Review: Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

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This Instant Pot brand pressure cooker is 6.33 quarts and features 6 functions.  It not only serves as a pressure cooker but also sautés, browns, warms, steams and doubles as a rice and slow cooker.  The third-generation piece of technology features a smart program with a total of ten possible applications.  It has an embedded microprocessor.  Options include automatic warming, 3 temperature settings for lower heat cooking and also has a delay cooking time selection available too.

The product is made of stainless steel and has a black bottom, trim, and lid.  The bottom is of 3-ply stainless steel and comes with a separate steam rack that is also made out of stainless steel.  A rice paddle, measuring cup, soupspoon, instructions, a cooking time chart and even a collection of recipes accompany the product.

The device is UL and ULC certification and has 10 safety features, which include a safety lock lid, pressure regulator and a system that monitors to assure food does not burn.  It is also energy efficient, using about 70% less energy than conventional cooking methods.

In addition, the cooker has a fingerprint proof outside, features an easy to clean design and is also very quiet.  It does not leak steam nor does it heat the air or surfaces around it.

Selling for around $125, the product is in the mid to upper mid price range.  Most consumers who reviewed this product found that to be a fair price for the features it offers.

Very high reviews were given to this small appliance as a rice cooker.  Some reviewers stated that it is so compact and convenient and that it heats so quickly, they use it instead of a microwave for health reasons.  Others also stated that they especially liked the fact that they did not have to bother with standing beside the cooker to detect when the device had heated up since it is automatic and programmable.

One complaint several had was that it does not heat up to as high of a level as some pressure cookers do.  It appears it is more of a medium or medium-high level.  Most also expressed that this was not a huge concern and it was worth sacrificing for the positive attributes found in the cooker.  It was also cited that the cooking times that are described in the booklet that accompanies the product may be misleading because they do not factor in the heating time which incidentally, are not long lengths of time but might be significant if a particular food has a strict cooking time regulation.

A main praise of the product in the reviews was that it is easy to use, small in size and safe.  Some stated that they were wary of using a pressure cooker at all but felt at ease with this model.  Others indicated that they make smaller meals so this more compact size works well for them.

Overall, the reviews of this product were positive ones.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker.

Review: Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer

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This GranPappy Presto model electric deep fryer is a basic black countertop unit with a bucket-style design.  It features a heavy-duty cast aluminum, non-stick finish and so it cleans up quickly and easily and also does not let the food stick to it.  It also promotes consistent cooking.  It features skid-resistant rubber feet making it much safer than other devices that tend to slide around.

The device operates at 1500 watts.  It consistently keeps oil at optimum temperature automatically.  It has a handy magnetic safety cord and comes complete with a slotted scoop spoon and a snap-on storage lid as well. This appliance is quite safe and is built to North American Electrical Standards.  It only uses 6 cups of oil and maintains a consistent frying temperature for perfect frying.  It uses 120 watts and 60 Hz only.  It measures 8 by 8-1/2 inches and has a one-year limited warranty.

It is recommended that after using, this device be allowed to cool completely. When it has cooled down completely, the grease can be emptied out.  Then, the device can be washed with warm and sudsy water and then dried.  It cannot be immersed.  Doing so can risk ruining the entire fryer.  Since it is made of non-stick material, no abrasive cleaning materials should be used on it like steel wool or those with scratchy surfaces.

Although it is stated that a lid can be used on the device to prevent splattering, the lid that comes with it is one that is for storage only. It is not designed to be used while the unit is being used and very well may melt.  The only time the device really splatters, as a rule, was said to be when new food is placed into the device and it splashes up a bit from the change of temperature, as grease does tend to do.

Most reviews on this unit were good.  Some were praising the convenience and durability and mentioning that it cooked great but it was noted that it tends to undercook at times such as chicken with the bone in but, most agreed that in general, it cooks evenly and consistently the majority of the time.  The price was considered a positive bonus.

It was said that in general, the cooking was even and that it is very lightweight and although it is considered by some to be just a glorified pot that holds oil, it was noted that it is easy to store and does not take up too much room if left on the counter plus the design is nice and attractive and goes well with most kitchen decors.  Many felt that when compared to many other makes and models of the same size and price range, this model came out on top in quite a few categories.

While there were some who felt that the device could benefit from some extra added features, it was pretty unanimous that the price tag was good for what this fryer does.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 05411 GranPappy Electric Deep Fryer.

