By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach
 As winter tightens its grip and temperatures drop, most of us are turning to our ovens for warmth, comfort food, and a bit of soul-soothing aroma in the kitchen. But with energy bills climbing, every flick of the switch counts-so why not make sure you're getting the most out of your oven every time it's on?
Here's how to make your winter cooking go further with fresh seasonal produce from your local greengrocer.
Roast Once, Eat Twice (or Thrice!)
The oven takes time (and energy) to heat-so don't just use it for one dish. While you've got it going, roast a tray (or two) of fresh veggies alongside your main meal.
Think sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, parsnips, beetroot, and onions-all in peak season and beautifully suited to roasting.
Top Tip: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and roast until golden. Store extras in the fridge and add them to:
Grain bowls
Toasted sandwiches
Salads
Soups
Frittatas
You've now got ready-made veg for days-with no extra energy used.
Bake Your Fruit Too
Why stop at savoury? With apples, pears, and rhubarb all looking great right now, baked fruit is an affordable and nourishing winter dessert.
Try this:
Chop up two apples, a pear, and a stalk of rhubarb. Toss with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. Bake in a small dish while your veggies are roasting.
Serve with yoghurt or custard-and enjoy a sweet treat that's far better (and cheaper) than anything from a packet.
Big Batch = Big Savings
Use the oven to make double-sized portions of things like:
Roasted vegetable lasagne
Shepherd's pie topped with sweet potato mash
Pumpkin and lentil tray bakes
Baked rice with lemon and herbs
You'll save time and energy through the week, and it's a clever way to use up produce before it spoils.
Energy-Saving Tip
Preheat the oven only when needed (not 10 minutes before you're ready) and switch it off 5-10 minutes early-the residual heat will keep cooking your food.
If you have a fan-forced oven, use it-it cooks faster and more evenly.
Shop Smart, Eat Well
Your greengrocer has a treasure trove of winter produce that's perfect for baking and roasting. Buying fresh, in-season fruit and veg not only saves you money-it fills your home with nourishing, energy-packed meals that don't come from a box or a freezer bag.
So next time you turn on the oven, make it count-for your health, your wallet, and the planet.
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