I’ve only recently begun to dip my hand in throwing and epic dinner party, or “friendsgiving” shall I say. Trust me when I say, it’s no easy feat.
For those of you who have done it for years, hats off to you.
I can tell you through experiencing a few of my mistakes, the right equipment in the kitchen makes all of the difference. Because you can try to come up with a million ways to baste a turkey but none compare to the ease of a baster. That is where this list came from of my holiday kitchen essentials. Because in my opinion, they are quite essential.
I would tell you what not to use, but then I’d have to hang my head in shame that I even thought it was a possibility. SIGH. So just trust me when I say, the right equipment makes a BIG difference in the ease of the day.
So I thought it would be nice to put together my list of 11 must-have holiday kitchen essentials. These are the things I have used and continuously use through the Holidays and beyond. Before we get to the list, I wanted to remind you that I have a pretty sweet and FREE Thanksgiving Guide with all of the details on this essential list along with healthy holiday eating tips, my favorite recipes and a prep list on how to prepare Thanksgiving in less time.
So many people have found it valuable and I hope you download it as well. Did you catch the point when I said it was FREE? No cost, just enjoy. Here’s a sneak peek at what is inside.
Now, what you’ve been waiting form. My 11 must have holiday kitchen essentials:
Use it now for the turkey and later for a one pot meal of roasted meat and vegetables.
A good meat thermometer is an essential part of any kitchen. End the days of cutting into meat allowing all of the juice to flow out and just invest in a nice meat thermometer.
I can assure you that you don’t want to carve meat with a dull knife. A good knife makes a world of difference from carving the turkey on Thanksgiving, ham on Easter and the prime rib roast on Christmas, you are sure to get plenty of use out of a carving knife set.
A rimmed baking sheet is multi-functional. They are also essential for helping you get through the holidays and really just life. From baked goods, to roasted vegetables you’ll be glad you have a rimmed baking sheet on hand. Also, make sure it is stainless steel and not aluminum.
Of all the ways I’ve tried to baste a turkey with fail, this inexpensive investment is worth the few uses each year.
If no-dripping gravy isn’t your thing, then you’re going to need a fat separator to get the perfect gravy without fail.
A classic item that can be used every day all year-long. This purchase will last, especially when you make it wood. The safest and most long-lasting cutting board, this will most likely become one of the most used items in your kitchen.
8. Instapot
This multi-functioning slow cooker plus pressure cooker combined can help you cook the most complex foods in little time. Plus it saves oven space by allowing you to cook on the countertop. These are taking people’s kitchen by storm and they have raving reviews.
9. Wooden Spoon
Between, mixing, stirring and serving you can never have enough wooden spoons in my opinion. Not to mention they will be a stand-out to your guests and maybe even a conversation starter.
Traditionally for canning, I can assure you this pot will come in handy regardless of how much, if any canning you do. These pots are essential for boiling large batches of potatoes and other vegetables, saving time and space.
11. Cast Iron Shallow Dutch Oven
One of my tips is to find cook wear that is also nice enough to serve in. This dutch oven does just that. Perfect for sautéing on the stove-top and then popping in the oven to cook or warm. Again, looking beautiful enough to serve food in.
Here is just a few, practical and sustainable. Items that I really use multiple times a year. All well worth the investment, I can promise you that!
Now you tell me, what is the list missing? What is the kitchen essential that you would recommend?
