These days it’s only me and my husband when it comes to dinner time most nights. We buy enough food for the two of us with perhaps a little left for extras another night. Since it’s summer, and this one has been especially hot and humid, sometimes we just don’t want to turn on that big oven.

Some things work in the microwave, however we realized we had an appliance staring us in the face that we never used for anything but reheating leftovers and toast. There comes in the toaster oven! It’s been amazing how much we have avoided using the big one, keeping the heat down in the kitchen, while making so many of our meals in that little thing.

Here is a list of some of the things we have already made in it:
Broiled or baked salmon
Hamburgers
Steaks
Pizza Bread
Pork Loin roast

It says we can make a 12 inch pizza in it, but I love my carry out one from the local sub shop. The point is that if you don’t want to grill in the heat or use the larger gas or electric guzzling appliance, then give the toaster oven a shot. Clean up is also minimal and you aren’t messing with big pans to clean. Mind you, this may not work for everyone, nor might everyone want to use a toaster oven.

However, if you do own one the option is there, whether it be for one, two or a few more mouths to feed. I know I have better things to do then clean broiler and baking pans. Give it a shot. You won’t be sorry.