Monday, November 11, 2019

11 Kitchen Gadgets That Can Make Thanksgiving Easier

A roasting pan is a gimme, but there are other kitchen tools that are a huge help on turkey day too. Therefore, we rounded up 11 of the best kitchen gadgets to have on hand for Thanksgiving (that are also some of the easiest to overlook).

There are alpha cooks across the country that approach the making of Thanksgiving dinner like a highly competitive, full-contact sport. The day’s iconic football matchups are no match for the speed, strength, and agility exhibited by this rare, and frankly, terrifying breed.

Pull It Off Like a ProThe Ultimate Guide to ThanksgivingTag someone you know who’s most likely to have everything complete, table set, glass of Beaujolais in hand, with only the turkey left to carve when the first Thanksgiving dinner guests start arriving. Then let’s forcibly take a blood sample from those who are tagged and send it out for DNA-testing, to see if we can synthesize some of that ability into a water-soluble pill.

Then there are the rest of us who, until said pill passes USDA testing, might need a little help from other sources. Those of us who don’t share the “what’s the big deal?” attitude toward a meal that requires a month of planning, a week of shopping, and several days of cooking and organizing, for approximately two hours of eating. (Excellent leftovers notwithstanding.)

Simplified recipes, turkey alternatives, and expert shortcuts are somewhat helpful and all, but sometimes a little, old-fashioned retail therapy to equip yourself for the battle ahead is necessary. To that end, here are 11 kitchen gadgets and goods that promise to at least make it a fair fight.

Related Reading: The Best Products for Transporting Thanksgiving Food Without Ruining All Your Hard Work

Anti-Fatigue Mat, $39.97 on Amazon

anti fatigue mat

Amazon

Girding one’s loins may be a bit extreme for the kind of battle you’re going into, but you can think ahead to how much time you might be on your feet during the days leading up to the main event. Prevent some unnecessary foot and leg strain by putting a little cushioning between those trotters and your hard kitchen floor. Because nothing ruins the festive mood quite like the cook’s feet up on the otherwise well-appointed table.Buy Now

Non-Slip Silicone Pastry Rolling Mat, $19.95 on Amazon

silicone pastry mat

Amazon

This is early in the lineup of helpful supplies to remind you that, if you are rolling out pie crust day of, you’re already screwed. Pie crust assembly is one of the most blaspheme-inciting elements of Thanksgiving prep, IMHO. A nonstick surface, for starters, such as this silicone rolling mat, takes the potential for drama down a notch, and its useful geometric guide all but insures against personal damnation once the crust hits the pan.Buy Now

Large Cooler, $59.99 on Amazon

large drink cooler

Amazon

Perhaps you are already in possession of such a device from the beach and summer picnics of yore. If so, consider putting it to good use during your November feast. It’s no fun to go all-out on a turkey brine and then realize you’ve nowhere to keep a 25-pounder cold overnight. You can either utilize the cooler, or use it to clean out temporary space in your refrigerator. Then once the turkey is safely in the oven, you’ve got a giant vessel handy to keep out on the porch or fill with ice for all the additional beverages in need of chilling you told people not to bring.Buy Now

Kitchen Twine, $4.99 on Amazon

Amazon

An oft-forgotten, yet necessary supply, for keeping your stuffed bird snugly bound during its mammoth cooking process. You don’t want to take your chances in the junk drawer for bits of ribbon or rubber bands. Alternative applications include tying your hair back once the kitchen becomes too hot, or binding well-meaning but ultimately counter-productive would-be helpers to chairs in another room.Buy Now

Wireless Meat Thermometer, $59.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Here’s what inevitably happens when you roll without the Mercedes of thermometers: you keep opening the oven, certain that your golden brown turkey must have achieved the correct internal temperature, even though only an hour has elapsed. You will repeat this roughly every half hour, making it impossible for your oven to maintain its heat, adding a couple more hours onto the cooking time. Nobody has time for that. With this cordless device, set it, and forget it.Buy Now

Mandoline Slicer, $29.99 on Amazon

Mandoline Slicer

Amazon

Everything but the bird can be sliced up with a good, sharp mandoline, including your knuckles if you’re not careful, so do consider your mental state before proceeding. If you’re cleared for takeoff, quick work can be made of those finishing touches: a gorgeous Brussels slaw, rings of shallots for garnish, or the onions for the green bean casserole you decided to frizzle yourself this year.Buy Now

Gravy Separator, $14.95 on Amazon

Gravy Separator

Amazon

While just about everything to accompany the turkey can be made in advance and held warm, a gravy relying on the drippings from the turkey is potentially the most time-sensitive element to prepare, and just at the moment when the pressure is highest and the end is in sight. Here’s a handy, fool-proof device that saves you a step in the gravy train, removing the fat and any particles from the flavorful juices that are destined to be the star of the show. (Yes, the gravy. Fight me.)Buy Now

