Whether it’s your first Thanksgiving or you’re a Turkey Day pro, these cooking and baking tools are essential to get you through the holidays. We always remember to get the food, but making sure you have the correct equipment and kitchen utensils can make or break your holiday. You’ll need all of the basics plus a few special tools to cook turkey, gravy, and your favorite side dishes.
Get Prepped:
1) There’s a lot to measure and chop when you’re making a feast. Have a wide variety of wet and dry measuring cups and spoons.
This measuring cup from Pinch will get the job done just fine! ($4.60)
Shop all JES Measuring Cups Here.
2) A good peeler, slicer, grater, or chopper will save your hands when prepping piles of carrots, potatoes, apples, or squash.
This Norpro Mandolin slicer comes with five different blades and a guard. ($24.25)
Shop all JES Choppers, Graters, and Slicers Here.
3) In a pinch, a nice paring knife will get the job done too.
This paring knife from BergHoff International is ergonomically molded for a safe, comfortable grip. ($16.47)
Shop all JES pairing knives Here.
Turkey Fundamentals.
4) If you are planning on cooking a Turkey or Ham this Holiday Season, make sure you have a roasting pan/rack that: a) will fit into your oven and b) is large enough to fit your turkey or ham.
This Nordic Ware Oven Roaster Pan is the perfect size! ($24.70)
Shop all JES Roasting Pans Here.
5) Keep the Turkey from drying out by using a baster every hour.
Get this Turkey Baster from Norpro Here.($11.16)
6) For a moist bird insert an instant-read thermometer into the deepest part of the turkey breast.
Get this Professional Series Thermometer from Taylor Precision Here.($15.08)
Shop all JES Thermometers Here.
7) Carving your Holiday turkey with a steak knife, is not a good idea. Don’t butcher that gorgeous turkey or ham, carve it. Invest in a quality carving knife, presentation is everything.
Shop all JES Carving Knives Here.
8) A large cutting board is essential when prepping vegetables.
Shop all JES Cutting Boards Here.
9) Pour pan juices through a fat separator in order to make gravy.
Get this gravy separator from Norpro Here. ($30.94)
The Basics.
10) A slotted spoon, cheesecloth, strainer, and colander will take care of every straining job that comes your way.
Shop all JES Colanders and Strainers Here.
Trays and Cooling.
11) We love using baking sheets for organizing ingredients before cooking, and of course for cooking itself. Use them for toasting nuts, roasting veggies, or catching drips.
Shop all JES Baking Sheets Here.
12) Biscuits and muffins are made all the easier in nonstick muffin tins.
Shop all JES Muffin Pans Here.
13) Once done baking, transfer baked goods to a rack for cooling.
Shop all JES Cooling Racks Here.
Lastly, don’t burn those pies or biscuits!! Holidays are filled with multi-tasking, don’t forget to invest in a reliable timer…and DON’T FORGET TO SET IT! With relatives coming and going, kids running through the house, and more goodies to prepare – that timer is going to be a lifesaver! JES Restaurant Equipment hopes you have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year! Most of all, say no to dried out turkeys, burnt pumpkin pies, and teeny tiny roasting pans!!
