The Breville Fast Slow Pro™ is simply a BRILLIANT appliance. It’s basically a pressure cooker but it knows the time, temperature and pressure that different foods need. See what I mean? Its BRILLIANT.

As you know I own quite a few appliances. You name it. I have it. But I’ve never ever owned a pressure cooker nor can I remember the last time I went to someones house who owned one.

However a food blogger friend of mine has been regularly posting about her pressure cooker recipes and I was intrigued, to say the least.

So when the Breville Fast Slow Pro™ arrived, I immediately invited Carole over to teach me a thing or two about using a pressure cooker. While she talked about the ins and outs of pressure cooking, I chopped a few ingredients for the soup.

Recipe for Split Pea Soup

1 carrot – diced

1 parsnip – diced

1 onion – chopped

2 celery stalks – chopped

2 cups of  rinsed dried split peas

6 cups of vegetable stocks (4 cups of stock and 2 cups of water – to be honest)

salt and pepper.

Directions: Put all these ingredients into the Breville Fast Slow Pro™, close the lid, press a few buttons and wait 25 minutes. Could cooking get any easier? I don’t think so.

In 25 minutes – Carole opened the lid and just like magic, dinner was served. Yes – Carole got to open the lid as I must admit I kept thinking the pot was going to explode. But Carole assured me that these days, pressure cookers are safe, safe, safe.

I had so much fun that I made a second batch of soup. Seriously.

Here’s a few things that I learned from Carole:

Some Definitions:
QR – quick release
NPR – natural pressure release
PSI – pounds per square inch

Things I Can Look Forward to Making:

I can take a frozen chicken breast and have dinner ready in 45 minutes
I can make half an acorn squash in 15 minutes
I can make beets in 24 minutes.
I can make small potatoes in 5 minutes.
I can make a whole sweet potato in 15 minutes with natural release

Great Websites about Pressure Cooking:

www.pressurecookingtimecharts.com
www.pressurecookingtoday.com

Plus she says that it’s important to follow recipes and the instructions that go along with it. (note to self)

Happy Cooking!

Disclosure: Breville Canada provided me with this appliance, however all opinions are my own.

 

 

Here’s a few shows that should be on your radar!

1. Green Living Show

March 27 – 29, 2015 at the Metro Convention Centre. (255 Front St W)

Friday, March 27:	12 P.M. – 8 P.M.
Saturday, March 28:	10 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Sunday, March 29:	10 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Love this incentive: FREE ADMISSION WITH E-WASTE, courtesy of Solve For Tomorrow & Samsung.

2. One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale:
 This show features over 450 artisans and is truly one of my favourite shows.

Dates:  March 25 – 29, 2015 (5 days) Place:  Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Hours:  Weekdays & Saturdays: 10am – 9pm; Sundays: 10am – 6pm;  Late Night Shopping: March 26, 9am – 11pm.

If you are a foodie like me, then you will want to read this blog post by Yum Yum Factor called: What’s Cooking at This Year’s Spring One of a Kind Show- My Ten Favourite Food Treats.

3. Toronto Food + Drink Market …April 10 -12, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.

As always, no shortage of fun activities to do in Toronto.