Smart Pressure Cooker - Smart Chef

Forget whatever horror stories you heard about your grandmother's pressure cooker. For time saving, flavor and nutrition no cooking method beats today's safe and reliable pressure cookers. You can get home at 7:00 and have a complete, fresh, homecooked meal on the table by 7:30 or even earlier. Put those soggy, bland microwave meals behind you, and get ready to accept the adulation of your adoring family.

Here is how a pressure cooker works its magic. The cover or lid locks in place creating a closed system at a standard 15 pounds of pressure. At this pressure water boils at 257 degrees F instead of the usual 212 degrees F. The higher temperature cooks the food faster. About three times faster than regular stove top cooking methods. Small to medium-sized potatoes cook in five minutes, and a whole "roast" chicken dinner cooks in only twenty minutes. All foods, vegetables in particular, keep their color and their flavor. Nutrients stay trapped in the pot instead of dissipating in a cloud of steam.

Stainless Skillet

For family use the Kuhn Rikon 7 liter stainless steel pressure cooker is the gold standard. An aluminum disk in the base, sandwiched by stainless steel, cooks evenly on gas, electric, ceramic and induction stovetops. That old, dancing pressure valve that scared the beejezus out of your grandmother is replaced with modern safety features that quietly regulate pressure and keep the lid safely locked while the contents are pressurized.

Smart Pressure Cooker - Smart Chef

Presto pressure cookers have been around for a long time and offer a variety of different sized stainless steel and aluminum pots. Professional chefs prefer a stainless pressure cooker because it is nonreactive and can be safely cleaned in a dishwasher, but aluminum is also a good choice if weight is a consideration. You want heat resistant double handles, one on each side of the pot, in every case. A 6 quart pressure cooker is minimum family size. Go larger if you will use it as a canner.

You are better off sticking with a name brand manufacturer even when price is your primary consideration. Quality control is likely to be better but more importantly you want to be able to get replacement parts when you need them five or ten years from now. Valves get lost. Gaskets wear out or get damaged. A loose fitting lid doesn't affect your stock pot but it will put your pressure cooker out of business.

Many models come with useful accessories like racks, trivets or vegetable steamers which keep food from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Most chefs brown meats before attaching the lid so sticking does occur. You may still want to avoid nonstick interiors, however. The occasional inconvenience of a little extra cleaning far outweighs the risk of a pitted or peeling interior coating. Nonstick interiors are less of a potential problem with electric pressure cookers.

Cuisinart makes a programmable electric pressure cooker worth considering. Priced between the Presto and the Kuhn Rikon pressure cooker its push-button controls and digital display make an attractive package. The Cuisnart can be programmed for high or low pressure cooking, browning, simmering, sauteing or warming. And you got to admit that an electronic thermostat is more foolproof than setting a stovetop control to a precise position. You do give up some flexibility, however, because you can't open the lid until the cooker says you can. With the stove top models you can instantly drop the pressure and open the lid by putting the unit under cold water.

Dozens of specialized pressure cooking recipe books are available.

Smart Pressure Cooker - Smart Chef

Western Decorating Ideas For Your Kitchen

If you are into the Western decorating theme, you can have a lot of fun using it to decorate your kitchen. In fact, you can take one element of the theme and go crazy with it. For instance, one Western decorating idea is to focus on a Western object like some cowboy boots or a cowboy hat. You can even combine elements and use both of them as your central decorating theme.

You can find all types of decor in the Western decorating theme. Try looking for cookie jars or other ceramics that you can sit out on your counter for an interesting effect. Also look for western themed curtains and light switch covers. One fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon is to scour the local antique shops for Western themed decor. You'll be surprised at the interesting items you can find! You can use browns, red, navy, or cream to pull in the Americana theme to the mix as well.

Stainless Skillet

One great way to pull off the theme is to also look for accents made of unfinished wood. You can often find tables and chairs that actually look like they were made with unfinished logs. These are perfect for a Western decorated kitchen. In addition, you can use photo frames that look unfinished and put pictures of your family or of western mountains and hills in them. You can also find many items made from tree branches or logs as well as items made from deer antlers and items covered in cow hide (either faux or real!)

