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Roundups

Roundups

New Nostalgia Most Popular Posts On Content 2018

laptop computer on a desk

Top 3 Most Popular Posts from New Nostalgia 2018

cleaners in spray bottles

 

#1
 Every Day Home Goals Chore System*

I was so happy to see that you all found this post useful. It is all the tasks, goals and routines that I use to keep my home tidy. There is also a free printable for keeping your home clean!

#2
 Eat All Week Chopped Vegetable Detox Salad*

I’m not surprised at all that this one was in the top 3. It was repinned on Pinterest over 75,000 times just in the last 30 days! It is a great way to get a variety of vegetables in; just make it once and eat all week! It tastes amazing thanks to the lemony-ginger-garlic dressing. I recently have been using it as an easy way to add chopped veg on the top of my leafy green salads.

#3
 5 Reasons To Eat Seeds Every Day + Super Seed Mix in a Jar Recipe*

We must all agree that in order to live well, we need to take care of the body. Eating seeds is a great way to do that! It is amazing what little powerhouses seeds can be. Having them mixed in a jar is super convenient way to get a bit of their goodness in every day.

 

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NOTE: all posts with a * were in the top 20 most popular posts of New Nostalgia 2018. 

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Meals/ RECIPES/ Roundups

16 Staple Go-To Dinner Recipes You Will Make Over and Over Again

korean noodles and peas with sesame seeds

There are recipes that become staples in every family. The ones you go to over and over again and really don’t have to think much about.

You make them so often they become woven into the fabric of your family memories and will be the recipes your kids will take with them when they leave the nest.

They will make them automatically for their families because it is what they know and “how Mom always did it.”

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Pressure Cooker/ RECIPES/ Roundups

7 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Staple Recipes

jar or blueberry on the bottom yogort

I’ve been thinking about what I consider staple recipes when it comes to the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Why?

Because my cute daughter Teagan just bought her foodie boyfriend one. He is a college boy and moving out on his own in 2 days, so the gift is timely.

I’ve been thinking about the go-to foods that I make regularly in my Instant Pot so I can share them with him.

The 7 recipes below are my most used , staple recipes and the ones I would pass on to anyone who is new to pressure cooking or even not-so-new!

 

instant-pot-hard-boiled-eggs

 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs

 Hard Boiled Eggs are by far my favorite thing to make in the pressure cooker. It may not be much faster than making them on the stove, but the hands-off approach is what makes me so happy.

It is so nice to push a button and walk away. The consistency on the cook of the eggs is also a huge plus.

Another amazing thing about hard-boiled eggs in the pressure cooker is that the steam creates a bit of space between the egg and membrane, which makes the eggs so easy to peel!

Try doing it with one hand…I bet you will succeed!

 

Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Chicken

Shredded Mexican Chicken is a GREAT recipe. You can throw chicken breasts in the pressure cooker add a jar of salsa and have delicious, seasoned and shredded chicken in less than 30 minutes.

Perfect for chicken tacos, burritos, chicken nachos, and Mexican chicken taco salad! A great recipe to have on hand for those evenings you are just starting dinner at 5:00.

If you are a college student, to fill up for late night study sessions and to share with roommates!

 

Instant Pot Jasmine or Basmati Brown Rice

Jasmine or Basmati Brown Rice is another example of a food that gets consistent results in a pressure cooker and allows one to push a button and walk away.

I love how the Instant Pot pressure cooker is also a rice maker (and a slow cooker, and yogurt maker, and a saute’ pan, and a…) it really does make a great gift (especially for college students) because it is so many things in one!

Combine the rice with shredded chicken and enjoy a Mexican Chicken Bowl! Add black beans (also made in the instant pot, of course!) and who needs to spend money at Chipotle?!?

 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Black Beans

Instant Pot Black Beans could not be easier. Simply start by sorting the dried beans, which just means getting rid of any misshapen beans or stones.

Then rinse then throw sorted beans and ingredients in the pressure cooker and in a few minutes you will have perfectly cooked and seasoned black beans.

Pile in a bowl– rice, beans, salsa & cheese. Top with shredded lettuce. Mmmmm.

Or use them in my Super Simple Black Bean Soup recipe in place of canned beans.

Make a bunch and freeze them! So convenient.

 

jar of yogurt with blueberries on the bottom made in the instant pot

 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Yogurt

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Yogurt is SO EASY to make, but it does take a quick learning curve the first time you make it.