Review: Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker

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This full-size 6-quart  features 7 functions.  It is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker plus it sautés, browns, warms and steams.  It is stainless steel with a black bottom, trip and lid and has a control panel that is large and easy to use.  The cooker is built with the latest 3rd Generation Technology.  There are 14 smart programs built in.  It has 3 temperature options for lower level settings when slow cooking or sautéing.  There are also two pressures to choose from and an auto-warm option as well.

This product is UL and ULC certified and has 10 safety mechanisms that have passed rigorous tests.  In addition, it is energy efficient.  The cooking pot is made of 3-layer stainless steel and comes with a stainless steel steaming rack with a handle.  Although the MAX line is marked on the inside pot, it is an indication for liquids.  Dry foods (like a chicken or pot roast) can extend over the MAX limit.  The cooker comes with recipes written in English, French, Chinese and Spanish.

While the Instant Pot is in the upper mid price range, selling on Amazon prime for around $135, most who reviewed the product stated that they felt it was a good buy with the features it offers and the size as well.

One aspect that those who reviewed seemed to enjoy was the built-in settings available for such things as meat/stew, chicken, multi-grains, porridge, soup, and bean/chili.

The stainless steel surface was rated high on its browning capabilities.  Although it is not non-stick, it was said to be fairly easy to clean.  The aluminum disk at the bottom of the cooking insert was a feature that, while helpful for keeping an even heat distribution, was a drawback for some who reported that it made it difficult to cook certain dishes such as pasta with tomato sauce.  But of those who mentioned such, they also agreed that it was a small complaint to have for a product that does not have chemicals often found in the non-stick ones and that holds up tough to metal utensils.  There is a non-stick insert that can be purchased from the manufacturer, but it does not brown as well as the stainless steel one.

The lid of the cooker can rest open by simply inserting a tab into the handle, which is a feature many find helpful.  This often times eliminates the need to completely remove the lid, risking burning and puddles on the countertop.  Some models tend to have areas in which condensation collects, but this one does not which many reviews found to be a huge plus.

There were a few reported occurrences of defective cookers and non-working or missing parts, but those situations were resolved.  An issue with the fuse was the most common problem listed and although the majority of those who reviewed stated they were sent a replacement fuse that provided the fix, a few were unhappy that the issue existed in the first place.

Overall, this product got high reviews and was described as being a great addition to the kitchen.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker.

Review: Presto 05450 DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

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This home deep fryer is a dual-compartment bucket-style countertop electric deep fryer.  The brand is Presto.  It is made of heavy-duty aluminum and features a nonstick finish so food won’t stick and it is easy to clean. It has stay-cool handles for easy pickup and comes complete with a slotted spoon, snap-on storage lid, and even a magnetic safety cord.

This device has a removable divider that allows for frying two different kinds foods at one time without worry that the flavors will marry. It is capable of making up to 8 servings at one time. It keeps oil consistently at the most optimal temperature automatically and operates at 1500 watts. It uses 120 volts and 60 Hz only. This frying unit measures 9 by 14 by 8-1/2 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

The unit is sleek and has an elliptical black bucket shape. It is simple yet nice looking with a design that goes well with most kitchen decors. It conveniently sits on most any counter and looks nice.

It is recommended that after frying with the device, it be unplugged so it can cool down completely before any attempt is made to empty oil out of it. Then, it can be washed with warm, soapy water and dried completely. The use of steel wool to clean it is not advised nor is the use of any other harsh cleaning solution. There is a simple instruction book and recipe sheet that comes with the purchase.

The reviews on this deep fryer were good, for the most part. The device was said to look attractive and to perform well. It was noted that the price was fair too. The nice and convenient size of the unit was praised and the fact that it is easy to clean. It was stated that if the unit had a power light to alert that it was on and also one to indicate when the oil temperature was up, it would be an even better device.

It was also stated that it is important not to overload the fryer or it will foam over. Our deep fryer reviews indicated that it was a minute or two quicker in heating up than some other models that are of comparable price and size.  The fact that the temperature holds quite well was noted by more than one review.

On the negative side, it was noted that the utensils it comes with were said by some to be lacking in quality such as the slotted scoop spoon was said to be cheap.  Some mentioned that the filter that is included was not worth messing with and stated they just bypass using it and pour the oil straight in.  Some felt the 2 compartments were too small and that the lid was worthless and that it actually melted on one occasion.  Some found it helpful to purchase their own thermometer and used it since the device does not come with one.  It was also mentioned that the outside of the fryer gets very hot.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 05450 DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer.

