7/29/11

The self-cleaning mode in your oven can be a useful, chemical-free way to remove the caked-on grease and other debris in your oven. It can also use a whole lot of energy to get super-hot and properly do its job. The best way to use the self-cleaning mode is to set the oven to "clean" after you've already baked something to cut back on energy use.

7/28/11

Here are some quick tips to make your oven as energy efficient as possible: Don't cover the racks with aluminum foil; it reduces heat flow and increases cooking time. Bake in ceramic or glassware instead of metal whenever possible; it outperforms metal because you can usually lower the cooking temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

7/27/11

If you'd like a free marble or granite chopping block for your kitchen, become friendly with your local countertop installers. When new kitchen or bathroom countertops are installed in homes, a fabricator has to cut out a large piece of stone to accommodate the sink in the counter. These slabs are often discarded, but could easily be a durable work surface in your kitchen to knead bread, cut food or even use as a pretty serving piece.