Would it surprise you to know that I love kitchen gadgets? I didn’t think so. 
There are some must haves that make cooking so much easier. A couple weeks ago we had an early Thanksgiving dinner for our friends so we headed to Bed Bath & Beyond to get a few things that had been on our kitchen wish list. We had so much fun!
If you are cooking for the holidays these fun kitchen gadgets will make life easier. Hubby Tom was cooking the turkey outside on the Traeger Pellet grill. He didn’t want to keep running outside to check the temperature of the thermometer so he selected this Redi Check Wireless Thermometer. It worked well, although it did lose it’s signal a couple of times so he had to reconnect it which was no big deal. This gadget is so convenient! We could monitor the temperature of the turkey from inside the house. Very cool! Cost $39.99
We had a 21 pound turkey, the biggest one Hubby Tom had ever cooked so this Cuisipro Roast & Serve Turkey Lifter seemed like a good idea. It’s non stick and when you pull out the center rod it will fold down for easy storage.
I don’t cook the turkey- never have-it’s always Hubby Tom’s job. He said this holder made it so much easier to move the turkey in and out of the pan and he was glad we got it. Just toss it in the dishwasher for easy clean up too. Cost $19.99.
When dealing with all of these hot dishes you need to protect your hands. After looking at every type of hot mitts and gloves at BB&B Hubby Tom selected these Super Gloves. He was so excited to try the gloves that he discarded all of the packing and labels before I could get a photo! We both love these gloves – they are not too bulky which allows you to get a firm grip on the pan and they have little silicone bits that help them to grip. Super Gloves exterior is made from fire resistant fibers that protect against heat up to 480 degrees. These cotton lined gloves are one size fits all and they are machine washable. Only draw back is they are not water resistant so if you are handling hot liquid you need to be extra careful. Cost $14.99 each.
My largest serving platter was not big enough to hold a 21 pound turkey so we had to purchase a larger one. Since it’s not something that will get used that often I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on it. Bed Bath & Beyond had the Harvest Oval Platter that was the perfect size at 21 x 17 for only $9.99. Love it!
Hubby Tom carved the turkey and all of the pieces fit on this one platter. Now the only problem is finding a place to store it since it won’t fit in any of my kitchen cupboards.
I was in no way compensated for the reviews here. These are product finds that we purchased ourselves and wanted to share with you.
Nutmeg Notes
I have started planning my Thanksgiving menu. I am still undecided on the vegetable. For our pre – Thanksgiving meal I made some awesome green beans with shallots and walnuts but it was for a smaller group. For Thanksgiving day I will be serving 13 people and I was hoping to find a vegetable side dish that would be easier to fix and less hands on right before dinner.
I want to be able to socialize with my guests so I am trying to make as much of the meal ahead of time as possible. Has anyone made your mashed potatoes ahead of time and kept them warm in a slow cooker? I might try that.
My plan next week is to post some of my favorite holiday dishes. They are all pretty easy and some of them can be made ahead of time which is such a time saver when the big day arrives.
Here is a link to the Neely’s Thanksgiving Turkey we made last year. It was a beautiful turkey!
You might enjoy this post which is a photo journal of Thanksgiving Day 2010.
Have a relaxing weekend everyone!
Tami
Add Your Thoughts
Are you cooking this Thanksgiving?
What is the dish you most look forward to eating on Thanksgiving day?
I am looking forward to the yams with pralines and pumpkin pie with a dollop of real whipped cream.
35 comments
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Racheal says:
November 11, 2011 at 8:54 am (UTC -7)
My grandma puts her her mashed potatoes in a slow cooker and it seems to work perfectly!
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:05 am (UTC -7)
Good to know. Since I have never tried it I was curious if they would dry out or not. But then I guess that is what butter and gravy are for! Thank you.
Kiri W. says:
November 11, 2011 at 9:36 am (UTC -7)
I’m in charge of the soup (butternut-carrot), and intend to learn more about traditional recipes, since I didn’t grow up with Thanksgiving. Normally, I’d say my mother-in-law’s stuffing, but this year we hosted by a different part of my wife’s family, so it’s anyone’s guess which dish I’ll like best!
