How you doin’? Do you have a lot of time on your hands? (Warning: If you are working from home or home schooling the kiddies, this may be too much for you to handle—Ben & Jerry’s Frozen Yogurt may be a better option and more rewarding.)

Do you want to feel that you really accomplished something beyond just pushing buttons on your Instant Pot? Well, here’s the 2020 Quarantine Kitchen Challenge—making yogurt from scratch in your Instant Pot.
As fair warning there are other, simpler ways to get your daily dose of yogurt. If you don’t mind all the sugar and additives there are plenty of brands at your local grocer. Check the labels… some may be cleaner than others.

Or, you can always purchase a single use appliance—a yogurt maker. They cost between $27.99 to a couple a hundred bucks. They are not very complicated to use. They are fairly automatic but take up a lot of room on your kitchen counters or cupboard and will eventually wind up in the same place as your juicer, automatic bread maker and slow cooker.

Let’s face it, you already have an Instant Pot that you are using for everything else, why not take a flier and make some yogurt in your trusty Instant Pot?

Here are some tips for making homemade yogurt. I do guarantee—homemade yogurt tastes so much better than the store-bought stuff. Now that you have plenty of time on your hands, give it a try.

Yogurt Making Tips
For your yogurt culture, you can use either store-bought plain yogurt with active cultures, a freeze-dried heirloom starter, or yogurt from a previous batch of homemade yogurt. A yogurt starter culture contains live bacteria that convert milk into yogurt—that’s a good thing. The bacteria feed on the lactose and convert it into lactic acid. This ferments the milk, making it thicker and giving it that tart flavor associated with yogurt. Every starter culture has its own blend of bacteria which gives the yogurt a specific taste and texture—it’s alive. Check out the internet to find the style of yogurt you prefer.

If you are using freeze-dried heirloom starter for the first time, read the directions that come with it. Instead of adding 2 tablespoons of yogurt, you’ll add the entire packet of freeze-dried starter in step 3.

Smell your Instant Pot gasket before you begin. If it carries a strong aroma of chili or curried lamb, you may want to order an extra gasket, as the yogurt can absorb those smells. Reserve the neutral gasket for making yogurt only.

 Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 4 to 12 hours, plus chilling time (most good things take time)
Yield: about 6-1/2 cups of homemade yogurt
 
Ingredients
 1/2-gallon pasteurized milk (we like organic, whole cow’s milk)
2 tablespoons yogurt culture
 
Directions

1. Pour the milk into the Instant Pot’s insert. Lock on the lid. It does not matter if the steam vent is open or closed. Press the YOGURT button, then press ADJUST so the digital readout says BOIL.
   On some Instant Pot models, you'll need to press the START button. Eventually it will bring the milk to 180° F (this kills off undesirable microorganisms). It usually takes about 30 minutes. When it's done, the Instant Pot will beep and its readout will say YOGT.
   For a thicker yogurt, keep the lid on, press YOGURT, then press ADJUST so the digital readout again says BOIL. Start a timer for 5 MINUTES; once the time is up, proceed with the recipe below. This cooks the milk a little longer and leads to thicker yogurt.
2. Right after the Instant Pot beeps, turn it OFF and lift out the insert of hot milk. Put the thermometer in the milk and wait until it’s 116°F. This may take as long as an hour. To speed the cooling, set the insert of hot milk in a bath of ice water and stir the milk; the temperature will drop in about 5 minutes. (If it dips below 110°F, pop the insert back in the cooker, press YOGURT, then ADJUST and monitor the thermometer until it reaches 116°. Remove the insert from the cooker.
   Remove the thermometer. There will be a film of coagulated milk on the surface of the milk; carefully lift this off with a spoon and discard (this film won’t ruin your yogurt, but it creates a distracting texture once it’s finished).
3. Put the starter in a medium bowl and add about 1/2 cup of the warm milk. Whisk until smooth, then pour into the insert of remaining milk and whisk to combine.
4. Set the insert of milk back in the Instant Pot, lock on the lid (once again, the steam vent may be open or closed), and press YOGURT. If the readout does not say 8:00, add time using the + button until it does to correct.
   The Instant Pot will incubate the yogurt for 8 hours before switching itself off (the display will read YOGT once the 8-hour default programming is complete). You can use the +/- button to adjust the incubation time.
   Note that, when incubating yogurt, the timer counts up (when pressure cooking with your Instant Pot, the readout counts down). When the readout says 2:45, it’s been incubating for 2 hours and 45 minutes.
5. Start checking on your yogurt after 4 hours. As the yogurt incubates, you don’t want to jostle the Instant Pot—it will keep the yogurt from setting well.
   It can take anywhere from under 4 to over 12 hours for your yogurt to set. A lot of it has to do with how active the cultures in your starter are—fresher starter takes a lot less time to incubate. Be patient and don’t lose hope! It will all pull together and it’s worth it.
   Open the lid carefully when you peek; a lot of condensation forms around the gasket and you want to minimize it dripping back onto the yogurt.
   The yogurt is set when it jiggles all as one unit when you carefully nudge the insert, and it does not run if you tip the pot a bit. You may see some clear liquid (the whey) floating on the surface and at the edges.
6. Once your yogurt is set, gently lift the insert from the cooker. Pouring it out or stirring at this point can make your yogurt runny, which you don’t want. You can set the insert on a rack to help it cool faster, but don’t pop it right in the fridge, since rapid temperature changes can also thin your yogurt. Once it’s at room temp (about 2 hours), set it in the refrigerator.
7. The yogurt might seem lumpy after it's been chilled, but a vigorous whisking will smooth it out. At this point, you may strain it or transfer it to sterile containers (I like sterilized mason jars).
8. Homemade yogurt can be stored for up to two weeks. As it sits in your refrigerator, it will get tangier and lose some of its body.

