Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A really long time ago, my friend walked me thru how to make mashed potatoes in the instant pot. It is still the only thing I know how to make in the instant pot, but don't worry, my husband uses it frequently. 

So for the most basic but clear instructions, here we go! 

Peel and slice or cube potatoes
    (I do one per person, plus an extra or two depending on size)
Put the cubes in the pot.
Cover them in water.
Can add 1/2 tsp salt -sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, sometimes my husband uses bullion in place of salt.

Cook on manual for 8 minutes 
In my case, I push "pressure cook" and then the up/down button til it says "high" and "00:08" and then it starts. This is my machine: 

Eventually it comes to pressure, then it counts down from 8.

Then, I pour off most of the water, but save some in a glass measuring cup. 
I add butter, sour cream or plain greek yogurt, and salt if necessary, and the potato water, as I use the beaters/hand mixer to "mash" them. 
voila! 
Mashed potatoes! 

Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette/Mayonnaise Dressing

Pasta Salad Ingredients - Feel free to swap out or add ingredients to your liking. Amounts below are a guide, not a requirement.

•  16 oz cooked rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 cup of chopped celery 
• 1/4 cup of chopped pepperoni
• 1/2 cup of chopped pickled banana peppers/pepperoncini
• 1/2 cup or 1/2 of a chopped white onion 
• 6 mozzarella sticks sliced into thin discs 
• 3/4 cup of black olives sliced in half 
• 2 large tomatoes chopped 

Dressing

• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar 
• 1/4 cup of olive oil 
• 1 tbsp of oregano 
• 1 tbsp of basil sweet 
• 1 tbsp of parsley 
• 1 tsp of onion powder 
• 1 tsp of garlic powder 
• 2 tsp of salt 
• 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup of mayonnaise

Garnish 

1/4 cup of shredded parmesan 

1 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper 

Whisk dressing ingredients to combine, pour over salad, and gently stir in so as not to break up the pasta. Let salad marinate and chill in the fridge for at least 5 hours before serving. Add garish of parmesan and pepper right before serving.

Chinese...ish BBQ Pork Marinade and Glazing Sauce

Used on 6 lbs of Country Style Pork Ribs chunked up and cooked as kabobs marinated overnight

• 1/2 cup olive oil 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed 
• 1 tsp chili powder 
• 1 tbsp. Five spice powder 
• 1 tbsp white pepper 
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp paprika 
• One tablespoon garlic powder 
• 1 tbsp onion powder 
• 1/4 cup ketchup 
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 
• One healthy squirt of sriracha