Low Energy Snack

Sugar-free gelatin is one of my favorite snacks to prepare during the hot months. When made in this way, it requires very little electricity. It is also very low in calories, making it a low-energy snack.

I have a work table on my south-facing deck. It gets super hot out there, too hot to enjoy, but perfect for cooking. I use the principles used by solar ovens to dissolve the gelatin into the hot water. I pour a cup of water into a black cooking pot, pour in the packet of flavored gelatin, and put the glass lid on top of it. So far, this is just like everyone else makes it. But instead of putting it on the stove, I set it out on my deck! The rays from the direct sun enter through the glass lid. The energy is absorbed into the black pot, heating up the water. It gets hot enough for the powder to completely dissolve! There is no need to even turn on the stovetop.

The only electricity that is needed is that which runs the refrigerator. I save the energy that boils the water on the stove as well as the air-conditioner to cool off the room when I am done.  It is super easy, and super safe, and pretty cheep. The kids could even make it without supervision.  So now you can make your own low energy snack. Somehow, porch Jell-o just doesn’t sound as good.