October is Energy Awareness Month, and what better way to conserve energy than using a slow cooker? These economical and efficient kitchen appliances save time, money and energy since all you need to do is prepare the ingredients, set the timer and get ready for a delicious meal.

To learn more ways to use less electricity and save money, and how to support a sustainable, clean energy future, check out Hawaiian Electric’s Clean Energy Fair at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Pearlridge Center, Uptown.

SLOW COOKER PEPPER STEAK

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 pounds beef sirloin
3 tablespoons cornstarch, for dusting meat
3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
2 tablespoons ginger, grated
1 large onion, sliced
3 red bell peppers, sliced
3 yellow bell peppers, sliced
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
4 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
Ground black pepper, to taste
Bean sprouts, for garnish
Chinese parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish

In large sauté pan, heat oil on medium high. Add beef and lightly brown on both sides. Remove from pan and slice into 1-inch thick strips.

Place meat in crockpot, then dust with cornstarch and mix until cornstarch is absorbed. Add remaining ingredients to slow cooker, except garnishes, cover with lid and cook on high setting for 4 hours or low setting for 6 hours, or until meat is tender.

Garnish with bean sprouts and Chinese parsley and serve with rice. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 500 calories, 28 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 90 mg cholesterol, greater than 1,500 mg sodium, 24 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 13 g sugar, 39 g protein

SLOW COOKER BERRY COBBLER

Nonstick cooking spray
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups unsweetened raspberries, or berries of choice
2 cups unsweetened blueberries, or berries of choice
2 cups low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt (optional)

Spray 5-quart slow cooker insert with nonstick spray.

In large bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder and cinnamon.

In small bowl, combine egg, milk and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened (batter will be thick). Spread evenly onto bottom of insert.

In large bowl, combine salt with remaining flour and sugar; add berries and toss to coat. Spread over batter.

Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into cobbler comes out clean. If desired, top each serving with 1/4 cup frozen yogurt. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including optional yogurt): 270 calories, 6 g fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 25 mg cholesterol, 100 mg sodium, 52 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 34 g sugar, 4 g protein

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More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at www.heco.com.