Author: Sarah Nicole

Things You Need To Know About The Instant Pot

Whether you own an Instant Pot or you’re researching while looking to buy one, there’s so much about them that you may not know! These revamped pressure cookers are taking over the modern kitchen, and for good reason – it can cook your food ridiculously fast, and replace many other kitchen gadgets you’ve been using […]

The post Things You Need To Know About The Instant Pot appeared first on Forkly.

Whether you own an Instant Pot or you’re researching while looking to buy one, there’s so much about them that you may not know! These revamped pressure cookers are taking over the modern kitchen, and for good reason – it can cook your food ridiculously fast, and replace many other kitchen gadgets you’ve been using all these years. It’s called a 7-in-one, and that’s because it’s capable of so many different cooking methods all in one gadget. While kitchen cupboard real estate is high value in homes these days, this one is worth the sacrifice. So yes, we know that the Instant Pot can do a lot of things, but there are tips and tricks that will help you optimize your success with it. Hopefully, by the end of this list, you’ll either be convinced to buy one or discover new ways to use the one you have!

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1. The Cook Time Isn’t Entirely Accurate

It might seem confusing that the cook time is not always accurate, but it doesn’t need to be. Allow me to explain. When a recipe calls for “8 minutes on high pressure” for example, those 8 minutes are not accounting for the amount of time it takes for the Instant Pot to generate the pressure before it cooks.

When you set your Instant Pot, expect to wait several minutes before the timer begins. This is key when you’re trying to time out all your dishes perfectly. Account for those pressure-building minutes, and you’re going to be a well-timed cooking machine!

DorotaSe / Shutterstock

2. It Has An Amazing Sauté Feature

This is often a very overlooked feature of the Instant Pot. While many consider the pressure cooker just a time-advanced version of a Crock Pot, this is something that the Crock Pot can’t do.

By simply pressing the “sauté” button on the Instant pot, the bottom of the pot heats up, and you’re able to sauté anything you need to in the hot pan. This is wonderful when you really want a good saute flavor to your onions and peppers before creating the rest of your dish, or perhaps browning your meat before cooking, giving it a great sear on the outside.  Whatever you do, do not skip over the sauté feature. It might just be a favorite.

Sergiy Bykhunenko / Shutterstock

3. It Can Cause Milk To Curdle

YUCK. Even the word “curdle” makes my stomach turn. So here’s a downside of the Instant Pot, while it can do many amazing things, sometimes it has the misfortune of creating a heat that’s so high, it causes the milk proteins to separate.

Good news is, it’s perfectly safe to eat, but chances are you’re not going to want to. However, many dairy-inclusive recipes work just fine in the Instant Pot. For example, many say that cheese is great in it! But, this may take some testing to find out what kinds of dairy and recipes are going to cause this issue. This isn’t an isolated issue either, slow cookers are known for doing the same. The best thing you can do is add your dairy to the recipe at the end when it’s finished pressure cooking.

Spalnic / Shutterstock

4. It Can Cook Frozen Meats

Slow cookers can’t cook frozen meals. Or at least, it’s not recommended. However, you get the green light with an Instant Pot! This is great when you’re truly last-minute in your dinner planning and don’t have time to thaw your meats (especially on those days when you forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer).

All you need to do to make this dream a reality is increase the cooking time by 50%. One exception would be large roasts, you’ll likely not want to cook those from frozen, as it will create an overcooked outside, and undercooked inside. Not ideal. But for meatballs, chicken breasts, steaks etc – you’re golden.

Kei Shooting / Shutterstock

5. Pressure Cooking IS NOT Steaming

While you absolutely can use your Instant Pot to steam vegetables (it even comes with a handy basket for such things) when it comes to cooking most of your food – it’s not steaming, it’s pressure cooking. When you think about it, who wants to eat steamed meat?

In a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot, it’s creating pressure from the steam, creating a force that breaks down the food very quickly. It’s the same method of a slow cooker, but much much faster. Consider putting your Instant Pot to better use in other ways and stick to steaming your veggies the old fashioned way.

ValeryMinyaev / Shutterstock

6. There are 2 Types Of Venting

On the top of the Instant Pot is the most important piece of the gadget, and that’s the venting switch. When pressure cooking, this should be set to “seal”. When your cooking is complete there are actually two options when it comes to venting.

The first is to do a quick release, where you turn the knob to “venting” (use an oven mitt for safety) and let all the steam out in just a minute or so. The quick release method is best for stopping the cooking process quickly, ideal for vegetables and pasta. Or, you can opt for a natural release, where the pressure will be released gradually. You do this simply by just letting the pot sit, still on “sealed” while the pressure gradually diminishes which is ideal for meals such as porridge or soup. You’ll be able to tell when both methods are finished releasing when the indicator button drops down.

Prarinya / Shutterstock

7. It Needs Liquid To Cook

To build that pressure to cook, the machine needs something to create that pressure, and that comes from the liquid. Even if you’re cooking meat, you’ll need a minimum of a cup of liquid to properly prepare it.

The liquid can be water or broth, which will both create a great steam for pressure cooking. Be careful though, too much liquid will result in a loss of flavor. If you’re using a thicker liquid for cooking, you should dilute it first to make sure it’s able to create a steam pressure for cooking. If you’re hoping for a thicker sauce, just add thickeners such as cornstarch after the pressure cooking is complete.

HannaTor / Shutterstock

8. Pressure Cooking Isn’t Dangerous, Anymore

In the 1600’s the first pressure cooker was invented. Back then, they didn’t have the technology or the safety testing we do today. Even dating back ten years, pressure cookers were known for being dangerous, explosive, hazardous and not something to trust in your own home.

While you’ve likely heard the horror stories, the good news is that the newly revamped versions of the pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot, have so many safety measures built into them now, that with a little bit of knowledge and some basic common sense, the device is entirely safe. Common sense, for example, would mean not opening it before it’s been properly vented.

Michael Dechev / Shutterstock

9. Manual Mode Is Your Best Friend

There’s a lot of buttons on the Instant Pot. Truthfully, when I first bought mine, it sat for about 2 weeks because I was just overwhelmed by how to use it. It seemed complicated, too complicated, and I wasn’t in the mood for reading the novel of an instructional guide.

Then I learned, that the manual button is the one button you’re going to use the most, and when you start with that, everything else starts to make sense. I’ll be honest, I’ve only ever used the manual button and the saute, and I’m still overwhelmingly in love with my Instant Pot. The manual button allows you to set it to low or high pressure, and then set a time. That’s it, so no guesswork needed! Just look up the cook time for what you’re making and go ahead and manually enter it.

Andriy Blokhin / Shuttertock

10. The Lid Doubles As A Shield

Imagine for a moment, that in an error in judgment, you open the Instant Pot and get a face full of painful steam. Not exactly the steam facial that you’d typically enjoy. Luckily, the inventors of this pressure cooker designed a nifty lid that will protect you from such pain.

When opening the Instant Pot, think of the lid as a shield, and once you’ve unlocked the lid, simply open it slowly and tilting so that the steam exits away from you. Even after venting, there will still be steam, so this is a great trick to keeping your face out of steam’s way.

HannaTor / Shutterstock

11. With Pasta, Add It On Top

We’re so used to cooking pasta by submerging it into a liquid and boiling it to a cook. In a pressure cooker, submerging it in the liquid will likely end up with some mushy noodles. While they still may taste okay, we’re not aiming for mediocre, when amazing is a possibility.

When adding all your ingredients to a pasta-based dish, add the pasta noodles (uncooked) last, right on top. The steam pressure from the liquids will cook the pasta to the perfect density and be much more enjoyable. Trust us — this unconventional way to cook pasta will become your go-to going forward.

DorotaSe / Shutterstock

12. Yes, You Can Make Yogurt In It

Ok so forget for a hot second what I said about milk curdling in an Instant Pot because with every rule, there seem to be exceptions to them. This is one of them. Following the instructional guide, you can successfully make yogurt at home, simply by using milk.

There’s even a button built in, just for this. This may seem like an incredibly bizarre use for the Instant Pot, but the proof is in the pudding (err, yogurt) and fans are saying it’s amazing! It’s surprisingly easy and will leave you wanted to skip the grocery store containers going forward!

Liliya Kandrashevich / Shutterstock

13. It’s Very Easy To Clean

I hate dishes, and I’m going to assume that’s a blanket statement for everybody who’s ever cooked. After slaving in the kitchen to create a satisfying meal, only to turn around and realize “oh right, the dishes”. With a typical recipe, this can mean many pots and pans. Luckily with the Instant Pot, you’re already saving yourself the dishes.

With an easily removable inner stainless steel pot (where all the cooking magic happens), it’s a quick clean up of one dish, and usually a small wipe down of the lid. It’s cleaned up and put back away in just minutes.

New Africa / Shutterstock

14. You’ll Need To Convert Some Pressure Cooker Recipes

When you’re searching Pinterest and Google for pressure cooker recipes, note that while yes, the Instant Pot is indeed a pressure cooker, older recipes are likely not accounting for the differences in the newly revamped versions. This is why you want to make sure you’re following recipes according to the Instant Pot you own.

Older models of pressure cookers operate at about a 15 psi (pounds per square inch, pressure) whereas the Instant Pot operates at an 11.6 psi. You can still use those recipes you find, just make sure you convert them by setting your Instant Pot for a few minutes longer than the traditional pressure cooker recipe calls for.

Stephanie Frey / Shutterstock

15. You Cannot Use It For Canning

Before you get all excited about the idea of using your Instant Pot as a canner, I’m sorry to say that it’s a no-go. If you’re looking to can some jams or pickles, you’ll have to stick with the traditional methods.

Why is this exactly? Well, it just has not been safety approved to do so. Not only that, but canning is usually monitored by a thermometer, whereas the Instant Pot regulates itself with a pressure sensor and not temperature. Don’t get too upset though, you can still use the Instant Pot for a million other things — just not this.

