Multicooker Perfection

July 1, 2018

Multicookers, like the InstantPot, continue to be in demand, and the editors at America's Test Kitchen are here with an informative book that explains the hows and whys of the appliances in addition to offering recipes that have been tested and perfected. They begin by describing how the multicooker operates and their methodology in testing brands. Surprisingly, the well-known InstantPot comes in fourth on the list, behind two Fagor models and one by GoWise. The recipes are organized into chapters for "Soups, Stews and Chilis," "Easy Suppers" (chicken and beef entrees and macaroni and cheese), "Roasts and Ribs," "Simple Sides" (vegetables, potatoes, baked beans), and "Ten Unexpected Things To Make in a Multicooker" (almond milk, jam, and cheesecake). All recipes are thorough and detail specific characteristics of the meal. A troubleshooting guide and conversion tables are included. VERDICT The popularity of multicookers ensures demand for good recipes, and this book will satisfy all cooks venturing into that realm.--Phillip Oliver, formerly with Univ. of North Alabama, Florence

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
Not name-branded and all the better for it, the latest cookbook from America's Test Kitchen (ATK) is tailor-made for that buzzword device we all keep hearing about: the Instant Pot. However, fitting ATK's always exhaustive and well-explained approach, these recipes will work for any electric pressure cooking/slow cooking/rice cooking/yogurt making appliance, and ATK has tested them all and chosen a favorite. ATK, once again, nails the effort, including directions to either pressure-cook or slow cook each of these 75 recipes, along with modifications for specific devices (mostly for the Instant Pot, which is recommend but not rated highest). Home chefs looking to make the most of their time will find soups, stews, and mostly meaty main dishes here but also perfectly cooked salmon, no-stirring-required risotto, several vegetable sides, and ten unexpected things to make in your multicooker, which include almond milk, flan, and cheesecake. If there's room in the budget for one multicooker/Instant Pot cookbook, make it this one.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)