Instant Pot thread - Page 18

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 01:40 PM

If you were going to get an IP today, which one would you get, and why?

I have an issue/challenge which may not be doable, but...Mr. H had some severe medical issues, over the last 30 months. As a result, he has basically lost most of his sense of taste, so things he used to love, like Americanized Mexican food (Texican), no longer are that great to his mouth. Secondly, we have to watch his salt intake. Thirdly, he has, for the first time, put on weight, and that's GOTTA GO. It's not a ton, but it's enough; he has man-belly, you know. And it affects his BP, etc.

So, I already know that I can whip up some low-cal-ish rice and bean dishes, like a lightened Red Beans & Rice w/Andouille, that is nearly perfect food (w/o the Andouille, it would be), and reasonable in calories AND hopefully, in taste. Not sure that the IP would be the best environment, for that, but I typically make the rice for that separately, anyway, and combine them.

He's already eating a LOT of rice. (His thinking being, well, if I can't taste it anyway, what's the diff?, poor bastard.) I'd rather make better-quality rice for him, in bulk, if I'm able, and he can reheat that. (He's partial to sticky rice, as in the Asian method.).

I was cogitating on the Mediterranean diet, as that MIGHT address his tastebud issues--although I'm not sure what will, to be truthful. (He can taste Creole and Cajun seasonings, like Zatarain's and the Blackened seasoning that I use, and yes, I know that Zatarain's, etc., is high in salt, so I'll probably start home-making some of that, too. {sigh}).

We're cooking folks, generally--I wouldn't think much of the prep mentioned on this thread (I read it end to end), because to me, what's the diff? Prep veggies, meat, etc., and cook them on the stovetop, or the IP, or a crockpot, it's all the same. Obviously, anything that saves time, etc., is good--I'm in my office not less than 55hrs/week, and that's on a good week. So, yes, saving time=good.

So...I figure, splurge for an IP, and I'd ask you good folks: which one would you buy, if you were buying it today? (n.b.: I like oatmeal, and yes, I eat a fair amount of yogurt, too, but...that's really secondary to trying to address Mr. H's issues, first and foremost.)

Thanks in advance,
Hitch

badgoodDeb · 10-12-2017, 03:30 PM

The current (newer version) of the Instant Pot Duo (a 6 quart unit) is nice. It has the timer button relabeled as "delay" (or "delay time" or something) .... which I paid $20 to get in the Duo Plus. The Duo v2 (not necessarily labeled that way) has that now.**

I think that's the ideal model to get. Includes a yogurt button, in case you ever want to try it. Most of the rest of the buttons *can* be ignored, and you just use "manual" or "Pressure" (whichever it's called on that model). Rice, multigrain, and yogurt button functions are significantly different, I hear, and worth having.

**The older models have a "timer" button, which is no end confusing, because it's really a "delay start" button. Get one that says "delay" on one of the buttons!

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

The current (newer version) of the Instant Pot Duo (a 6 quart unit) is nice. It has the timer button relabeled as "delay" (or "delay time" or something) .... which I paid $20 to get in the Duo Plus. The Duo v2 (not necessarily labeled that way) has that now.**

I think that's the ideal model to get. Includes a yogurt button, in case you ever want to try it. Most of the rest of the buttons *can* be ignored, and you just use "manual" or "Pressure" (whichever it's called on that model). Rice, multigrain, and yogurt button functions are significantly different, I hear, and worth having.

**The older models have a "timer" button, which is no end confusing, because it's really a "delay start" button. Get one that says "delay" on one of the buttons!

Thanks for that, Badgood!

It's much appreciated, and yes, I would love to try my hand at making yogurt. I seem to have a constant battle with my local suppliers of groceries, in having yogurts that I like, versus an appalling Greek concoction that is far, far, FAR too bitter for my tastes. I don't need something that tastes like ice cream, but, sheesh.

I really appreciate the heads-up on the buttons--I would NEVER have figured that "timer" meant delay. Never.

And having a function for rices, quinoa, etc., would be AWESOME. That's stuff that I make a lot, and would ADORE being able to make quick batches and freeze some, too. For Mr. H to defrost and heat, or whatever.

Hitch

badgoodDeb · 10-12-2017, 03:39 PM

If you get one, and then if you like, I can send you a ZIP file with several hundred (?) recipes that appealed to my taste and have been saved to disk. I use my computer's search to search in titles or inside, for an ingredient or word. You'll want other recipes too, but it's a place to start.

