Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect on what we’re grateful for, with those who mean the most – and what better way to do both than with delicious food? But preparing a multi-course meal for a whole family can be exhausting, not only for you but for your electric bill. Electric ovens can draw high wattage, especially when used over an entire day, costing you additional money and energy usage. Plus, Thanksgiving Day cooking fires rank No. 1 in occurrence by the National Fire protection Association.
Cutting back on power doesn’t have to mean cutting back on sweets, though. Enjoy these post-feast dessert night-caps without the hassle, risk or expense of additional baking.
Samoa Bars:
Here’s a new twist on the favorite Girl Scout classic – all you need is the microwave, a food processor and 10 minutes (via Babble).
- 1 cup 60% cocoa chocolate chips
- 1 stick butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cups (approximately 20 cookies) sugar cookies
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 55 caramels, unwrapped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup coconut, sweetened, finely shredded
Directions here.
Cheese Cake:
Unlike a regular cheesecake, this recipe doesn’t include eggs, giving it a more pudding-like consistency, but tasty nonetheless (via Just a Taste).
Ingredients Check-List:
- 2 sleeves (18 sheets) graham crackers
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds, for garnish
Directions here.
Key-Lime Pie:
It’s not really Thanksgiving without a pie, but apple and pumpkin creations can be a lot of work. This key-lime concoction is low in fat and fuss (via A Taste of Home).
Ingredients Check-List:
- 1 package (.3 ounce) sugar-free lime gelatin
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 2 cartons (6 ounces each) Key lime yogurt
- 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
- 1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust (8 inches)
Directions here.
For more tips on how to stay safe, and cut back on energy consumption and expenses this holiday season, visit our website, and be sure to follow us on Twitter @PSEGLI.
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