Hey, you did it!  You made homemade yogurt for the first time in your Instant Pot. Isn’t that rewarding? I am so proud of you!

ChefSecrets:

• To make yogurt in individual heatproof jars (of any size), put the steam rack inside the insert. Add 1 cup of water. Fill the jars with milk, stopping 1/2 inch from the rim. Set them on the rack, lock on the lid. Press the STEAM button and use the “-/+” keys to adjust the time to 1 MINUTE. When the cooker beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
• Open the cooker and use canning jar lifters to remove the jars. Stick a thermometer in one and wait for the milk to cool to 116°F. This can take up to an hour. Remove and discard any skin from the top of the milk in the jars.
• Divide the appropriate amount of starter among the jars—it’ll depend on how much the jars hold. Live on the wild side—experiment a little. Return the jars to the cooker, lock on the lid, press the YOGURT button, and proceed with Step 4.
  

#InstantPot #Yogurt #HomemadeYogurt #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19

How you doin’? Over the last several weeks, have you been doing the grocery shopping or has someone else done it for you? Many people really don’t like to go grocery shopping. I can give you various reasons why, but the fact is, people have better things to do—that is up until recently. With the quarantine orders in place, except for going out for groceries and to the drug store, there hasn’t been many places to go.

Before we found ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic, most of us thought nothing of grocery shopping. We didn’t just stop at one store… we shopped around to different stores. If I wanted snacks from Trader Joe’s and meat from Huntington Meats, it was no big deal. We didn’t worry about what time or even which day we went shopping. We just went whenever and wherever we wanted.
 
Today, going to a grocery store is a potential health risk (for myself, my family, and the store workers. I’ve learned that running out for a few extra potatoes isn’t just inefficient—it’s also irresponsible and downright wasteful. We’ve had to change the way we approach meal planning and shopping. It’s been a period of adjustment.
 
Below are several ways the quarantine and ongoing social distancing might change your approach to shopping—some habit changes you might want to consider for the future.
 
Before you even go to the store, be sure to check to see what you have in your own pantry. Rather than starting with a craving, coming up with a recipe, and then making a special shopping trip—cook what you have on hand. Be creative with what you have. Pretend every day is a new episode of Chopped.
 
Now that you’ve got the time, take inventory of all the foods in the pantry, fridge and freezers and plug all the information into a spreadsheet. You’ll find there is so much more “stuff” that you’ve had forgotten about—lentils, beans, noodles, canned goods, and more. You also might want to add a column for “best buy” so that you can keep track of what’s in and out of code. Now you can browse through the list and come up with meal ideas instead of mindlessly running to the store despite having full cupboards. You can also go online and type in the ingredients you have and see what recipes pop up. 
 
Finally, if you have to go out grocery shopping, be sure to write a detailed shopping list—try to do it in the order that you shop, i.e. meat and poultry first, center of the store (cans and bottles), produce and then frozen foods. That will get you in and out of the store as quickly as possible. Please, please don’t over-buy, leave something for the next family
 
We are all watching small businesses struggling to survive amid mass closures. It has been painful to watch. I’ve always liked shopping local, bringing money back to the local economy. I also like small farmers, ranchers and producers. I look for the Made in America on the label. Every dollar counts to these independent, local businesses now more than ever. I also realized I’m not spending more money than usual; I am, however, wasting less of what I buy. When I put my dollars toward quality instead of quantity, there is more incentive to use up everything I buy.
 
