Oahu’s elementary school students are starting off the year right by making wise decisions on saving energy at home, based on illustrations in a New Year’s resolutions drawing contest. The contest was part of the Home Energy Challenge, a yearlong energy conservation program. Winning entries included such messages as "If my mom and dad were watching television and they fell asleep, I promise to turn off the TV."

To learn more, visit hawaiianelectric.com.

This week, try these healthy, energy-saving slow-cooker recipes.

SLOW COOKER BEEF BARLEY SOUP

1 pound lean stew meat, visible fat discarded
3-1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2/3 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
2/3 cup frozen cut (not chopped) broccoli
1/2 cup sliced carrot
1 cube (1 teaspoon) salt-free beef bouillon
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley

In slow cooker, stir together all ingredients except barley. Cook, covered, on low 6 to 7 hours or on high 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours until beef is tender.

Quickly stir in barley and cook, covered, 15 minutes on low, or until barley is tender. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 260 calories, 5 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 80 mg cholesterol, 650 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 30 g protein

SLOW COOKER SALMON WITH CUCUMBER-DILL AIOLI

1-1/2 large onions, coarsely chopped
4-5 large garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
3 cups water
3 slices lemon
1-1/2 pounds salmon fillet, about 1-inch thick, skin discarded, rinsed and patted dry
» Aioli:
3 tablespoons cucumber, finely chopped, peeled and seeded
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1-1/2 teaspoons fresh dillweed
3/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3/4 to 1-1/2 medium garlic cloves, minced
Dash pepper

Put onions and chopped garlic in slow cooker. Pour in water. Add lemon slices. Place fish on top. Cook, covered, on low 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours or on high 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until fish is cooked to desired doneness. Do not overcook.

For aioli, just before serving, place chopped cucumber on a cutting board. Using tine of a fork, crush cucumber. Transfer to small bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients to make the aioli.

When the fish is ready, carefully transfer to platter. Discard remaining contents. Drizzle aioli over fish or use as dipping sauce. Serves 6.

Note: Poaching salmon in slow cooker will cook it evenly and slowly.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 300 calories, 4.5 g fat, 4.5 g saturated fat, 70 mg cholesterol, 175 mg sodium, 2 g carbohydrate, no fiber, 1 g sugar, 24 g protein

SLOW-COOKER MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN

1-1/2 pounds red potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
3 medium green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced on diagonal and separated, divided
1 medium garlic clove, minced and divided
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
Peel and juice of 1 medium lemon
1 medium lemon, cut crosswise into 8 slices, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 ounces each), fat removed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled low-fat feta cheese

Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Make layer of half of potatoes. Sprinkle with half of white parts of green onions, half of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, half of salt and pepper. Top with half of lemon peel strips and 2 lemon slices.

Repeat with another layer; do not stir.

Place chicken on vegetables. Sprinkle with final 1/2 teaspoon oregano. Top each piece of chicken with 1 slice of lemon. Pour lemon juice around, not over, chicken.

Cook, covered, on low 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken is no longer pink at center. Serve chicken with potato mixture and cooking liquid. Garnish with tomatoes, feta and green parts of green onions. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 300 calories, 5 g fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 400 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 30 g protein

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