September 22, 2021 – Remember hearing the hiss of the traditional pressure cooker and being told not to get near it because it might explode? The electric pressure cookers that flooded the market a few years ago trigger those same feelings of anxiety for some. University of Illinois Extension serving DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties hopes to alleviate safety concerns and provide useful tips and tricks in a Lunch and Learn series focusing on electric pressure cookers.
Cookin’ In An Instant is a free, six-week virtual program that will meet weekly from noon to 12:30 pm on Thursdays beginning Oct. 21 and ending Dec. 2. There will not be a meet-up on Nov. 25. In between each session, participants will prepare the week’s recipe and then report back on successes and challenges. Participants need to provide their own pressure cooker and food supplies.
“This class allows participants to practice with a new kitchen appliance that can make cooking times faster and require less monitoring than stovetop recipes,” says Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Caitlin Mellendorf. “I’m also helping them to increase their comfort with an appliance under pressure and giving home cooks another tool to make home cooking easier.”
Week 1: Introduction to Electric Pressure Cookers (homework: Applesauce)
Week 2: Using the Sauté Feature (homework: Pulled pork)
Week 3: HI and LOW Pressure (homework: Hard-boiled eggs)
Week 4: Automated Buttons (homework: Rice)
Week 5: Recipe Brainstorming (homework: Self-selected recipes)
Week 6: Converting Recipes to Electric Pressure Cooking
There is no cost to attend this virtual series, but pre-registration is required. Register at go.illinois.edu/dmpEvents by Oct.18. For more information, contact DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Counties Nutrition and Wellness Educator at (217) 877-6042.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact (217) 877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access need.