You might also consider investing in one of those vacuum-sealing storage systems. They really do help to keep things fresher longer and you can save space in your refrigerator or freezer by stacking bags instead of containers.  I use the FoodSaver system and find it works pretty well for bagged storage and when you are using your sous vide system (Lesson #8). When a container is needed, I prefer the Lasting Freshness Vacuum Seal Food Storage containers. I’ve tried a few different brands and have had the best success in drawing and keeping a vacuum to extend shelf life a few days. They also stack pretty well in cabinets and the refrigerator.

In the last couple of weeks, proteins have been harder to find, so I’m using less by supplementing meals with more vegetables, beans, and grains. This strategy is better for our budget, health, and the environment.
 
When eating less meat or chicken, you will appreciate the fresh produce more than ever before. Your quarantine salads made with greens from local farms will taste amazingly better. You’ll find that greens purchased locally will still be vibrant and fresh long after the pre-washed packaged stuff which can go limp pretty quickly. You may have never known how incredibly delicious truly fresh produce can be.
 
If you have kids in the house you already know that “food” to them means snacks. If there aren’t any chips, crackers, or granola bars in the house, You’re out of food. In this current environment try cutting back on processed snacks; try making treats from scratch instead. Experiment with Instant Pot yogurt (see recipe in the Instant Pot section of the blog), freshly baked breads, muffins, cookies and crackers. Homemade ice cream and sorbet are the very best and fun to make. You will feel so much better cooking from scratch, not to mention most items are less expensive to make and better quality than store-bought, processed foods.
 
Let us know how is the quarantine changing the way you grocery shop and prepare food for your family?

#Grocery #Supermarket #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19

How you doin’? As businesses are starting to open up we are beginning to feel a little better about things. So, while it may not yet be time to celebrate with a bottle of Dom P Champagne, we can still enjoy a nice chilled glass of Sangria for Happy Hour.
 
The origins of Sangria are from Spain—it is an enhanced alcohol-wine punch. Sangria traditionally consists of an inexpensive red wine and fresh fruit, often with other spirits. Sangria is one of the most popular drinks in Spanish cuisine. It is commonly served in bars, restaurants, chiringuitos and at festivities throughout Spain.
 
Traditionally, Barcelona Sangria is simple to make with a minimal amount of fresh ingredients. It is the perfect fruity summer beverage that's adaptable and delicious!
 
Prep time:  10 Minutes
Yield:  4 servings
 Store:  48 Hours
 
Ingredients
1/2 medium tart apple, cored, skin on, chopped in 1-inch cubes
1/2 medium orange, rind on, sliced into rounds, large seeds removed, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
3/4 cup orange juice plus more to taste
1/3 cup brandy, plus more to taste
750 ml bottle dry Spanish red wine (Tempranillo if available)
1 cup ice to chill
Mint sprigs
 
Options: I like to use what’s leftover in my produce drawer to make Sangaria—I sometimes add a sliced lemon or lime or both. I also like to add fresh chopped plums and peaches to the glass and then pour the Sangria over. The peaches and plums really add another level of flavor.
 
Directions

1. Add the apples, oranges and sugar to a large pitcher and muddle with a long-handled muddler or wooden spoon for 45 seconds.
2. Add orange juice and brandy and muddle again to combine for 30 seconds.
3. Add red wine and stir to incorporate, then taste and adjust flavor as needed. You’ll want to add a little more wine, brandy or sugar to your taste,
4. Add ice and stir once more to chill. Serve over with or without ice.
5. Garnish with orange, lime or lemon citrus wheels.
6. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though it’s best when fresh.

ChefSecret: 

• Use any light Spanish wine like a young Tempranillo… a full-bodied and spicy and is typically aged less than a year. Because these wines are not aged long, they are spicy, fleshy and tart—perfect for Sangria. 
• If you don’t have Spanish wine on hand, a Pinot Noir or a Merlot can be substituted.
  

#Sangria #Brandy #Barcelona #Margaritas #HappyHour #Cocktails #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19

The first year my brother enrolled at the University of California, Davis campus my dad treated our family to dinner at the Nut Tree Restaurant, Vacaville. It was a magically wonderful experience… including the small gauge train that circled the property, and the general aviation airport (that later in life I used to fly in for a weekend brunch). Over the years the Nut Tree became one of my favorite places to stop when visiting Davis and later when driving along the heavily traveled corridor of Interstate 80 between San Francisco and Sacramento.

The Nut Tree Restaurant was an early pioneer of, what is now known as, California Cuisine, with fresh fruits and vegetables featured in their recipes. By 1978, the Nut Tree was identified as "the region's most characteristic and influential restaurant." A notable feature of the restaurant was its large indoor aviary that had glass walls extending from floor to ceiling. Nut Tree knives and cutting boards, as well as books on aviation, were sold in the gift shop.
 
The restaurant attracted many notable visitors including Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Danny Kaye, Shirley Temple Black, Chuck Yeager, Peter Marino, and Bing Crosby, among others. In 1983, the Nut Tree catered a luncheon hosted by (California) Governor George Deukmejian for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the State capitol.
 
