Sunday, March 11, 2018

2 Minute Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts (in the Instant Pot)

I love brussel sprouts.  I didn't realize this until the last few years, but I do.  The other day I tried them in my Instant Pot, and once again, I wasn't disappointed.  These cooked for 2 whole minutes!  It does take a little time to pressurize the Instant Pot, but it was still a fast, easy way to make delicious brussel sprouts!

Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts
adapted from: arealfoodjourney.com

4 c. brussel sprouts-slice the end off, and cut each in half
3 slices bacon, chopped (You'll notice in the picture, I used sausage, and it still gave a yummy flavor, but wasn't very appetizing to eat after it had cooked.  Just use bacon.)
1/2 c. water
1 Tbsp. honey
coarse salt
2 splashes of balsamic vinegar, or more, to taste

Set your Instant Pot to saute and when it is hot, cook your bacon until it is brown.  Add the brussel sprouts and saute them with the bacon, stirring continually.  Add the water to the pot.  Turn off the saute function and close and lock the lid in place, with the lid set to seal.  Using the manual setting, cook at high pressure for 2 minutes.  When it is done, do a quick release.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the water, honey, salt and balsamic vinegar.  Drizzle it over the brussel sprouts and stir it to mix.     


Sunday, March 4, 2018

Orange Glazed Candied Yams (Cooked in the Instant Pot)


You know I love it, right?  I can't get enough of my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.  I don't think I have even used my slow cooker since I figured this gem out.  I recently needed to make candied yams, and I whipped these babies out in a fraction of the time by using my Instant Pot.  I did an orange juice glaze, for a little bit of a change, and they got rave reviews!

Orange Glazed Candied Yams
adapted from: allrecipes.com

7-8 yams (depending on how big they are--you can do as many as you would like and will fit)
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. orange juice
2 Tbsp. butter
mini marshmallows

Wash but don't peel the yams and place them in the Instant Pot (I put mine on the steamer that came with the Instant Pot).  Pour in one cup of water.  Secure the lid and turn the valve to seal.  Use the manual mode and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.  Do a natural release for 10 minutes.  Manually release any pressure that is remaining.  Take the yams out of the Instant Pot, and when they are cooled enough to touch, the skin should easily peel off.  Cut the yams into 1 inch squares and place them in a 9X13 pan.  In a saucepan, mix together the salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice and butter, until the butter and sugar are dissolved.  Pour it over the sliced yams.  Spread the mini marshmallows over the top of the yams and toast them in your oven, on broil.  Watch them close!  Unless you love burned marshmallows.