Get Creative with Energy Savings this Holiday
Electricity bills have soared this year, and the NOAA winter forecast is calling for a cold, wet winter for PA. But you don’t have to let that put a damper on the holiday spirit! There are plenty of ways for you to save on energy. For instance, you know that you can shop the cheapest electric rates now and save. But what if there was a way to save on energy and make it fun for the kids? Getting the kids involved in the kitchen isn’t just a great learning opportunity, but a wonderful bonding experience. So, check out these no bake holiday cookie recipes, and find how you can find a great energy deal!
How do No Bake Recipes Work?
First, let’s cover what makes a no-bake cookie recipe work! There are a couple of different ways you can combine ingredients to create a delicious treat without an oven. Some are as simple as blend and assemble. But others recipes require some heat to start the more complex process of crystallization. With cookies, crystallization happens when we melt sugar with another ingredient. As the sugar heats, it breaks down and reforms into a more solid cookie structure. And, the higher the temperature, usually the more solid the cookie structure gets. So, don’t be tempted to deviate from the recipe or you might end up with hard candy!
How do No Bake Recipes Save Energy?
Baking takes time, so it uses a lot of energy. Depending on your oven, it can take up to 20 minutes to preheat, and then another 15-20 to bake your cookies. More if you’re making cookies in batches. You can estimate your appliance energy useage if you want to be exact. But, most ovens use 3-4 kWh/hour.
However, no bake cookie recipes require minimum heating. Usually by melting some of the ingredients on a stovetop or in the microwave. Both of which, over 10 minutes of use, use less than 1 kWh/hour of electricity. So you save not just energy, but time as well.
Kid Friendly Holiday Recipes
Thankfully, there’s no bake recipes out there for all ages! You can adjust their involvement based on maturity level, allowing them to just mix ingredients, or letting them handle the microwave and stovetop when appropriate. As a bonus, most no bake cookie recipes don’t require flour. So you can make them gluten free! Plus, you can replace the milk and butter for dairy-free alternatives. Just keep in mind you may need to add additional fat to your recipe to make up for it.
A classic recipe from my childhood are these oatmeal no bake cookies. They only require 90 seconds of boiling, making it a super quick and easy recipe! But if oats are off the table, these chocolate and peanut butter cornflake cookies are very similar. After something sweet and salty? These caramel ritz cookies only require melting chocolate, making them an easy one for kids to assemble. And, while not a cookie, these Israeli chocolate balls require no heat at all, making them super kid friendly.
Save this Holiday with PA Energy Ratings
With PA utility PTC rates climbing this winter, your electricity bill might be killing the holiday spirit. But if you want to save, you can lock in a low rate for the year to come. And we’re here to make shopping for an electricity provider easy! Read reviews, compare providers, and more! Visit https://www.paenergyratings.com