Simple Savings: Cooking

There are a few ways you can save electricity while you cook.  To start with, use the smallest appliance that will do the job.  For example, if you can use the crock instead of the oven, do it.  You will save money on electricity and you won't have to worry if you fall asleep while it is cooking or worry about leaving it on if you go to the store.  Second, put lids on pans.  Next, shut off the oven/stove before you are finished cooking.  The oven/burner is still hot and can still cook your food when it is off.  I have a few cookie recipes that even have you take the cookies out a couple of minutes early and just let them finish cooking on the cookie sheet for 5-10 minutes more.  When I bake potatoes, I shut off the oven half way thorough and just leave them in to cook the rest of the way.  Last, bake things at the same time:  if you are cooking rolls, bake some potatoes or a dessert at the same time.  These ideas may not bring you large savings off your bill, but every little bit counts!