Foxys Forest Manufacture / Shutterstock

16. It Comes In Different Sizes

When you go shopping for an Instant Pot, you’ll quickly realize that there’s a variety of sizes ranging from 3-8 quarts! The most common one is the 6-quart and will do most of the recipes you’re hoping to do. A 6-quart can fit one whole chicken, where an 8-quart may be able to fit TWO!

When you’re considering sizes to get, bigger is likely always better and not something you’re likely to regret. While the 3-quart size may be appealing when it comes to storing it, you’ll be bound to second-guess your decision later when you want to cook a whole spaghetti squash in it, and can’t. If you’re not sure, do what most people do, and stick with the middle of the road 6-quart size. Unless you’re feeding a large family every night, in which case –  it’s best to go up in size.

Keith Homan / Shutterstock

17. Meats Should Be At the Bottom

Who knew where you place ingredients in the Instant Pot could make or break your meal? We talked about pasta being on the top of the pile when cooking in an Instant Pot, but the opposite is the rule of thumb for meats. Generally, it works best to keep the meat at the bottom for proper cooking.

The main reason for this is to keep things from browning and burning on the bottom, like tomato sauces and anything that may burn or carmelize. Your meat isn’t likely to burn, so it’s best to do what’s best for the whole dish, and place it into the pot, first.

New Africa / Shutterstock

18. It Can Replace Your Crock Pot

Sorry, slow cooker…but you’re taking up too much space in our cupboard. One of the 7-in-one features of the Instant Pot is that is can work as a slow cooker.

So, while the big gimmick of the Instant Pot is that it can speedily cook the recipes you once did in a crock pot in record time, it always has the ability to do the low & slow game, too. Not only can it replace your slow cooker, but it can replace your rice cooker, too. Looks like it’s time to start donating those soon-to-be unused kitchen dust collecting gadgets.

Devrim PINAR / Shutterstock

19. You Can Make Bread With It

Yes, my carb-loving friends, BREAD. There are hundreds of recipes online dedicated to this, and they all look amazing. While I’ve yet to try this myself, the results of everyone else’s creations look absolutely incredible.

There’s a catch though, as most recipes use the Instant Pot only for Step 1 of making a bread, the most important part – the rising. After it’s done rising, it’s still baked in the oven for about 30 minutes. I mean, that’s still pretty easy, but not as “instant” as we’d like it to be. However, there are some who have been able to make a bread right inside the Instant Pot, using a tin can!

Radek Ziemniewicz / Shutterstock

20. You Can’t Check Your Food

One of the biggest factors in the Instant Pot – is trust. Which, can be stressful for anybody preparing a meal. Typically with most meals, you’re able to take a peek, grab a taste, check for doneness and re-season and adjust if necessary. Since the device runs on pressure, and “peeking” means releasing all that…you’ll ruin your dish, or delay your cooking time.

This is where the recipes you follow, and some practice will help you come along in your Instant Pot trust issues. The whole “set it and forget it” is a hard concept for most of us. When dinner is due on the table, and you’re hoping and praying that the machine is doing what it promised, it can be a little nerve wrecking. In time you’ll come to learn and know that this one-gadget wonder, is definitely worthy of your trust.

Brian Lam / Shutterstock

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Mummy Dogs

Hallowe’en is a time for spooky, silly, imaginative fun. That doesn’t just mean costumes and candy, either. A quick and easy dinner that goes with the theme is exactly what your littles will want and need before they go barrelling out the door anxious to collect sweets from all the neighbors. This recipe will have […]

The post Mummy Dogs appeared first on Forkly.

Hallowe’en is a time for spooky, silly, imaginative fun. That doesn’t just mean costumes and candy, either. A quick and easy dinner that goes with the theme is exactly what your littles will want and need before they go barrelling out the door anxious to collect sweets from all the neighbors.

This recipe will have them delighted with a quick and easy dinner made in under 15 minutes!

Let the Hallowe’en hustle out the door begin, with some Mummy Dogs!

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg crescent roll dough
  • 1 pkg hot dogs (6)
  • 12 green olive slices
  • 1 tbsp butter, melted

Equipment

  • Pastry brush
  • Parchment paper lined baking sheet
  • Sharp knife

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Roll out your crescent roll dough, and pinch together the pre-cut lines to make one large sheet of dough.
  • With a knife, slice the dough into long strips. Use the strips to wrap the unpackaged hot dogs, leaving a gap for the "face" of the mummy.
  • Place sliced olives as the "eyes" of each mummy.
  • Brush each mummy with melted butter and bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove from oven, let cool slighly before enjoying, with ketchup!!

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Things To Expect If You Try A Vegan Diet

So curiosity has hit its peak, and maybe you’ve decided that you just might try that vegan diet, but…what should you expect when you do? With almost any adjustments to your diet (especially if it’s a drastic one) you will likely experience some crazy side effects, good and bad, amongst some other rather interesting surprises […]

The post Things To Expect If You Try A Vegan Diet appeared first on Forkly.

So curiosity has hit its peak, and maybe you’ve decided that you just might try that vegan diet, but…what should you expect when you do? With almost any adjustments to your diet (especially if it’s a drastic one) you will likely experience some crazy side effects, good and bad, amongst some other rather interesting surprises along the way.

I myself went through the transition – and LIVED TO TELL! Now, I’m sharing what exactly you should be expecting on a vegan diet.

Keep in mind that truly everyone is different and while I can speak from experience, each body is unique and may respond entirely differently.

Before we begin I would like to clarify what a vegan diet really is. I’m not talking about veganism as a whole (because truly it is a whole lifestyle) but rather just the diet itself. Over time (or right now) you may find the desire to go completely vegan in not only what you eat, but what you wear, and what products you use at home…but today the focus is on just the diet portion, just what you EAT.

A vegan diet consists of nourishing foods in which none come from animals or animal byproducts. There is no dairy, no eggs, no meats (and a few more that we will dive into as we go). The biggest key here is to not get overwhelmed or intimidated by the process. Learning is the key to success. New habits will form, new foods will arise. So let’s dive right in and discover exactly what to expect when going vegan. Trust me, it’s not all that scary.

1. Your Gut Bacteria Will Change

I’m starting off with this one because I just frankly want to get it out of the way so we can focus on other things. So listen, when you starting eating only vegan foods, your body will adjust by changing your gut bacteria (gut flora) and there may be some…side effects of that.

YES, you’re going to fart, and bloat…like, a lot. It’s gonna smell, your relationships are going to be tested. However, it’s all for good reason. It’s happening because the body is cleansing itself of dioxins, hormones, bacteria, antibiotics, and more all coming from your former animal-based diet. Here’s the good news – it goes away. Yes, you transition and studies have shown that those on a vegan diet have overall better gut bacteria than other diets. Okay. We talked about farts. We can move on now.

studioloco / Shutterstock

2. You’re Going To Read More Labels

Maybe a given, but worth talking about. When you switch to a vegan diet, labels are your best friend. Thankfully these days – most foods are labeled “vegan” which usually means they are processed in a facility that does not process any animal products whatsoever.

Now, that said…depending on your moral lines here, often if you read the label you’ll discover that a product is non-containing of any animal byproducts, it’s just not made in a facility cleared for that “vegan” stamp. Up to you if you make the call. Most times labels clearly define the use of dairy and eggs, and you’ll be surprised at how often they show up…like in many forms of potato chips.

Arthur Balitskii / Shutterstock

3. You’ll Learn The Difference Between Vegan & Plant-Based

Vegan diets, like we discussed, contains no animal meats or byproducts. That word “byproducts” though, you may be thinking just means eggs and dairy. Oh, gosh no. The list is LONG. Animal byproducts of the vegan diet include insects as well, and things like gelatin that you may not have know come from the skin and bones of animals. So, say goodbye to honey, and gummy bears, and a lot of types of sprinkles. Don’t fret because where there’s a will there’s a way and you’ll find vegan replacements in no time (almost all of these foods come in the vegan form as well).

A Plant-Based diet is a little different. While incredibly similar, plant-based dieting focuses more on a whole food diet. So, where a vegan can easily enjoy Oreos and french fries and sweets, that’s a no-go on a plant-based diet, but…honey is seemingly ok. Feel free to be your own compass on this one, and find out where you land.

zi3000 / Shutterstock

4. Your Skin May Clear Up

This was a surprise bonus of a lifetime, let me tell you. Suffering on average with 1-2 pimples at any given time, it wasn’t until several months into the vegan diet that I realized it and thought, “huh…where’d all the acne go?”.

Turns out, since your skin acts as a vehicle for eliminating toxins, that often means it’s trying to rid them of your body through things like acne. Since meat and dairy are also known for disrupting the body’s hormones, it’s no wonder you also have a hormonal reaction with some zits on your face. So, yeah. BONUS!

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

5. You’ll Probably Actually Save Money

This one is a bit of a shocker, for sure. Mostly because vegan foods (the pre-packaged kinds at least) are often found in specialty markets or sections at your grocer that tend to upsell on your dietary needs/choices.

However, meat and animal byproducts aren’t all that inexpensive…and eliminating meats especially can be helping you save some serious cash. By comparison, a protein source like a can of beans may be $1 while a chicken breast will run you $5 a piece. The only major price influx will often come in things like vegan yogurts, cheeses and the like.

NDAB Creativity / Shutterstock

6. You Can Still Fall Into Junk Food Pits

Since we equate those who eat a vegan diet immediately with a healthy lifestyle, we forget that the following foods are vegan: Sour Patch Kids, Oreos, French Fries, Potato Chips, Nutter Butters & more.

While everything can be enjoyed in moderation, try and focus on foods that aren’t so processed, fried and the like, because the positive results may be amazing.

successo images / Shutterstock

7. You May Just Lose That Extra Weight

Yeah, if you don’t eat all the vegan junk foods! All jokes aside, this is a real thing. You can absolutely eat fruits and veggies and carbs and LOSE WEIGHT. Remember that each body is unique and some may do well on a higher-carb diet, some on a low-carb diet.

There’s proof, too. Studies show that veganism ranked highest for weight loss. This is still greatly up to the dieter themselves with what they choose to eat and drink. Regardless, it’s certainly a bonus worth noting for those who are interested in shedding some pounds.

