Pressure Regarding the Pressure Cooker

My family recently bought me a pressure cooker.  Knowing that I enjoy cooking but am constantly complaining about not having enough time, they ever so thoughtfully found and purchased this incredible machine.

I had no idea what it was or how it worked.  Apparently I am the only one still cooking in the middle ages, because everyone else I tell about this gift raves about how their mom used one, or how they love their cooker or how they heard the model I just received is incredible.  Who knew?

Super excited about my new gift, I opened the box.  Of course it is from Williams-Sonoma (the cult continues) and I follow the directions to the letter.  The whole time I am doing this I am arguing with my husband about the differences between a crock pot and a pressure cooker.  He is not a fan of either; it's his fear of fire, specifically me burning down the house.  He has reason for this fear, but that's another story.

Every page in the book has some sort of warning.  Do not touch!  Removing with cause serious burning! Pressure may create explosion!  All i can picture is my photo in the Buffalo News with a pressure cooker lid lodged in my burnt profile while my family sits at ECMC eating the delicious veal shank with white beans I made JUST prior to the explosion.  Also starting to think maybe my thoughtful family is trying to kill me.   These warnings are pretty scary.  Do I really need to risk my life for that quick pot roast?

After the initial fears and death fantasies subside, I plan my first meal.  The easiest thing looked like potatoes, carrots and broccoli with a ham steak.  Note I don't like ham.  I never make, except for slicing it for sandwiches around Easter time.  I don't think the boys like it either.  But it looks easy and I really really want to try my new toy.

It only took 5 minutes to cook.  Keep in mind it takes about 15 minutes to build up pressure, but still it is amazing.  The cooker also moves to a warm setting automatically in case your hard working spouse is not home when he is expected. No idea if the ham was good because as I said I do not like ham.  In hindsight, I should have tried something I liked.  Talk about no confidence.

Now I want to make more.  The next dish I tried is red beans and rice.  This came out terrific and only took 30 minutes. I am cooking up a storm.  Will plan on boeuf bouruignonne, north beach cioppino and maybe even a ginger creme brulee as the week continues.

I no longer think my family was trying to kill me.  Actually they are pretty brilliant because the boys and I will never eat all this food and they know I will drop off leftovers.  Bon Appetit!

The Fast and Furious (Running and Eating)

Thanksgiving here was marked by lots of laughs and tons of food. We started the day with the Turkey Trot. All that training was now to be tested.  Well we didn't ace this test but we were definitely average!

I could not believe the number of people both runners and sidewalk cheerleaders.   We ran into old friends and neighbors, spending the duration walking/running and mostly chitchatting.  Happy to say we finished a little over an hour (official results pending) and had a blast!  Max did much better with a score under an hour an no muscle pain or heavy breathing.  Should mention I am feeling my age today, but totally worth it.  TEAM CYWINSKI will be making this an annual event.  Maybe costumes next year?

Check out the boys getting reading -->


After a pot of coffee and a 1/2 hour in the hot tub, we were ready to commence feasting.  My family celebration was one of the best ever! My mom made the perfect turkey, dad poured the perfect drink, my sister did the most perfect dessert and my brother as always provided the perfect entertainment.  Sixteen for dinner. We all ate like it was our last meal and I left that house feeling a little tipsy.  On to the inlaws!  Another table filled with great food and stimulating conversation.  We should schedule monthly Thanksgivings :-).

On the topic of food, the NY Times did a great op piece on eating fast food and eating food fast.  Why do we have to eat so much fast food?  The Alice Waters "Edible Schoolyard" has always inspired me.  We all have the ability to choose what we eat and how much of it we consume.  her project to grow inner city school gardens is amazing.  Why not choose healthier options... less hormones, less preservations, more naturally grown, more simply prepared?  Why not teach our kids the importance of eating right by demonstrating how to do it rather than printing off a pyramid and making it a homework assignment?

As a country we are constantly rushing.  Running to work, running the kids to their activities (actually more like driving because if we were really running we would probably be in better shape)!  We need to slow down, at least we can start to slow down when it comes to eating it.  Fast food makes you sick.  Take time to rent and watch "Supersize Me".  It will at least help you realize you do have the time to NOT eat fast food.

Today on this hideous "Black Friday" check out the local news and if you are insane enough to participate, look at your fellow freaks in the stores.  They are fat.  It is not pretty or good for anyone.   Consider the words of wisdom from that cinema great ANIMAL HOUSE... (I paraphrase)   "Fat and stupid is no way to go through life".

Think about the amazing food you consumed on Thanksgiving, cut it back and realize there is no reason why you couldn't eat like this regularly.  Not as much in my case but definitely as fresh!