Look at any infomercial and you will see marketing for small appliances that make meal preparation quick and easy for today's'  busy families. One such appliance that is currently trending is the electric pressure cooker/multicooker. The Franklin Co. Extension Service responded to a request from the local library to partner.  Forty-four people registered for the class. The participants were given handouts, recipes and sampled food prepared during the class.  The topics covered how the appliance works and the benefits of using an EPPC (Electronic Programmable Pressure Cooker), for example, to save time and making healthier meals, save money due to shorter times in the kitchen and one can use cheaper cuts of meat. In addition, food is more nutritious because nutrients are maintained and not lost during the cooking process.

Participants were shown the details of a few brands of cookers and sizes along with the information that pertains to purchase safely using the appliance. Information was given on how to use their cooker.   They were taught the difference between an EPPC, multicooker and pressure cooker.  As a result, many shared how they had purchased the appliance but hadn't yet used it. After the presentation, and after hearing the comments of others attendees they felt more confident and indicated that they would "take it out of the box."   One lady commented to the group how she planned to use her appliance for canning  (food preservation) because the "manual said you could".  The great thing about the Extension Service is our ability to share researched-based information. This information to inform the group why "canning" is not recommended and why. Everyone enjoyed the information, food and expressed their interest in attending more classes. The partnership with the library has flourished and another class was scheduled on another topic of interest. Several participants have attended other classes offered through the Family and Consumer Sciences area.