Don Birrell was design director for the Nut Tree from 1953 until 1990. The Nut Tree's outdoor patio area was designed to loosely resemble Tivoli Gardens, in Copenhagen with unique its lighting and kiosks, and every plate was a food stylist’s dream.
 
The Nut Tree had a number of wonderful signature menu items… Whole Pineapple With Marshmallow Sauce, Seasonable Fruit & Sorbet Fruit Salad, Chicken Almond, Fried Shrimp, Freshly Baked White and Wheat Mini Loafs and, most memorable, Orange Nut Bread.
 
Because of changing times, rising property values and family squabbles the restaurant closed in in 1996.  Fortunately, I managed to save one of the best recipes—The Nut Tree Orange Nut Bread.
 
Prep time:  40 minutes
Bake time:  45 to 60 minutes
Yield:  1 large loaf or 2 mini loafs
 
Ingredients
For the orange rind prep
1 cup, orange rind, ground (from about 2-3 medium oranges)
1/2 cup water
4 tablespoons granulated sugar
 
For the cake batter
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, oil or melted shortening
2 large eggs, unbeaten
1 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
3/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped, roasted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoon raw sugar
 
Directions
To prepare the orange rind

1. In advance, grind or chop in blender enough orange rind to measure 1 cup.
2. Preheat oven to 400ºF.
3. Add the orange rinds, water and sugar to medium saucepan, heat to boiling; then cover and cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes, until rind is tender and practically all the water is absorbed.  Cool and set aside.

To prepare the bread batter

1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar. baking powder and salt into a mixing bowl.
2. Add milk, butter or oil, eggs, and flavorings and extracts.  Beat at low speed just until well mixed.
3. Mix in the cooled orange peel and walnuts.
4. Divide the soft batter evenly in either two greased 8” x 4” x 2-1/2” loaf pans or use one 9” x 5” x 3” pan.
5. Sprinkle tops generously with mixture of 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and raw sugar.
6. Place the pans in the oven. After 5 minutes lower the oven temperature to 350⁰
7. Bake at 350ºF. for 45 to 50 minutes for smaller pans or 55 to 60 minutes for one larger pan, until well browned and done when tested.
8. Turn out of the pan(s) and cool on rack.

#Breakfast #Brunch #Lunch #NutTree #OrangeNutBread #Dessert #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup #QuarantineKitchen #Covid19

How you doin’? Do you find that you have more time to test new recipes these days? Here’s one of my favorite lighter recipes from China Rose my Arlington, Texas restaurant—made with fresh American produce. 

I love minced chicken lettuce wraps. They are low in carbs and I can stuff my face without any guilt whatsoever. This is the easiest, quickest, healthiest meal you could ever make. If you have good moves in the kitchen, you can easily get this on your dinner table in less than 15 minutes. Plus, it’s budget friendly, too! You can easily double or triple this recipe as needed.
 

Prep time:  9 minutes
Cook time:  6 minutes
Yield:  4 servings
 
Ingredients
 
For the lettuce cups
1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, leaves separated into cups and washed
 
For the Gai Soong stir-fry sauce
1 tablespoon sherry wine
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon corn starch
1/2 teaspoon chili oil
 
For the chicken filling
2 tablespoons peanut oil
3/4 cup chicken, uncooked, minced (thigh meat recommended; see ChefSecret)
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
1/3 cup fresh oyster or brown mushrooms, minced
2/3 cup bamboo shoots, minced
2/3 cup water chestnuts, minced
2/3 cup celery, minced
1 teaspoon red jalapeño peppers, minced
1/3 cup green onions, minced (tops and bottoms)
 
Directions

1. Pull the lettuce “cups” from the iceberg lettuce head; wash and set aside to dry.
2. Combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
3. Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large sauté pan.
4. Add the chicken, garlic and ginger; stir-fry for about 3 minutes, breaking the chicken into small pieces.
5. Add the mushrooms, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, celery, and red peppers; stir fry for 2 minutes longer.
6. Add the prepared stir-fry sauce and green onions.
7. Stir-fry together for about 30 seconds.
8. Transfer to a platter with washed and dried lettuce cups and serve with your favorite Asian condiments.

ChefSecret: 

• Be sure to give the stir fry sauce a quick stir before adding it the wok.
• You can use chicken breast meat if you like, but I prefer to use thigh meat as it remains more moist and flavorful during the stir-fry process. Can also be made with shrimp, beef, pork or tofu.
  
• You can use romaine leaves if that’s what you have on hand, but they’re not as easy to eat.
  

#LettuceWraps #Chicken #GaiSoong #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup #QuarantineKitchen