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:05 am (UTC -7)
M- m-m-m butternut carrot soup sounds delicious. Happy Eating!
Anne says:
November 11, 2011 at 10:23 am (UTC -7)
I make my mashed potatoes on Wednesday and warm them in the slow cooker every year.
This green bean recipe from Mollie Katzen is delicious at room temperature, so it’s perfect for Thanksgiving because you can make it ahead.
Dramatically Seared Green Beans
From The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without, by Mollie Katzen
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 pound whole green beans, trimmed
salt, to taste
1 tablespoon minced or crushed garlic
red pepper flakes, to taste
1. Place a large, deep skillet or wok over medium heat. After 2 minutes add the oil and swirl to coat the pan.
2. Turn the heat to high and wait another 30 seconds or so, then add the green beans and a big pinch of salt.
3. Cook over high heat, shaking the pan and/or using tongs to turn and move the beans so they cook quickly and evenly.
4. After about 3 minutes, taste to see if the beans are done to your liking. They should be relatively crunchy, but you get to decide. If you like them cooked a little more, keep going until they’re your kind of tender.
5. Sprinkle in the garlic and some pepper flakes and cook for just a minute longer. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.
4-6 servings.
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:08 am (UTC -7)
Anne that green bean recipe sounds wonderful. I like that it can be served at room temperature too. I could double it for the group I am having . I made one similar to this with lemon instead of red pepper flakes and we really enjoy it.
I’ts great to know you heat your pre -made mashed potatoes in the crock pot. How long does it take to warm them up do you think?
Thank you for your help!
Anne says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:22 am (UTC -7)
Tami, this is the recipe I have used for several year although I use r.f. sour cream and cream cheese – and less butter:
http://www.food.com/recipe/make-ahead-mashed-potatoes-for-crock-pot-71205
I allow 5 or 6 hours in the crockpot, though.
I make my gravy ahead, and freeze it. That’s on the agenda for this weekend. Here’s the recipe for that:
http://www.food.com/recipe/make-ahead-turkey-gravy-104292
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:38 am (UTC -7)
Anne you are doll – thank you for the links! I think I might make my mashed potatoes a couple hours ahead and then put them in the slow cooker to keep warm. Just depends on how much I get done the day before. We are serving our meal at 1:00 PM so 6 hours ahead would work for me.
A couple weeks ago when we hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner. I made some make ahead mashed potatoes with light sourcream and RF cream cheese – but it only had 3 ounces cr cheese in the recipe I used but they got kind of dried out in the oven when I reheated them. Granted I had them in a 375 degree oven instead of the 350 the recipe called for so that may have been the problem. My family prefers my garlic mashed potatoes but I am trying to keep things easy! Whatever recipe I end up making they are going in a slow cooker for sure to stay warm.
Thanks for the link for the gravy recipes. I am not good at making gravy so I do a total cheat and buy it from Williams Sonoma! It is so good! You just add milk and a few herbs – you have beautiful gravy! One less thing to worry about it for me.
I am enjoying chatting with you – I love to find other people who enjoy cooking and sharing recipes.
Happy Cooking.
Ann says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:13 am (UTC -7)
So funny because I own all of those except the gloves and I’ve thought about them! Maybe Santa will put some in my stocking this year. I’m not cooking this year, we’ll be on the cruise ship. YEAH! But, for Christmas I’ll help cook. I Love Thanksgiving because it is family time and food and relaxing without the chaos of Christmas gifts, etc.
I love the sweet potato dish I made last year which was a healthier version of our sweet potato casserole. I roasted the potatoes in chunks, but I made the topping with cornflakes, pecans, and brown sugar with a little light butter. I sprinkled that on top and browned it. All the flavor without the heavy cream and 2 sticks of butter and 2 cups of sugar from the old way. Plus it was less mess and faster!
I love turkey and I love cranberry sauce! It wasn’t until I was married until I had the real thing. In my family we make a cold relish which is also fab, but I love the cooked version too.
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC -7)
You must put those gloves on your wish list Ann – they are fantastic!
I am jealous of you being on a cruise ship over the holiday! That is awesome and you deserve a break.