Western Decorating Ideas For Your Kitchen

Another great thing to use is copper or black iron accents. You can get away with either of these. If you have a pot hanger over your kitchen island, you should try mixing both copper pieces and cast iron pieces. In addition, you can even use cast iron skillets or pans as wall decor and hang them accordingly. And don't forget pot holders, tablecloths and dish towels made with Western theme fabrics.

Try your own Western decorating ideas in your kitchen to see exactly what works for you and what doesn't. The Western theme is perfect if you love to constantly feel like you are the "Wild West" or in a log cabin. It can look great in any home if you are consistent with the decor. Using Western style accents on the counters, window treatments, floors and walls will help pull the look together and make you feel like you are rustling up grub for your cowhands on a Western ranch even if you are living in a modern city home!

Western Decorating Ideas For Your Kitchen

Learning How to Cook Salmon Fillets

While most people who cook salmon regularly would suggest grilling as the only option for cooking salmon steaks, how to cook salmon fillets is a little more open to preference. What is most important is to use methods and recipes that complement salmon's natural and nutritious flavor.

Salmon fillets are boneless and can be smoked and used as lox. Since all skin and bones have been removed, salmon fillets are excellent for recipes requiring gourmet presentations. When buying fillets, ask to have it filleted and skinned, and to remove pinbones. A general rule is 6 ounces of raw salmon is considered a good serving size.

Stainless Skillet

How to cook salmon fillets is as varied as the flavors you can add: smoking, steaming, poaching, pan-frying, curing and baking are just a few of the options.

Learning How to Cook Salmon Fillets

A Bourbon basted salmon is as easy as marinating a 1.5lb salmon fillet in a mixture of brown sugar, bourbon, green onions, soy sauce and vegetable oil. Marinate salmon at least 1 hr and baste the salmon at least once with the marinade. Grill the salmon for about 7 minutes per side or wrap in aluminum foil with some of marinade, place on cookie sheet. Bake in 375 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Or you could slow roast the salmon, cutting it lengthwise and then crosswise to make 4 equal squares of fish. Rub the fish with a pinch of turmeric and season with salt and pepper. Roast the salmon, in lightly oiled oven-proof pan, turning the pieces carefully with a spatula after about 10 minutes, until just cooked through, about 20 minutes in all. Slow-roasted salmon looks bright orange when done, and will be moist in the center.

How to cook salmon fillets is as varied as your tastes. You can also slather both sides of the salmon with the olive oil, season both sides with salt, and bake (skin side down) over a bed of dill sprigs in an oversized shallow baking dish. Place salmon on top, skinned side down.

Whatever your gusto, salmon fillets offer a delicate and nutritious option for your cooking adventures.

Learning How to Cook Salmon Fillets

How to Roast Meat in an Electric Frying Pan

As well as fried foods like pancakes, eggs and burgers, you can use an electric frying pan to make stews, chili, and even soup. One of the best uses of this handy kitchen appliance though is roasting meat. This is because an electric frying pan distributes heat evenly. An electric skillet is a brilliant backup if your stove stops working and it means you can cook more food because you get additional workspace and using the electric pan means you can cook something else in the oven at the same time.

Also, because you can adjust your electric skillet's temperature easily, these machines are very good for cooks who are experimenting with temperatures and cooking times for their recipes.

Stainless Skillet

You might like to roast beef, pork, or lamb. Most meats roast nicely and if you are using an electric frying pan to make this meal, you will find the process to be relatively straightforward.

How to Roast Meat in an Electric Frying Pan

Tips for Juicy Roast Beef

If you want to roast meat for two people, you will need a medium sized electric frying pan. You will need a three to four pound roast, some chopped carrots and onions and some seasonings.

The first thing to do is add a few tablespoons of cooking oil to the electric frying pan. Set the temperature on the pan to 400 degrees F and let the oil warm up. Season your beef with salt, black pepper and any other herbs or spices you want to use. Carefully lower the meat into the electric frying pan and watch out, in case the oil spatters a bit. Brown the meat on every side.

It is important to ensure your beef is very moist while you are roasting it, because this means it will come out succulent and juicy when it is done. You can add a cup of water or beef broth to the pan if you want.

