If you’ve ever needed a reason to BBQ this summer, let energy efficiency be that reason! Grilling and cooking outside means your house stays nice and cool, and your air conditioner doesn’t have to work so hard to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. Most propane grills now come with side burners in addition to the grill burners. This way you can boil that corn on the cob or the pasta for your pasta salad without having to heat up your home by using your stovetop.

Also, using coolers or even kiddie pools filled with ice to keep your salads and drinks cold instead of your fridge will also help save energy – this way, you don’t have people constantly opening and closing your refrigerator causing it to work harder and use more electricity.

Did you know you can even bake a cake on your grill?! Yes! It’s true! Who wants to heat up the nice cool house with their over when it’s hot outside? But who doesn’t like cake?! If you’re using a grill that has 4 burners, light one burner on each end, and turn it down to low so your grill stays around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Put your cake pan in the center so your cake pan is not over direct heat. Be sure to check on it often so you don’t overcook it. Check it with a toothpick and when it comes out clean, it’s done! Here’s a fun idea for a quick and easy summer cake that everyone is sure to love:

Grilled Poke Cake

1 white box cake prepared per the instructions (on the grill using the tips listed above)

1 tub whipped topping

1 3oz package gelatin flavor of your choice (We like strawberry or raspberry)

After the cake is done, take the handle of a wooden spoon or a large straw, and poke holes in rows across the entire cake. Prepare your gelatin, but don’t let it set! Pour the gelatin mixture over the top of the cake making sure that you get the mixture in all the holes you poked in the cake. Let the cake cool to room temperature and then top with the whipped topping. If you’re using the strawberry or raspberry gelatin, we recommend topping with fruit as well!

Stick it in your cooler or the refrigerator while you’re prepping the rest of your BBQ, and enjoy a cold, sweet, and light treat for dessert - that is not only delicious and energy efficient, but also gives you bragging rights to say you made grilled cake!