I'm giving this zip bundle to a niece for a wedding, in 9 or 12 months, or whenever. (Oh, and an Instant Pot too.)

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

If you get one, and then if you like, I can send you a ZIP file with several hundred (?) recipes that appealed to my taste and have been saved to disk. I use my computer's search to search in titles or inside, for an ingredient or word. You'll want other recipes too, but it's a place to start.

I'm giving this zip bundle to a niece for a wedding, in 9 or 12 months, or whenever. (Oh, and an Instant Pot too.)

That would be very kind and generous of you, I'd appreciate it no end. I'm fully planning to get one--I'm just figuring out which to get. ;-)

Hitch

Cinisajoy · 10-12-2017, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch

That would be very kind and generous of you, I'd appreciate it no end. I'm fully planning to get one--I'm just figuring out which to get. ;-)

Hitch

The one deb recommended.

Cinisajoy · 10-12-2017, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch

If you were going to get an IP today, which one would you get, and why?

I have an issue/challenge which may not be doable, but...Mr. H had some severe medical issues, over the last 30 months. As a result, he has basically lost most of his sense of taste, so things he used to love, like Americanized Mexican food (Texican), no longer are that great to his mouth. Secondly, we have to watch his salt intake. Thirdly, he has, for the first time, put on weight, and that's GOTTA GO. It's not a ton, but it's enough; he has man-belly, you know. And it affects his BP, etc.

So, I already know that I can whip up some low-cal-ish rice and bean dishes, like a lightened Red Beans & Rice w/Andouille, that is nearly perfect food (w/o the Andouille, it would be), and reasonable in calories AND hopefully, in taste. Not sure that the IP would be the best environment, for that, but I typically make the rice for that separately, anyway, and combine them.

He's already eating a LOT of rice. (His thinking being, well, if I can't taste it anyway, what's the diff?, poor bastard.) I'd rather make better-quality rice for him, in bulk, if I'm able, and he can reheat that. (He's partial to sticky rice, as in the Asian method.).

I was cogitating on the Mediterranean diet, as that MIGHT address his tastebud issues--although I'm not sure what will, to be truthful. (He can taste Creole and Cajun seasonings, like Zatarain's and the Blackened seasoning that I use, and yes, I know that Zatarain's, etc., is high in salt, so I'll probably start home-making some of that, too. {sigh}).

We're cooking folks, generally--I wouldn't think much of the prep mentioned on this thread (I read it end to end), because to me, what's the diff? Prep veggies, meat, etc., and cook them on the stovetop, or the IP, or a crockpot, it's all the same. Obviously, anything that saves time, etc., is good--I'm in my office not less than 55hrs/week, and that's on a good week. So, yes, saving time=good.

So...I figure, splurge for an IP, and I'd ask you good folks: which one would you buy, if you were buying it today? (n.b.: I like oatmeal, and yes, I eat a fair amount of yogurt, too, but...that's really secondary to trying to address Mr. H's issues, first and foremost.)

Thanks in advance,
Hitch

Not IP related but I just ran across this. I thought it might help with hubby.
http://www.thekitchn.com/5-ways-to-a...re-salt-250250

ApK · 10-12-2017, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

**The older models have a "timer" button, which is no end confusing, because it's really a "delay start" button. Get one that says "delay" on one of the buttons!

Funny. Since my air conditioner, coffee pot and bread machine all have "timer" buttons that are for delayed start, that never caused me any confusion.

(the A/C timer button is actually for delayed start AND delayed stop, depending on when it's pressed. THAT confused me.)

BTW, the yogurt is great (as I think I've said before). By making your own, you have some control over how tart you make it, and you can strain it as much as you want to make it Greek style or not.

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Not IP related but I just ran across this. I thought it might help with hubby.
http://www.thekitchn.com/5-ways-to-a...re-salt-250250

Thanks! I like Kitchn articles, and either fortunately, or unfortunately, I already use all those tricks and a few more (like adding a drop-two of tabasco sauce to foods you'd never expect to find it in--makes a remarkable difference...). The problem at the moment seems to be that the only stuff he can taste is full of salt. For example, french fries with Zatarain's sprinkled on it. Blackened fish. Anything with cheeses that are salty. Urghghghghgh.

Thanks for the recommendation, too.

