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Instant Pot Recipes

St Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe

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On St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all a little Irish, right? My son has declared “I just want St. Patrick’s Day to be over so we can have Easter!” And, honestly, I get it, kid. But instead of doing the ‘catch a leprechaun’ activities that seem to leave my kids unimpressed, I’ll wow them in other ways. Specifically, through their bellies. And this twist on hot cocoa bombs is sure to delight them. So I’ll share with you these St Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs recipe!

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

WHY THE INSTANT POT?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times more flavorful.

What you’ll need

I used my Instant Pot, but it’s not necessary. Any double-boiler situation will work. I just prefer using my pressure cooker for everything. The other items are super easy finds. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 24 ounces of green candy melts, 2 ounces reserved
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder with miniature marshmallows
  • 2 blocks (4 ounces) of white Almond Bark
  • 42 Lucky Charms Marshmallows
St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

Your kids will totally love this (and you will, too!). You’ll get major mom points, for sure! PS. the Lucky Charms marshmallows (which you can find here) are a game changer. Don’t skip them.

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

Full St Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe Details

Yield: 14 hot cocoa bombs

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces of green candy melts, 2 ounces reserved
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder with miniature marshmallows
  • 2 blocks (4 ounces) of white Almond Bark
  • 42 Lucky Charms Marshmallows

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

STEP 1 -

Turn your instant pot onto sauté mode. Place one and a half cups of water inside your instant pot. Place a glass bowl that will fit in your instant pot as it will act as a double broiler. 

STEP 2 -

Add in your candy melts to the bowl. Continue to mix until the chocolate has completely melted.

STEP 3 -

Lightly grease the inside of your silicone molds. Add chocolate to your molds making sure that chocolate is completely coating the mold on the inside. Place in the freezer for about five minutes.

STEP 4 -

Remove your molds from the freezer. Add a half a tablespoon of cocoa powder and mini marshmallows per mold.

STEP 5 -

Add more of your melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows to close the mold and lock the cocoa and marshmallows from coming out. Return to the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Remove your cocoa bombs by pushing on the silicone side of the mold until the bomb pops out. 

STEP 7 -

In another medium sized bowl, melt your almond bark chocolate and 2 oz candy melts in the Instant Pot as a double broiler.

STEP 8 -

With a spoon, drizzle your melted almond bark mixture over the bombs. Immediately add your Lucky Charm marshmallows before the chocolate hardens.

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

STEP 9 -

Place one or two bombs in your favorite mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate releasing the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

STEP 10 -

Stir with a spoon and enjoy!

St. Patrick’s Day Hot Cocoa Bombs

© Rachel

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Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe

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Over the last few months, my life has become a lot more hectic. Between homeschooling and my other work-from-home gig, I am completely spent by 3PM. Which means easy dinners are the absolute only way we all eat at a reasonable time. And these Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders are easy, delicious, and sure to please the whole family!

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Why the Instant Pot?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times juicier and more flavorful. Sure, you could cook the steak another way; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

How to make Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Yield: 12 sliders

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of pepper marinated hanger steak. (Flank steak can be substituted, marinated to taste)
  • 2 bell peppers, any color (I used yellow and red), thinly sliced
  • 1 cup of water
  • 12 Hawaiian dinner rolls
  • 8 ounces of provolone cheese, sliced (12 slices)
  • 1 Tablespoon of butter
  • 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch (optional – see step 2)
  • Parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place meat, peppers, and water in the instant pot.

Cover and close pressure valve. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes.

STEP 2 -

When finished, release pressure valve and open lid.

Remove meat and shred. Add your meat back to your Instant Pot with peppers. For thicker sauce, add A tablespoon of cornstarch.

STEP 3 -

Slice Kings Hawaiian Roll in half. Add the bottom portion of the buns to a 8 x 8 baking pan.

STEP 4 -

Spoon the meat and peppers onto the buns. Evenly distribute.

STEP 5 -

Cover meat and peppers with provolone cheese. Add top of buns and cover with aluminum foil. Set under the broiler on high.

Should take about 3 minutes for cheese to melt.

STEP 6 -

Remove from broiler. Butter buns and top with parsley.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

© Rachel

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How To Make TikTok Pasta – Viral Recipe

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Confession: I only get on TikTok when someone sends me something funny. I don’t have a login. And I have not made a single TikTok (or Reel, for that matter). I’m just not a huge fan of being ‘funny’ on camera. But that doesn’t mean that amazing things don’t happen on those videos. And I’m grateful that someone sent me this recipe that seems to have gone totally viral on TikTok. And so I decided to use my oven and Instant Pot to recreate it. So I’m going to share with you how to make TikTok Pasta!