Your sweet potato dish sounds like a winner. I make my own cranberry chutney and it’s so much better than the stuff in the can.
Wishing a joy filled holiday!
renee@mykitchenadventures says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:25 am (UTC -7)
Those are the only oven gloves I use! lol but you are so right about NOT getting them wet! Super cool that you made the entire turkey on the grill…or that Tom did. My mother gets turkey duty on Thanksgiving…I make everything else!
I am all about prepping and making things ahead of time for the holiday. The only thing I assemble on Thanksgiving morning is the dressing. That way all the fresh herbs make my house smell like Thanksgiving even though I don’t have a turkey roasting away in the oven. I usually peel and put my potatoes in cold water and into the fridge the night before, then I just have to boil and mash OR I have also bought those oredia pototoes that you add milk and butter to ( they are just the potatoes) and nuke them then mash…super easy. Mashed potatoes are never the star at my tgiving table, sweet potatoes are, but hubby doesn’t like sweet, so I make mashed too.
One carrot dish that can be made ahead and then just heated up in a skillet is this one: http://mykitchenadventures1.blogspot.com/2010/12/glazed-carrots-and-parsnips.html You can cook the carrots and parsnips ahead of time, and then just reheat with the honey, onions and thyme. I always do all of my chopping and prep work the day before. I even make the cranberry sauce a few days ahead, because that keeps so easy.
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:51 am (UTC -7)
I should have know you would have those gloves Renee! I bet you have a well stocked kitchen gadget supply!
I like that you make everything ahead. It takes a lot of stress of the actual day. We will be having sweet potatoes too – I have my tried and true recipe that everyone loves and it wouldn’t be a holiday meal without them.
I will make my cranberry chutney in advance earlier in the week. Love that stuff.
Thank you for the link to he carrot- parsnip dish. I love those veggies. I printed it off.
For our pre -Thanksgiving dinner I made maple roasted root veggies and they went over well. I like the splash of color that carrots add to the table. I probably don’t need two veggie side dishes but I would rather have too much food than not enough.
Thank you for the help – I am going to go back and read the rest of the post where the carrot and parsnip recipe is posted on your blog.
Happy Cooking!
Amanda says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:28 am (UTC -7)
I hope I’m cooking this year! I don’t do the “main event”, i.e., the turkey. That’s my father’s job and he hoards that sucker. Usually I do the mashed potatoes (a recipe called “refrigerator mashed potatoes” that uses sour cream and cream cheese, among other delights), a green vegetable (last year was roasted broccoli and cauliflower), and pies. Lots and lots of pies.
My schedule is a bit iffy this time, though, because my endometrial ablation is scheduled for November 18th. From what I’ve read I could be just fine, but in the alternative I could also still feel pretty lousy. So… the family has been warned that a backup plan may need to be in effect
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:52 am (UTC -7)
Sorry you have to have surgery so close to the holidays Amanda. Hopefully you will be one of the people who bounces back quickly and your holiday can go as planned.
Wishing you well.
Cammy@TippyToeDiet says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:39 am (UTC -7)
Since I eat turkey two or three times a week (or more), I don’t get real excited about Thanksgiving dinner. I do get excited about having cake or pie, though.
Btw, I think I have that same platter! I use mine to serve fresh fruit. I store flat on the bottom of the same cabinet I store my baking sheets in. I don’t use them very often either. LOL
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:56 am (UTC -7)
Cake and pie are worth getting excited about Cammy! Desserts are another thing I need to be thinking about! Sigh – so much food for one day.
Karen@WaistingTime says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:48 am (UTC -7)
Sooooo, I’ve surely shared I’m not a great cook. So while Thanksgiving is at my house, I’m having my mom do the turkey and stuffing. I’m doing an appetizer and several sides. I just found a recipe for a healthier sweet potato casserole; that’s what I’ve had on my mind. I’m looking forward to pumpkin bread. My mom bought me some recently when she passed by a Dutch bakery that we have not been near in years. She said she had to get it to me and I told her to save it for Thanksgiving. That way I’ll share and not eat the whole loaf!
