Thoughts of Thanksgiving often conjure up sights, smells and tastes reminiscent of a holiday meal like no other. While you’re working up a sweat in the kitchen this November, take a few simple steps to make sure the only thing that’s sizzling is your roasting turkey.

Consider these valuable, energy-saving tips from Progress Energy:

Shut the door: Admit it. You like to watch food cook. This Thanksgiving, resist the urge to open the oven door, as doing so will decrease the temperature inside by 25 to 30 degrees. Use your oven light instead to keep the oven hot and the kitchen comfortable.

Share the space: The turkey may be the star of the show, but don’t forget about the supporting cast. Insist your turkey shares space in the oven with the sides and pies and you’ll reduce the overall amount of time your oven is on – saving energy and money in the process.

This article appears in Nov 18-24, 2009.