Michelle Blanchard Ardillo

At what point when reading a cookbook do you make the decision to just go ahead and purchase a copy for yourself?

Wait, you don’t read cookbooks? I do. I check out bags of them from the library and read them cover to cover like my favorite mysteries or biographies. Sometimes I jot down a recipe or two and sometimes I just read them and return them. But, every now and then, one comes along that screams to me, “You must own this book.” Coco Morante’s bible on Instant Pot cooking is one of those!

Amazon Prime Day I took the plunge and ordered myself an Instant Pot. I haven’t used it yet, but after reading this cookbook, I am all set to give it a whirl! And, by the time I got to Risotto with Lemon and Peas on page 43, I had decided I needed to buy myself a copy of this cookbook.

The introduction is packed with information for the Instant Pot newbie. The directions are clear and concise, giving me the confidence to try pressure cooking for the first time. The recipes are both familiar and new at the same time. Irish Beef and Root Vegetable Stew (page 85), sure, a standard. Korean Braised Beef Short Ribs (page 89), can’t wait to try it!

Growing up near New Orleans, I’ve decided to christen my Instant Pot with a pot of red beans. While this book has lots of great info and recipes on cooking beans in the Instant Pot, I’m going to try the recipe on the Camellia website. I use Camellia red beans whenever I can (which means when I order them on Amazon), so I’m thinking the Cajun Nation has experimented with this classic standard and given it a thumbs up.

Do you have an Instant Pot? What is your favorite, go-to recipe when using it? Please post below!

While I love spending lots of time in the kitchen–it’s my way to relax–I’m hoping the Instant Pot helps me put healthy home-cooked meals on the table faster after a long day of teaching. I’ll report back when I have enough data to confirm! Stay tuned and happy cooking, whether in an Instant Pot, a slow cooker or on the stovetop!