Hitch

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApK

Funny. Since my air conditioner, coffee pot and bread machine all have "timer" buttons that are for delayed start, that never caused me any confusion.

(the A/C timer button is actually for delayed start AND delayed stop, depending on when it's pressed. THAT confused me.)

BTW, the yogurt is great (as I think I've said before). By making your own, you have some control over how tart you make it, and you can strain it as much as you want to make it Greek style or not.

I'm not going to lie--I don't "get" the whole fanfare over Greek Yogurt. It's smooth, or...whatever. I liked the old style fine, and I don't hate the Greek texture; I just hate the local brand that I can't seem to get away from. NASTY.

Hitch

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

The one deb recommended.

Do you and BadGood mean this one?

https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-P...dp/B06Y1MP2PY/

As the "updated" one?

Hitch

badgoodDeb · 10-12-2017, 05:49 PM

Not really, unless you want the extras. I got this one "Duo Plus 6Qt" for the delay button

but now that they've upgraded the non-Plus, this one should be great "Duo 6Qt" EXCEPT I don't see from the picture that you can be sure to get v2. The picture shows a "timer" button, not a "delay". Bummer. So maybe not this one?

If you've time, drop one in your wish list and wait till they text you about a sale. Black Friday? That's what I'm doing for the niece's wedding.

There *IS* a 3Qt version, but few recipes adapted to it. I'm single, and I have the 6Qt. I either make several days' left overs, or cook half recipes in another pot inside the pot. "Pot in pot" or PIP cooking. An old-school metal stand-mixer *small* size bowl is great. Goodwill has a ton of them - maybe the small survives because nobody used it! But metal is best.

Hitch · 10-12-2017, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

Not really, unless you want the extras. I got this one "Duo Plus 6Qt" for the delay button

but now that they've upgraded the non-Plus, this one should be great "Duo 6Qt" EXCEPT I don't see from the picture that you can be sure to get v2. The picture shows a "timer" button, not a "delay". Bummer. So maybe not this one?

If you've time, drop one in your wish list and wait till they text you about a sale. Black Friday? That's what I'm doing for the niece's wedding.

Ah, good idea. I have some Amz. gift certs, though, that I found rummaging around in my desk (oish, there are days that I think my head would come unglued, when it comes to personal stuff...) , and I think that this looks like a good time to deploy them.

While I love cooking gadgets that I find useful, having this may enable me to try a lot of things for his modified palate that I'd otherwise have issues with, time-wise. (Like, making beans. I cannot tell you how many times I forget the soak, which is fine if you remember in the morning that you forgot it, as you can do a 1hour boil, for toxins and the like, but, if you don't remember until 2 in the afternoon...). I already have some ideas for (hopefully) high-flavor, lower-fat/salt things that I should be able to whip up in this, by using existing IP recipes and tweaking the flavors a bit to suit the New Mr. H tastebuds.

Ah, nothing like new cooking adventures. And huge THANKS to Badgood, whose off-thread help is much appreciated.

Hitch

badgoodDeb · 10-12-2017, 05:59 PM

ps I editted in a last paragraph too. While you were typing.

Cinisajoy · 10-12-2017, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitch

Ah, good idea. I have some Amz. gift certs, though, that I found rummaging around in my desk (oish, there are days that I think my head would come unglued, when it comes to personal stuff...) , and I think that this looks like a good time to deploy them.

While I love cooking gadgets that I find useful, having this may enable me to try a lot of things for his modified palate that I'd otherwise have issues with, time-wise. (Like, making beans. I cannot tell you how many times I forget the soak, which is fine if you remember in the morning that you forgot it, as you can do a 1hour boil, for toxins and the like, but, if you don't remember until 2 in the afternoon...). I already have some ideas for (hopefully) high-flavor, lower-fat/salt things that I should be able to whip up in this, by using existing IP recipes and tweaking the flavors a bit to suit the New Mr. H tastebuds.

Ah, nothing like new cooking adventures. And huge THANKS to Badgood, whose off-thread help is much appreciated.

Hitch

I don't think the OP minds off-topic especially when it comes to food.
The OP found a brand-new pampered chef stoneware rectangle for $3 at Goodwill today.

