As your local electric cooperative, we're committed to helping you trim your energy bills while maintaining the joy of home-cooked meals. Today, we'll explore the energy-saving wonders of countertop appliances—cooking heroes that not only simplify your kitchen tasks but also make a significant impact on your energy consumption compared to traditional oven or stovetop options. As a bonus, we’ve asked coop employees to share their favorite go-to countertop appliance recipe! Enjoy.

Slow Cookers: Low and Steady Wins the Efficiency Race

Slow cookers are champions of energy efficiency. Their low wattage consumption, typically around 100-200 watts, pales in comparison to the 2,000-5,000 watts consumed by a large oven or stovetop. The slow, even cooking process ensures that you get the most out of every watt, allowing you to prepare savory meals without breaking the bank.

Chicken Tortilla Soup, Recipe submitted by Chris Olander, Right-of-Way Supervisor 

Ingredients: 

  • 2 lbs frozen chicken breasts, skinless and boneless 
  • 3 cans of Rotel (do NOT drain) 
  • 1 15 oz can of tomato sauce 
  • 1 can of black beans (drained) 
  • 1 jar of Pace picante sauce, your choice on spice level (we use medium) 

Directions:

  1. Place frozen chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot, add the rest of the ingredients over the top.  (Drain the black beans before adding, but don’t drain the Rotel.)   
  2. Cook on low for 8 hours.   
  3. Remove the chicken breasts and fork shred, then return to crock pot and stir.   
  4. Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and Frito-Lay corn chips.

Pressure Cookers: Fast and Furious, Yet Energy-Friendly

Pressure cookers are the speed demons of the kitchen, reducing cooking times significantly. Despite their quick turnaround, they are surprisingly energy-efficient, using around 1,000 watts. Compare this to the energy-hungry nature of conventional ovens and stovetops, and you'll see why pressure cookers are a smart choice for energy-conscious cooks.

Keto/Low Carb Wraps, Recipe submitted by Chris Pederson, MSP/Dealer Coordinator, Crow Wing Power Credit Union

Ingredients: 

  • 3-4 lbs Chicken tenders or breasts 
  • 2 packet Ranch Seasoning Dry Mix 
  • 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 
  • 1/2 can water 

 Directions: 

  1. Mix in Insta-Pot for 30 minutes.  Shred with fork. 
  2. Spread mixture on Low Carb Wrap 
  3. Add two strips of bacon 
  4. Season with Sweet Baby Rays buffalo sauce

Rice Cookers: Simplicity and Efficiency in a Compact Package

Rice cookers are not only foolproof when it comes to cooking perfect rice, but they are also energy-efficient, typically using around 300-400 watts. This is a mere fraction of the energy consumption required by stovetop cooking. Their compact design and minimal energy usage make rice cookers an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency without sacrificing convenience.

Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl, Recipe submitted by Jenna Anderson, Public Relations Department

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  3. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and grated ginger.
  4. Switch on the rice cooker to the sauté function.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in the rice cooker and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
  6. Add the marinated beef to the rice cooker and cook until it's browned on all sides.
  7. Stir in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and broccoli florets. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the rinsed rice to the rice cooker and stir to combine with the beef and vegetables.
  9. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth.
  10. Close the rice cooker lid and switch to the rice cooking function.
  11. Allow the rice cooker to cook until the rice is done, and the beef and vegetables are tender.
  12. Fluff and Serve:
  13. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the beef is cooked through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  14. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the beef and broccoli rice bowl before serving.

Air Fryers: Crispy Goodness with Minimal Energy

Air fryers are the health-conscious cook's best friend, delivering crispy results with significantly less oil. On the energy front, they are also winners, consuming around 1,400-1,700 watts. Compare this to the energy demands of conventional ovens, and you'll see that air fryers provide a delicious compromise between taste and energy efficiency.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Recipe submitted by Becka Magnan, Member Service Representative

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your coating.
  3. Dip each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Press the coating onto the chicken to make it stick.
  4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other.
  6. Cook in the preheated air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and turns golden brown.
  7. Grab your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your homemade air-fried chicken tenders!

Incorporating these countertop appliances into your culinary routine not only saves time but also makes a notable difference in your energy consumption. As you experiment with these energy-efficient options, relish the savings and the delightful flavors they bring to your table. Happy cooking and happy saving!

 

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