I am a member of Project Envolve, which is sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities. I received compensation in exchange for my tips on using a slow cooker and other ways to lower your electric bill. All opinions are my own. #ProjectEnvolve #GetEnvolved
The Project Envolve Ambassadors took a short hiatus at the beginning of the year, but never fear! We have all been hard at work, coming up with new and interesting ways to bring you energy savings tips and reminders on how to cut your energy bill all year long. Big or small, every bit of savings helps, and February is prime time for trying to get that bill as low as it will go.
Back in November, I shared tips on how to winterize your home. This month, my energy-efficient mission is to focus on fun, family, and those energy-efficiency tips that seem small but will definitely add up as you notice they require less of both kinds of energy – the kind you get billed for and the kind your body doesn’t have at the end of a long day.
Both valuable. Both definitely worth conserving!
Slow Cooker to the Rescue
As you know from a few previous energy efficiency posts, we PE bloggers are big fans of slow cooker recipes. Why? Because they save energy, as well as time. And, after making a new year’s resolution to spend more quality time with my family and then falling short of that already, the slow cooker is one secret weapon I can’t live without.
This may seem simple, but it’s the best slow cooker tip I have: Own more than one! In addition to the big guy you use for stews and such, invest a few bucks into a mini crock pot
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese or Neufchatel
- 1 jar strawberry jam or preserves
- graham crackers, for dipping
- Combine cream cheese and jam in a small slow cooker. Turn on low heat and warm until melted, whisking occasionally to blend smoothly. Once mixture is well blended, serve with graham crackers
As long as you have a few blocks of cream cheese, a jar of jam, and a mini slow cooker, you’re set.
Add a few graham crackers and you’ll have all the flavor of a rich strawberry cheesecake, without any of the fuss (and without cranking the oven up for hours!)
Get to know your slow cooker a little better here: SLOW COOKER MYTHS, DEBUNKED
Once you set it and forget it, it’s time to get out the board games or books. Unplugging with the family counts as “quality time” in more ways than one. Studies show that regularly sharing family dinners, without the distraction of electronics, can positively affect your child’s physical fitness, mental health, stress level, academic performance, overall attitude and even their likelihood to engage in risky behaviors or fall victim to cyberbullying.
It’s pretty amazing what that quality time can do, which is why I’m such a fan of making a whole night of it. Reconnect over a recipe, gather around a board game, or browse Pinterest for a family project. Challenge the family to an “eco-brainstorm” and set some green goals, then create a checklist to keep everyone motivated. [Print a FREE Goal Tracker here.]
If movies are a must, make sure you’re using the most energy-efficient equipment available with an ENERGY STAR® Blu-ray player (they’re 45% more efficient than conventional models, on average.)
It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as you’re engaging with your those around you instead of a screen. Make it a habit, and both your future family and your energy bill will thank you!
I absolutely ADORE my slow cooker. I have 3 right now, and I am looking to get more, LOL! Your recipe looks so delicious, and easy too. YUM!!
Jennifer recently posted…Spring Cleaning Your Home {Part 1}
OMG YES! I could eat this every single day of my life. It sounds awesome.
I will say that I do not use my slow cooker all that much but I would for this recipe, LOL. Its looks so good and super simple to make. Thanks for sharing.
Our favorite unplugged activity is board games. There is nothing better than family game night to really make a fun evening.
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This is exactly the kind of thing we love to snack on when we have movie night or game night. It’s tasty and it’s easy to make.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…4 Tips for Smoothing Rough Elbows & Knees
This sounds so yummy. I am always looking for new slow cooker recipes. I will have to make this for our family game night.
This is dangerously simple. When I buy a mini crock pot and my husband questions it, I am totally blaming you!
hahaha! Just share with him. He’ll understand!
I already have a crockpot that’s on the smaller side.
I’d like to invest in a larger one to make bigger meals and freeze them.
This looks so delicious!! Slow cooker anything is my speed!
That looks great! I love strawberry flavoured stuff! I wish I had a crockpot.
Cinny recently posted…Easy #Recipes: Sugar-Free Chai SnickerDoodle Donut Holes #Recipe
My favorite unplugged activity is hiking, the family loves to go hiking at different parks and checking out nature.
I’m going to have to try that dip! We really like board games out on the patio when we’re unplugging!
I thought I was the only person who owned more than one slow cooker! When I purchased a larger model a few years back I saved my old one especially for yummy recipes like this. We like to unplug as a family by going to the park or taking a walk around the neighborhood.
Marcie W. recently posted…Candace’s Corner – Skin Care By Alana Review
I think this sounds so perfect for upcoming spring and summer gatherings! And, I love that it is made in the crockpot!
Waaaah strawberry looks quite tasty. I love it but i hate the fact that i’m craving right now
We enjoy being outdoors, so I would say hikung is probably our favorite way to unplug. This dip would be a fun treat to share after hiking.
Cheesecake is my absolute FAVORITE. And with strawberry jam?? This is right up my alley! Making it this weekend for sure!
Dont you just love a slow cooker? Who would imagine this delicious dip was made in one?! Sounds delicious.
This looks so delicious and easy to make. It will be a great snack for the kids this weekend.
I could not make many of my favorite meals without my slow cooker. I have just started making desserts in mine. So easy!
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Wow, I never knew you could cook desert in the crock pot. This is going on my list
This dessert looks so delicious! I’ve never thought to cook a dessert in my crockpot. I’ve been dying for one but have yet to cook a meal in it. I need to change that.
Dipping grahams is a good way to enjoy the dip. This sounds great to me.