[Dean]

This National Baking Week, we’re turning up the heat — in the oven and in the conversation about energy!

Baking isn't just about delicious treats; it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on how we use energy in our kitchens and how small changes can make a big impact.

Whether you're firing up an electric oven or using a gas range, baking reminds us that energy powers our creativity. So let’s celebrate with a recipe that’s as efficient as it is indulgent: No-Bake Energy Bites, a treat that skips the oven entirely!

⚡ No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe

These bites are packed with nutrients and require zero cooking, saving energy while fueling your day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
• ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup ground flaxseed
• ½ cup dark chocolate chip
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
• Chill the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
• Roll into 1-inch balls and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Makes about 20 bites.

🔋 Energy-Smart Tips for Bakers

• Bake in batches to maximize oven use.
• Use residual heat, turn off the oven a few minutes early.
• Try convection settings for faster, even baking.
• Explore no-bake recipes to cut down on energy use.

How do you stay energy-conscious in the kitchen? Share your favorite low-energy recipes or baking hacks below! 🍪💡

[Dean]

Another Day Another Bake - Why not try these energy efficient recipes

🥥 Vegan No-Bake Coconut Oat Bars

These bars skip the oven entirely, saving energy while delivering a chewy, satisfying treat.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: ¼ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix oats and shredded coconut.
• In a saucepan over low heat, warm almond butter and maple syrup until smooth. Stir in vanilla and salt.
• Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Add optional mix-ins.
• Press mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan.
• Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours until firm. Slice into bars and enjoy!

🍎 Low-Temp Apple Cinnamon Muffins (Non-Vegan)

These muffins bake at just 160°C (320°F), reducing energy use while staying moist and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 egg
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely chopped apple (peeled)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a muffin tin.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
• In another bowl, mix egg, yogurt, oil, sugar, and vanilla.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in apples.

Divide batter into muffin cups and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and springy.

[Dean]

With Halloween soon to arrive todays Bakes are Halloween Themed:

🎃 1. Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes
These adorable cupcakes look like mini pumpkin patches and taste like fall in every bite.

Ingredients:

• For the cupcakes:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the frosting:
• 225g cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Orange food coloring

Decorations:

• Green icing or candy vines
• Mini pumpkin candies or fondant pumpkins

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
• In another bowl, beat oil, sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
• Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
• For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Tint with orange food coloring.
• Frost cupcakes and decorate with green vines and pumpkin candies to resemble a pumpkin patch.

👻 2. Ghostly Meringue Cookies
Light, crispy, and hauntingly cute — these ghost-shaped meringues are a Halloween hit!

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Mini chocolate chips or black icing for eyes

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 95°C (200°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and mixture is glossy.
• Beat in vanilla extract.
• Transfer meringue to a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe ghost shapes onto the baking sheet.
• Add chocolate chips or dots of black icing for eyes.
• Bake for 1½ hours, then turn off oven and let ghosts sit inside for another hour to dry.
• Store in an airtight container.