Stock-Asso / Shutterstock

8. You’ll Probably Smell Better

Thank you, vegetables. Soon after you’ve gone to a vegan diet, within a couple weeks actually, you might notice something missing…body odor.

While it won’t be totally gone, it’s likely to dissipate. Due to the fact that red meat causes toxins to be released into the bloodstream and intestines, which make their way through the pores of your skin. So, studies show that eliminating that and other meats should lead you to a more pleasant smell.

aslysun / Shutterstock

9. You’ll Need More Vitamins

When you cut out meats, dairy, and eggs from your diet, you’ll also be cutting out the vitamins that they formerly provided you. In most cases, you can find natural vegan food sources to replenish them. However, there’s a few you may want to pick up if you’re not sure you’re going to be taking them enough.

Thankfully, there are many multivitamins available exactly for this. Designed towards meeting the needs of those adhering to a vegan diet, it balances you out with b12, Vitamin D, Iron and so much more. Makes life so much easier!

mushegovdima / Shutterstock

10. Your Heart Health Will Probably Improve

Since you’re eating foods with way less saturated fat, your heart is going to be happy for it!

With every rule, there are always exceptions and for this one, it’s all about your food choices. Making good choices with your food options at each meal includes being mindful of saturated fats, which do still exist on a vegan diet. Just not as much so as one with meats, cheese, dairy and animal fats.

Jaxja / Shutterstock

11. You Won’t Need To Constantly Supplement Your Protein

There is so much protein in plant-based foods, that it’s truly incredible how locked into the notion that we need animals for protein we tend to be.

Early stages of my own vegan diet, I felt I had to constantly supplement proteins into it with shakes and vegan protein bars. That was until I discovered my meals were already FULL of protein, and I just didn’t even recognize it! Beans, legumes, tofu, nuts, quinoa, and vegetables amongst many others are some examples.

nadianb / Shutterstock

12. Baking Won’t Be Impossible

How can you bake without butter, milk, and eggs? Aren’t those kind-of KEY ingredients? Well, sure they are, but we’ve come a long way with substitutions. Thank you, food bloggers. 

Beyond store-bought egg replacers, there are many ways to supplement the key binding ingredient in baking, and typically, that’s flaxseeds (I know, shocking right?). Additionally, there are several healthy dairy-free kinds of butter and milk that are perfect substitutes for the animal-derived sources for your baking.

Elisabeth Coelfen / Shutterstock

13. Dining Out Isn’t That Hard

This one may shock you because immediately after going on a vegan diet the first thing you’re likely doing is sourcing vegan restaurants to eat at. Turns out, you likely don’t have to.

While plant-based only restaurants are amazing, with the increased demand for vegan food in mainstream restaurants, it’s projected that dining out will include a 300% increase in vegan foods on the menu! Don’t expect half the menu to be vegan, but expect to see some new menu items like black bean burgers, cauliflower steaks and much more popping up on your favorite menus.

Nemanja Novakovic / Shutterstock

14. You’ll Want Community

It’s tough doing anything alone. Diet restrictions can often be embarrassing at restaurants when you have to ask about specific ingredients or allergens. Or maybe you’re filled with cringe-worthy moments when you pass on the meat and cheeses at your next family function and someone asks why. Saying “I’m vegan” might be opening a can of opinion worms.

So, find your community. There are a ton online and perhaps some locally in your area. Having someone to talk with, share with and maybe even meal plan alongside is often the point of success when making such a diet change. Having a steady flow of recipe ideas is also really helpful. You can find all ours on our VEGAN Pinterest board.

Sky Motion / Shutterstock

15. You May Get A Natural Glowing Tan

I remember when my daughter was about 8 months old and skin started to appear rather tanned. I freaked out, obviously concerned by what was happening. Well, as it turns out there was no reason for concern, she’d just been eating a lot of carrots that week.

Beta-carotene found in vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and cantaloupe can actually create a change in the skin’s pigmentation. Studies have proven it. So you can skip the spray tans and sun altogether and opt for more of these foods for that perfect glow. If you’re not a fan of the tan, just simply stop eating so much of those beta-carotene veggies.

Nadya Korobkova / Shutterstock

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Reasons You Should Be Trying Manuka Honey

It was a couple weeks ago that I was strolling the aisles of my favorite mega bulk store (starts with a C, rhymes with “ostco”) when I came upon this large display of honey packaged like it was something of importance, meaning, I’d need scissors and upper body strength to open it, and it had […]

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It was a couple weeks ago that I was strolling the aisles of my favorite mega bulk store (starts with a C, rhymes with “ostco”) when I came upon this large display of honey packaged like it was something of importance, meaning, I’d need scissors and upper body strength to open it, and it had hanging above it a price tag of $56. Well, that’s some fancy honey.

So immediately, I’m scoffing at the fact that they’ve somehow managed to market honey of all things, for such a high price. I didn’t even bother to read about its benefits or uses. I wasn’t spending that kind of money on honey, honey.

But this isn’t just any kind of honey – it’s Manuka Honey. Despite my scoffing, it’s apparently quite a bit different than regular honey, and ever since I saw it for the first time it’s been popping up everywhere – or perhaps, I’m just noticing it.

People are claiming it to be the next big thing, and after doing some research – I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty sure I might go back and buy the dang stuff. Curious about Manuka honey? Read on to see what it is, what you can benefit from it, and whether it’s truly worth the chunk of change.

If at the end of this list you’re looking to grab some for yourself – here’s one that ranks high

?Buy it: http://amzn.to/2EE4eKZ

1. It Can Decrease Hair Loss

Manuka honey has an incredible ability to heal wounds with its strong antimicrobial activity – and studies have shown that might actually help heal hair follicles, strengthening them to prevent or decrease hair loss!

The hair care industry has certainly taken notice, and you can now find Manuka honey hair products with the hope of a healthier scalp, better hair, and maintaining those luscious locks. It’s definitely worth a shot if you’re dealing with hair loss or hair thinning.

zentradyi3ell / Shutterstock

2. It May Kill Infections

Another surprising plus to Manuka honey is how it may help to kill infections. In fact, Manuka honey has been used by medical professionals and western medicine alike to actually kill infections, and some pretty hefty ones too.

This particular type of honey has high levels of antimicrobial activity can work to disperse and kill bacteria. Some examples include Streptococcus (Strep, Strep Throat) and Staphylococcus (Staph Infections). If you end up with these illnesses, Manuka honey could prove itself helpful.

HikoPhotography / Shutterstock

3. It Can Help Heal Wounds

Manuka honey, just like it can kill infections, will actually aid in the wound healing process. When used in the dressing of wounds, it assists in moist wound healing which is considered the most beneficial.

Not only that, because it’s also an anti-inflammatory, it reduces healing time and scarring! So the next time you get a paper cut or have some type of minor wound, grab some Manuka honey and see if it will help.

Csaba Deli / Shutterstock

4. It Can Treat Acne and/or Eczema

Anyone with acne-prone skin or chronic eczema knows how important it is to take care of your skin. Since Manuka honey has an anti-inflammatory effect, it can help reduce inflammation caused by acne. Meaning, it’ll make the acne you get much less noticeable!

Not only that, but the Manuka honey can help oxygenate your pores, drawing out bacteria and improving your acne-prone skin. On one popular acne-focused rating site, it gave Manuka honey an 82% recommendation!

Alliance Images / Shutterstock

5. It Helps With Acid Reflux

There is a long list of foods to avoid if you’re someone who frequently experiences acid reflux. Manuka honey has the ability, like most kinds of honey do, to coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus and help repair the tissue lining that can be aggravated by acid reflux.

Since Manuka honey also reduces inflammation, promotes healing and so on, it’s no wonder so many are turning to it as a natural way of treating both acid reflux and GERD.

Bartosz Luczak / Shutterstock

6. It May Help Your Seasonal Allergies

Allergy season can be a real struggle. If you’re someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, it can be a difficult thing to keep under control with daily medications to help relieve its symptoms. That’s why natural remedies could be a good way to go.

However, since Manuka honey is raw and unpasteurized flower honey, it acts as a natural antihistamine and when taken on a regular basis can reduce the need for over the counter allergy medications.

Alliance Images / Shutterstock

7. It’s Good For Your Oral Health

Another part of your health that should never be overlooked is your dental health. Luckily, Manuka honey has been known for aiding in tooth decay and prevention of gingivitis. These happen to be two of the most common issues in the oral health world.

For your teeth, simply combine the Manuka honey with water, and swish around your mouth like you would a mouthwash after meals to treat your teeth and gums to its oral health benefits!

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

8. It May Relieve IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a debilitating yet incredibly common condition that many suffer from. Since the causes and treatments also tend to vary from person-to-person, it’s difficult to come up with a one-size-fits-all medicine to ease symptoms.

Because of Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory and healing ways, it can for many relieve the symptoms of IBS, calming the stomach and easing digestion. This natural remedy may be helpful in treating IBS and preventing symptoms from occurring.

wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

9. It Can Help You Sleep

Looking for a way to sleep better at night? As it turns out, Manuka honey can help you sleep by promoting the production and release of melatonin in the brain. Melatonin is helpful to creating a truly restorative sleep.

Melatonin can also help you fall asleep faster, and with the Manuka honey at work, can help heal anything you might be fighting off while you rest! So before you go to bed, try some Manuka honey and let it do its thing.

Golubovy / Shutterstock

10. It Helps With Inflammation

As we already discussed, Manuka honey is known for being an anti-inflammatory and having positive benefits on the body. When taken on a regular basis, it may even help reduce inflammation in the body, as well as in isolated cases.

Some examples of isolated cases where Manuka can step in are wounds, sore throats, acne and more. However, body inflammation may happen continuously and Manuka can help with your long-term aches and pains of inflammation.

Nattakorn_Maneerat / Shutterstock

11. It’s About 80% Sugar

Yep, it’s mostly just sugar. Like most honey’s, it is made up sugar and the other 20% is where all the magic happens.