I walk you through the process step-by-step here and include the video that I used to make it the first time. I love storing it in individual jars with Blueberry Compote in the bottom.

It is cost effective and so good for the gut health.

 

pan of blueberries

 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Quinoa

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Quinoa is my personal favorite staple. It just is so GOOD for you and will fill the belly full of amazing plant protein and nutrients.

I eat it cold like cereal for breakfast, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon and some berries. Mmm good and amazingly filling.

I wrote a post all about it called Quinoa for Breakfast 3 Ways.

You can use cooked quinoa instead of rice for any dinners that use rice as a base. You can use those black beans and make this Easy Quinoa Salad, or just top your lettuce salad with quinoa to make it more filling.

My new favorite with quinoa? Make a fruit salad using any fruit (strawberries, mango, and blueberries work well!) squeeze a lime over the top, drizzle with some pure maple syrup and mix in some cooked quinoa.

If you want to get fancy with the above quinoa fruit salad, add some chopped fresh mint. Plant protein + fruit = super high nutrient side dish!

 

steel cut oats

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats makes it easy to find time for breakfast. Make a big pot, store in individual mason jars, and it can even be taken on the go!

Don’t forget to top with your favorite toppings.

 

jars of oatmeal toppings

Steel cut oats usually take forever on the stove. I find them much easier to make in the instant pot, again because of constant good, reliable results.

I love knowing breakfast is cooking while I get ready, but I don’t have to stand at the stove and stir or keep an eye on it!

I also love that the Instant Pot keeps the oats warm once they are done cooking.

You can set up the oats, water, and salt overnight and program the pot to start cooking at whatever time is best for you.

The soaking of the oats is said to make them much more digestible for those who might need that.

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Steel Cut Oats
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
24 mins
Total Time
29 mins
 

The easiest way to make steel cut oats! Hit the button & walk away, or better yet, program the cooker the night before for the perfect automatic morning start time, and receive the benefits of easy to digest soaked oats.

Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: instant pot, oatmeal, steel cut oats
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 cups steel cut oats certified gluten-free, if necessary
  • 4 to 5 cups water
Instructions
  1. Combine the steel cut oats and water in the bowl of your Instant Pot and give them a stir. Use 4 cups of water for thicker oats, or 5 cups of water for more of a porridge-like texture. Cover with the lid and make sure you turn the vent at the top to "sealing."

  2. Press the manual button and then lower the time to 4 minutes on high pressure. The cooker will automatically start.

  3. After the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes. (The timer on the Instant Pot will remain on after the cooking cycle to let you know how long it's been kept warm, unless you press the off button. I like to keep it on for the timer function.)

  4. Once the 20 minutes have passed, turn the vent to the "venting" position to release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid and stir the oats to incorporate any water that has risen to the top. They should be nice and thick, with a porridge-like texture.

  5. Serve warm with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a splash of non-dairy milk, if desired. Leftover oats can be stored in individual containers in the fridge for up to a week, for a fast breakfast on the go. 

 

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cheesecake

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Cheesecake is not a staple and I have never made it myself, but so many rave about making cheesecake in an Instant Pot, so I added it as a bonus recipe.

Everyone needs a bit of sweet dessert every once in a while, right?

I include it because it is something I always tell any newbie to the Instant Pot about….”Did you know you can EVEN make cheesecake in the Instant Pot?!”…

I must try it!

 


I hope this post was helpful for anyone who is just starting out with an electric pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.

I really cannot get over how this machine has changed the way I make certain foods. I just love it!

 


How about you? Do you own an electric pressure cooker?

What is your favorite thing to make in it?

 


 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

INSTANT POT CINNCINATI CHILI WITH DARK CHOCOLATE

INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN

 

Roundups

New Nostalgia Most Popular Posts on Content 2017 – Pt. 2

Best posts of the year from New Nostalgia- a purposeful living blog

Most Popular Posts of 2017 Pt. 2

Slow Living Summer Recipes

This popular post includes summer favorites like Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Glaze, Fresh and Healthy Lime Soda, No Cook Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Oats and Cheesy Tortelinni Crockpot Soup.

Soup in the summer? Why yes! When it is made in the slow cooker it keeps the stove and oven off and your kitchen cool. Several of these recipes are great all season long.

Click through to see to see here.

DIY Daily Sink Scrub Shaker Top

DIY Daily Sink Scrub

A two ingredient daily sink scrub makes me a very happy lady every time I use it! My sink has stayed clean and shiny with no built up gunk!

