The holidays are accompanied by cooking, which uses a lot of energy. Keep reading to learn how you can cut down your usage during one of the busiest times of the year.
- Close refrigerator doors. Make a list of what needs to be taken out from (and put away in) your fridge and try to do it all at one time.
- Find the correct-size pot when using stove burners. When you use a pot or pan that’s smaller than the burner, heat escapes around the edge. Matching the size of your burner to your pot or pan will ensure you won’t waste any energy.
- Use the microwave. It’s the quickest and most efficient mode of cooking. Not to mention it frees up space in the oven and on the stove so you can make sure everything gets to the table hot.
- Cover pots and pans. Heat will stay inside the pots and pans; temperatures will be boosted, and cooking times will be lowered.
- Don’t open the oven door. As tempting as it may be to take a peek at your dish, heat escapes every time you open the oven door. Utilize your oven light to monitor bake times.
Aside from refrigeration, the preparation of this dish requires no other electricity on your part.
Total Prep and Cook Time: 20 minutes and chilling until you’re ready to serve
Servings: 14
Ingredients
- 10 cups torn romaine
- 2 medium red apples, cubed
- 2 medium pears, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1-1/2 teaspoons grated onion
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped lightly salted cashews
Directions
- In a salad bowl, combine the first five ingredients.
- For dressing, in a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, oil, corn syrup, onion, mustard and salt. Pour over romaine mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cashews.
Save even more energy when you participate in energy-saving opportunities from the SaveNow programs. Call (210) 353-2SAV (2728) or visit residential.savenow.cpsenergy.com/home.