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 11:55 am (UTC -7)
Karen I love all things pumpkin and sweet potato too! Great idea to save the bread for when you have plenty of folks to help eat it.
It’s a great strategy to be able to enjoy a little of something that could otherwise be a problem!
It’s nice to be able to share the cooking with your mom. I wish my folks lived nearby so we could do the same.
Enjoy!
Helen says:
November 11, 2011 at 12:32 pm (UTC -7)
My family has several dishes that we make and only have at the holidays so of course that’s what I look forward to! Everyone is all grown up so the meal really is a family affair with each contributing. I’m always in charge of desserts. And I will have to admit, nothing is “low” anything in these dishes. So, I try to approach the day by eating only the items I really love and just a spoonful, you know?
I too use a crockpot potato recipe (for Christmas because that’s when I do those) and I can definitively say it’s a great way to do them!
Jody - Fit at 53 says:
November 11, 2011 at 1:19 pm (UTC -7)
Tami, do you really think I am cooking for turkey day???
I never do! 
I bring the stuff you don’t have to cook!
I always look forward to a treat but I do like turkey too. I am not into eating all the other stuff – I sort of eat like my typical day with healthy stuff BUT have a treat or two!
I have those gloves but they are called something different. Love them!
Jenn says:
November 11, 2011 at 1:54 pm (UTC -7)
We have the same thermometer and gloves (but ours were called the Ove Glove) and love them. Well, at least my husband loves them. The gloves are too big for me so I just use regular hot pads. I have super duper small hands.
Have you brined a turkey before? The most amazing turkey I’ve ever had was brined…and then deep fried, but we’ll just pretend I didn’t say the second part.
My favorite Thanksgiving dishes are mostly carby…pies, stuffing, potatoes. I’m not cooking this year so I will enjoy my carby meal and be glad that there won’t be a mountain of tempting leftovers in the fridge for later.
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 3:30 pm (UTC -7)
Jenn I have brined whole chickens but not a turkey. Hubby Tom was wanting to brine a turkey but we don’t have anything big enough to put one in and this year we don’t need the added step! I have heard that the brined turkeys are so moist and delicious so perhaps one day when we cook a smaller turkey we can try it that way.
Deep fried turkey did you say? How was it? I love all the carby side dishes too.
Sharon says:
November 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm (UTC -7)
Unfortunately, we are NOT hosting Thanksgiving. This has always been a “don’t mess with” holiday at MIL’s, but last year since it was so close to FIL’s death, we convinced her to let us host thinking the change might become permanent. We had a wonderful DIFFERENT menu and Mr. B and I were delighted. Apparently, MIL not so much as she announced a few weeks ago that Thanksgiving would return to her house and we would return to the menu we’ve always had. No disrespect intended, but GAG! It’s been the same menu for all 35 years I’ve been in this family. And no need asking to bring anything or just showing up with something different. It would never make it to the table. We just have to smile and move on. And in the whole scheme of things, we are just thankful to still have three of our four parents to enjoy Thanksgiving with us. Rant over, thanks for listening!!!
Of the menu we have, I most enjoy a cranberry congealed salad that my MIL makes. Unfortunately, it is FULL of sugar and I’ve tried backing off because it simply doesn’t taste as good as it used to. One small square is enough. Wish MIL wouldn’t watch and count……………………LOL!
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 3:37 pm (UTC -7)
Oh my goodness Sharon what a story you have to tell! I guess you had better not mess around trying anything new for MIL this year. It’s funny how some people get trapped into certain traditions and can’t accept anything new or different. I like your attitude about it, just smile and move on. That is a good plan. Yes, at least you have parents to still enjoy a holiday meal with.
My hubbies parents are both gone now and mine live too far away so we don’t have extended family to spend the holidays with. We do get together with friends and friends are the relatives that you choose for yourself so it makes for a pleasant day!
Make the best of your day!
Sue says:
November 11, 2011 at 3:22 pm (UTC -7)
I am trying a new recipe for mashed potatoes from America’s Test Kitchen Slow Cooker Revolution cookbook. The potatoes are initially cooked in the crock pot, and then they are mashed and seasoned while still in the Crockpot. They can be held on warm for 1-2 hours.