When I sprinkle this scrub into my rinsed out sink, the aroma that drifts up is great. It hits my senses and is very awakening. I used Purify by Rocky Mountain Oils in my scrub, which just smells like—clean! I love it!

Make your own scrub here.

Strawberry Chia Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Quinoa For Breakfast – 3 Ways

Although it is a new year, quinoa is still my favorite breakfast. I just can’t get over how satisfying it is thanks to 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in just one cup!

Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain, and packs all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It contains iron, vitamin B, and my fav–the calming mineral, magnesium! This is just a few of the nutrients in quinoa, there are many more!

See 3 different ways to prepare quinoa for breakfast here.

Easy Steak Quesadillas. Nice and brown and crispy!

Easy Steak Quesadillas

Just placing that photo into this post made my mouth start watering, and I decided that it is what’s for dinner tonight! I want to make something quick, filling, and delicious. This recipe is perfect.

The steak is well seasoned and smells amazing while cooking. Between the scent of seasoned steak and the aroma of the bits of cheese that fall from the tortillas into the pan, your home will smell amazing and your people will come running!

We are not huge steak eaters around here, so having a few bite-sized bits of steak in a crispy tortilla was perfect for our family. We also don’t do a ton of cheese in our meals, so I love that it is easy to control the amount of cheese in this dish. Just sprinkle your preferred amount!

Get the recipe here.

Breast Cancer

7 Years Surviving Cancer

I reread this post and tears come to my eyes as I sit here typing in Starbucks. I take a sip of my grande Pike Place and swallow down the lump in my throat. Here is a tidbit:

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RECIPES/ Roundups

Recipes I’m Making This Week – My Meal Plan

Recipes I’m Making This Week:

I love starting the week with food in my refrigerator and a good idea of what I am going to feed my family each week. It cuts down on food waste, helps me stick to our grocery budget, gives an answer to that dreaded question: “what’s for dinner?” and keeps me from visiting the grocery store more than once a week.

Meal planning is a time and money saver!

I personally do not plan out exactly what we are going to eat each day. My schedule changes, my 3 teenagers’ needs change each day, and I just don’t know what kind of food mood we will all be in.

Yes…that is a thing…food mood! Mine seems to change with the weather…if it is cold and dreary outside then I want soup simmering. If it is sunny and mild, I want something quick so I can get outdoors and enjoy it!

I follow a loose guide every week, with the below themes as my guide. Some weeks I hit all of the themes, some weeks I don’t. Flexibility works for me!

I start with knowing what is in my freezer, refrigerator, and pantry. I especially pay attention to any proteins we have so I can build meals around them. I then find recipes online that I have saved or look here are New Nostalgia at our fav go-to recipes.

Some weeks I try new-to-me recipes, some weeks I go to what is familiar.

I gather them, make a grocery list, and make sure I keep a list of links so I can reference it all week. I like sharing them here with you, so I can just come to this post when it is time to think about dinner. The recipes I don’t get to I will roll-over into the following week.

 

 

 My Meal Plan

BREAKFAST FOR DINNER

Oven Scrambled Eggs

Cranberry Banana Quinoa Oatmeal Bake

I have several bags of frozen cranberries in my freezer. This looks like a great way to use them.

 

TACO/MEXICAN MEAL

Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad Bowls

A new-to-me recipe. My girls are asking for something to take in their lunches besides sandwiches. I thought a hearty salad would make them happy. We shall see!

 

PASTA NIGHT

Magic One-Pan Spaghetti

A new-to-me recipe. I’m going to use chicken broth in place of water in this recipe, thanks to a tip in the comment thread of the video.

 

MEATLESS

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

My sister said this soup is amazing. I’m not sure how my family will do digesting so much dairy, but maybe I decided to try it! I am going to use almond milk in place of dairy milk, but will still use the cheese and cream.

 

ORGANIC CHICKEN MEAL

Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad Bowls

 

A Pinnable photo of sloppy Joes

{for your pinning pleasure}

GRASS FED BEEF MEAL

One Pan Texas Hash

A new-to-me recipe. I have frozen grass-fed beef I want to use up and I love hash.

30 Minute Sloppy Joes

A go-to around here. You all love it too! It has gone very viral on Pinterest. Yay!

 

WILD-CAUGHT FISH MEAL

Seared Cod in Chive Butter

I’ve made this twice and it is DELICIOUS! The sauce is to die for…it uses white wine, shallots, butter, lemon and fresh herbs. You can use chicken broth in place of the wine. This recipe is a keeper!

