Thanksgiving is a season of delectable foods, get-togethers with family, and thankfulness. However, the holiday’s customs, particularly preparing that large Thanksgiving meal, can significantly impact your energy use. With stoves working overtime, ovens running for hours, and numerous kitchen appliances in use, the kitchen can use the most energy in your house. However, you can make an energy-efficient Thanksgiving meal without sacrificing flavor or tradition if you plan and use some smart strategies. Here’s how:

_{Image Credit: Yuganov Konstantin}

Plan Your Menu Strategically

A carefully considered menu is the first step towards efficiency. To maximize oven or appliance consumption, choose recipes that may be made using comparable cooking temperatures or techniques. For instance:
• Several dishes can be roasted at the same temperature. Sides like casseroles, sweet potatoes, or stuffing that bake at the same temperature as the turkey if it roasts at 350°F.
• Choose sheet-pan or one-pot recipes. They save water and energy by reducing the need for multiple appliances and expediting cleanup.
Additionally, dividing energy consumption over a few days can be achieved by prepping specific foods, such as salads or desserts.

Maximize Your Oven’s Efficiency

Despite being one of the largest energy users, the oven is frequently the focal point of the Thanksgiving kitchen. To maximize it:
• Steer clear of opening the oven door too often: The oven has to work harder to keep the temperature at the desired level because the temperature inside can drop by at least 25°F every time you open the door. Instead, use the glass window and oven light.
• Cook in Batches: Bake many meals at once if your oven has room. Make sure there is adequate air circulation by using tiered racks.
• Switch off the oven early: Most ovens maintain a good amount of heat even after being switched off. Keep meals warm or use this leftover heat to finish cooking smaller foods, like buns.
• Consider Convection Settings: Make use of your oven’s convection feature if it exists. Because convection moves heat more effectively, you can frequently lower the temperature or shorten the cooking time.

Use Energy-Efficient Cooking Appliances

Other appliances can complete the task more quickly and effectively than your oven, so don’t rely just on it:
• Using a microwave to steam or reheat vegetables? Compared to ovens or stovetops, microwaves consume less energy.
• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: These cooking tools are perfect for soups, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. They can save up space in your kitchen and use a lot less energy than an oven or hob.
• Air Fryer or Toaster Oven: Use these in place of your full-sized oven for smaller dishes. They use less power and preheat more rapidly.
• Induction Cooktops: More rapid and efficient than conventional stovetops, induction cooktops employ electromagnetic energy, if you have access to one.

Choose Energy-Saving Cooking Techniques

Your cooking habits can also affect how much energy you use. Here are some pointers:
• Cover: To retain heat and save cooking time, always cover when boiling water or cooking on the hob.
• Preheat Wisely: Don’t preheat your oven until the recipe calls for it. Preheating is not required for many meals, particularly roasts or casseroles.
• Thaw Before Cooking: Before putting a turkey in the oven to roast, be sure it is completely thawed. Cooking time and energy use can be greatly increased by using a frozen bird.
• Cut food into smaller pieces to save time and energy because smaller amounts cook more quickly.

Make the Most of Leftovers

After supper, energy efficiency continues. Repurpose leftovers in inventive ways to increase the value of your meal:
• Instead of using the oven to reheat food, use your microwave or toaster oven.
• Make energy-efficient meals out of leftovers, such as casseroles, soups, or turkey sandwiches.
• To reduce waste and enjoy meals in the future without having to cook as much, freeze excess.

Light Up Efficiently

Don’t forget about lighting because Thanksgiving celebrations frequently last into the evening. Energy-efficient LEDs, which use less electricity and last longer, can be used in place of conventional bulbs. For a nice ambiance, turn down the lights and use candles or ornamental string lights.

Promote Family Input
Encourage relatives and friends to bring prepared food because Thanksgiving is about gathering. This not only lessens the amount of cooking you must do, but it also distributes energy use among several families. It also makes a more varied feast possible!

Pay Attention to Sustainable Practices
Along with energy efficiency, think about cutting waste in general:
• Instead of using throwaway plates, silverware, and napkins, use reusable ones.
• Turn leftover food, such as turkey bones and vegetable peels, into compost.
• When not in use, turn off lights and appliances.

Thanksgiving is the ideal time to celebrate a more sustainable and thoughtful way of life in addition to family and friends. You may save money on electricity bills, lessen your influence on the environment, and yet prepare a delectable and unforgettable meal by using energy-efficient cooking techniques. Let’s be mindful of the environment this Thanksgiving as well, as even minor adjustments to our cooking methods can have a significant impact. Cheers to a productive Thanksgiving!