Too hot for us

So far we are staying a few degrees less than the forecast high, but today hit 90F about 4:30. That is about 20 degrees higher than normal and higher than Bear, Auggie and I like.

Early morning is the time to be outside and shortly after 5:00 a.m., I had sprinklers going.

Then a morning walk at 6:00 a.m. – sunrise is just after 5:30 a.m. and there is light in the sky at 4:30.

Short nights as we approach the Summer Equinox are part of the problem with hot weather now. Sunset is after 9:30 with light in the sky until nearly 11:00 p.m. There is plenty of time for things to heat up in the daytime and not so much time for cooling overnight. We started this morning at 58F.

So … yes, the behemoth A/C unit. It is to be in the low 70’s and even as cool as the upper 60’s by the weekend but we have another 3 days of 90 or near 90 so it was worth the setup.

Mid-winter I bought an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker: Not my Grandma’s pressure cooker. After using it several times and seeing how things went, I got to thinking that I would really appreciate it when it got hot. With the exception of a little steam as it is coming to pressure and a bit of residual heat when cooking is done, there is not a lot of heat generated into the kitchen. This morning, it was already getting warm when I thought about cooking some pasta for pasta salad. I dithered a bit thinking that the pasta would just be mush in the pressure cooker, but finally gave it a try: 1 part pasta, 2 parts salty water, 7 minutes and quick release. The macaroni was perfect: taste and texture. I had a refreshing pasta salad for lunch!

Afternoon outside time – everyone in the shade – too HOT!

3 Responses to “Too hot for us”

  1. Margaret

    I think you are getting our hot weather! Bear looks as though he’s enjoying the tall flowers and both boys are keeping cool on the grass! It’s been very unseasonably chilly here with rain and thunderstorms every afternoon.

  2. Steph

    I think we got the same heat wave you had. I steamed rice on the front porch the other day, to avoid steaming the house!
    Today it it’s supposed to be in the 60’s, for which I am grateful.

    I have been thinking of getting an Instant Pot–glad to hear you are enjoying yours.

  3. Liz

    The heat “broke” last night and we are supposed to be normal or even a bit cooler than normal for the forecast future – yea! Hope the heat gets to you, Margaret!

    Steph, I really do like the Instant Pot and use it nearly every day and sometimes multiple times a day. It does rice very well – I’ve tried several varieties and consistencies. I make an Ayurvedic khichdi with rice, buckwheat, quinoa or a mix. Beans – I love a variety of beans and they all do very well. This morning I “roasted” beets. One of the things I particularly like about using it is that the timing is consistent. For example, black beans that I’ve soaked take 18 minutes and I don’t have to monitor them and every time I make them (same brand/type) I set the time the same and they are always perfect. Easy to clean the stainless cook pot as well.

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