Change the clock; change a light bulb!
 March 14, 2010

We spring forward this year at 2 a.m. on March 14, kicking off months of extra sunlight in the evening. These extra daylight hours save electricity by allowing people to turn the lights on a little later...

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 Bounties for "Energy Hogs"
 By Megan McKoy

Waiting for the right moment to replace your fridge? What about your 30-year-old washing machine? If so, the time has come.

By the end of last year every U.S. state and territory had designed a federal "Cash for Appliances" program. Some of these offerings launched in late...

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 Spring cleaning? Keep the environment clean, too
 

Before you finally dispose of an outdated, energy- hogging refrigerator, freezer or air conditioner, consider the impact it will have on the environment.

Some old appliances contain chemicals that are harmful if leaked into the environment...

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 Recipe of the Month
 Mini Shepherd's Pies

With St. Patricks Day just around the corner, here is a festive recipe from the Emerald Isle that will delight your entire family. Try this delicious and easy recipe for St. Patrick's day or spice up any night of the week! Recipe and photo provided are courtesy of tasteofhome.com.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 tablespoons chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/3 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1-1/4 cups mashed potato flakes
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
• 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
• Paprika, optional

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until tender; drain. Stir in the chili sauce, vinegar and salt; set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Pour into a small bowl. Whisk in potato flakes until blended. Beat in cream cheese until smooth.
3. Press 1 biscuit dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 10 greased muffin cups. Fill with beef mixture. Spread potato mixture over beef. Sprinkle with potato chips; press down lightly.
4. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with paprika if desired. Serve immediately, or cool before placing in a single layer in a freezer container. Cover and freeze for up to 2 months.
5. To use frozen pies: Thaw in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until heated through. Yield: 5 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (2 each) equals 535 calories, 24 g fat (13 g saturated fat), 82 mg cholesterol, 1,310 mg sodium, 54 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 25 g protein.

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 Energy Efficiency Tip of The Month