 

INSTANT POT MEAL

None

SLOW COOKER MEAL

None this week, but you could try: Crockpot Bone Broth

 

ONE PAN MEAL

Sheet Pan Sausage Potato Pepper Hash

Magic One-Pan Spaghetti

It is kind of fun that I am trying 2 new one pan meals.

 

SOUP 

Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup

 

SIDES

Easy Chopped Detox Salad

Seasoned Lentils

The Detox Salad is my new food crush. It makes a nice big bowl that keeps well in the refrigerator if you store the dressing separately. I eat it all week long!

Seasoned lentils make a great side dish. I buy cooked lentils from Trader Joes and flavor them up a bit using this recipe.

 

SNACKS

Restaurant Style Salsa – My family can’t get enough of this recipe!

Hall of Fame Cranberry Sauce – I can’t get enough of this recipe. I use often use it as a toast topping.

Banana Pumpkin Muffins – These are a great way to use up those ripe bananas. Super moist and makes a bunch.

Stove Top Granola – This is a new-to-me recipe. I love that it is stove top instead of the oven.

 

ESSENTIAL OILS RECIPE

Anxiety Away Blend —  5 drops Frankincense, 3 drops Orange, 2 drops Peppermint

Diffuse (my fav diffuser)  into room or combine with a carrier oil in a roller bottle and put on temples and back of the neck.

INSTANT POT STAPLES

Instant Pot Yogurt

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Quinoa

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Instant Pot Black Beans

 


Notice I also share a new essential oils recipe. I love to mix it up each week and try new scents!

Let me know in the comments if a weekly round-up of the recipes I plan on making is helpful to you

Also, keep an eye on my Instagram Stories to see some of the recipes. I often capture my cooking process!

 

Roundups

New Nostalgia Most Popular Posts on Content 2017 – Pt. 1

Best Content of the Year From New Nostalgia 2017 Pt 1

Most Popular Posts of 2017

Instant Pot Blueberry Yogurt Jars 101

2017 was the year of the Instant Pot here at New Nostalgia. You all welcomed it with open arms — 5 of my top 20 posts from 2017 are Instant Pot recipes!

These Instant Pot Blueberry Yogurt Jars are so yummy that it makes me want to eat one right now as I write about it. This post takes you step by step through the process and gives a video at the end–the very video that made me brave enough to make my own yogurt.

See it here.

How to Declutter When Overwhelmed

How To Declutter When Overwhelmed

I just motivated myself by rereading this decluttering post. There are so many great tips– if I do say so myself! I do think the #1 best tip to declutter is simply GET RID OF STUFF. Otherwise, you are spending time organizing clutter & will have to do it over and over again.

I’m still in the process of purging out home but 2018 is the year where I will conquer all the clutter in all rooms, closets, and drawers. I want to up my game when it comes to cleaning, and you can’t clean well if you are too busy tidying all the stuff! Cheers much easier cleaning because of clear surfaces and clear floors!

Get motivated here.

Blueberry Compote for Instant Pot Yogurt with Fruit On The Bottom

Blueberry Compote + 10 Ways To Use It

A healthy, naturally sweetened fruit compote is a great thing to have on hand. It is amazing how many ways it can be used! I like that it keeps me from reaching for and wanting processed sugar treats–I can get my sweet fix naturally in many different ways using this blueberry compote recipe. Don’t care for blueberries? You can substitute, and frozen fruit works great!

See the many ways you can use a fruit compote here.

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DIY/Crafts/ Holidays/Parties/ Roundups/ Valentine's Day

Valentines Day Craft Ideas

7 Valentines Day Craft Ideas

Egg Carton Heart Art from A Little Hut

I just love this. You could make all kinds of shapes and colors out of these egg cartons. What fun!

 

Button Heart Valentine’s Day Card from K Werner Design Blog
Simple and Beautiful.

 

Puffy Tissue Heart from Kaboose
I remember making tissue art as a kid. These are cute, my girls could do this craft without much direction from me. Bonus!

 

I think this is so elegant. You could use any color felt and a heart-shaped foam form. These white ones would be beautiful to decorate a winter wedding. Red would be great for Christmas. Brown for fall.

 

Potato Stamp Art from Cafe Mom
I plan on using the inside of brown paper grocery sacks for this project.

 

This idea almost seems cruel! It smells like chocolate, looks like chocolate, but you can’t eat it!

 

I have never seen this craft before. What a great way to package little Valentine treats!

 

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