No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Mousse

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“quick, creamy, and delightfully sweet”

Many delicious recipes have originated from the French culture, and I’m a fan of most of them – with sweet chocolate mousse being on the top of my list! However, there comes a time when you have eaten so much that your body starts craving a different flavor. Since I easily get attached to the things I like, this is usually the time when I start searching for a way to still enjoy a sweet mouse but try different flavors at the same time. Long story short, this no-bake blueberry cheesecake mousse recipe quickly became my new addiction.

It’s soft, creamy, fluffy, and it melts on your tongue – what more can we ask from a mousse?

The cheesecake and blueberry puree make for the perfect balance between sweet and sour. The cheesecake cream is a little bit sweeter, which compliments the tartier flavor of the blueberry puree.

And, the good thing is that this is a very quick and easy-to-follow recipe, which means you can make this blueberry cheesecake mousse anytime your sweet-tooth kicks in. However, you still have to resist the temptation for an hour while it chills in the fridge, so keep that in mind!

To make this recipe, you’ll need two mixing bowls, a blender, plastic wrap, and serving glasses or bowls.

The first step is to prepare the Oreo crust, so you can let it cool in the fridge while you make the cheesecake and blueberry puree. Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, butter, and sugar in a blender and pulse until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture will be crumbly, but it should still clump together.

Next, pour the mixture on a plastic wrap and press it to form a flat circle, then wrap it tightly with the plastic wrap. Place the Oreo crumble in the freezer and let it cool for 10 minutes.

In the meantime, take a large mixing bowl and whisk half-and-half for a minute or two. Once it starts to thicken, add half of the icing sugar and stir again.

Take another mixing bowl and combine the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the remaining icing sugar. Once the ingredients are combined, stir in the mixture into the half-and-half bowl. Set the bowl aside.

To make the blueberry puree, place the blueberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, and water in the blender and pulse for a minute or two. Once the puree is smooth, and there are no lumps, set it aside.

Take the Oreo crumble from the freezer and pour two to three tablespoons on the bottom of each serving glass or bowl. After this, pour a one-inch layer of the cheesecake, then the blueberry puree in each glass, and repeat the same layering process until each glass if full.

Put the glasses in the freezer to chill for an hour. It will be hard to resist, but the mousse tastes so much much better and more refreshing once it’s chilled. After all, we’re making a mousse, not a cream, so have patience.

Before serving, garnish each glass with a fresh blueberry or raspberry. Enjoy!


Prep Chill time Total Servings
15 minutes 1 hours 1 hours 15 minutes 4

Ingredients

For the cheesecake mousse:

  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 cup softened cream cheese
  • ¾ cup icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the blueberry puree:

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cup blueberries
  • 1tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp water

For the crust:

  • 1 cup oreo cookie crumbs
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  • Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs, butter, and sugar in a blender. Pulse the mixture until all of the ingredients are incorporated, and you have a crumbly blend that clumps together.
  • Roll the Oreo dough and make a flat circle. Take a plastic wrap and wrap the dough tightly, then place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a blender and pulse until you have a smooth paste with no lumps. Set it aside.
  • Take a large mixing bowl and whisk the half-and-half. Once it starts to thicken, add half of the icing sugar. Stir for one to two minutes.
  • Whisk together the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the remaining icing sugar in another mixing bowl. Stir until smooth, then pour it into the half-and-half mixture. Mix again then set aside.
  • After 10 minutes, take the Oreo crust out of the freezer. Let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  • Prepare a serving glass and add two to three tbsp of Oreo crust at the bottom.
  • After this, pour a one-inch layer of the cheesecake mousse over the Oreo crust.
  • Next, pour a one-inch layer of the blueberry puree over the cheesecake mousse.
  • Repeat the blueberry-cheesecake layering until the serving glass is full.
  • Do this with the other three serving glasses.
  • Place the glasses in the fridge for an hour.
  • Garnish with a fresh blueberry or raspberry on top and serve.

Review: Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer

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This professional style home deep fryer is a Presto brand device that features dual stainless-steel oblong baskets.  It is great for frying larger pieces of meat such as chicken or fish.  The thermostat is adjustable and has a signal light that shows when the oil is heated enough for frying.  It holds 12 cups.

Both the heating element and the enameled pot can be removed for easy clean up.  The unit is safe, built to the specifications of North American Electrical Standards.  It has an 1800-watt immersion element so it preheats quickly and has a rapid oil temperature recovery as well.

