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AlwaysLearning
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| Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 9:57pm | IP Logged
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I was wondering if anyone uses a pressure cooker? I've been kind of afraid to use one, but it sounds like they have gotten safer than they use to be. Still, the thought of steam spraying out scares me a little.
If you have one, can you tell me what size you recommend (8 qt., 10 qt. or more for a family of 8), and what type of foods you cook in them?
It really sounds like they can be timesavers, but the price can get kind of high (especially for the stainless steel pressure cookers).
Thanks for any insights!
Karen
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 21 2009 at 10:03pm | IP Logged
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well just so you know.. the current pressure cookers/canners have a pressure release valve designed to blow instead of the lid.. and even if the lid does blow they're done in such a way that there's a lip to catch the lid so it can't come off.. it would be really hard to have it come at your face.
but generally if you follow directions for the cooking.. the risk is pretty minimal.. sorta like the oil catching on fire when you're cooking.. sure it can happen but some basic precautions doesn't make it real likely. 
That said I mainly use a pressure canner.. I've used a pressure cooker in the past but haven't for years. I do remember it would cook a roast or chicken down to "shreds" very quickly which was great for making tamales.. rather than a two day process (first cooking the meat) it was a one day process you could make it for dinner that night.
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littlemenmom
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 6:43am | IP Logged
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I have one, but I have only used it to make corned beef with potatoes, carrots and cabbage. I keep intending to try other things, but forget. It makes the corned beef very tender and the flavor is very intense when pressure cooked. The safety features make me feel completely safe and I have a 8 qt.
The idea of cooking down meat for tamales is getting my brain to think of trying it out for other foods now!
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marihalojen
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 8:17am | IP Logged
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Karen, I have a terrific Italian made one that doesn't resemble my Mom's old canner at all!  I think it is kind of like how different the Crockpots are today vs. a few years ago.
I use it a TON in the summertime to speed cooking up and keep the heat off the boat. I also always use it when we're out sailing as it reduces the amount of propane we have to carry.
There are some beautiful cookbooks out there now for pressure cooking with really yummy recipes including desserts! Who knew? I will say don't experiment with pasta  it took forevah to scrub that out of the bottom of the pot!
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juststartn
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 9:59am | IP Logged
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I have a couple, I rarely use them except for the big 22qt canner....which I use for canning, oddly enough.
Rachel
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Angi
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 4:24pm | IP Logged
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I have one - an older one. I have used it to cook fresh green beans quickly and to make chili when I wanted it NOW, not in 8 hours.
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Jan 22 2009 at 5:45pm | IP Logged
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I've used one for years and love it! I started out using one to cook whole grains because I couldn't eat wheat at the time and needed to figure out how to eat differently. We still use one for whole grains in the morning for breakfast. Nothing to be afraid of at all - really. I started with a Magefesa which was one of the best at the time and now I think I have a Fagor...not sure why. I'll guess that it is around five quarts.
Great for chili and gives broth soups long simmering flavor quickly.
Love,
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AlwaysLearning
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| Posted: Jan 23 2009 at 5:15pm | IP Logged
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Thanks for all of your insights on pressure cooking! I've been reading reviews for them on Amazon (oh how I love to read reviews on Amazon  )and it does sound like people love their pressure cookers! I would love to be able to make a quick soup broth or shredded meats for tamales.
Angie, the Fagor brand you mentioned seemed to have a lot of good reviews...maybe I'll put it in my shopping cart and wait for the price to drop...does anyone else do that?
Thanks again!
Karen
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Jan 23 2009 at 5:17pm | IP Logged
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AlwaysLearning wrote:
| Angie, the Fagor brand you mentioned seemed to have a lot of good reviews...maybe I'll put it in my shopping cart and wait for the price to drop...does anyone else do that? |
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Yep!
Let us know what you think of it when you get one. I would be hard pressed to live without it:).
Love,
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Angie Mc
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Anyone have a pressure cooker?