If you’re looking at it from a nutritional standpoint, however, there’s not much it offers. It’s around 50-60 calories for a tablespoon, ranges around 15 grams of carbs and 16 grams of sugar. So when it comes to being a health food, it’s benefits are not within its labels, that’s for sure.

studio presence / Shutterstock

12. It Has A Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) Grading

When it comes to Manuka, and especially it’s pricing, it tends to go on a sliding scale based on its UMF grading. UMF which stands for the Unique Manuka Factor is the indicator of its effectiveness.

Doubling up on a +5 grade, won’t make it a +10, but it’s still going to have some benefits, just not to the same level as the higher ones. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. True Manuka honey must be graded between 5-16+ in UMF.

HikoPhotography / Shutterstock

13. It’s Not All Edible

When researching Manuka honey, you’ll quickly discover that it’s not all just jars of honey. Since it has an extensive list of things it can help, brands have made them a little more easily accessible for those specific needs.

You can now find wound care, hair care, skin care and even daily pill forms of Manuka honey. While it does have a rather medicinal taste, if you’re looking for a targeted beneficial way to use Manuka honey, you can go beyond the jar!

TY Lim / Shutterstock

14. Celebrities Are Raving About It

When it comes to health and wellness, celebrities are usual the first to make the latest concepts a trend among the masses. Kourtney Kardashian is probably the most notable celebrity to really jump into the world of influencing the use of Manuka honey for beauty care needs.

Teaming up with a “Manuka Honey Doctor” she participated in ads and campaigns to help raise brand awareness, becoming an ambassador for the use of Manuka honey. Other celebrities such as Scarlett Johansson, Kylie Minogue, and Gwyneth Paltrow also swear by it.

Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock

15. It’s Not The Bees That Make It Manuka

Initially many believe that the Manuka honey spurs from the Manuka bee. However, there is no such thing as Manuka bees at all.

Instead, it’s produced by a Manuka flower, found in New Zealand, which the bees use to produce the honey, is the differentiating factor between traditional honey, and Manuka honey. It’s just regular honeybees using the nectar from the Manuka flower to make their honey and the result is, as we’ve learned, pretty darn special.

M Rutherford / Shutterstock

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The post Reasons You Should Be Trying Manuka Honey appeared first on Forkly.

The Best Recipes To Try In An Instant Pot

Delicious quick and easy recipes anyone can make in the Instant Pot!

The post The Best Recipes To Try In An Instant Pot appeared first on Forkly.

Do you know what FOMO is? Fear of missing out. I’ve been experiencing it ever since everyone under the sun got an Instant Pot for Christmas, and I did not. Anyone know where Santa’s complaints department can be reached? Whenever you’re looking to sacrifice money and cabinet space to a new appliance, you want to know that it’s going to be worth it! Follow along as we share the best recipes to make in an instant pot.

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Come join our Forkly Instant Pot Insiders Facebook Group! Here you can join the fun and interact with the community to share delicious recipes, gain insightful tips, ask questions, and enjoy the journey of using the Instant Pot!

1. Perfectly Cooked White Rice

Som it’s actually possible to make perfectly cooked rice in less than 15 minutes without a stovetop mess? Woah. WHAT?! Your Instant Pot eliminates the hassle and confusion that can sometimes come with cooking rice.

If you’re someone who seeks to meal plan on a Sunday for a week’s worth of healthy lunches, often quinoa and rice are the base to those – so why not make it easy on yourself with an Instant Pot method in record time?

2. Drool-Worthy Artichoke and Spinach Dip

Hot and ready when you need to whip up a quick appetizer, and fast! This artichoke and spinach dip recipe from Forkly is simple and uses ingredients that you most likely already have on hand! Plus, it’s a crowd favorite that will have everyone returning for seconds.

Make sure to have a pumpernickel loaf on hand for serving. This recipe yields about 10 servings and takes just minutes to make. Life made easy, right here.

3. Crispy Carnitas

Pork carnitas probably most favored to be served up as tacos. Because well, tacos are life. I’ve made them quite often before in a crock pot…aka a slow cooker. So making them in a “fast” cooker like the Instant Pot makes for a late in the day planned dinner still a success that evening.

Crockpots take planning…and well…we aren’t all cut out for that (don’t judge me!). Simply cook the meat in your Instant Pot, and transfer to a baking sheet if you desire that crisp up, and voila!

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

4. Quick & Easy Macaroni & Cheese

Don’t you dare pull out that boxed mac! You can make a homemade Forkly version of this comfort food in an Instant Pot with the same amount of time as the boxed version takes. Actually, maybe even less. Try 4 minutes!

All you need are a few minutes to get the gourmet feel of a home-cooked dinner. Once you get a taste of the cheese and garlic powder combo, you’ll never want boxed mac and cheese again.

5. Kung Pao Chicken

We’ve created a takeout favorite – Kung Pao Chicken – that is cooked effortlessly in the Instant Pot and in the comfort of your own home. And when we say effortlessly, we mean it! This delicious dinner comes together in just 30 minutes and with only one pot. This means easy prep, a quick cleanup, and a satisfied belly.

The recipe yields four servings and is loaded with veggies, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients. You also have the option of adding half a cup of unsalted peanuts for an extra crunch.

6. Popcorn

My kids are going through this phase of homemade popcorn. No, not the microwave kind. The oil on the stovetop kind. It takes much…babysitting. Not to complain, but this way of making popcorn is much much better. It’s also super unique and gives you another reason to use the Instant Pot.

The recipe from Temecula Blogs takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Add some salt to flavor and feel free to customize your popcorn with other ingredients like M&Ms, caramel sauce, or whatever else you’re craving.

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

7. Pizza Pasta

Two popular favorites, pizza, and pasta come together to create one epic meal! This Forkly dish is saucy, comforting, and so darn delicious. This recipe is packed with shredded mozzarella, crushed tomatoes, pepperoni slices, and plenty of seasoning for a punch of flavor.

It yields about six servings and takes less than half an hour to whip up. While the recipe uses cavatappi/scoobi doo pasta, feel free to choose whatever pasta is sitting in your cupboard.

8. Six-Inch New York Style Cheesecake

Bet you didn’t expect to see THIS on the list. But yes, yes indeed… you can make a tall, beautiful New York-style cheesecake in an Instant Pot! It’s completed in just under an hour, mostly hands-free. Simply let the pot do its thang…

It’s recommended that you let the ingredients of this dessert get to room temperature before baking. To have the best flavor, let the cheesecake sit in the fridge overnight to chill. Enjoy!

Amawasri Pakdara / Shutterstock

9. Oreo-Crust Chocolate Cheesecake

If the New York-style cheesecake didn’t impress you this decadent chocolate cheesecake surely will! A crunchy Oreo crust is topped with luxurious chocolate cheesecake. It’s the perfect dessert to make to celebrate a birthday or holiday or for a loved one that needs a bit of encouragement to get through a tough week.

This Forkly recipe aims to please with its smooth texture, rich chocolatey base and fluffy cheesecake filling. It’ll definitely become a go-to recipe whenever you’re in need of a dessert!

10. Herb Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes in only 15 minutes? That’s unheard of! This recipe takes baby potatoes and transforms them into fluffy yet crisp flavorful bites of potato that will side pretty much anything you feel like making tonight. Plus, it only takes 15 minutes to make.
These potatoes are flavored with everything from dried rosemary to oregano to garlic powder and more. If you have any leftovers, they can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

Marian Weyo / Shutterstock

11. Instant Pot Indian Chana Masala

An Indian inspired chana masala that will warm you to the bones and allow you to cook the entire dish all in the Instant Pot. This Forkly recipe is healthy, satisfying, and easy to put together with things you probably already have in the cupboard!

Some ingredients you can expect to toss into the Instant Pot include chickpeas, tomato puree, chana masala seasoning, and baby spinach. It can be served alongside basmati rice or on its own.

12. Cabbage Rolls

This was a childhood favorite for me. My mother worked hard to make these from scratch and we would wait as the aroma filled the house, waiting for them to be finished. That wait time gets real short, real fast with this Instant Pot recipe for them.

By following this recipe from Corrie Cooks, you can be enjoying this Polish delicacy in less than half an hour. It yields eight servings and requires just nine ingredients to whip up.

Anna Shepulova / Shutterstock

13. Crustless Veggie Quiche

Brunch time in no time! This amazing breakfast recipe (or dinner, depending on the vibe of your day) is crust free, and cooked in only 30 minutes in the Instant Pot that can serve 6-8 people!

anna.q / Shutterstock

14. Instant Pot Red Lentil Chili

Lentils are excellent for thickening up dishes (hello, hearty!) and are both nutritious and very inexpensive. With a little help from the Instant Pot, this cheap-yet-filling meal can be done and on the table in less than 30 minutes!

15. Gluten-Free Beef Stroganoff

Saute and cook your ingredients right in the Instant Pot for a recipe that has minimal prep and only 25 minutes of cook time to make a tender beef stroganoff.

Ildi Papp / Shutterstock

16. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders

There’s nothing that screams “tasty appetizer” quite like buffalo chicken sliders. They’re easy to serve up to a large crowd and are almost guaranteed to be enjoyed by all. To make this recipe come together even more quickly, we’ve created it in an Instant Pot so that the chicken is tender and shreds beautifully!

17. Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

There are several ways you can cook spaghetti squash. You can cook it the traditional way, roasted in the oven, or cook it quickly in the microwave. But absolutely nothing compares to how it cooks in the Instant Pot. Once cooked enjoy it with sauce and meatballs or in one of these innovative recipes using spaghetti squash!

18. Chicken Breasts

This is a tried and true recipe from the creator, promising a healthy meal option made in an Instant Pot that provides chicken breasts fully cooked, tender, juicy and flavorful! They’re sauteed, cooked, and rested all in less than 20 minutes.

VICUSCHKA / Shutterstock

19. Corn On The Cob

There are a few ways to make corn on the cob. Boil, grill, microwave, and now… Instant Pot! Done in a jiffy and oh so delicious.