Smart Planner Magnetic Refrigerator Dry Erase Board, $9.95 on Amazon

magnetic dry erase fridge planner

Amazon

There’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to such an epic meal, with multiple courses that require juggling multiple pieces of cookware in the oven and on the stovetop and paying attention to different cook times and garnishes. Write down all the pertinent info on this magnetic dry erase board that sticks to the fridge so it stays in sight and top of mind.Buy Now

Rapid Wine Chiller, $18.95 on Amazon

wine chillers

Amazon

 

You know your family well, but perhaps you have forgotten from last year the stress of family celebrations of this scope, and what you thought was an ambitious supply of dinner wine turns out not to be enough. Whether you are providing a rich, white Meursault, or a light Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (or both) you can get the chill on quickly when needed with these space-efficient gel pack bags. A little chill wouldn’t hurt the proceedings by any of its meanings.Buy Now

Hot Plate/Warming Tray, $79.99 on Amazon

Amazon

Does this sound at all familiar? While the turkey cooks all day you manage to prepare the whole army of side dishes, which are now resting in their vessels, ready to go, on the stove top. You’re just about to pat yourself on the back for your efficiency and prowess when you realize you have no place to put the turkey out of the oven. Or make gravy. Introducing the hot plate: a second stove top specifically designed for moments exactly like this.Buy Now

3-Tier Dessert Stand, $35.62 on Amazon

3-Tier Dessert Stand

Amazon

A hallmark of the Thanksgiving meal is that counter and table space becomes a premium as the day progresses, so when it comes to the big finish and those assorted pies (and perhaps some store-bought sweets), a pretty, tiered dessert stand is both a treat for yourself that you can employ all year, and a necessary verticalizing mechanism.Buy Now

Bonus: Caution Tape, $10.92 on Amazon

 

Amazon

If all else fails, have this on hand for keeping people out of the kitchen while you either finish what you’re doing, or have a total meltdown. Either way, it’s good for laughter, the most powerful tool in the Thanksgiving supplies arsenal.Buy Now

Related Video: How to Truss a Turkey



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19 Pies You Need on Your Thanksgiving Table This Year

best Thanksgiving pie recipes

When you think of Thanksgiving desserts, the number one pick is always pie. But pumpkin pie is just the beginning. Here are 19 of the best Thanksgiving pie recipes to grace your table this holiday season.

From variations on pumpkin and pecan to seasonal fruit pies (with apples, pears, and cranberries), plus year-round favorites with chocolate and butterscotch, every one of these pies would be a welcome end to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Pie Baking Tips

If you’re making your own pie dough, see our tips for perfect pie crust. Plus, find out whether glass pie pans are best for even browning. And if you’re having trouble picking just one pie from this amazing round-up, see how to bake three pies in one morning and try tackling a few of your own.

Best Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Here are 19 of our top contenders for Thanksgiving dessert.

1. Melissa Clark’s Spiced Maple Pecan Pie with Star Anise

maple pecan pie

Shutterstock

Add intense flavor to classic pecan pie by cooking down maple syrup with star anise to create a thick, spicy syrup that’s the base for cookbook author and New York Times columnist Melissa Clark’s recipe. Serve it with tangy whipped crème fraîche to cut the sweetness and add even more sophistication. Get Melissa Clark’s Spiced Maple Pecan Pie with Star Anise recipe.

Stoneware Pie Pan, $12.99 at Target

A cookware classic with a vintage look.
Buy Now

Related Reading: The Prettiest Pie Plates for Showcasing Your Desserts

2. Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Eggnog Pumpkin Pie recipe

Chowhound

It’s the classic choice and it’s the only time of year you get to eat it—but if you’re bored with traditional Pumpkin Pie, live on the edge and try our outrageously rich Eggnog Pumpkin Pie recipe instead.

Related Reading: 13 Delicious Twists on Classic Pumpkin Pie

3. Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

chocolate pecan pie recipe

Chowhound

You can jazz up pecan pie in various ways too; with bourbon, for instance, or chocolate—or both! With a rich, buttery crust and the nutty crunch of toasted pecans in every sweet bite, a traditional rendition like John Thorne’s Best-Ever Pecan Pie recipe is always welcome, but adding the warm bite of bourbon and the bittersweet nuance of dark chocolate makes it even better. Get our Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe.

4. Secret Ingredient Pumpkin Slab Pie

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Do you have a favorite pumpkin pie recipe? If not, try ours this year! We love this perfect pumpkin slab pie… It has an incredible crust to filling ratio, it’s easy to cut and lift, and feeds a crowd! GET THE RECIPE by clicking the link in our @aspicyperspective profile bio: https://www.aspicyperspective.com/secret-ingredient-perfect-pumpkin-slab-pie/ #aspicyperspective #eeeeeats #thekitchn #foodblog #beautifulfood #foodie #hungry #foodpic #easyrecipe #feedfeed #forkyeah #bhgfood #instayum #dailyfoodfeed #spoonfeed #f52grams #foodlove #marthafood @buzzfoodfeed #foodwinewomen @huffposttaste @thefeedfeed @food52 @todayfood @thekitchn #thanksgivingdinner #pumpkinpie #slabpie #bestpieever #thanksgiving🦃 #thanksgivingrecipes #pumpkinseason

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If you need to feed a big crowd, a slab pie is a great way to go. This creamy pumpkin slab pie from A Spicy Perspective swaps out the usual pumpkin spice for Chinese five spice powder, and also brings cream cheese into the filling. Get the Secret Ingredient Pumpkin Slab Pie recipe.

