THE ENERGY FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER

Saving Thanksgiving Dinner Energy
November 22, 2010 (KFXA Fox28 – Cedar Rapids)

"…According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of the goods for this year's traditional Thanksgiving dinner for ten people is approximately $43.47…The average cost for Alliant Energy's Iowa customers to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner using energy sources such as electricity or natural gas is $1.34 and 58 cents, respectively.

"Alliant Energy also offers the following energy efficiency cooking tips…[1] Use the 'lids-on' approach to stove top cooking. Tightly fitted lids help keep heat within pots and pans, which permits the use of lower temperature settings and shorter cooking times…[2] match the size of the pan to the heating element. More heat will get to the pan and less will be lost to the surrounding air…"

click to enlarge

"…[3] Food keeps cooking even after you turn off the burner. When food is almost ready, turn off the oven or burners and let existing heat finish the cooking…[4] Always cook on the highest heat until liquid begins to boil. Upon boiling, lower the heat control setting and allow food to simmer until fully cooked…[5] The turkey is traditionally stuffed early in the morning and roasted for hours. Since it's a long, slow cook, there's no need to preheat your oven…true for a holiday ham [too]…reheat the oven [only for breads or pastries]…

"…[6] When using an electric oven, cook as much of your meal in it at one time as possible…[V]ariations of 25 degrees Fahrenheit in either direction [in cooking temperatures] still produce good results and save energy…[7] resist the urge to open the oven door, as doing so will decrease the temperature inside by 25 to 30 degrees. Use your oven light and look through the window instead to keep the oven hot and the kitchen comfortable…[8] glass or ceramic pans…heat faster than metal pans and the cooking temperature may be lowered by 25°F…foods will cook in the same time with less energy…"

Ticked Off Turkey! from Bonnie on Vimeo.

"…[9] Fast and efficient microwave ovens use around 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens…[10] do not use your oven's self-cleaning cycle unless you have a major cleaning job…Wipe up minor spills and splatters with a damp cloth…[11] When using the oven's self-clean feature, start the cycle right after cooking, while the oven is still hot, or wait until late evening hours when use of electricity is lowest…

"…[12] Help your refrigerator and freezer operate efficiently and economically by keeping the doors closed as much as possible…[13] cooking…[and] guests [heat the house]…Turn your thermostat down 3 to 5 degrees - no one will notice…"