Lingo: Know the Pieces and Parts of a pressure cooker
What makes cooking on a Tuesday night different than cooking on the weekend? Time. Time to plan, time to prep and cook. Enter two time-saving appliances. One you know well—the slow cooker—requires time to prep and cook. The other—the pressure cooker—requires prep but cuts cooking time significantly. The recipes in this book offer the option of cooking the same dish in either a slow cooker or pressure cooker with equally delicious results. And you have the choice of how you use your time.
The recipes in Better Homes & Gardens® Fast or Slow have been thoroughly tested in our Test Kitchen for both cooking methods and in a variety of types of slow cookers and pressure cookers—both stove-top and electric. There’s no more trying to convert your favorite slow cooker recipes to a pressure cooker or vice versa; it’s all here in clear, no-fail instructions.
First, a caveat: Be sure to thoroughly read manuals for your specific appliances, because function can vary among brands and types of cooker. Electric pressure cooker and multicooker (such as the Instant Pot®) recipes in this book were tested on high pressure (not using preset buttons). Always bring the pressure cooker up to heat and release pressure—natural or quick release—according to recipe instructions.
In addition to the full instructions for both the slow cooker and pressure cooker, you’ll find bonus features scattered throughout the book.
“Up the Flavor” tips offer ideas to enhance or switch the flavor of a recipe (more options!). Information about ingredients, make-ahead tips, and substitutions make recipes even more convenient.
Additionally, many of the recipes in this book have icons at the top to indicate features to consider when meal planning. Here’s what each icon represents:
[ WEEKNIGHT ]
These slow cooker recipes can be started in the morning, then it’s hands off for 8-plus hours.
[ VEGETARIAN ]
No ingredients contain meat or meat products.
[ HEALTHY ]
Main-dish recipes
Calories: 425 or fewer
Fat: 15 grams or fewer
Protein: 10 grams or more
Fiber: 3 grams or more
Sodium: 800 milligrams or fewer
Sides and snacks
Calories: 175 or fewer
Fat: 8 grams or fewer
Fiber: 1 gram or more
Sodium: 500 milligrams or fewer
[ COMPANY ]
While every recipe is delicious, some are especially company-worthy.