Keeping The Kitchen Cooler During The Hot Weather Months
When it’s a hot day outside, the last thing I would want is to make the kitchen even hotter by putting on the oven. Keeping the oven off during the hot days saves energy and of course keeps you cooler. Here’s a few of my tips to keep the kitchen cooler on those hot, steamy days and nights.
1. Keep an eye on the long range weather forecast.
If there are one or two days that are cooler, take advantage of it and cook a few extra meals to freeze. Then, when it’s too hot to cook, pop a meal out and reheat in the microwave.
2. Take advantage of your outdoor grill.
Even if it’s hot outside, it’s better than turning the oven on and throwing some burgers, chicken, or hot dogs on the grill won’t take long at all. Make some extra, keep in the fridge for the next day or freeze for a later day.
3. Turn to small appliances like the electric skillet indoors.
Skillets maintain low temperatures well and release almost no heat into the kitchen. Great for stir-fry meals. A rice steamer makes perfect rice, every time, with no excess heat to fog your kitchen. A pressure cooker can prepare family favorites in a fraction of the time. An automatic bread machine can do the trick for a homemade sliced bread without heating up the kitchen. Slather on some butter, oh yea! Here’s a recipe you will love, it’s so easy, that’s why it’s called 10 Minute Chicken String Bean Stir-Fry.
4. Sandwiches aren’t just for lunch in the summer.
They are ideal for a hot evening when served with a cold salad such as fresh fruit salad or a creamy coleslaw. This is my favorite recipe, quick and easy.
5. Salads in general can make a nice light meal, especially when it’s hot outside.
Add your favorite protein like sliced turkey from the deli counter. Open a can of beans, rinse well and toss over the salad for a vegetarian protein meal. Here’s a couple of my family’s favorite dinnertime salads.
6. I saved my favorite way of cooking during the warm days for the last but I think best ideas. The wonderful crockpot!
Nothing beats throwing everything in one pot and let the appliance do all the work. The kitchen stays nice and cool and you have a home cooked meal ready to be served by the time everyone makes it home for dinner. Here’s a few favorites made right in the trusted crockpot. Yum!
