Weird Stuff I Do With My Instant Pot

Here are some of the more unusual ways I use my Instant Pot (get one like mine here):

1. Boiling Farm Fresh Eggs

Sure, boiling eggs isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but doing it in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for farm fresh butt nuggets that are typically harder to peel. The method is simple: place a cup of water in the pot, put the eggs on a nifty egg holder made especially for the IP (here’s one like mine), and set the pot to low pressure for five minutes. Once it’s done, manually release the pressure before transferring the eggs to an ice bath. The result? Perfectly cooked eggs every time with shells that practically fall off. If you like your eggs more done, increase the time by a minute and/or do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. You could also set the pressure to high, but I prefer my eggs just done, not cooked to death. 🤪

2. Rendering Tallow

Rendering tallow is surprisingly easy with an Instant Pot. Simply chop beef fat into small pieces and cook on high pressure for 60-90 minutes. Once it’s done, strain the liquid fat through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a container. The tallow can be used for cooking, skincare, soap or candle-making. The Instant Pot’s consistent heat ensures a smooth, clean tallow every time. You could also set it to slow cook over night if you need more time until you can get around to straining.

3. Making Yogurt

Homemade yogurt is the best! There are two approaches you could take when using the IP. You could keep it raw by only heating to 100°F and then adding your culture (you can use your favorite store bought yogurt to get started) OR by heating milk to 180°F using the sauté function, then cool it down to 110°F. Stir in a couple of tablespoons of starter/culture, and set the pot to the yogurt function for 8-10 hours. When you keep it raw, the flavor will vary throughout the milking season due to changing microbes. Heating to 180 kills off the natural microbes and only lets the ones in your starter flourish, but it does produce a consistent flavor. Either way, the result is creamy, tangy yogurt that's far superior to store-bought versions. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite fruits and sweeteners.

4. Infusing Herbal Remedies

For those who love holistic healing, the Instant Pot is perfect for making herbal remedies. There are several options and endless experiments to be had here! You can make oil infusions, tinctures, extracts, decoctions, syrups, etc.! Use it with heat and pressure or just heat (slow cook), depending on your goals.

5. Making Bone Broth

Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in collagen and minerals. Making it in the Instant Pot cuts down the simmering time dramatically. Place bones and your choice of herbs and spices in the pot, cover with water, and cook on high pressure for 2-3 hours. Strain the broth and enjoy it as a base for soups, stews, or just as a warming drink. The Instant Pot’s high pressure extracts all the goodness from the bones, resulting in a rich, flavorful broth. You can also select the slow cook option and extend this out overnight, depending on when you’ll be able to get back to it. I love the flexibility of timing with this thing!

The Instant Pot’s versatility extends far beyond typical recipes. From perfectly boiled eggs to homemade yogurt, rendered tallow, herbal remedies, and nourishing bone broth, the possibilities are endless. Each experiment not only saves time but also opens up new kitchen adventures. I hope I’ve inspired you to experiment with your own creativity in using the IP for things beyond a fast dinner fix!

🌼🌸 Do you have a question about holistic health or homesteading? Do you need guidance in steering your family or farm in a natural, holistic direction? We offer consults! 🌸🌼

Learn more here: https://www.highergroundal.com/herbs

👩🏼‍🌾🙌🏻We make all of our herbal products with only natural ingredients! No fake fragrances (hormone disruptors), AND everything is Biblically Clean, meaning no pork🐷or shellfish🦞in any of our formulas!

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