It’s funny how certain things pique a person’s interest. I bought an Instant Pot a couple of years ago. I stored in the corner of my closet because I had a lot going on and didn’t have time to learn how to use it. I didn’t mention it to any of my other household members. I got it out a few weeks ago and cooked some chicken to try it. My husband was instantly fascinated.
I’ve cooked a few meals in my Instant Pot now, and I like it well enough. My husband, however, absolutely loves it. He wants me to cook everything in it for some reason. I made pot roast a few days ago, and the first thing he asked was why I was using my slow cooker instead of my pressure cooker. I had to explain the roast was far too big to fit in the pot.
He asks me about it once a week or so. While we were out running around last Sunday, he asked me if I could make beef stew in it. I assured him I could if we had any beef, which we didn’t. I offered to make some pork chops for him instead. That was not good enough.
The next thing I knew, we were pulling into the Walmart parking lot. He informed me that he was running into the store to buy beef stew meat and would be right back. He took off at a speed walk, and I had to smile as I watched him disappear through the electronic doors. The man was determined.
He returned with several bags of goodies. As we were driving home, he casually mentioned that he bought McCormick Beef Stew Seasoning Mix. I had to stop and think about that. Mix? I use my own herbs and spices when I make stew. I was more than a little confused as to why he wanted me to use a mix.
After several questions, I finally got to the bottom of things. His mom had used pre-measured spice mixes when he was little, and he was feeling nostalgic. I didn’t even know they made stuff like that when we were kids. Live and learn.
I offered to let him make the stew himself with his fancy mix, but he was horrified by the prospect. He maintained that I cook so much better. At that point, I could only do one thing. I used the pre-measured spice packet he bought. I added beef broth instead of water because I’m way too stubborn to follow the directions. Besides, beef broth gives it a richer flavor.
The stew was really good. I think it would have been better if I’d made it with my own spices, but I love my husband. He normally doesn’t ask much of me. The least I can do is use something he bought with the intention of making things easier. After all, he just wanted beef stew.
There’s a huge silver lining in all of this. He was so determined to have his beef stew that he bought the stuff himself. That means I wasn’t forced to suffer through the Sunday afternoon Walmart crowd. That, my friends, is worth using any mix he wants to buy.
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