Instant Pot Chicken Stew and Dumplings

 I wanted some total comfort food on a cold night, and wanted it fast.  Instant Pot to the rescue!

Dumplings are a quick bread, and over-working the dough after adding liquid to the dry ingredients will result in a rubbery texture.  Be careful to mix only as needed.  I find that using clean fingers mixes the best with minimal work.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew and Dumplings

1 lb. (approx) chicken boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed

3 carrots, peeled and sliced

3 stalks of celery, sliced

1 medium onion, cut up

2 cloves or 1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. dried parsley

4 1/2 to 5 cups chicken broth (or water mixed with chicken soup base, 1 tsp. base per c. water)

Put all of the ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir to mix.

Dumplings:

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. dried parsley

3/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. cold butter

3/4 c. milk

Mix 1st four ingredients together. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until particles of butter are small, like peas. Add milk and "work" until barely mixed.  Drop by spoonfuls into the soup mixture in the Instant Pot.

Put the lid on the Pot and seal.  Make sure vent is set to seal, not exhaust.  Cook on high for 5 minutes, then let it do a natural release - 20 minutes for an 8 qt. pot and 25 minutes for a 6 qt pot.  Release the rest of the pressure through the exhaust valve before removing the lid.  VOILA!

BE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL SAFETY GUIDELINES WHEN USING YOUR PRESSURE COOKER.

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

 I've been on a quest for a recipe for a soft yet crispy and consistently chocolatey chocolate chip cookie.  I found one that was close and tweaked it a bit.

Butter and eggs are used at room temp, and the recipe doesn't work as intended if you use cold butter.

Chilling the dough is important in this recipe, so don't skip it.  

The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie

3/4 c. butter, room temp

3/4 c. light or dark brown sugar

1/4 c. white sugar

1 egg, room temp

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

12 oz. bag semi sweet chocolate chips

Mix together butter and sugars, then beat at a medium speed for 2 minutes (MUST DO!)  Add egg and vanilla and mix well.  Stir together flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt and add to the above mixture.  Mix together well; dough will be stiff and that's fine.  Stir in or use low speed on the mixer to add the chocolate chips.  Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour to 2 days.  

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and let it set for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Roll the dough into balls about 1" to 1 1/4" in diameter.  Set onto non-stick or parchment paper lined cookie sheets (I get 12 on a pan).  Bake 10 to 12 minutes until barely browned on top and set.  Cookies are soft, so let them sit for a minute before removing from cookie sheets to cool.

Makes 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (link)

We tried this for the first time a couple of days ago.  I was impressed with the flavor!

Keto Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli (link)



(not my pic)

Super Moist Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins (link)

Oh my!  My family (especially the little ones) loves these!

Super Moist Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins



 (not my pic)

Note:  I mix the chips right in the batter, and I prefer to use mini chocolate chips.

Instant Pork Chop One Pot Meal (link)

Here's another instant pot recipe that we enjoy. Fairly quick and easy to make, and it's all from scratch to keep it frugal. Tip: read the recipe over a few times to familiarize yourself with it, then do all prep before starting. Cooking and adding ingredients moves quickly!


https://frugalhausfrau.com/2017/10/31/instant-pot-pork-chop-one-pot-meal/