I have an Instant Pot IP-Duo60, which is a 6-quart size. The size is great for just us. I use it this appliance frequently. In fact, my sweet hubby got me an IP Lux Mini for Christmas.
With Valentine’s Day coming up I thought I’d offer up some menu ideas for those who are celebrating at home instead of going out. When you’re loved by family and good friends, your richly blessed. A day to celebrate love is a good idea.
I’m sure there are those out there who are going to complain about the commercialisation. Well, quit grumping about it and celebrate it in a less commercialised way. Make them a card and write the words of your heart. How good they make you feel when you’re with them. How you appreciate the things they do for you.
A sincere effort should be appreciated by the recipient. Giving a token that means something, an item they will treasure by you. Take look at what Etsy has to offer. There are many great artisans and a price range to fit most budgets. Plus, you’ll be supporting craftspeople and their unique items.
So, here are two recipes for your consideration:
Garlic Herb Pot Roast from WellnessMama.com
5 minutes prep time, 40 minutes cook time
Serves 6+
3-4 pound beef chuck roast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh, minced
1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning or equivalent dried herbs of your choice
2 Tablespoons coconut oil or butter
1 onion, peeled
6 large carrots, peeled
1-pound of chopped potatoes
2 cups bone broth
¼ cup of red wine, optional
4 ounces of cremini mushrooms, optional
½ teaspoon dried thyme, optional
Cut beef into 2-inch or smaller cubes. Place on a plate and sprinkle evenly with spices and set aside.
Turn Instant Pot to “Saute” setting and melt the coconut oil or butter in the pot.
Thinly slice an onion and add. Saute for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly browned. Deglaze the pan with the red wine if you’re using it.
Add roast pieces in a single layer on top of the onions.
Pour broth over the roast.
Put on the lid, lock and set to seal.
While roast is cooking chop the carrots into 1-inch pieces.
Press the cancel/warm button to stop the Saute setting, then press the “Manual” button and set the time for 40 minutes.
When the time is up, turn off the Instant Pot and carefully release the pressure by pushing the lever to the “venting” position until all of the steam is released.
When the pressure releases open the lid and add the carrots and potatoes. Quickly replace the lid, turn the lever back to seal and press the Manual button for 10-minutes.
Repeat the venting process and check the carrots and potatoes for doneness. (You might have to add another 10 minutes.)
You can use the liquid to pour over the roast and vegetables or you can use it to make a gravy.
Heart and flower graphic by Larisa Koshkina/Pixabay
Tambra’s Pork Loin with Mushrooms (Instant Pot)
45 minutes, plus 5 minutes then Quick Release
You might not have exactly the same ingredients I do, so use what you have. Don’t have A1 or Lea&Perrins, but you do have French’s Worcestershire, use it instead.
2-pound pork loin, cut in half
Brush on A1 sauce or Lea & Perrins Steak Sauce to all over pork loin
Sprinkle some steak seasoning or chicken seasoning
2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Coconut Oil to brown
1 ½ cups Bone Broth/Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
*I use Better than Bouillon and it works great, too
Small can of mushrooms, add the liquid with the broth
Trivet that comes with the Instant Pot
Plug in Instant Pot and turn on the Saute function. Add the olive oil or coconut oil. Take one half of the pork loin and lightly rub around the bottom of the pot. Now, add the other half of the pork loin. Brown. Remove to a plate while you add the broth and the can of mushrooms.
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and the pieces of pork beside each other.
Put the lid on and make sure the lever is set to “Seal”.
Press the Manual button for 45 minutes. Let it go 5 minutes more and then do a Quick Release.
You can serve this with rice or mashed potatoes; the liquid is great to pour over the meat or you can make gravy. Add some steamed vegetables and you have a meal. Leftover meat can be shredded and barbeque sauce mixed in for sandwiches the next day.
For other recipe ideas, pick up my book The Scottish English Texas: 56 Teatime Recipes, available at Amazon.com. A Valentine’s Day tea would wonderfully romantic. You could make the pork loin and some of the recipes from my tea book. Take some photos and put them in a memory book with notes written by both of you about the special things that were said, how you felt.
Kids can write messages on construction paper hearts with chores or things they’ll do without complaint. Maybe have 5 hearts. This needs to fit in with the child’s age. Example: Fold their clothes and put them away. Empty the dishwasher. Clean their room. Have the kids think of what they want to do. Place them in a decorated container so the recipient can pull one out.
While the craft supplies are out they could make Valentine cards for their grandparents. Pinterest has lots of great crafty and DIY things to do.
Whatever you decide, I hope your holiday is filled with love and happy memories.
Hugs to all, Tambra
PS: My website is up https://tambrakendall.com It still needs a bit of tweaking but at least I’ve got one again. Yay!
Tambra Nicole Kendall 