If you do this, you will need to cover the pan, else the liquid will evaporate, and the roast might burn. Turn the temperature down to medium and leave it to simmer slowly for half an hour.

Adding the Vegetables to the Pan

Take the lid off and arrange some chopped vegetables around the meat. You can use fruit if you prefer, or a combination of vegetables and fruit. This gives the roast an exotic flavor. Cook the meat with the vegetables or fruit for another hour, then take off the lid and see whether the vegetables are tender. Beef usually needs half an hour per pound, if you cook it in an electric skillet. Turn it halfway through the cooking time, to ensure it cooks evenly.

Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest part f the meat. If it reads 150 degrees F, it is done. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the roast to see if it is cooked through. Let it rest for ten minutes before serving, to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Roast Meat in an Electric Frying Pan

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili

In this article we will look at a low calorie, high protein chili recipe that is sure to please you and your family or guests. It is not hard to make a quality dish of chili as many times this dish gets bad press as being fattening and this is just not the case.

I love chili! I can eat it anytime of the year and never be unhappy with it! It is fast, and cheap like some of the girls I dated in college but that is another story entirely! Many people think that chili is fattening because of the carbs associated with it in the form of beans. Let me be the first to tell you that no one person has ever gotten fat from eating beans unless they bury them in fat and grease. Period! Chili, if done properly whether it is beef, chicken, or even pork can be a low fat, high protein shot that tastes great! The secret is to get the flavor you want from the ingredients and not from the fat! Believe me, this is not hard to do. Here is a low fat, high protein chili with all the benefits of helping one to lose weight and stay healthy and not have all the fat that can be associated with day to day chili. This chili recipe will serve 6+/- people. In this recipe I will use beef, but you can substitute whatever kind of meat protein that you wish. Chicken, turkey, pork or even tofu if you want to make this a vegetarian style of chili. There are also tofu products that are textured like tofu sausage that is really excellent for chili recipes. So here we go with the ingredients.

Stainless Skillet

The ingredients you will need are:

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili

1. 1 1/2-2Lbs of lean ground beef. It should be 10% or less if you can get it.

2. 4 garlic bulbs finely chopped.

3 tablespoons of either California or New Mexico chili powder.

1 dash of cayenne for added heat if you like. The thermogenics and metabolism boost from it is good too!

I tablespoon of cumin.

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.

1 large can of fire roasted tomatoes diced up. These cans are either 26 to 28 oz.

2 15oz can of some kind of red bean either kidney or Louisiana red bean. Pinto beans will do in a pinch though.

1 large onion chopped fine. Either a brown or red onion the choice is yours.

1 1/2 of a cup or more depending on taste of canned diced chilies. The Hatch chili variety is best in my opinion.

3 to 4 tablespoons of tomato paste.

1 or 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

1 one little dash of salt or sea salt or even season salt, or you can leave the salt out for your guests to add themselves. I know salt make you hold water, but is some cases you just have to have some to bring the flavors of your food out.

OK! Lets cook:

1. Get your hands on a large skillet of either the no stick, stainless steel or my favorite a cast iron skillet and take your very lean ground beef and brown it up. When the beef is browned and not burned, it is time for you to drain off the excess fat from the skillet. I usually put the beef in a bowl and then take another bowl and place it on top of the bowl with the beef and squeeze down and tip sideways over the sink and squeeze all that extra fat out of the beef. I leave what little grease is still in the pan and if there is too much I drain it out until only a slick remains.

2. Now it is time for you to put the beef back into your skillet and put the garlic, chili powder, and cumin in for you to mix together on a low medium heat. When the total ingredients in the skillet are hot and simmering as you can tell from the little bubbles on the sides of the skillet it will be time for you to add y our tomatoes, onions, chilies, beans, and tomatoes to the recipes and stir them together and let them blend. It is good to let this mixture cook for 2 to 4 hours on low simmer and you should check it every now and again with your spoon to see if you want to add anything to this recipe. About ten minutes before the dish is done add your Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and salt. Keep on low for another thirty minutes and then turn the heat off and let the flavors marry to each other. When your guests arrive it is chow time!

Best Chili Recipes - You Can Lose Weight Eating This Low Calorie Chili