20. Quick & Easy Chicken Ramen

A complex soup like this often takes a lot of time to make, but the Instant Pot takes it from a complicated and labor-intensive recipe to a 20-minute weeknight dinner. It’s better than takeout and you can make it from the comfort of your own home!

21. Ground Beef Taco Meat From Frozen

Tacos are awesome, because all you really need to do is prep the meat, and chop some veggies for toppings. Not much cooking required. So, when the cooking you DO need to do is simplified? Well, that’s just special.

Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock

22. Instant Pot Low Carb Taco Soup

If there’s one type of food we can all get on board with, it’s Mexican food! It’s irresistibly delicious and never fails to deliver a unique flavor. Our Low Carb Taco Soup is a great option for those who are on a low carb diet and want to still appreciate and experience the joy that comes with Mexican food.

23. Foolproof Chicken Wings

Making a dozen wings at home just got a whole lot easier. You can have this meal ready to go in just 20 minutes. They’re simple, quick, flavorful. Everything you need on a busy night. Or when the wing cravings strike, and strike hard.

Ramon grosso dolarea / Shutterstock

24. Easy Instant Pot Keto BBQ Chicken Wings

Like so many foods, chicken wings are off-limits (in their most common, breaded and sauced form) if you’re in the keto diet! To help you continue to enjoy this delish dish, we created these Keto BBQ Wings, made in your Instant Pot for maximum flavor and minimum mess.

25. Chili

Again, if it can be done in a slow cooker, it can probably be done in a lightning-fast cooker! It’s a chili you can create and cook in only 35 minutes. No longer are you getting up early to prep this dinner. Complete this hearty meal on a weeknight, even! Whodathunkit?

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

26. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Pillowy sweet potatoes cook effortlessly in the Instant Pot and the skin literally falls right off! Serve them mashed with butter and salt, add to a soup, or enjoy whole just like a baked potato — your choice.

27. Instant Pot French Roast Croissant Casserole

You may be comfortable cooking savory dinners in your Instant Pot but have you tried making delicious recipes for brunch? We whipped up a French toast casserole with sweet berries and a maple syrup drizzle using another fav breakfast bread – croissants. Are you drooling yet?

28. Apple Crisp

A warm apple crisp dessert in only 16 minutes! Perfect when you *ahem* forgot to plan a dessert and well, guests are already here! Don’t waste any time with this recipe that pulls from the cupboard all ingredients you likely have on hand.

Peter OToole / Shutterstock

29. Instant Pot Butternut Squash

Our Instant Pot method for cooking butternut squash will allow you to make the squash quickly, as well as cook it in a way that separates the squash from the skin with minimal effort. You’ll never want to cook it any other way once you try this!

30. Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup

This recipe took minimal prep, minimal time, and is still filled with lots of love. The reviews on it were great, and we served up many bowls of it to happy co-workers. This recipe is just enough nostalgic, with new-age twists to keep you making it again and again.

31. Whole “Faux” Rotisserie Chicken

It’s a “faux-tisserie” because there’s no rotisserie involved here…but you’re not going to sacrifice on taste! With only 25 minutes of cooking time, you have plenty of time to whip up some sides to go along with this tasty chicken recipe. Plus the Instant Pot’s sauté function means you can still get crispy browned skin!

32. Butter Chicken

I’ve been going through what I call a “curry phase”. It’s been about 3 years now, with no signs of relenting. It’s just so dang good, I could eat curry dishes every night. I battle between buying store-bought jars and making my own sauces.

Sometimes the amount of time and effort a homemade meal takes is just too much. So a recipe that takes the timepiece out of the equation, makes this a very very doable thing for a curry-loving-yet-busy Mama.

Elena Eryomenko / Shutterstock

33. Instant Pot Pulled Pork BBQ Tacos

Tender shredded pork is smothered in a sweet and savory BBQ sauce, piled into a corn tortilla and then topped with a creamy slaw. If you love pulled pork sammies then you will certainly love these tacos!

34. Thai Red Curry With Chicken

I mean, while we are on the topic of curry, why not try a Thai version? Made with chicken, peppers, carrots, bamboo, onion, coconut milk, and of course – curry paste, this entire recipe is prepped in the Instant Pot with step-by-step instructions for the newbie to the gadget. Takes all the guesswork out!

Kritchai7752 / Shutterstock

35. Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole

We have transformed an American favorite, green bean casserole into an Instant Pot recipe! Traditionally this casserole is served during Thanksgiving but it is seriously so delicious that if you share it for any occasion everyone will surely thank you!

36. Banana French Toast

Looking for an easy, sweet, breakfast recipe the whole family will love? This recipe will surprise you with how easy and delicious it is. Topped with maple syrup and pecans, it’s cooked in only 25 minutes for an unforgettable take on french toast.

Natalia Mir / Shutterstock

37. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are lovely, aren’t they? What’s not lovely is starchy boiling water going all over your stovetop because you got distracted and let it boil over, again. Not that it’s ever happened to me… Regardless, this recipe keeps things under 30 minutes from pot to table, and no boiling required on your part! huzzah!

38. How To Cook Quinoa In The Instant Pot

Cooking quinoa on the stove-top isn’t exactly a difficult task but it does require supervision. Not with the Instant Pot! You simply set it and forget it! Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite protein or use it in a delicious Mediterranean quinoa salad.

39. Applesauce

Yes, applesauce at home! Something I’ve attempted once, and then never tried again. This recipe takes a bit of prep (peeling apples, basically is it) and then it’s cooked for only 5 minutes in the Instant Pot.

Michelle Lee Photography / Shutterstock

40. Jambalaya

One of my all-time favorite dishes, because it truly is an all in one. Hearty, spicy and filling. This recipe takes only minutes for each step, with less than 30 minutes total for a 6 serving dinner!

41. Quick and Easy Deconstructed Lasagna

Wrap your head around lasagna and you’ll be just smitten with this classic recipe made anew with an Instant Pot. The total time required for this recipe is about 30 minutes. That’s less than a frozen kind and you’ll feel better knowing you made it yourself!

42. Taco Pie

Another layered dinner, with a Mexican twist – this Taco pie is made perfectly crisp and ready for serving, all inside the Instant Pot. Layered tortillas, with ground taco meat, refried beans, salsa, cheese and enchilada sauce, this recipe is not to be missed.

LanaSweet / Shutterstock

43. Easy Weeknight Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

There is perhaps nothing quite as easy to whip up on a busy weeknight as Hamburger Helper. But you can clean up the ingredients and make it far tastier by creating it from scratch in your Instant Pot!

44. Cinnamon Rolls

You can now make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch using an instant pot, with ease! Forget the pre-made dough and go for a true winner here. Oh, you fancy like that. 

Marie C Fields / Shutterstock

45. Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Turn any night of the week into a fiesta with these easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas! This flavor-packed meal comes together in just 30 minutes and generously serves 6. Want more flavor? Be sure to marinate the steak up to 48 hours before cooking!

46. Instant Pot Healing Chicken Soup

So often when you’re sick, you don’t want to eat much (or you simply can’t keep much down!), so you reach for a tin of store-bought soup and some crackers. But next time you or your family are feeling under the weather, whip up this Instant Pot Healing Chicken Soup. It’s full of hearty ingredients and anti-inflammatory turmeric, sickness-fighting fresh garlic, and nutrient-dense bone broth!

47. French Onion Soup

Classicly, with a French onion soup recipe, most of the work comes from the cooking of the onions. It’s a bit of a process. Using an Instant Pot, you can dramatically cut down on production time to make this incredible soup.

joanna wnuk / Shutterstock

48. Easy 90-Minute Bone Broth

Our recipe for bone broth is simple and customizable and it’s a recipe that I’ve made many times in my home before putting it up here to share with the Forkly community. The biggest hack? It takes between 1 and 2 hours to make in the Instant Pot, as opposed to the 24 to 48 it takes on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Say what?!

49. Strawberry Jam

No more standing over the stove with bubbling sugar and berries, because it’s all done in the Instant Pot for you. Jar it when you’re done and have days of fresh jam for your toast!

nadianb / Shutterstock

50. Instant Pot Lemon Honey Garlic Salmon Dinner

Fish is full of healthy fats, making it the perfect well-rounded dinner. The Instant Pot cooks up flakey, flavorful fish every time! This Lemon Honey Garlic Salmon Dinner is an easy and nutritious weeknight recipe that the whole family will enjoy!

51. Hard Boiled Eggs

Forget boiling water, no time for that. This recipe makes perfect hard-boiled eggs every time using the Instant Pot. Whether you want them for an on-hand snack, or maybe because you volunteered to make deviled eggs for a potluck, you’ll be calling on this recipe for sure.

52. Absolute Best Potato Salad

Everyone’s potluck favorite is about to get so much easier! This awesome kitchen gadget transforms this salad into a one-pot recipe! This means you can cook the potatoes and eggs together, simultaneously. If that isn’t life-changing, I don’t know what is!

53. Absolute Best Frittata

Traditionally, a frittata is prepared on the stove-top or in the oven but today we’re making the most fluffy and delicious frittata in the Instant Pot! Its pillowy texture will seriously have you dreaming about it days after.

54. Instant Pot Meatloaf

Yes, meatloaf. While it’s not even that big a deal to make in the oven, it’s just one of those things that if you can get it done faster, and accompanied with sides…well, why aren’t you then?

Elena Veselova / Shutterstock

55. Instant Pot Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are a delicious addition to your breakfast and a great way to add protein without all the extra oil of a fried egg. But have you tried poaching an egg? It can be a bit tricky but using the Instant Pot is a game-changer! These eggs come out perfectly every single time.

56. Cooking Perfect Less-Mess beets In The Instant Pot

Beets are so messy and tend to leave stains all over your kitchen (and you!). But cooking them in the Instant Pot is a great way to reduce the mess and time. You can eat beets on their own or as a side, or add them to another dish or salad!

