Thanksgiving kitchen hacks: Kitchen gadgets make a big difference
Whether you’re a Thanksgiving newbie or an old pro, Thanksgiving kitchen hacks can make the Thanksgiving feast less stressful. With the right kitchen gadgets, anyone can be a kitchen authority.
Even though more people are kitchen savvy, Thanksgiving can be a stressful cooking event. The food, the size and the crowd can make the whole experience a little overwhelming. Thanksgiving kitchen hacks can help make the experience easier. With the right kitchen gadgets, anyone can skip the stress and move onto the celebratory feast.
Here are five kitchen gadgets that simplify the Thanksgiving kitchen hacks.
Grip’n’ strip by Microplane, kitchen gadget, photo provided by Microplane
1. Vegetable prep
From potatoes to carrots, vegetables are on the Thanksgiving table. Preparing those vegetables can take time and effort. No one wants to peel vegetables with a regular knife. An effective vegetable peeler is a must have kitchen gadget.
While many people have a favorite peeler, the new Microplane Grip N’ Strip makes quick work of potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables. Not only can the Grip N’ Strip effectively remove the skin, this kitchen gadget can remove potato eyes and other blemishes. Also, the Grip N’ Strip can be used for fruits. All those apples for the traditional pie can be skinned easily.
Unlike other peelers, the Microplane Grip N’ Strip is a circular shape. The shape feels comfortable in your hand. Also, the circular shape is effective when maneuvering produced during kitchen prep. It is multi-directional and super sharp.
The Microplane Grip N’ Strip is available at various retailers. The Grip N’ Strip is available in a straight edge or serrated. The suggested retail price is $7.95.
Thanksgiving kitchen hacks, photo from ThermoWorks
2. Turkey plastic pop-ups are not a substitute for a thermometer
While the idea is a novel one, the plastic pop-up in the turkey doesn’t accurately notify you that the turkey is done. A thermometer that accurately tells the internal turkey temperature is the only way to determine that a turkey is cooked.
While the cook can use a stick thermometer, opening and closing the oven door can cause temperature fluctuations. A probe thermometer, like the ThermoWorks Chef Alarm, is a great option. With this thermometer, the cook can constantly monitor the turkey’s temperature while it is cooking in the oven. The Chef Alarm has alerts when the internal cooking temperature hits the specified temperature. No worrying about over or under cooking the turkey.
The ThermoWorks Chef Alarm retails for $59 at various retailers.
Ayesha Curry Bacon Grease Container, photo provided by Meyer
3. Turkey drippings don’t put them down the drain
Plumbing issues can ruin any Thanksgiving gathering. After spending hours roasting the perfect turkey, all those turkey drippings shouldn’t go down the drain. Even if you use some of those turkey drippings for gravy, what do you do with the remaining drippings? Don’t pour them down the drain.
Pouring turkey drippings down the drain can be a recipe for disaster. The grease can clog the kitchen sink. No one needs a clogged sink on a holiday. But, what options are there?
Granted grandma might have used an old can on the countertop. Today, there is a better option. The Ayesha Curry collection by Meyer has a bacon grease canister that can be used for the turkey drippings. The bacon grease canister is must prettier than an old, used can. Even if you eventually dispose of the drippings in the trash, the solid drippings is easier to dispose.
The Ayesha Curry bacon grease container is available at Target for $13.99 and is available in three colors. Plus, it could be a fun conversation starter at the Thanksgiving dinner.
SpongeBath, cleaner kitchen sponge, photo provided by SpongeBath
4. Kitchen sponge, give it a SpongeBath
While it may not be obvious, the kitchen sponge is probably one of the most important items in your kitchen for Thanksgiving. But, that kitchen sponge can harbor all types of bacteria. Why would you want to put bacteria onto plates that you’re trying to clean?
One solution is SpongeBath. The sponge and sponge storage combination is designed to clean the sponge. With its proprietary system and cleaning solution, the SpongeBath kills “99.9% of odor-causing bacteria.” Also, it removes “grease, stains and soap scum.”
The last thing that you want to do is spread germs and bacteria. Everyone knows that poultry needs to be handled correctly. With the SpongeBath, you don’t have to worry about spreading germs around the kitchen.
Also, you don’t want to have to throwing away sponges. Bleaching, microwaving or other methods only break down the sponge itself. Having a clean, ready to use sponge, especially at Thanksgiving, isn’t just a Thanksgiving kitchen hack, it is a necessity.
SpongBath is available for purchase on Amazon. It retails $39, which includes the caddy and a 2-month cleaning solution supply.
Rachel Ray Stoneware, photo provided by Meyer
5. Oven to the table simplified
Who wants to spend even more time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving? Cooking in one container and serving in another container adds to the dish washing load. Why should anyone add to their work load? Oven to the table cookware is a better solution.
From a Dutch oven to even the water colored Pyrex, oven to the table cookware is a perfect solution. Thanksgiving side dishes like au gratin potatoes, butternut squash and a variety of other dishes are perfect for oven to table cookware.
A great option for the Thanksgiving table is Rachel Ray’s Oven to Table Stoneware. Available in cherry or white, the festive colors are perfect for Thanksgiving. The square casserole or the rectangular baker are perfect for cooking and serving. No extra dishes to wash.
Rachel Ray Stoneware is available at various retailers. The rectangular baker suggested retail is $49.99 and the square casserole suggested retail is $39.99.
Do you have great Thanksgiving kitchen hacks? Is there a kitchen gadget that you can’t live without on Thanksgiving? Share your recommendation in the comment section or tag us on social media using #FoodSided.