Saturday, February 10, 2018

Instant Pot Clam Chowder

I was skeptical of giving this recipe from Hip Pressure Cooking a try, but when I was planning our Super Bowl party and finally realized who was playing, a menu of “Cheeseteaks” and clam chowder fit the bill. The one could be made in the slow cooker and the other in the Instant Pot was a plus. Before you worry that the clams will get tough in the instant pot, if you are using canned clams as I did, they are added in at the end and simply heated through. The flavor comes from cooking the veggies in clam juice. New England Clam Chowder
1 cup chopped bacon (about 4-5 slices thick bacon)
1 medium onions, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 medium potatoes (red or russet), cubed
2 cups clam juice (8 oz bottled plus the juice from the canned clams was perfect)
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme

1 tbs butter
1 tbs flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
11 oz frozen or canned clams (I used 2-6 oz cans)

Sauté bacon until it releases much of its fat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to scrap up the bits of flavor from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the clam juice, potatoes, bay, thym and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook on high pressure for 6 to 7 minutes, depending upon the size and type of potatoes. Quick release when the time is finished. (I used my 6 qt instant pot and had no issues with steam).

Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in flour for a quick roux. With the instant pot on sauté-low, stir in the roux, milk cream and clams. Simmer the chowder, stirring ocassionaly until it has thickened slightly and the clams are heated through, about 5 minutes. You may sauté on medium if you are nearby and able to stir frequently. Season to taste.

Serves 4

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Just before Christmas, we hosted our first cold-weather kids' party--11 children plus 14 parent/grandparents and it was too cold to go outside. Although there was food and snacks galore, the hit of the party was the hot chocolate! Even though my husband is a fervent hot chocolate fan, it had never occurred me to serve hot chocolate in the slow cooker at a party. I'd done it with hot cider but never made that obvious leap.

Anyway, if I was going to do it, I decided I might as well do it decadently. Enter this recipe from Sally's Baking Addition. I've since made it not quite as decadent, using whatever milk I've had on hand. Toppings such as marshmallows, whipped cream, and even candy canes are essential for kids, but I'm good with it plain. Even though we've left it on warm for 4-6 hours, scorching has never been a problem but keep an eye on it just in case.

Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa
6 cups whole milk (or any lesser fat %)
2 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, grated or chopped
1/4 cup (heaping) cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a 4-6 quart slow-cooker. (Anything larger and I would double the recipe.) Whisk vigorously to incorporate the cocoa powder. Cook for 4-6 hours on low and 2-4 hours on high. Be sure to stir every 45-minutes to make sure the chocolate melts evenly and the mixture does not scorch. Switch to warm when the hot cocoa is a the desired temperature.

Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows, candy canes, etc.

Leftovers, assuming there are any, may be stored in the fridge and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.