57. Creamy Chicken

This recipe makes for an amazing creamy chicken dinner option, made in the Instant Pot and suggested to serve over the low-carb option of spiralized zucchini noodles (aka zoodles). It’s complete to serve in under half an hour — which makes this recipe one that we are certainly excited about trying on a weeknight especially!

Helena Zolotuhina / Shutterstock

58. Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo

This creamy dreamy alfredo is made easy using the Instant Pot, so there’s no need for that jar of storebought sauce anymore! This recipe is so much better. Casual enough for a weeknight family dinner and elegant enough for a Friday night date night at home!

59. Beans & Rice

A perfect side dish to the rest of your dinner, beans, and rice makes for a delicious option that’s so flavorful, and thankfully -won’t take you all day to make any more. Utilizing the Instant Pot for its amazing ability to cook foods fast, this recipe doesn’t even require a pre-soak of the beans!

Not only that – but it provides not just one serving, but TEN servings of this side dish. So, meal prep is super easy.

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60. Instant Pot Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Mac And Cheese

There is no comfort food like mac and cheese – the carbs and cheese are oh so delicious! Try kicking it up a notch with some sriracha and FLAMIN’ HOT CHEETOS! Who needs to shell out for takeout when you’ve got this recipe in your back pocket for the next time a cheesy craving hits?

61. Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Bites

These banana bread bites are absolutely incredible! The best part (in my opinion, that is) is the texture of these little bites. They don’t have the crusty outside that banana bread would normally get from baking in the over. Instead, they’re very cake-like; soft and moist. They truly taste like a treat, but we won’t judge you if you eat them for breakfast.

62. Pancakes

These little pancakes almost look like muffins, but we aren’t complaining one bit. Complimented with blueberries these pancakes are made from scratch with this simple recipe and then cooked in the Instant Pot.

Viktory Panchenko / Shutterstock

63. Starbucks Copycat Egg Bites

Starbucks’ new bites are creamy and delicious and altogether fairly healthy, but they’re also super expensive – totaling just shy of $5 for two of them! We took a look at their recipe and realized that it’s so easy to recreate them at home and with cleaner ingredients. So why not? We’re always up for a healthy, filling breakfast we can meal prep at the beginning of the week.

64. Teriyaki Rice With Chicken

This recipe provides not only amazing meals but some tips to make your mealtime prep go even faster and smoother! All said and done, this is a satisfying meal that is ready in just 32 minutes!

Adil BunchomTH / Shutterstock

65. Vanilla Extract

Now here’s a unique one. This recipe will create enough of that magical extract to create not only a supply for your baking at home but makes for a perfect gift to bring your neighbors or friends!

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

66. How To Cook Brown Rice In The Instant Pot

Rice is a staple in most people’s homes. It’s filling and the perfect complement to so many dishes, from meat and veggies to curry. With the Instant Pot, you can walk away and not have to worry about checking in on it even once!

67. Oatmeal

Make breakfast for the whole family, served warm to comfort the soul before a full day ahead. This recipe uses steel-cut oats and takes just 5 minutes. Take that, instant oats.

Moving Moment / Shutterstock

68. Instant Pot Customizable Egg Bites

Instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the morning and denying your body the nutrition it needs for the day, try these make-ahead egg bites! They can be whipped up in minutes on a Sunday night in preparation for your weekday breakfasts throughout your busy work week. Our recipe includes 3 delicious flavor combinations!

69. Garden Salsa

Homemade salsa doesn’t need to be so intimidating. It’s easy to make with this recipe! Using fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, jalapenos, lime juice and (optional) cilantro, this recipe is ready for dipping into!

maridol777 / Shutterstock

70. Roast Beef Dinner

Easy like a Sunday morning? Forget that. Easy like an ENTIRE SUNDAY with this recipe! The Instant Pot takes all the guesswork out of making a Sunday roast beef dinner and serves it up with all the juicy flavor you’re craving!

71. 15-Minute Instant Pot Orange Chicken

With this recipe, you can have dinner served as quickly as it will take you to order take-out! This delicious orange chicken meal comes together in just 15 minutes. The sweet and tangy flavors of the orange chicken pairs perfectly atop a bed of rice or a bowl of vegetables. Your whole family will be asking for this meal every week!

72. Chicken Pot Pie

While Chicken Pot Pie was one of my favorite meals as a child, now as an adult my busy lifestyle doesn’t accommodate labor-intensive recipes! So we set out to find a way to make this family-favorite meal easy, without sacrificing flavor. Thanks to the Instant Pot, we have the perfect solution.

73. Citrus Beer Ribs

The Instant Pot cooked these ribs, a traditionally laborious meal, in a fraction of the time it would normally take. This means that you no longer have to save ribs for special occasions but instead can serve them on a busy weeknight! Plus, beer. Mmmmmm!

74. Quick & Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is creamy, filling, and absolutely packed with flavor. But best of all, it’s quick and easy to make!

75. Better-Than-Takeout Low Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl

Egg rolls are delicious, but they’re crazy unhealthy because they’re usually deep fried in those little wrappers! They’re also a lot of work to make from scratch and I actively avoid using a deep-fryer because that’s bound to end in a trip to the hospital for me. But we’ve got a workaround here with this Egg Roll in a Bowl – essentially the filling of a traditional egg roll. It’s as delicious as it sounds and it’s quick to make with a little help from your Instant Pot.

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The post The Best Recipes To Try In An Instant Pot appeared first on Forkly.

Things You Need To Know About Pickles

Pickles, you either love them or hate them. For the most part, we LOVE them. The stats show that the average American will eat 8.5lbs of pickles a year. That sure is a lot of pickles! Varieties such as dill, sweet, crunchy, baby sized, sliced, or garlicky – there are so many ways to enjoy […]

The post Things You Need To Know About Pickles appeared first on Forkly.

Pickles, you either love them or hate them. For the most part, we LOVE them. The stats show that the average American will eat 8.5lbs of pickles a year. That sure is a lot of pickles! Varieties such as dill, sweet, crunchy, baby sized, sliced, or garlicky – there are so many ways to enjoy a pickle.  Despite their popularity, there are a ton of lesser known facts and benefits about pickles. From curing hangovers to beauty enhancing properties, these traditional garnishes for your sandwiches are ready for the limelight with these fun and surprising things you didn’t know about pickles!

1. Dill Pickles May Relieve Heartburn

That burning sensation in your esophagus and back of your throat is a an issue well known to many called “heartburn”. Heartburn is typically caused by the stomach acids travelling back up your esophagus, when it doesn’t close properly. Spicy, citrus and fatty foods are well-known causes for this.

What many don’t know, is that dill pickles and/or dill pickle juice can help relieve the symptoms of heartburn! If you’re looking for a safe at home remedy to try, eat a dill pickle or have a shot of dill pickle juice. You may be surprised at how it works. However, you should start small,  as for some – this folk remedy being a highly acidic food, may not help at all. Regardless, many swear by this method of heartburn relief.

OB production / Shutterstock

2. Pickles May Increase Your Metabolism

Pickles for weight loss? Yes, please! Since pickles are cucumbers brined and pickled in a diluted vinegar, they contain acetic acid which is fundamental in the body’s metabolic processing of carbs and fat into energy. In some studies, acetic acid was shown to suppress fat accumulation in animal studies…so who knows, it may just work on us humans, too.

Another fun metabolism booster of pickles, is the introduction of Vitamin B-12 into the cucumbers with the build up of healthy bacteria through the pickling process! Since B-12 is proven to have benefits on digestion and metabolism, it may just help you get a little extra boost. Be warned though, not all pickle juices are alike so not every pickling technique will be high in B-12. Not only that, but since pickles are also high-sodium, consuming TOO many can cause water weight gain, especially for those with high blood pressure or hypertension. Chat with your physician next time you see them to see if they think some pickles are an ok addition to your diet.

donikz / Shutterstock

3. Dill Pickles Are Basically Calorie Free

Pickles are considered what many call “negative calorie foods” meaning that the calories burned while eating them, equate to more than the food itself. In the case of dill pickles, that typically ranges from around 0-24 calories per serving. So chew away, you’re burning the calories as you go!

While their sweet variety has added sugar and therefore an increase in calories, the classic vinegar or dill brined pickles are nothing to shy away from when you’re watching your caloric intake. Take note though because like mentioned before, too many of a good thing can turn into a bad thing. Since pickles are high in sodium, you may see water weight pack on if you’re enjoying too many of these calorie-free treats.

Stas Vulkanov / Shutterstock

4. The Juice Can Cure A Hangover

Bet you didn’t see this one coming! Struggling the morning after a fun night out of a few too many alcoholic drinks? You may be experiencing that awful side-effect, called a “hangover”. The worst. So when you’re needing of a fast remedy to your dizzy, shaky, headachy state – take a stroll to the fridge and grab out a jar of pickles.

A shot of pickle juice can give your body the revival it needs! Since alcohol can strip you of your body’s hydration and electrolytes, you can simply replenish them with pickle juice! Pickle juice is high in sodium, which makes it an ideal candidate for that zap of electrolytes your body is craving and balance that tired and sore body of yours, back into (hopefully) some normalcy. Some even claim that a shot of pickle juice with your alcoholic beverage, may prevent the hangover altogether!

Igor Bukhlin / Shutterstock

5. Pickles Can Reduce Muscle Cramps

Ok, this one is just weird. However, the research shows that when tested between pickle juice and water, participants found their cramps lasted a whole 49 seconds less when they were consuming the pickle juice.  Since muscle cramping can be a common ailment for many, especially athletes, maybe it’s time we start stocking up on pickles as remedy!

It’s thought that because the sodium is high in pickle juice, perhaps it’s the electrolytes doing their work again to balance the body and help it heal from it’s cramps. Other experts adhere to the idea that it’s the vinegar that helps the muscles to relax and stop contracting. Either way, it sounds like a win!

ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock

6. They’re The Perfect Low Carb Snacking

Ever tried a low-carb diet? You’ll quickly find out that snacking is often the hardest road to navigate while on a carb restricted diet such as Adkins or the ever so popular, Ketogenic Diet. All the go-to options tend to be loaded with carbs and added sugars.

