7
♦ When pressure cooking at high altitudes, the cooking time needs to be increased 5% for every 1,000 feet above the first 2,000 feet.
Following this rule, the times should be increased as follows:
3,000 ft. . . . . 5%
5,000 ft. . . . . 15%
7,000 ft. . . . . 25%
4,000 ft. . . . .10%
6,000 ft. . . . . 20%
8,000 ft. . . . . 30%
Because pressure cooking times are increased at altitudes above 2,000 feet, an additional ½ cup cooking liquid will be needed.
♦ If you have any questions on recipes, time charts, or the operation of your pressure cooker, call or write: Test Kitchen, National
Presto Industries, Inc., 3925 North Hastings Way, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703-3703, phone 1-800-368-2194 or send an email to
[email protected]. When writing, please include a phone number and a time when you can be reached during weekdays, if
possible. Written inquiries will be answered promptly by letter or telephone.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Occasionally the cover is hard to open or close. What causes this? What should I do?
In order for pressure to build inside your pressure cooker, the unit has a special cover which provides an airtight fit. Because of this, you
may find that on occasion the cover may be difficult to open or close. The following suggestions will help if this happens:
If the cover seems hard to close, press the palm of your hand on the cover area directly
opposite the cover handle while moving the cover handle to the closed position with your
other hand.
If after browning meat or poultry, the cover is difficult to close, it may be due to expansion
of the pressure cooker body from heating. Remove the cover and allow the pressure cooker
body to cool slightly and try again. Do not place the pressure cooker back on the burner
until it is fully closed.
If necessary, to help make the cover easier to open and close, a very light coating of cook-
ing oil may be applied to the
underside
of the lugs on the pressure cooker body (Fig. Q).
Use a pastry brush, a piece of cloth, or your fingertips and be sure to wipe off any excess
oil.
Do not apply cooking oil to sealing ring .
What can be done if the food prepared in the pressure cooker has more liquid than desired?
Simmer to evaporate the excess liquid. Next time you prepare the same recipe, you may want to use less liquid.
How does one prevent overcooking?
Remember to begin timing as soon as the band indicating the desired pressure is visible. It is very important to accurately time the cooking
period. A Presto
kitchen timer is very helpful for this purpose. Also be sure to follow the recipe instructions for cooling the pressure cooker.
What if the food is not completely done after the recommended cooking time?
Simply bring the cooker back up to pressure and cook the food a minute or two longer.
Can I use my stainless steel pressure cooker on all types of ranges?
Your stainless steel pressure cooker will work on gas, electric coil and ceramic glass (smoothtop) ranges; however, because it is not
magnetic, it will not work on induction type ranges.
When cooking first begins, is it normal for steam to escape and moisture to form on the cover and between the handles?
It is normal for steam to escape and a slight amount of moisture leakage to form on the cover and between the handles when cooking
first begins. If leakage continues, the cover handle may not be properly aligned with the body handle and, therefore, the cover lock can
-
not engage.
Is it normal for the air vent/cover lock to rise up partially and drop back down when cooking first begins?
It is possible that the air vent/cover lock will move up and down slightly when cooking first begins. Do not be concerned. The air vent/
cover lock will remain in the up position once the cooker has sealed. However, if the air vent/cover lock continues to move up and down
or rises partially, tap it lightly with the tip of a knife. If it does not rise once you have tapped it, the following may be occurring:
1. The burner is not hot enough.
2. The cooker is not fully closed (see page 3).
3. There is insufficient liquid to form steam.
4. The gasket for the air vent/cover lock needs to be replaced (see page 5).
Apply Cooking
Oil Here
Fig . Q
