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When the weather turns warm, cooking meals on top of the stove is a wiser move in terms of utility bills. Cooking in the oven is perfect for frigid weather, because not only does it bake or roast the menu item, it also heats up the whole house. This is exactly why it's smarter to leave the oven off during the hot days of summer. Menu Ideas for Hotter Weather There are many delicious main dishes you can cook on top of the stove. Many Italian menu items are made in saucepans. Some of the most popular foods from Italy are the pasta and sauce dishes. You start by filling a large pot full of water and turning on the burner to high. Meanwhile, you can prepare your choice of sauces. To make the classic marinara sauce, you pour a bit of olive oil into a large saucepan and set the burner to medium heat. Next, add spices such as oregano, basil, and garlic. For vegetarians, all you need now is a can of crushed tomatoes in puree and a drizzle of red wine. If you want to add veggies such as onions, zucchini, bell peppers, and olives, go for it! You can personalize the sauce to fit your taste buds. If you are a meat eater, add Italian sausage or meatballs and cook till they're browned with no pink left in the center. The meat can be cooked in the same pan before adding the tomato puree. While the sauce simmers, toss in the pasta and cook until al dente. There you have it: a stovetop meal to feed the family without heating up the whole house with your oven. BBQ or Crock-pot During the warmer months, another way to prepare tasty meals for your family without cranking up the oven is by barbecuing outdoors or using your crock-pot. There's something festive and relaxing about a backyard BBQ. Afterwards, the kids can use the coals to roast marshmallows. Even vegetarians can be fed in this manner. Shish kabobs can be prepared by skewering veggies such as onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and bell pepper slices. For meat eaters, add marinated chunks of beef or chicken to each skewer for a dish that is always popular with a crowd. Crock-pots are perfect for stews, soups, chili, and chicken and rice casseroles. Save your oven for the cold days of winter and fall. During the warmer months, use your stove, your BBQ, or your crock-pot. Everyone will be well fed, your house will stay cooler, and your AC bills will be kept to a sane level. By preparing meals on top of the stove stove Birmingham AL residents can save some money during the summer months. To check out your appliance options, visit the following: http://www.alagasco.com.
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