Tami says:
November 11, 2011 at 3:38 pm (UTC -7)
Sue that recipe sounds wonderful! I will have to see if I can locate it. How easy would that be?
Happy cooking to you!
Andrea@WellnessNotes says:
November 11, 2011 at 4:41 pm (UTC -7)
I don’t really love turkey and hubby doesn’t love it either. We are debating whether to make chicken instead of turkey, but that may be too nontraditional… My favorite part of the meal are always the mashed potatoes and gravy. I also sometimes make a pumpkin cheesecake, which I love (a bit too much). Haven’t decided yet if I’ll make one this year.
I love the Harvest Platter; I may have to pick on up!
Tami says:
November 12, 2011 at 2:49 pm (UTC -7)
Andrea we have made chicken or capons for Thanksgiving when it has just been the four of us. We actually prefer chicken over turkey and you can roast a whole chicken -they turn out beautiful and are just the right size for a small group. M-m- m pumpkin cheesecake – now we are talking delicious dessert!
Roz@weightingfor50 says:
November 11, 2011 at 5:13 pm (UTC -7)
Hi Tami. OOOH…I quite covet your turkey lifter thingy!!! Our thanksgiving in Canada is long gone, so our next turkey time will be Christmas. Have a wonderful Friday.
Tami says:
November 12, 2011 at 2:50 pm (UTC -7)
Roz I wish our Thanksgiving was earlier in the Fall. It’s way too close to Christmas and makes life hectic!
Hope you are enjoying a lovely weekend.
Biz says:
November 13, 2011 at 1:51 pm (UTC -7)
I love kitchen gadgets too – and my digital thermometer is my #1 favorite – I never under or over cook meat anymore!
Congrats on your BSI win this week!
Sharon says:
November 14, 2011 at 7:53 am (UTC -7)
I’m eating with extended family this Thanksgiving. It’s a potluck and my contribution is dressing (I guess you call it stuffing). I’m on Weight Watchers and will have to try and plan ahead for my PP. My mom is making her traditional pumpkin pie and there will be several other desserts as well. I try to stay away from sweets altogether since I’m practically an addict once I start. I’d love to have the cranberry chutney recipe you mentioned. Is it on your website? Have a great holiday.
Tami says:
November 14, 2011 at 10:35 am (UTC -7)
Hi Sharon. Sounds like you have a wonderful family get together planned for Thanksgiving. Sugar is so addictive – I too am super sensitive to it. I have found that if I eat dessert right after having a well balanced meal it is less likely to send me on a carb craving binge. I don’t get the immediate sugar rush.
Here is a link to our favorite Cranberry Chutney recipe http://nutmegnotebook.com/2010/08/cranberry-chutney/
You might enjoy looking through my tried and true family favorite recipes posted here on the blog. If you click on the recipe tab located at the top of the home page it takes you to a navigation page where you can browse recipes by category. There is a photo and WWPP listed for the recipes.
Thank you for taking the time to leave me a comment. It’s so nice to hear from people who read the blog.
Wishing you a holiday filled with joy!
erica @ fashionmeetsfood.com says:
November 15, 2011 at 5:43 am (UTC -7)
This has me wishing I was going somewhere for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately while I live in Pennsylvania the important family lives in Michigan and I will not be going home since i`ll be there at Christmas. I wanted to invite a couple friends over that i`ve made here but it’s annoying. For Easter I invited a 60 year old couple that my husband works with over I said the food would be ready at 3 o’clock they showed up at 7. I was furious…. this has happened to me every time I invite people over that I have met her so I just give up haha. xo
Tami says:
November 15, 2011 at 1:22 pm (UTC -7)
What a sad story about your dinner guests Erica! I invited friends to come over and have Easter dinner with us after church one year. They went home after church and took a nap before coming over almost 3 hours later! We were starving and the kids were little at the time so I had to go ahead and let them eat. Very strange. Since then I have been very specific about what time I intend to eat when I invite people over to share a meal with us! Live and learn.
Fix a nice meal for you and the hubby and enjoy a quiet dinner or if you want to be around people you can always volunteer at a food shelter that is serving a holiday meal! Wishing you a day filled with joy!