Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/20/2016 its #food

Last night we mentioned we got a ‘critical alert’ from our ‘Smart Hours’ thermostat. Between the hours of 2 and 7 p.m. we were told the electric rate for this evening would be 42 cents per kwh.

That is why we adjusted our menu so that we could prep a delicious meal using a crock pot. The great thing about cooking in a slow cooker or crock pot is that most of the cooking is done well before the higher rates start. Once they do start, a crock pot only used a tiny bit of electricity and generates very little heat, at least when compared to an oven.

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Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/19/2016 its #food

 

That doesn’t look much like Black Bean Soup with Rice. Your right.

We’ve mentioned before that we participate in our electric companies ‘Smart Hours’ program. Between the hours of 2 and 7 p.m. the adjust their rates based on demand. This evening that rate was  18 cents per kwh. If they predict what they call a ‘critical’ rate they notify us in advance. Tonight they predicted the rate for tomorrow to be 42 cents per kwh 

Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/18/2016 its #food

Tonight we had probably one of the easiest recipes ever.

If you like Taco Bell you will really like these.

Tonight we had a copycat version of a Taco Bell classic Mexican Pizza.

It really turned out great.

Could be a new family favorite.

Mexican Pizza

Mexican Pizza it one of the quickest, easiest dinners that can be had. The whole family loves them.

This is a great faux version of the Taco Bell version of Mexican Pizza.

Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/17/2016 its #food

So this evening we tried a couple of new recipes.

Unfortunately, we thought the servings would be a little bigger than they turned out to be. In reality they both made great side dishes.

Originally we thought we would make sandwiches to put with them but instead we stopped and picked up some chicken tenders. They were a better match for the 

Crock pot Bacon Cheese Potatoes

I was a bit dubious of this dish when I  first saw it.

Actually it turned out to be great. Should have know it has bacon in it. 🙂

Apple and Poppy Seed Coleslaw

Who doesn’t like Coleslaw.

It is a great summer food. The ideal food for a hot summer day.

It is a great match for BBQ.

Guess #whatsfordinner tonight 7/14/2016 its #healthy

This has become a go to dish for us. It is so easy and flavorful. Its also the perfect food for this time of year. With our ‘Summer electric plan’ in play it fits in beautifully.  Absolutely no oven or stove top cooking. It did use several gadgets for cooking, a rice cooker, a crock pot, and a Microwave.

Basil Cherry Tomatoes

This is the last of the sides our friends brought over for a dinner on the 4th.

I love cherry tomatoes. Especially if they are as sweet and juicy as these were.

Who would believe such a simple recipe could taste so good.

Smoky Haricots Verts and Mushrooms

So here is the second of the sides our friends brought over for a dinner on the 4th.

This was a delicious combination. Especially with the crisp green beans. There is nothing worse than mushy vegetables. Add the bacon and mushrooms and you have a hit.