serves four people).

Apple Sauce

Ingredients:

• ·         8 apples, cored and halved  
• ·         0.5 cup sugar 
• ·         0.5 cinnamon stick 
• ·         0.5 cup water

Directions:

• ·         Place all the ingredients into the inner pot.
• ·         Press the “FISH/VEGETABLE” button for 4 minutes.
• ·         When the steam has released, remove the lid and mash the applesauce.
• ·         Carefully ladle the applesauce into the jars 1" from the top.
• ·         Using a flexible nonporous spatula, gently press between the applesauce and the jar to release any trapped air bubbles.
• ·         Clean the rims with white vinegar and seal.
• ·         Place the jars into the clean inner pot and add water until the jars are covered 1/4 of the way.
• ·         Press the “CANNING/PRESERVING” button and then press the “TIME ADJUSTMENT” button two times until you reach 20 minutes.
• ·         When the time runs out and the steam has been released, remove the lid and carefully remove the jars using the canning tongs.

Apple Cake

Ingredients:

• ·         2 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced 
• ·         1 stick butter, softened 
• ·         2/3 cup sugar 
• ·         1 cup yogurt 
• ·         2 eggs 
• ·         0.5 cup chopped walnuts 
• ·         1 teaspoon baking soda 
• ·         1 teaspoon baking powder 
• ·         2 cups all-purpose flour 
• ·         0.25 cup brown sugar 
• ·         1 teaspoon vanilla extract  
• ·         2 cups warm water 

Directions:

• ·         In a mixing bowl, combine butter and white sugar until smooth.
• ·         Add eggs and yogurt. Mix.
• ·         Add diced apples and remaining dry ingredients except brown sugar. Mix until creamy.
• ·         Butter a ceramic dish that will fit into the pressure cooker.
• ·         Arrange apple on the bottom of the ceramic dish. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and brown sugar over the apples.
• ·         Carefully pour batter over the apples.
• ·         Cover the dish with foil.
• ·         Place the inner pot into the pressure cooker.
• ·         Place the wire rack into the inner pot. Add 2 cups of water.  Place the ceramic dish on the rack.
• ·         Secure the lid on the cooker. Lock the lid and switch the pressure release valve to “Closed.”
• ·         Press the” CHICKEN/MEAT” button and then the “COOK TIME SELECTOR” button until the time reads 20 minutes.
• ·         Once the timer reaches zero, the pressure cooker will automatically switch to “KEEP WARM.” Press “CANCEL.” Let the pressure release naturally.  Switch the pressure release valve to “Open.” When the steam is completely released, remove the Lid.
• ·         Let cool for 15 minutes before serving (serves four people).

Bring Pressure Cooker With You On Beach Vacation For This Seafood Recipe

Ahh… summer! Yes, that cherished time of year for right-of-passage excursions to the ocean is finally upon us. Whether you’re flying to a beach town or taking the highway to the nearest source of water, the relaxing time spent on vacation is always a cherished get-away. However, a fair amount of planning goes into getting to the ocean. How much vacation time can you get from your employer? What lodging options are available and how much will it cost to stay there? Are the kids coming? How are we going to keep them entertained? Vacations aren’t always a picnic, but it sure beats the daily grind.

We’ve got one more consideration we’d like to suggest to the soon-to-be traveler: sampling the local wares. If you’re going to a shore town, then seafood is guaranteed to be a readily-accessible dining option. What makes this even more convenient for power pressure cooker appliance owners is that these devices are uniquely positioned to cook seafood in a minimal amount of time compared to your traditional stove. It’s also very  portable so storing it with the rest of the items you’re taking with you on vacation should be no issue. The air-tight lid that locks super-heated steam inside also infuses liquid and flavor. This is why a pressure cooker is the perfect appliance for cooking locally-sourced seafood! Below, we’re offering a recipe for king crab that’s sure to please your friends and family. All you’ve got to do is find the local market and pick up the main ingredient.

You’ll need:

- 4  pounds of king crab legs

- 1 cup of water

- 0.25 cups of melted butter

- 3 lemon wedges

Directions:

- Break the crab legs in half at the joints to fit into your pressure cooker.

- Place the inner pot into the pressure cooker.

- Add the water and crab legs.

- Place the lid on the pressure cooker, lock the lid and switch the pressure release valve to “Closed.”

- Press the “FISH/VEGETABLE” button and then press the “TIME ADJUSTMENT” button until you reach 3 minutes.

