u/Soft_Wrap9699

Edit: title should say COOK not cool. Damn autocorrect.

I’ve been trying to cook black beans in my instant pot for some time now. they are either mushy or undercooked. or what annoys me even more: a mix of undercooked and mushy in the same pot.

I’ve had better results if I cook them in very small amounts (1 cup max), but that kind of defeats the purpose.

I’ve followed all kinds of recipes. Both soaked and not. I use Whole Foods 365 brand organic black beans.

currently have the Breville barista pro and using the included grinder. Im using top quality fresh brans and pulling my shots doing everything right. but I can’t get good consistent shots. they are all decent at best and tons of variability from shot to shot.

so I’m considering purchasing a better grinder. which of this would be best for medium roast beans?

- Timemore 064s at $449

- Eureka Mignon Zero 55s at $329

- DF 64 v2 at $375

I’ve been trying to cook 2 cups of dry brown lentils (Kroger brand) in instant pot using different water and time ratios but I always end up with mushy on the bottom and undercooked (hard) on top.

Last batch I tried with:

• 2 cups of lentils
• 4 cups water
• 4 min high pressure cook
• 10 min natural release + quick release

result was VERY MUSHY bottom + hard undercooked on top.

Looking for mattress advice.

I’m 6’1”, 175 lbs, athletic build with wide shoulders, and a combo sleeper who often wakes up on my back.

Current setup: DLX Premier Hybrid.

• Soft foam comfort layer: too much sink, noticeable lower back pain. Side sleeping was okay (not great).
• Replaced with 3” Soft Sleep On Latex topper: honestly felt very similar to the soft foam, no meaningful improvement.
• Replaced with 3” Medium Sleep On Latex topper: lower back pain improved quite a bit (though not completely), but now I get significant rib and hip pain when side sleeping.

I’m considering a DIY mattress:

• Extra-firm foam base
• 2” firm latex transition layer
• 3” soft latex comfort layer

Does this seem like a reasonable next step based on my experience so far, or would you recommend a different approach?

Thanks!

Planning a May trip: Amsterdam -> Paris -> Strasbourg -> Milan (flight home from Milan), all by train (no car).

Options:
3 nights Strasbourg + 4 nights Milan (original plan)

3 nights Strasbourg + 1 night Basel + 3 nights Milan

2 nights Strasbourg + 1 night Basel + 4 nights Milan

Worth noting: all trains from Strasbourg to Milan stop at Basel. Is Basel worth a day or an unnecessary stop? since it’s “on the way” I thought I’d be nice to split the travel to Milan in 2.

I’m open to other suggestions as well.