Avoid using Gas and Electricity

Ballymackeonan

I'd second JackieO on the Remoska - I've had one for several years and really only use the main oven for big meals (like Christmas dinner!) I found a second one in a CS, passed it on to a friend who lives in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains and cooks with bottled gas as he's miles away from a normal supply. It sat unused until a few weeks ago when he'd put his back out and couldn't fit a new gas cylinder, and after one use he was on the phone praising its efficiency - and the results.

Another thing to think about is a Wonderbag - got mine earlier this year, and it's great for casseroles (start them off, put in the Wonderbag for a couple of hours or more... ) Mostly used for rice, though - proportion is1 cup rice to 2 cups water, bring the rice up to the boil, then into the Wonderbag for about 40 mins, and it's ready to serve. No steam in the kitchen, so it's saving money on the extractor fan as well!)

ariba10

A "Haybox" was used quite a lot during the last war by the army and by members of the public.

If you google Haybox you will find quite a bit of information (Make sure you understand the possible risks outlined in Wikipedia.)

Ate a lot of food cooked this way while in the forces.

McKneff

You can cook a whole meal in an electric steamer as opposed to having 3 or 4 rings on on a cooker and possibly the oven too.

Chicken on the bottom, taties next, veg next. All done at once.

bizzylizzy

Ballymackeonan wrote: »

Another thing to think about is a Wonderbag - got mine earlier this year, and it's great for casseroles (start them off, put in the Wonderbag for a couple of hours or more... ) Mostly used for rice, though - proportion is1 cup rice to 2 cups water, bring the rice up to the boil, then into the Wonderbag for about 40 mins, and it's ready to serve. No steam in the kitchen, so it's saving money on the extractor fan as well!)

I had never heard of the Wonderbag until I read this, so I just googled it. It looks great, but the website doesn't mention sizes - the original is £30, which is quite pricey but if it can save on electricity the cost may be covered quite quickly if it was used a lot. But the next size up is £80 :eek:

What size is the one you use, and how many people are you feeding from it?

krlyr

I cook rice in a similar way to your pasta method. Bring it to the boil, cover and leave on low for 20 mins (I put it literally on the lowest setting), and then heat off but pan left on the hob for the last 10. I do use electric hobs though so they retain more heat than a gas one.
Makes lovely fluffy rice though! OH can tell when I've done rice this way and when I've been shorter on time and just boiled it. More details here - http://chinesefood.about.com/od/resourceschinesecooking/tp/Steaming-Rice-How-To-Steam-Rice-On-The-Stovetop.htm

Mojisola

bizzylizzy wrote: »

I had never heard of the Wonderbag until I read this, so I just googled it. It looks great, but the website doesn't mention sizes - the original is £30, which is quite pricey but if it can save on electricity the cost may be covered quite quickly if it was used a lot. But the next size up is £80 :eek:

What size is the one you use, and how many people are you feeding from it?

Ask on Freegle/Freecycle for an old duvet and make your own.

Ballymackeonan

The standard Wonderbag is plenty - I use it with a Dutch oven which is the same size as my largest saucepan (you do need to make sure that there is no air vent in the lid - but there are plenty in my local TK Maxx).

Friends coming for dinner tomorrow night so I'll be doing a big batch of a vaguely Spanish pork casserole this evening (pork fillet on special at Mr T, chorizo, peppers, onions, celery, garlic and tomatoes, with pimenton from my holidays...) then use the Wonderbag tomorrow to do the rice while the casserole gets a gentle reheat on the hob!)

bizzylizzy

Have you tried porridge in it?

meg72

JackieO wrote: »

I have an electric oven but since buying a remoska a couple of years ago my bills have dropped quite a bit.I only use my big oven on a Sunday morning when I am baking for the week the rest of the time as its only me to feed I manage with the 'moska,m'wave and my SC.My duel fule bill for the whole of last year was just under £600.00 and I have gas central heating as well

That fuel bill is brilliant, mine came to just over and I have a gas oven, which I dont use much I prefer the halogen.

I also dont bake a great deal as I know you do for grandkids. I must try harder for this year.

enabledebra

That wonderbag sounds great. I found a diy version (link below) but it sounds to me that an old duvet as suggested would do the job.

http://newlifenewpurpose.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/diy-bag-style-heat-retention-oven-from-upcycled-materials/

I've just batch cooked shepherds pie for the freezer and cooked the potatoes as someone suggested by just bringing the pan to the boil and leaving them without heat for 20 mins - perfectly cooked for mash and piping hot