Thanksgiving is around the corner and if you are like me you are starting to feel the pressure that comes with executing a flawless meal. Over the next several weeks I will be sharing tips and tricks to help you pull together a dummy proof Thanksgiving.
When it comes to creating perfect dishes it often requires a few secret tools that not only give your dishes that extra umph but that keep you from going crazy in the process. So to help, I thought I’d share some of favorite kitchen essentials turkey day. I heavily rely on my tools and gadgets to cut time and build efficiency in the kitchen. Believe me when I say a little prep now will go a long way when its time to really show your chops. What’s awesome is that each resource on this checklist is under $20 so you don’t have to break the bank. (Also, in full transparency all of those are affiliate links, give this blog a small commission for referring you).
So check out my list of Top 10 Kitchen Essentials for Thanksgiving Prep. Hopefully you find it helpful. And if you think I missed a tool or appliance make sure you share it in the comments. Enjoy!
Heuck H36007 Stainless Steel Stockpot, 12-Quart
Stockpots are great for those larger than life cooking or boiling dishes. It is important that you stick to a heavy metal stockpot made of aluminum or stainless steal. I love using my stockpot for making my collard greens.
Bamber Wood French Rolling Pins – 17-1/3 Inch by 1-3/5 Inch
I’m not to proud to say that I use pre-made pie crusts for a lot of dishes. However, Thanksgiving is one of those times that I pull out all the stops including homemade pie crust. So for those of you aspiring to create the perfect pie, it is time to time to put away the wine bottles and aluminum cans and upgrade to this guy.
Hamilton Beach 70450 8-Cup Food Processor
I know I’m not the only one who hates cutting onions. I am a big fan of using my food processor to help slice and dice my veggies. To avoid onion tears and to just move quicker in the kitchen this bad boy definitely saves the day.
Hamilton Beach 62650 6-Speed Classic Hand Mixer
Sure you can mix by hand and I am all for building up these weak for arms but given the thanksgiving work load I am always looking for a few reliable short cuts. Whether you are mixing batter for pies or mashing potatoes electric hand mixers are crucial for saving time and energy.
OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Fat Separator
I’ve had the pleasure of skimming fat off a broth for what seems like an eternity and I’m NOT HERE FOR IT. I’ve got 101 things to do and fat skimming ain’t one, you hear me.
I love the fact that this Fat Separator lets pour in my pan drippings and magically outputs all the good stuff so I can make a perfect gravy. Done and done!
Meat Thermometer w/ Easy Read Meat Temperature Guide
I know big momma told you what RGB color to look for when the bird was done and she may be right but just to make sure you don’t poison your guests I highly recommend getting a meat thermometer. Stick it the bird and once it rings up to 165 degrees you know without a shadow of a doubt that it is done. Easy peasy.
Heavy Duty Kitchen Shears or Aviation Scissors
I am a big advocate for spatchcocking your turkey for quick and even cooking. I’ve traditionally used kitchen shears but I stepped my game up this year and used aviation scissors. You normally find these guys in the tools aisle but low and behold the are excellent for cutting through bone like a walk in the park. They my job like 10 times easier this year so I highly recommend them.
Anchor Hocking Pie Plate – 9″ – White
If nothing else is pretty your pie needs to be. Investment in a ceramic ple dish to make sure that your pies are beautiful and evenly baked.
Freshware 15-Pack Lunch Boxes with Lids – (28oz)
If your family is like mine on Thanksgiving, no one goes home without a to-go plate. Plan ahead with these multi-use meal containers and your guests will love you for it.
Good Cook Classic Set of 2 Pastry / Basting Brush
This is one of those tools that you end up using more than you realize. I find myself using pastry brushes for tasks like basting the turkey, slathering butter on pastries and also brushing egg wash atop pies. Some people prefer the silicon versions but I’m a real bristles girl because these hold liquid much better in my opinion.
BONUS THANKSGIVING TIP
I may love to cook but I hate cleaning. With the entire braising, baking and frying happening during Thanksgiving your pans are sure to be stuck with crud.
To minimize my post thanksgiving scrubbing I use disposable aluminum pans for most of my cooking. You can normally find a wide range of shapes and sizes at your local dollar store for $1 each.
Missing any essential kitchen tools under $20? Leave your comments below.
Thanksgiving is around the corner and if you are like me you are starting to feel the pressure that comes with executing a flawless meal. Over the next several weeks I will be sharing tips and tricks to help you pull together a dummy proof Thanksgiving.
When it comes to creating perfect dishes it often requires a few secret tools that not only give your dishes that extra umph but that keep you from going crazy in the process. So to help, I thought I’d share some of favorite kitchen essentials turkey day. I heavily rely on my tools and gadgets to cut time and build efficiency in the kitchen. Believe me when I say a little prep now will go a long way when its time to really show your chops. What’s awesome is that each resource on this checklist is under $20 so you don’t have to break the bank. (Also, in full transparency all of those are affiliate links, give this blog a small commission for referring you).
So check out my list of Top 10 Kitchen Essentials for Thanksgiving Prep. Hopefully you find it helpful. And if you think I missed a tool or appliance make sure you share it in the comments. Enjoy!