- Once the timer reaches zero, the cooker will automatically switch to “KEEP WARM.” Switch the pressure release valve to “Open.” When the steam is completely released, remove the lid.

- Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.

Tips for Handling your Pressure Cooker

I don’t know about you, but a pressure cooker does seem a little intimidating to me. It might just be the word pressure, but it’s most likely the fact that the pressure cookers of yesterday were known to have some explosion issues. Luckily, as I have learned through my own research, pressure cookers have been updated significantly and are extremely safe. 

How Does a Pressure Cooker Work?

Did you know that the first pressure cooker was invented all of the way back in the 1600s? Denis Papin, a French physicist, invented the first pressure cooker, which used steam pressure in a sealed pot to cook food very quickly. Unfortunately, Papin did not put an emphasis on safety, so the first pressure cookers were definitely risky to use and would be for some time. Today’s pressure cooker, though, features pressure-activated locks, valves to control excess pressure, and other safety features, making it a very safe appliance to use on a day-to-day basis.

However, please keep in mind that there are things you can do to ensure even safer pressure cooking. Whether you’re cooking beans, tenderizing meats, or even cooking hard-boiled eggs, please keep the following tips in mind when handling your pressure cooker:

• ·         Check the rubber gasket of the pressure cooker to ensure it is intact and not cracked.
• ·         Make sure that there isn’t any dried food on the rim of the pressure cooker.
• ·         Fill the pressure cooker properly. For example, beans expand significantly once cooked so only fill the pot about halfway. You can fill the pot about two-thirds full with meats and vegetables.
• ·         Use enough liquid to reach pressure. This will depend on the recipe, but a good starting point is a half a cup.
• ·         Read the instructions on how to release steam from your pressure cooker. There are multiple ways to do so, but the most common way is the natural release where you remove the cooker from heat and wait for the pressure to go down.
• ·         Clean the pressure cooker thoroughly after each use.

Ok, do you have all of that? In truth, a pressure cooker is very easy to use, and it is the quickest way to cook your beans, pulses, meats, veggies, and more. If you’re thinking about adding one to your kitchen, please know that it is very safe and easy to operate.

Top 3 Must-Have Kitchen Appliances

Everybody loves kitchen appliances: They make your life easier, they can work much faster than the average person, and they're reliable.  Most of the time, they're easier to use than standard kitchen appliances, such as the oven.

The Toaster Oven

The great thing about the toaster oven is that it's much smaller, and faster than a conventional oven. It heats up faster, cooks small dishes faster, and is extremely energy-efficient, especially compared to its full-sized counterpart. Best of all, the toaster oven is easy-to-use, making the cooking process much simpler.

The Griddle

A griddle is great to have, mostly due to the fact that you can use it for anything from pancakes to cheesesteaks.  Electric griddles especially are inexpensive, easy to set up, and cook relatively fast. Cooking on a larger surface makes the meal-making process faster, and easier, giving you the ability to cook more than one item on a single surface. The smooth, large surface of a griddle is especially great for breakfast foods, grilled sandwiches, and hamburgers.

The Pressure Cooker

A pressure cooker is an absolute must-have, especially because it's quick, saves energy, and doesn't take up much space.  A pressure cooker can also be used to braise foods in much less time than previously possible. The energy-saving aspect of pressure cookers is one of the highest selling points for the product. If you prefer electric pressure cookers to traditional stove-use ones, it saves you even more money in energy costs.  

Top 3 Electric Pressure Cooking Recipes for Dinner

Electric pressure cooking recipes make for great meals, no matter the time of day. Whether you want to cook for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, a pressure cooker meal is the way to go nowadays. These meals are easy to make, don’t make a mess and make plenty for leftovers. Here are the top three electric pressure cooking recipes for dinner.

Apple Cider Pork Loin

Who doesn’t love a good pork loin for dinner? Pork is one of the tastiest, most tender meats available. There are a myriad of different ways you can cook a pork loin, but one of the best is with a little bit of apple cider. This recipe calls for a two-pound center-cut pork loin, two tablespoons of olive oil, two cups of cider, one medium onion, two sliced apples, one tablespoon of sea salt, one tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper and one tablespoon of minced dry onion. Season the pork loin with minced dry onions, pepper and salt. Place the pork loin with the rest of the ingredients in the pressure cooker and cook for 20 minutes.