10-12-2017, 01:40 PM	#256
Hitch Bookmaker & Cat Slave Posts: 11,503 Karma: 158448243 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Device: K2, iPad, KFire, PPW, Voyage, NookColor. 2 Droid, Oasis, Boox Note2	Question for those who truly cook... If you were going to get an IP today, which one would you get, and why? I have an issue/challenge which may not be doable, but...Mr. H had some severe medical issues, over the last 30 months. As a result, he has basically lost most of his sense of taste, so things he used to love, like Americanized Mexican food (Texican), no longer are that great to his mouth. Secondly, we have to watch his salt intake. Thirdly, he has, for the first time, put on weight, and that's GOTTA GO. It's not a ton, but it's enough; he has man-belly, you know. And it affects his BP, etc. So, I already know that I can whip up some low-cal-ish rice and bean dishes, like a lightened Red Beans & Rice w/Andouille, that is nearly perfect food (w/o the Andouille, it would be), and reasonable in calories AND hopefully, in taste. Not sure that the IP would be the best environment, for that, but I typically make the rice for that separately, anyway, and combine them. He's already eating a LOT of rice. (His thinking being, well, if I can't taste it anyway, what's the diff?, poor bastard.) I'd rather make better-quality rice for him, in bulk, if I'm able, and he can reheat that. (He's partial to sticky rice, as in the Asian method.). I was cogitating on the Mediterranean diet, as that MIGHT address his tastebud issues--although I'm not sure what will, to be truthful. (He can taste Creole and Cajun seasonings, like Zatarain's and the Blackened seasoning that I use, and yes, I know that Zatarain's, etc., is high in salt, so I'll probably start home-making some of that, too. {sigh}). We're cooking folks, generally--I wouldn't think much of the prep mentioned on this thread (I read it end to end), because to me, what's the diff? Prep veggies, meat, etc., and cook them on the stovetop, or the IP, or a crockpot, it's all the same. Obviously, anything that saves time, etc., is good--I'm in my office not less than 55hrs/week, and that's on a good week. So, yes, saving time=good. So...I figure, splurge for an IP, and I'd ask you good folks: which one would you buy, if you were buying it today? (n.b.: I like oatmeal, and yes, I eat a fair amount of yogurt, too, but...that's really secondary to trying to address Mr. H's issues, first and foremost.) Thanks in advance, Hitch

10-12-2017, 05:49 PM	#267
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,553 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	Not really, unless you want the extras. I got this one "Duo Plus 6Qt" for the delay button but now that they've upgraded the non-Plus, this one should be great "Duo 6Qt" EXCEPT I don't see from the picture that you can be sure to get v2. The picture shows a "timer" button, not a "delay". Bummer. So maybe not this one? If you've time, drop one in your wish list and wait till they text you about a sale. Black Friday? That's what I'm doing for the niece's wedding. There IS a 3Qt version, but few recipes adapted to it. I'm single, and I have the 6Qt. I either make several days' left overs, or cook half recipes in another pot inside the pot. "Pot in pot" or PIP cooking. An old-school metal stand-mixer small size bowl is great. Goodwill has a ton of them - maybe the small survives because nobody used it! But metal is best. Last edited by badgoodDeb; 10-12-2017 at 05:57 PM.

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10-12-2017, 03:30 PM	#257
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,553 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	The current (newer version) of the Instant Pot Duo (a 6 quart unit) is nice. It has the timer button relabeled as "delay" (or "delay time" or something) .... which I paid $20 to get in the Duo Plus. The Duo v2 (not necessarily labeled that way) has that now.** I think that's the ideal model to get. Includes a yogurt button, in case you ever want to try it. Most of the rest of the buttons can be ignored, and you just use "manual" or "Pressure" (whichever it's called on that model). Rice, multigrain, and yogurt button functions are significantly different, I hear, and worth having. **The older models have a "timer" button, which is no end confusing, because it's really a "delay start" button. Get one that says "delay" on one of the buttons!

10-12-2017, 03:39 PM	#259
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,553 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	If you get one, and then if you like, I can send you a ZIP file with several hundred (?) recipes that appealed to my taste and have been saved to disk. I use my computer's search to search in titles or inside, for an ingredient or word. You'll want other recipes too, but it's a place to start. I'm giving this zip bundle to a niece for a wedding, in 9 or 12 months, or whenever. (Oh, and an Instant Pot too.)

10-12-2017, 05:59 PM	#269
badgoodDeb Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,553 Karma: 64462893 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Harrisburg outskirts Device: Palms, K1-4s, iPads, iPhones, KV, KO1	ps I editted in a last paragraph too. While you were typing.