There are a number of frying temperatures this device performs at.  It requires 3 ½ quarts of oil as a minimum and can hold 5 quarts maximum.  A cover with a charcoal air filter keeps splattering and odors to a minimum.  This deep fryer has a one year limited warranty.  The design is attractive and it nicely fits into most kitchen decors.

The reviews were generally favorable on this home fryer.  It was said to perform well, rendering crispy food that is tender on the inside.  The food was also not oily or greasy many stated which is due to a unit cooking at a high consistent heat.

It was said to look attractive too.  Many liked the fact that it has a temperature indicator, but it was stated that it sometimes comes on too early so food may be put in before the oil is hot enough.  Several reviewers did a bit of research, using their own thermometers and discovered that the unit was reading 375 degrees (ready for food to be placed in) when it was only around 345 degrees.  The reviews unanimously agreed that simply moving the oil around a bit with a utensil made the oil blend to a 375-degree temperature.  It was said to cook consistently after doing so and that the temperature stated on the thermometer was correct other than the top of it when first heating up.

It was mentioned that a single fry basket is available which can replace the smaller double ones.  It was also stated that both the single and the doubles worked well and provided for great results.  The fact that the baskets would not hold enough for a 4-6 member family at one frying was mentioned.

There were some negative reviews, one saying that the device has sharp edges and is cheaply made.  Another stated that the unit doesn’t have an oil filtering mechanism.  It was mentioned that the power cord is a bit shorter than some would like.

The device got good grades for ease of cleaning and praised for the fact that some of the pieces can go in the dishwasher like the oil pan, lid, heating element and the baskets.  Another plus mentioned was that the baskets can be raised and lowered even when the lid is on.

The price tag was appealing to many who reviewed.  Most negative points seemed to be redeemed by the fact that it is fairly inexpensive.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Presto 05466 Stainless Steel Dual Basket Pro Fry Immersion Element Deep Fryer.

Review: Seal-a-Meal FSSMSL0160-000 Vacuum Sealer

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This Seal-a-Meal brand food vacuum sealer has a patented drip try making food sealing more convenient than ever before.  It fits 8 inch, 11 inch, quart, and gallon size heat-sealed bags and rolls.  This unit is hands-free so it is simple to use and has seal indicator lights so you know exactly when it is ready.  It is of a compact design making it easy to store.

The design of this sealer is sleek and attractive making it a nice and appealing addition to most any kitchen.  It removes the air from inside the bag so that food can be frozen without compromising freshness and taste.  Foods can be frozen longer due to this process.  The elimination of bulky containers in the freezer makes freezing food much more organized.  It works great for storing leftovers and new cuts of meat as well and is a great way to bring garden produce to the table at a later date.  And, this device can creatively be incorporated to even store a number of other things besides just food such as jewelry, important documents, silverware and other items from the house.

The process of sealing is now fast and easy.  Clean up is simple and convenient as well.  There is also a button that can be pushed in order to cancel the process at any time should you decide you have more to add to the bag or whatever reason you may have that you want to stop sealing.

The reviews of this food vacuum sealer were positive, for the most part.  Many found it to be very easy to use and to assemble as well.  It was said to be safe and well built by most who reviewed it.

One review did mention that all food sealers break and fail eventually.  The remark was not necessarily meant to be a negative one, but just a factual reason the reviewer decided to go with this unit, which is on the lower price end.

Many noted the indicator light as a positive attribute.  It takes the guesswork out of knowing when the bag is properly heated and sealed.  Also, the fact that the sealer is hands-free was another huge bonus feature that many complimented.

This unit was also praised for the liquid catch retaining capability.  The catch basin that comes with the sealer is said to be convenient in that it is instantly removable and allows for the liquid to be discarded while not slowing down the process of sealing.  The container being dishwasher safe was a plus as well.

It was noted that the sealer bar is mounted securely and was sturdy too.  The fact that the cord is short was a drawback, however.  The unit not offering the option to seal at partial vacuum was noted as something that could be improved upon though.  It was stated by at least one who reviewed that the sealing crimp had imperfections.

It was said that the unit is lightweight yet sturdy and affordable too.  It was also mentioned that it does not require a lot of time to cool off between sealing projects.

Click here to view prices on Amazon and find the best deal on the Seal-a-Meal FSSMSL0160-000 Vacuum Sealer.
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