Short Ribs

Short ribs are probably one of the most popular dinner meals to cook in a pressure cooker. If you are trying to feed four people, you will need eight trimmed short ribs. You will also need beef stock, an onion, celery sticks, tomato paste, garlic, red potatoes, bay leaves, sprig rosemary and spring thyme. Cook the vegetables and tomato paste for four minutes before adding the short ribs. Once you add the short ribs, cook everything for 40 minutes.

Chicken Cajun Pasta

Chicken is another good option to cook in a pressure cooker. This meal, chicken cajun pasta, takes no more than 15 minutes to cook. That is what makes this one of the best electric pressure cooking recipes available for dinner. You need eight ounces of diced chicken breast, one pound of bowtie pasta, 12 ounces of heavy cream, two cups of water, an onion, green and red peppers, cajun spice, olive oil and minced garlic.

The next time you need to find a good pressure cooker recipe for dinner, look no further than the three in this list.

Top 3 Electric Pressure Cooking Recipes for Dessert

Using a pressure cooker to cook a meal is very rewarding. Not only does it reduce the amount of time it takes to cook a meal, but it also makes meat, pork and chicken very tender. Aside from cooking dinner, you can also use a pressure cooker to make dessert. We have compiled the top three electric pressure cooking recipes for dessert.

Chocolate Steam Pudding

To make chocolate steam pudding, which looks more like cake, you will need at least 15 minutes to cook it. The cook time is quick, but you should let it sit and cool for two hours prior to serving. This is not a dessert you can whip up at the last minute so be sure to plan ahead of time. For the pudding, which serves four, you will need the following:

●       Flour

●       Baking and cocoa powder

●       Butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract

●       2 eggs

●       6 ounces of melted dark chocolate

●       Heavy cream and one cup of chocolate chips

Apple Cake

Apple cake is a popular dessert to make with a pressure cooker, especially during the fall months. It will take you roughly 20 minutes to cook and then you must let it sit and cool for another 15 prior to serving. The ingredients needed for apple cake include:

●       2 Granny Smith apples

●       1 stick of butter

●       Sugar and yogurt

●       2 eggs

●       Baking soda, baking powder, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract and brown sugar

●       Chopped walnuts

●       2 cups of warm water

Flan

Who doesn’t love Flan? This is one of the most popular desserts for food lovers of all kinds and you can make it in a pressure cooker. To make a four-person serving size all you need is two cups of milk, six eggs, three egg whites, sugar and almond extract. You need 15 minutes to cook then two to three hours to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Having a dinner party? Make sure you try one of these three electric pressure cooking recipes.

Want To Spice Up Your Pressure Cooker? Check Out These Accessories To Enhance Dishes

If you’re already using a pressure cooker at home, then you know the benefits: food cooked faster regardless of what it is. From refreshing vegetable options to hearty meat and potatoes, a pressure cooker is a more than capable of creating some of your favorite dishes in far less time than you’re accustomed to through traditional stoves.

Pressure cookers, which are turning into a kitchen staple as more people realize the benefits, work like this: A lot of steam is created due to pressure building inside the locked pot after heat is applied.

It’s that steam from water which speeds the cooking process and a valve controls the pressure inside the pot. For those seeking more of a good thing, a variety of pressure cooker accessories are already on the market and can further enhance your dishes. Below, we break down a few such accessories that are among our favorite add-ons.

Steamer baskets: Not content with simply tossing a variety of vegetables -- that required different amounts of cooking -- into your pressure cooker? Steamer baskets are the answer for you. These multi-level baskets and racks will allow you to compartmentalize what’s going on inside your pressure cooker. As a tip from experienced pressure cookers, the items that require the longest cooking time should be placed at the bottom of the basket.

Condensation collector: Pressure cookers are a water-centric affair. After all, it’s the steam from high pressure inside the appliance that speeds up the cooking process. These typically plastic collectors will connect to the appliance and help alleviate the extra condensation created during the cooking process. The items are available according to the size of your pressure cooker so purchase accordingly.

Canning rack: For those with an interest in or experience with canning, pressure cookers can assist with that, too. Of course, you’ll need a canning rack to keep the jars off the bottom of the cooker as the water heats up to the required temperature to preserve the food.

Plating: No, not the act of putting food on a ceramic surface for serving. While pressure cookers are known for their safety -- especially compared to the versions for decades past -- it’s always a good practice put something heat-resistant underneath the appliance. A ceramic disc slightly larger than the appliance itself will help protect the surface underneath your pressure cooker.

For more information pressure cooker accessories, call 973-287-5159.