Lewis Maclean July 2018

Can I Have S’more?

Myth #1: A larger A/C will cool your home better. 3 Air Conditioning Myths That Are All Hot Air Truth: It all comes down to the size of your home or the size of the room you want to cool. A bigger air conditioner isn’t always the right choice and can lead to huge energy bills if it’s improperly sized for your home (either too small or too large). You want to work with installers who can correctly size your home for maximum efficiency (and lower bills).

CREATIVE TWISTS ON THE CAMPFIRE CLASSIC

You’re just three ingredients away from the perfect summertime treat: chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The s’more is a fan favorite on camping trips and at backyard bonfires alike. Though they say you can’t improve perfection, we’ve found a few creative twists on the classic treat that will make your summer a little sweeter. The Elvis A campfire snack fit for a king — of rock ’n’ roll, that is. This s’more pays homage to Elvis Presley’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Swap out the chocolate bar for a peanut butter cup candy and add a few slices of fresh banana between the graham cracker and marshmallow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even add some bacon.

Myth #2: Turning off the A/C every time you leave home saves money.

Truth: Turning your air conditioner on and off repeatedly can be taxing on the unit, and it will not efficiently cool your home. If you leave your home for an extended of period of time — a few days or longer — turning off the A/C will save you on energy costs. But turning it off every time you leave home will cost you more in the long run, because the unit will have to work harder on a continual basis to cool your home to the preferred temperature. The most efficient way to save money and keep your home cool is to set your thermostat a few degrees higher than your ideal temperature when you are gone for a few hours or the day.

S’mores in a Jar Here are s’mores you can enjoy all year long. Layers of crushed graham cracker,

melted marshmallow, and creamy chocolate turn a simple jar into a great dessert! Learn how to make the perfect s’mores on the go at family. disney.com/recipe/smores-in-a-jar.

Myth #3: It’s efficient to leave the thermostat at the same temperature all day.

Strawberry S’more-cake If you really want to wow your guests at the next bonfire, try your hand at this creative take on the summertime classic. Gooey s’mores meet fresh strawberry shortcake in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is original. Find the whole recipe, including tips on making the perfect shortcake, at aspicyperspective.com/smores-strawberry-shortcake-recipe. S’mOreo A simple but memorable twist on the campfire classic. Grab a box of Oreo cookies, pull a cookie apart, and use that in place of your graham cracker. The cream filling will pair nicely with the chocolate and toasted marshmallow. S’mores Milkshake Too hot for a campfire? Cool down with a s’mores milkshake! The trick is to lightly toast the marshmallows in the oven so they mix well with the other ingredients in the blender. Get the recipe at spoonfulofflavor.com/2013/08/30/smores-milkshake to enjoy this sweet treat even in the heat of summer. It’s the simple recipe that opens the door for creative interpretations of the classic s’more. Be adventurous this summer and see what great new s’mores you can create!

Truth: When you’re not home, theuuure is no reason to keep the thermostat at your preferred temperature, but at the same time, you don’t want to walk into a home that is too warm and uncomfortable (and that you have to cool back down). You can set it to cool during your normal “at home” time and set it at a higher temperature while you’re away. There are even a number of smart thermostats on the market you can control from your smartphone for even more customization.

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