12/17/2024 Cocotte-minute

The Cocotte-minute is the French term for a pressure cooker, a kitchen device that cooks food quickly by using high-pressure steam. Introduced in France in the 1950s, it became a household staple due to its ability to reduce cooking time for traditional dishes like stews and soups, which are often time-consuming. Historically, it symbolized post-war modernization in French kitchens, making meal preparation more efficient in an era where women were transitioning into the workforce. Its iconic name adds a touch of humor, as cocotte means "casserole" or "pot" in French, and minute refers to how fast it works, though in reality, a "minute" meal might still take some time!