How To Make TikTok Pasta

What you’ll need to make this recipe

When I first saw this video, I was — no joke — dumbfounded at how easy this was. Like, why hadn’t any of us thought of this before?! It’s silly easy. And crazy delicious.

How To Make TikTok Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • 20 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 10.5 ounces feta cheese, brick 
  • 3 Tablespoons of olive oil 
  • 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning 
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of pepper 
  • 1 Tablespoon of minced garlic 
  • 10 ounces of your favorite pasta (I used spaghetti noodles)
  • Basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Instant Pot (optional)
How To Make TikTok Pasta

The Instant Pot is totally optional, but I have to say this — if you’ve never made pasta in a pressure cooker, you’re totally missing out. Pressure cooker pasta is cooked to perfection. Alternatively, you can absolutely just boil water and cook the pasta that way.

How to make TikTok Pasta

TikTok Pasta - Viral Recipe

How To Make TikTok Pasta

Ingredients

  • 20 ounces cherry tomatoes
  • 10.5 ounces feta cheese, brick 
  • 3 Tablespoons of olive oil 
  • 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning 
  • 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of pepper 
  • 1 Tablespoon of minced garlic 
  • 10 ounces of your favorite pasta (I used spaghetti noodles)
  • Basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place tomatoes in a 13 x 9 baking pan and coat with 2 tablespoons of oil and garlic.

STEP 2 -

Place the brick of feta in center of tomatoes and top with spices and remaining oil.

STEP 3 -

Bake in oven on 400 degrees for 30 minutes.

STEP 4 -

While feta is baking, place pasta in instant pot and cover water. Seal lid and pressure valve.

Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Manually release pressure when done and drain pasta water.

STEP 5 -

Once feta is done, stir tomatoes and feta until creamy sauce forms.

Pour over drained pasta and serve garnished.

STEP 6 -

ENJOY!

© Rachel

PIN FOR LATER

Red Hot Cocoa Bombs Recipe – Instant Pot Friendly

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All the rage! That’s what hot cocoa bombs are. And, instead of paying $5 plus for ONE hot cocoa bomb, you can easily just make these on your own. Seriously. And, although I like to post recipes for kids, this one is red hot for adults (and parents), too! These Instant Pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs are to die for!

Instant pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

No Instant Pot? No worries!

I use my Instant Pot for most recipes because it is just an easy kitchen accessory. But it isn’t necessary. A double-boiler will work for melting the chocolate, but it is just super easy in the IP.

Instant pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

Here’s what else you’ll need to make these incredible bombs:

  • 24 ounces of red candy melts
  • 2 cups of marshmallows 
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
  • Sprinkles (optional)

That’s it! You’re sure to have an awesome Valentine’s Day with these cocoa bombs!

Instant pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

How to make Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

Yield: 14 Bombs

Instant Pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs

Instant pot Red Hot Cocoa Bombs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 24 ounces of red candy melts
  • 2 cups of marshmallows 
  • 7 Tablespoons of hot cocoa powder
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Turn your instant pot onto sauté mode. Place one and a half cups of water inside your instant pot. Place a glass bowl that will fit in your instant pot as it will act as a double broiler. 

STEP 2 -

Add in your candy melts to the bowl. Continue to mix until the chocolate has completely melted.

STEP 3 -

Lightly grease the inside of your silicone molds. Add chocolate to your moms making sure that chocolate is completely coding the mold on the inside. Place in the freezer for about five minutes.

STEP 4 -

Remove your molds from the freezer. Add a half a tablespoon of cocoa powder and about 4 marshmallows per mold.

STEP 5 -

Add more of your melted chocolate on top of the marshmallows to close the mold and lock the cocoa and marshmallows from coming out. Return to the freezer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Remove your cocoa bombs by pushing on the silicone side of the mold until the bomb pops out. 

STEP 7 -

With a spoon, drizzle your remaining chocolate over the bombs. Immediately add your sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.

STEP 8 -

Place one bomb in your favorite mug and pour hot milk over it to melt the chocolate releasing the hot cocoa and marshmallows.

STEP 9 -

Stir with a spoon and enjoy!

© Rachel

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Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles Recipe

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This year, more than ever, we need to celebrate the small things. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — it’s time to make a big deal out of the small holidays for our kids. I’ve never been one to obsess over Valentine’s Day — even before I was married. I recognized it for what it was. But just today my 8-year-old second grader asked me if we could do something special. Last year he had a school party, but he knows that’s not happening now. So instead we’re going to make Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles for our at-home party!

