Saving time & energy with a pressure cooker

(StatePoint) Pressure-cooking may sound intimidating, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s actually a simple process that can save time, energy and money.

Not only does a pressure cooker use up to 70 percent less energy than a stove, it combines high pressure and high heat to dramatically reduce cooking times, saving you as much as two-thirds the time it takes to cook with a conventional stove. Another benefit? More vitamins and minerals are retained by pressure cooking vegetables as opposed to boiling and steaming.

Using a pressure cooker is different than cooking on a stovetop or in the oven, so the first few times, follow a recipe to get the feel for liquid ratios and cooking times. Recipes for all occasions, as well as tips and pressure-cooking advice can be found on Crock-Pot's website.

Don’t let inexperience prevent you from trying a pressure cooker. Once you have a few strategies down, it can become a useful tool to prepare convenient, quick meals for the family.