Finding recipes like Low Carb Pickle Boats can help you get through those cravings! Since pickles are a no-carb option, they make the perfect filler when you need it. Remember these don’t really have nutritional value though, so try pairing it with something (like tuna salad in the recipe here) to make it well-rounded fuel in your diet.

7. Pickles Are Good For Your Gut

Like all fermented foods, pickles are high in healthy bacteria that’s good for your gut! Aiding in digestion and balancing out your digestive health. Fermented foods are nature’s probiotic, an essential to any healthy diet.

Now, not all pickles are created equal. Common grocery store brands are often made to mimic true fermentation process with things like distilled vinegar, which is comparable to the taste of the sour flavor of a naturally fermentation. Additionally, most commercial pickles are made with vinegar that’s heated up first which sadly, kills all that good bacteria. Opt for the real organic stuff, maybe even at your local farmer’s market, or in the organic section of your grocery store. Most importantly, read your labels! You shouldn’t be seeing any funny words in your ingredient lists like yellow food dye, rather all natural ingredients like cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, garlic and some other natural flavors.

giedre vaitekune / Shutterstock

8. You Can Make Pickles Yourself

It’s true, friends! Pickles can be made right at home, and very inexpensively. The good news is – it’s not as terrifying or difficult as you may be imagining. With just simple ingredients that you may already have in your cupboard and a few mason jars, you can make batches to last you weeks or even a year.

By making them at home, you are getting the opportunity to not only be sure that these are naturally fermenting (to get those good probiotics we talked about before) but you can also customize them to your own taste. Love garlic? Hit those jars up with it. Spice? Extra Dill? You name it, it’s yours. This may completely change your pickle game. Jars of pickles also make fantastic gifts for a friend, loved one, teacher, neighbor, and more.

MyPhoto studio / Shutterstock

9. They Can Help With Morning Sickness & Nausea

It’s no secret that pregnant women LOVE pickles. The whole joke of pickles and ice cream at 2am, is no joke at all…it’s a real craving and whether it comes from society’s suggestion or the body’s cravings for sugars and salt, it’s most definitely a common trait for many women during their pregnancies.

One little tip that some pregnant women have discovered, is that pickles can actually help with morning sickness and nausea! This may be a bit of a folk’s cure to morning sickness and nausea, but many swear by it. Since it’s a salty, sour food – it’s also bound to make you thirsty, which is an added bonus as your hydration will also help with those nauseating feelings.

Kzenon / Shutterstock

10. Kool-Aid Pickles Are A Thing

What exactly are Kool-Aid pickles? Well for one, their proper name is “Koolickles” and they are the dream child of the Delta region of Mississippi. They are unnaturally electric-colored pickles (due to the dyes in the kool aid mixes) and are one adventurous way to enjoy that sweet & sour flavor.

They simply take dill pickles, drain them, cut in half, then soak in jars of water, sugar and Kool-Aid, then left to “bathe” for a week before enjoying. In the south, these are quite well-known for selling out completely at fairs. While these are most definitely an indulgence, they certainly sound fun.

Scott Cornell / Shutterstock

11. They Can Help Clear Your Skin

Okay, I’m about to take up stock in pickles. Say whaaaat? Yes, apparently it’s true! Pickles due to that amazing fermentation process, make them a prime food to ingest to help balance out and perhaps – clear your skin. This is all comes back to the fact that by eating pickles, your digestion is improved. It’s well known that your skin is directly linked to your digestion, and that digestion is improved by eating fermented foods that are good for your gut. So, coming full circle… that can mean eating pickles may just clear up skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

One of the most legendary beauty icons in all of history – Cleopatra, claimed that pickles were the reason she was so beautiful. We aren’t sure why she made these claims, but in ancient Egypt she definitely started a trend with everyone from peasants to Pharaoh’s who consumed pickles believing that they too would have enhanced beauty.

Litkouskaya Veranika / Shutterstock

12. They Really Enhance Bloody Mary’s & Caesars

Who could use a new go-to drink? Depending on where you live, you likely have consumed a few Bloody Mary’s or Caesars in your lifetime. Sometimes, they are garnished with fun things like celery, olives or pickles. But, the pickle-professionals suggest you take that a step further.

If you’re looking to amp up your alcoholic tomato juice cocktail, try added some pickle juice to it! It will give it a sour snap that is balanced so well into the drink. Serve it up this way at your next party, and you’re certain to draw attention to your new favorite adult beverage.

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

13. Pickles Are The Reason We Have Mason Jars

Who knew pickles were so important to household aesthetics? Pinterest just wouldn’t be the same without them. Back in 1858, John Mason worked to develop the Mason jar because he needed a thicker glass jar that would be able to withstand the heat needed to sterilize and seal a lid during pickling.

So the next time you’re pumping your cute soaps out of a Mason jar, or making cupcakes in a Mason jar, packing a salad in a Mason jar, or organizing all of your cupboard ingredients and spices with Mason jars and oh-so-trendy chalkboard labels…remember, it’s all because of pickles.

Elena Veselova / Shutterstock

14. It’s A Really Awesome Ingredient

Sure, pickles are awesome on the side of sandwiches, but until you’ve tried pickles chopped up in a tuna salad, or in a ham & pickle sandwich, you haven’t lived! This Forkly recipe is something to bookmark. It’s a one-pan recipe that yields four servings, 10 minutes of prep, and up to 40 minutes of cook time in the oven.

We like to take things a level up, and made dill pickle stuffed chicken. It’s quite honestly one of our favorite recipes, which combined two favorite menu items, chicken & fried dill pickles, into one dill-icious stuffed chicken dinner. See the full recipe on Forkly here.

15. Dill Pickles May Counteract Bloating

Dill is naturally filled with essential oils that are known for calming the stomach, and reducing cramps and stomach pain. Therefore, eating a dill pickle or having a shot of the dill pickle juice may calm that stomach bloat right down. Additionally, dill is a diuretic, which can flush out toxins from the body, and help with the dreaded bloat so many suffer from.

Ever have a colicky baby and give them gripe water, just to notice that familiar smell of dill pickles? Well, that’s because gripe water is also known as “dill water”, a common homeopathic treatment for the gastrointestinal disruption of baby’s bellies. So it’s no surprise that pickle juice can help calm the stomachs of adults, too. Don’t have too much though, or that increase of sodium can lead to water-bloat.

siam.pukkato / Shutterstock

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Reasons Why You Should Be Eating Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast is this odd flake-like substance that you hear about and see in recipes a lot (especially dairy free & vegan ones) and sure, it definitely does the trick on making a meal have an amazing cheesy flavor and texture. It’s inexpensive, takes very little to use in a recipe effectively, but also has […]

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Nutritional Yeast is this odd flake-like substance that you hear about and see in recipes a lot (especially dairy free & vegan ones) and sure, it definitely does the trick on making a meal have an amazing cheesy flavor and texture. It’s inexpensive, takes very little to use in a recipe effectively, but also has some truly wild nutritional stats. I mean, it is called “nutritional” yeast after all.

What is nutritional yeast?? It’s actually a single-cell organism that is grown on molasses and harvested, washed, dried and heated up to “deactivate” it. It’s not like regular yeast which is active, meaning it has the ability to grow in baked goods, it’s what makes bread rise! Often nicknamed “nooch”, nutritional yeast is the answer to many problems in a vegan diet, such as a lack of b12, iron or perhaps even protein.  In some countries, nutritional yeast is called “savory yeast flakes” but they are all the same, and you will definitely be wanting to add it to more meals after you read this list of benefits.

If you’re seeking ways to use nutritional yeast (or “nooch”) in your diet more, check out THIS article for recipes you can create with it!

1. It’s High In Protein

When you think of protein, you’d rarely imagine that you can get so much from so little, unless you’re having a concentrated amount of it, like with a protein powder. However, nutritional yeast has a shockingly large amount of protein in it, up to 8 grams of protein actually…in just 2 tablespoons. Not to mention, for only 60 calories.

Add this to your meals and you’ll be easily upping your daily protein intake! WebMD says adult men need about 56 grams per day and adult women need about 46 grams per day. Protein is an import to keep your muscles healthy and can help you feel full for longer periods of time.

Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

2. It’s Rich In B12

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in keeping your nervous system healthy, energy metabolism, and other functions. This vitamin is especially key for those on a vegan diet, or someone deficient in B12. Healthline says that nutritional yeast contains 5 mcg of vitamin B12 per tablespoon.

If you are eating nutritional yeast regularly (adding to salads and pasta is especially amazing) you may not even need to supplement with B12 vitamins! Just make sure to check the label of the nutritional yeast to see if is fortified in order. That way, you can reap the benefits of B12 that come from it.

SUPERGAL / Shutterstock

3. It Contains Iron

Iron deficiency and anemia are incredibly common around the world, regardless of diet. However, for many their diet without meat can also mean a diet with less iron. In addition to the many plant-based foods that can assist with that, there’s also nutritional yeast.

In one serving of nutritional yeast, you can get about 5% of your daily intake of iron. While it’s not a ton, depending on your meal and how much nutritional yeast you’re using – this can easily help supplement your body’s need for iron! Simply add some nutritional yeast to your meals to help boost your daily intake.

Benjamin Scribe / Shutterstock

4. It’s High In Fiber

When you think of fiber you often think of fruits and vegetables, beans, flax, and bran. So it may come as a surprise that nutritional yeast is actually a great source of fiber, too. Considering it comes off as more of a seasoning, nutritional yeast in just 2 tablespoons packs about 5 grams of fiber! Healthline says that’s around 20% of your daily intake.

Getting enough fiber is essential for your digestive health because it helps keep bowel movements regular. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that healthy adults eat 25 to 38 grams of fiber per day.

marekuliasz / Shutterstock

5. It’s No Sugar, Low-Carb

One of the toughest parts of consuming a healthy diet is keeping your added sugar intake in check. The CDC says that added sugars should account to less than 10 percent of your daily calories. Luckily, nutritional yeast contains no added sugars so it won’t have any negative impact on your blood sugar levels!