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

What you’ll need for these Instant Pot Valentine’s Day truffles

I used my Instant Pot for this recipe because it makes the cake extra-moist. But you don’t necessarily need to use an IP. You can make the cake traditionally as well. I just really love the texture from pressure cooking.

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

As far as equipment, you’ll also need a springform pan. Other ingredients are vanilla almond bark, red food coloring, red velvet cake mix, eggs, cream cheese frosting, sprinkles, and a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Throw in some holiday-themed sprinkles, and you’re good to go!

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

How to make your Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box of red velvet cake mix
  • 3 eggs, large
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
  • 3 rounded tablespoons of cream cheese frosting
  • 18 ounces of almond bark, vanilla
  • Red food coloring
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

ingredients

STEP 1 -

Mix together your cake mix, vegetable oil, water, and eggs.

STEP 2 -

In your greased spring pan, pour in your cake batter.

STEP 3 -

Place one and a half cups of water to the bottom of your instant pot. Place the trivet inside. Cover your pan with aluminum foil. Place your pan inside the instant pot.

STEP 4 -

I close the lid on your instant pot, and make sure to close the ceiling valve. Set your instant pot to one hour 10 minutes on high pressure. Once the time is done, do a quick release. 

STEP 5 -

Remove your take carefully from the instant pot by using a towel or hot pads, and use the trivet handles to pull the cake out. Allow the cake to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

STEP 6 -

Transfer your cake to a large bowl. Crumble it up. Spoon and three rounded tablespoons of frosting. Mix together.

STEP 7 -

Transfer the cake batter to parchment paper. Lay it out flat and use a small heart shaped cookie cutter to make each truffle.

STEP 8 -

After you have made each truffle, transfer to the freezer for about 15 minutes to allow them to harden.

STEP 9 -

While they’re in the freezer, make a small bowl of your white chocolate. Placed three squares in the microwave for 30 second intervals until completely melted.

STEP 10 -

Add a couple of drops of red food coloring to create your desired pink color.

STEP 11 -

Remove the truffles from the freezer, place in your chocolate, and make sure they are completely coated. Remove them from the chocolate, transfer them back to the parchment paper and Top them with your sprinkles. The chocolate will start to harden. 

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

STEP 12 -

ENJOY!

Instant Pot Valentine’s Day Truffles

© Rachel

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Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe

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It’s been a lot longer than I expected since my last travel adventure. One of my favorite things to do when we travel is eat! Honestly, I feel like half the time we have planned our travel around the restaurants available. When we travelled to Las Vegas, I just knew I had to try In-N-Out Burger. We do not have In-N-Out here in the Midwest, and we certainly didn’t have it when I lived in New York! So In-N-Out was something I knew we had to try. And we LOVED it. So much so that I’ve been dying to try recreating it at home! And that’s why I made this Instant Pot Copycat In-N-Out Burgers Recipe!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Why the Instant Pot?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know that I’m basically obsessed with pressure cooking and one-pot cooking in the Instant Pot. It’s just… easy. And, when food is made in a pressure cooker, it is 100 times juicier and more flavorful. Sure, you could make burgers on the grill; but I highly suggest you try using an Instant Pot. It’s a complete game-changer.

What you’ll need for these Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Besides your trusty Instant Pot, you’ll need only a handful of other items.

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
  • One pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1/2 of a Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • Three slices of American Cheese
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 1/2 of a Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing

That’s it! Read the full recipe card details below to make your very own Copycat In-N-Out Burgers. But, be forewarned: you’re going to want to make these every single day!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

The Recipe

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time to come to pressure 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon of salt
  • 1 Tablespoon of pepper
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of onion powder
  • 3 hamburger buns
  • 3 Tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing
  • 1/2 Tomato, sliced
  • 3 iceberg lettuce leaves
  • 3 slices of American Cheese
  • 1/2 an onion, sliced

Instructions

INGREDIENTS:

ingredients for burgers

STEP 1:

Mix together your beef, salt, pepper, and salt. 

STEP 2:

Divide the meat into three sections. Pat them into 3 flat patties. Wrap them in aluminum foil. 

STEP 3:

Add 1 ½ cups of water to the inner pot of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside with your patties (in aluminum) on the trivet. 

STEP 4:

Close the lid on your IP. Close the sealing valve. Set your IP to High Pressure for 10 minutes. 

STEP 5:

When the 10 minutes has finished, do a quick release of the pressure.

STEP 6:

Remove the patties from the aluminum foil. 

STEP 7:

Assemble your burgers. Add your thousand island dressing to the bottom bun. Add your tomato, lettuce, burger, cheese, and onion slice. 

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

Enjoy!

Copycat In-N-Out Burgers

© Rachel

Tell me — what’s your favorite fast-food burger joint?!

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