Holiday Dinners Made Smarter:

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and festive meals—but they can also turn kitchens into high-energy zones. Roasts, casseroles, pies, and all the trimmings can rack up energy use quickly. At Synergy Companies, we believe you can enjoy the season’s bounty without wasting energy, time, or money. Here’s how to make your holiday dinners both delicious and efficient.

1. Plan Ahead for Energy Savings

Map out your menu and cooking schedule. Cooking dishes that can be baked or cooked at the same temperature back-to-back reduces oven use and energy waste.

2. Batch Cook When Possible

Prepare large portions at once. Not only does this save energy, but it also leaves you with ready-to-reheat leftovers for quick meals during the busy holiday week.

3. Use Lids and Foil Wisely

Covering dishes traps heat and moisture, cooking food faster and preventing energy loss. Aluminum foil can also help roast items more evenly without extra oven time.

4. Make the Most of Residual Heat

Turn off the oven a few minutes before the food is fully done because the retained heat finishes the cooking while saving energy.

5. Slow Cooker & Pressure Cooker Magic

These appliances are holiday heroes. From tender turkeys to savory sides, they use less energy than conventional ovens while freeing up your kitchen for other dishes.

6. Reheat Smart

Microwave or toaster ovens are perfect for reheating small portions. They use far less energy than heating a full oven just for a side dish.

7. Cook in Thermal Cookware

Pots and pans designed to retain heat help food cook faster and more evenly. Paired with tight-fitting lids, they’re perfect for simmering sauces or sides.

8. Pre-Cut & Prep Ingredients

Chopping vegetables or measuring spices ahead of time reduces total cooking time, letting your dishes finish faster and saving energy.

9. Multi-Task Efficiently

Use stovetop and oven simultaneously when possible. Cooking multiple dishes together maximizes your kitchen’s energy use without overloading appliances.

10. Keep it Clean

A clean oven and smooth cookware surfaces distribute heat better, reducing cooking times and energy waste, especially important during holiday feasts.

Celebrating the holidays doesn’t mean sacrificing efficiency. With a few smart strategies, you can serve up festive meals, reduce energy use, and make your kitchen a calmer, more sustainable place for the season.