Another concern people on diets tend to track is their carbohydrate intake. WebMD says that nutritional yeast has only 5 grams of carbs per serving. But with all that fiber, it ends up being only 1g net carbs! This is great for those following along with a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

6. It Contains Folic Acid

Folic acid is another important form of a B-vitamin that’s essential to your diet, especially if you’re a woman who may become pregnant. Folic acid can prevent unborn babies from some pretty serious birth defects such as spina bifida. That’s why it’s highly recommended that you get enough of it during your reproductive years.

The CDC says women should get at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. With a tablespoon of nutritional yeast, you’l be getting 40 percent of your daily folic acid requirements! Just make sure your doctor knows that you’re using nutritional yeast as a way to get this supplement.

Mila Naumova / Shutterstock

7. It Can Improve Digestion

Enjoying nutritional yeast in your foods can actually aid your digestive system. Since there are probiotics in nutritional yeast, it can have some really positive effects on your gut, especially if you’re dealing with diarrhea. Since it’s easy to add to your meals with a shake or mix in of the nutritional yeast flakes, it’s perfect for blending in some probiotics to your daily diet!

Keep in mind that too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Medicine Net says that too much nutritional yeast can potentially cause digestion problems. Start with smaller amounts of yeast and increase the amount slowly over time to avoid an upset stomach.

SUPERGAL / Shutterstock

8. It’s Anti-Viral

Nutritional yeast is one of the world’s best anti-viral foods. Many are using nutritional yeast in their daily diets just for its ability to help combat even yeast infections, ironically enough. It’s actually been shown to have profound effects on even e.coli, salmonella in studies performed on pigs.

Medical News Today says there is research showing how nutritional yeast supports the immune system and even reduces inflammation from bacterial infection. Further, it may also be helpful in treating diarrhea. While more research need to be done to better understand the effects in humans, this information we have is promising.

SUPERGAL / Shutterstock

9. It Promotes Healthy Hair, Skin, Nails

Since nutritional yeast has a healthy serving of B-vitamins, you may discover a surprise impact of including more nutritional yeast into your diet — healthier hair, skin, and nails! Something called niacin can be found in nutritional yeast, which has been shown to help battle chronic acne and other common skin problems.

If you’re dealing with stubborn skin issues, implementing some nutritional yeast into your diet could be worth a shot. People suffering from brittle nails and hair loss may also see positive changes thanks to nutritional yeast. Start adding some nutritional yeast into your daily meals and be on the lookout for improvements.

Mila Naumova / Shutterstock

10. It’s Gluten-Free

We often think of yeast and immediately think of loaves of bread and beers and things that use yeast to make them, however, the yeast itself is gluten-free! This is great news for people living with food allergies or sensitivities, such as the two million people in the United States with celiac disease.

Since nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast, you cannot make gluten-free bread with it like regular yeast which helps the bread to rise. However, you can add it to gluten-free bread recipes for that nutty, cheesy flavor, or perhaps mix it into your gluten-free breading next time you’re baking something coated.

Yushchuk Myroslava / Shutterstock

11. It Can Aid In Weight Loss

Many people struggle with weight loss for a variety of reasons, but a big one being that they aren’t providing their bodies with enough protein and vitamins to successfully achieve their goals. Since nutritional yeast is a complete protein, but low in calories, it’s a perfect addition to your diet when you’re trying to shed some excess weight.

Plus, nutritional yeast can also support your protein, iron and B12 needs! B12 can help your metabolism break down carbs and turn it into energy. Plus, the protein aspect can help you feel fuller for longer periods of time and prevent you from overeating.

SUPERGAL / Shutterstock

12. It’s Cheesy, Yet Dairy-Free

The biggest and best bonus of nutritional yeast is arguably the fact that it mimics the flavor of cheese so well, yet remains completely dairy-free and vegan. You can reap the tasty benefits cheese has to offer without the excess calories or fats. Some people also say it has a nutty taste, which is another bonus if it’s something you’re into.

Whether allergy or lifestyle choice, avoiding dairy is hard and cheese is proven to be one of the most addictive foods to give up. With nutritional yeast, you will be amazed at how you can replace that cheesy flavor in so many recipes while remaining dairy-free.

Yushchuk Myroslava / Shutterstock

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Jeepers Creepers Slime-Filled Cookies

So as a mom of 3 school-aged children you can probably guess that the word “SLIME” has become part of our regular vocabulary. So, for Halloween this year we wanted to make a classroom-friendly treat for them to share with their classmates that they could proudly say are “slime-filled”. We’re going for popularity here, folks. […]

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So as a mom of 3 school-aged children you can probably guess that the word “SLIME” has become part of our regular vocabulary. So, for Halloween this year we wanted to make a classroom-friendly treat for them to share with their classmates that they could proudly say are “slime-filled”. We’re going for popularity here, folks.

We had to test a few different options to find the best slimy filling, and it came in the form of some lime green gummies found at our local bulk store. You may not be able to find the same exact ones, but any classic gummy alternative should work!

Have fun with these, we sure did!

Servings: 30-32
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2.5 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup of baking powder
  • 32 green gummy candies
  • Edible eyeball candies

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Mixer
  • Parchment Paper Lined Baking Sheet

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together your room temperature butter until well combined and slightly fluffy, brown & white sugars. Mix in your egg & vanilla.
  • Add in flour a 1/2-1 cup at a time, as well as cocoa & baking powder and continue to mix until well incorporated.
  • Begin to make balls of dough about about 2 tbsp in size. Then, carefully open/break in half and add in your gummy candy to the centre. Press back together, and roll again to seal the edges.
  • Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet (you'll need two sheets or two baking rounds to use up all the dough) about 2 inches apart. Add on candy eyes to the top of each.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, remove from oven and let cool slightly before enjoying.

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Spiralized Butternut Squash With Kale & Sausage

First things first, do you own a spiralizer? If you don’t, now’s the time to scoop one up. Go ahead, “add to cart”…and we will show you all the many ways you’re going to want this kitchen tool permanently part of your weekly meals. Starting with my absolutely favorite thing to spiralize – a butternut […]

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First things first, do you own a spiralizer? If you don’t, now’s the time to scoop one up. Go ahead, “add to cart”…and we will show you all the many ways you’re going to want this kitchen tool permanently part of your weekly meals. Starting with my absolutely favorite thing to spiralize – a butternut squash! The noodles that come out from this are arguably adorably called “Bunoodles”, but regardless of what you call them, this is one delicious way to enjoy this tasty vegetable.

This recipe will be quickly devoured by everyone in your family, with the tender squash noodles so full of flavor and then combined with leafy kale, and sausage. To make this extra healthy, we used a lean mild Italian turkey sausage. In our test kitchen when we made this recipe, it tasted soooo good we looked at each other and said “Is this actually healthy? it tastes like it’s bad for you!”. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve gotten it in your mind that only bad-for-you food tastes good. This recipe is the one to change all that, and get you spiralizing butternut squashes on a weekly basis!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs mild Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 package (or 8oz) baby kale, pre-chopped or fresh, stems removed
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar (can substitute for apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp rosemary
  • 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large non-stick baking pan

Method

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Next, cut the bulb end off of your butternut squash, as well as the top stem creating two flat ends. Peel the squash, and place in your stand spiralizer and spiralize into noodles.
  • Toss the butternut squash noodles in 1 tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Spread them out on an even layer on a non-stick baking sheet (or one lined with parchment paper) and bake for 15 minutes. Toss, then continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until lightly browned, and tender.
  • While the squash noodles are baking, heat your non-stick baking pan to a medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, and brown and crumble the turkey sausage until fully cooked, and sprinkle with a bit of salt & pepper. If you bought sausages in casings, make sure you squeeze the meat from the casings before this.
  • Add in your chopped onion, and cook with the sausage for another 3-4 minutes or until translucent and softened.
  • Next, add the kale and stir until it's wilted (don't worry if it seems like a lot in the pan, it will shrink down significantly!).
  • Add the minced garlic, chicken stock, vinegar, pepper flakes, rosemary and sage. Mix well, and continue cooking for an additional few minutes. Make sure you do this uncovered, as it will reduce the liquid as it cooks.
  • Add your cooked butternut squash noodles (now removed from the oven) and toss. The noodles will break up as you toss them, and that's okay...just means that they are so tender and delicious!
  • Ready to serve!

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Healthy Pumpkin Oat Breakfast Cookies

When we think of pumpkins we are often quick to bring our minds to fond memories of pies, lattes and carvings, right? But there’s more to pumpkins than just those things. Pumpkins, especially in a pureed form, are an incredible ingredient that is not to be overlooked. Pumpkins are actually incredibly good for you. Pureed […]

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When we think of pumpkins we are often quick to bring our minds to fond memories of pies, lattes and carvings, right? But there’s more to pumpkins than just those things. Pumpkins, especially in a pureed form, are an incredible ingredient that is not to be overlooked.

Pumpkins are actually incredibly good for you. Pureed pumpkin packs a punch of Vitamin A & C, and is high in fibre and potassium and incredibly low calorie. When you can eat and make your heart happy, and stomach happy, you’re onto something sweet.

These “cookies” are the perfect breakfast balance. Not to sweet, not too heavy, and perfectly portable while being packed with nutrients your body will need to get the day started off right.

We love this recipe because it’s not only a good start to your day, but it’s dietary friendly for both gluten free and vegan lifestyles. It’s truly a “one size fits all” morning option.

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups gluten-free oats
  • 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 packets of stevia (equal to 10-15 stevia drops)
  • 1 tsp (or more) Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Toppings such as : Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), Dried Cranberries & Dark Chocolate Chips

Equipment

  • Parchment paper lined cookie sheet
  • Flat bottomed drinking glass
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Mixing bowl

Method

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix all of the ingredients (minus the toppings) in a mixing bowl.
  • Using your hands, create approx ball shapes and place on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a flat-bottomed drinking glass, spray the bottom and press the cookies to flatten slightly, making it's cookie form.
  • Top with the chosen toppings, and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool before enjoying!

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