Question for “Ask the Dietitian”: I just got a pressure cooker for my birthday and I have no idea what to cook in it!  Help!!!  Do you have any healthy recipes or know anything about cooking in one?  I am really excited about it because it will let me cook meats quicker at night rather than my family eating at 7:30, maybe 7, which can make a BIG difference with cranky toddlers…  THANKS!!!!

Every few years there is always a “new” up and coming appliance, and I have to admit I think right now it is the pressure cooker. Even though you can hardly say it is new since they have been manufactured since the 1800’s.

Pressure cookers are great because they save you time. What busy mommy wouldn’t benefit from saving time? They cook quickly because they use the pressure from the built up hot, trapped steam in the pot. It’s easy to cook healthy with pressure cookers, since the food retains so much more of its nutrients and flavor. Some may be weary about pressure cookers for fear of them being unsafe, but the new pressure cookers are very safe and reliable.

Here are some tips for cooking with a pressure cooker:

• Always have enough liquid. You will need at least 1 cup. Never fill more than 1/2 full of liquid.
• Never fill more than 2/3 full with food.
• If you are adapting a favorite recipe for the pressure cooker, make sure you reduce the cooking time by at least 25%, maybe even 50%.

Below are links for a couple of cookbooks that I would recommend to get you started. Not only do they have recipes, but they include some basic information on how to cook with your pressure cooker, very informative if you are just getting started. I also included two pressure cookers for any moms who are interested in saving some time in the kitchen themselves. There are two different options: electric and stove top.

I hope you enjoy your pressure cooker, and that it helps you get those toddlers fed sooner!