Kitchen

[Icegoddess]

Question from a pressure cooker newbie.  I just saw an Instant Pot commercial that basically says Step 1:  put everything in the pot, Step 2:  shows them playing, Step 3: Eat.  Now, I thought you first cooked the macaroni in the PC and then added the cheese.  They do show cheese going into the pot in step one.  Which is correct; or is both correct?  Thanks.

[Boomerdotty]

Hello - haven’t made Mac and cheese yet but I tried a number of things in the cookbook this is from and they are all great!  I am posting the recipe here since it’s availabe on her website ( I was thinking you might find answers to what you are looking for). Good luck!

https://rootitoot.com/recipes-and-cooking/beans-rice-and-pasta/macaroni-and-cheese/

[Toot1920]

@Icegoddess, all of the recipes that I've seen or tried, you add the cheese and evaporated milk (if using) at the end when pasta is done. I would think that it would curdle if you added during cooking. 

[Icegoddess]

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@Toot1920 wrote:

@Icegoddess, all of the recipes that I've seen or tried, you add the cheese and evaporated milk (if using) at the end when pasta is done. I would think that it would curdle if you added during cooking. 

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@Toot1920 thanks, that is pretty much what I figured.

[Icegoddess]

BTW @Toot1920 & @Boomerdotty , they are demo'ing the 2 qt Kitchen HQ PC on HSN (same as Cooks Essential just a different name) and she added the cheese after cooking.  It looked like the cooker was overloaded to me, but I guess it wasn't when she started because the pasta expands.  She said 2-2-2, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups heavy cream, and 2 cups pasta.  

[LonestarBabs]

Lots of easy recipes online. I've been making IP mac & cheese regularly in my 6qt IP and add the milk and cheeses at the end after the pasta has cooked. Turns out perfect every time -- except I've had best results using elbow macaroni. One time I tried penne and it was a little runny despite same quantities of all ingredients.

Add bacon and it's really yummy! Or lobster. Have fun with the basic recipe -- or not. I mean, it's mac & cheese!!!!!!

[One eye blind]

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@Icegoddess wrote:

Question from a pressure cooker newbie.  I just saw an Instant Pot commercial that basically says Step 1:  put everything in the pot, Step 2:  shows them playing, Step 3: Eat.  Now, I thought you first cooked the macaroni in the PC and then added the cheese.  They do show cheese going into the pot in step one.  Which is correct; or is both correct?  Thanks.

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I dump everything including uncooked pasta in the pot and set to 15 minutes.  Comes out perfect.

[Nightowlz]

@Icegoddess 

Here's the Mac & Cheese recipe for the Ninja Foodi that was just on ITKWD tonight (11-6) that Kenzie Swanhart made called Sam's Mac & Cheese.

Guess you would have to brown the bread crumb topping in the oven if you don't have the Foodi.

Sam's Mac and Cheese

INGREDIENTS
1 box (1 pound) dry elbow pasta
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups water
1/2 block (8-ounces) prepared cheese product, cut in 1-inch cube
1 cup heavy cream
1 bag (8-ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter, melted

DIRECTIONS
1. Place pasta, evaporated milk, spices, and water into the pressure cooking pot. Stir well to combine.
2. Assemble Pressure Cooking Lid and press START/STOP to turn on unit. Select PRESSURE and turn to LOW. Press TIME, then turn dial to 2 minutes. Select START/STOP to begin.
3. When pressure cooking is complete, naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, quick release remaining pressure by moving pressure release valve to VENT position. Carefully remove pressure cooking lid when unit has finished releasing steam.
4. Stir prepared cheese product, butter, heavy cream, and 6 ounces cheddar cheese into pasta until incorporated.
5. In a bowl, stir together remaining 2 ounces cheddar cheese with bread crumbs and melted butter. Top pasta evenly with bread crumb mixture.
6. Assemble Air Crisp lid; select AIR Crisp, set temperature to 375°F. Press TIME and turn dial to 7 minutes and select START/STOP to begin.

[aroc3435]

@Nightowlz    Terrific person you are to have posted this.  I have the Instant Pot and will try this.  Thank you!

[Icegoddess]

@Nightowlz Thanks.  I'm not into the breadcrumb topping anyways.  It's a texture thing.  I'll have to scale it down though since I only have the CE 2 Qt PC.  

Mainly, I was curious because of the IP commercial which was misleading.