5. Dutch Apple Pie

Dutch Apple Pie

Chowhound

Feeling fruity? Autumn apples are a perfect choice. A crunchy walnut streusel topping and the addition of cider vinegar to the filling set this apple pie recipe apart from the traditional double-crust version—and no need to fret over a lattice top, of course. Get our Dutch Apple Pie recipe. (But if you’re partial to the original, give our Classic Apple Pie recipe a try.)

6. Bourbon Pear Crumble Pie

Don’t like them apples? Set ’em aside and use pears instead this year with Joy the Baker’s Bourbon Pear Crumble Pie recipe. Pears spiced with ginger, brown sugar, and bourbon—what’s not to love? Top it off with a crunchy pecan and oat streusel topping and it’s sure to be a winner.

7. Pecan–Sweet Potato Pie

Pecan–Sweet Potato Pie recipe

Chowhound

A layer of spiced sweet potato purée gives this beauty the suggestion of pumpkin, while pecans give it the texture and nutty sweetness of Thanksgiving’s other essential pie. Connecting both: a brown sugar and bourbon filling that’s all about sweetness and nuance and deep, in-your-bones comfort. Get our Pecan–Sweet Potato Pie recipe.

8. Cranberry Pie

Cranberries don’t have to be relegated to side dish status—fresh or frozen cranberries steal the show in this sweet-tart pie from Baked by an Introvert. The bright red color and intense flavor are just begging for a billow of whipped cream (or vanilla ice cream). Get the Cranberry Pie recipe.

9. Cranberry Pear Crumble Pie

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We're in the middle of my 4th annual PIE WEEK! #pieweek 🎉🥧🎉 Don't you forget about the all-star recipe I published last year: cranberry pear crumble pie. ❤️ Sweet, tart, juicy, crumbly, buttery, brown-sugared, and cinnamon-spiced all sitting in my beloved flaky pie crust OR you can use my all-butter pie crust instead. (You'll have an extra pie crust for the French Silk Pie I shared on my blog today, too!) If pie intimidates you, start with a crumble pie. No top crust to worry about. 😊️ Link in bio @sallysbakeblog ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #pie #piegoals #cranberry #homemadepie #piecrust #piemaking #inthekitchen #homemade #instayum #bakingday #thebakefeed #sallysbakingaddiction ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/cranberry-pear-crumble-pie/

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Not sure about an all-cranberry pie? Compromise with this cranberry pear pie under a brown sugar crumble topping from Sally’s Baking Addiction. Get the Cranberry Pear Crumble Pie recipe.

10. Brown Butterscotch Pie

Brown Butterscotch Pie recipe

Chowhound

Our Brown Butterscotch Pie recipe is nutty and sweet, with a smooth custard filling. It’s a great alternative to pumpkin and you can make it again and again throughout the year.

11. Salty Honey Pie

Brooklyn’s Four & Twenty Blackbirds‘ salty honey pie is one of a kind, but thanks to the shop’s recent cookbook the recipe is out and you shouldn’t hesitate to add it to your repertoire. Sweet, salty, and perfectly smooth and creamy, it goes great with coffee and is a lovely end to a big meal. Get the Salty Honey Pie recipe.

The Four & Twenty Blackbirds Pie Book, $20.58 on Amazon

Enjoy even more uncommon recipes from the celebrated Brooklyn pie shop.
Buy Now

12. Salted Maple Pie

Sister Pie's Salted Maple Pie

E.E. Berger

Inspired by the above pie and Christina Tosi’s legendary Crack Pie, this creation is Sister Pie’s signature sweet at their Detroit bakery. It’s creamy, caramelly, and sparked with salt in a flaky butter crust. Get the Salted Maple Pie recipe.

13. Toasted Coconut Sweet Potato Pie

Sister Pie toasted coconut sweet potato pie recipe

E.E. Berger

A cousin of pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie is typically packed with holiday spices (allspice, cloves, and cinnamon) and is a beautiful color when it comes out of the oven. Our Sweet Potato Pie recipe is classically delicious, but Sister Pie’s Toasted Coconut Sweet Potato Pie recipe holds back on the spices in favor of just cardamom, adds coconut milk, and gilds the lily to great effect with a generous shower of toasted coconut shavings.

Sister Pie, $22.50 on Amazon

The recipes and stories of a big-hearted bakery in Detroit.
Buy Now

14. Buttermilk–Lemon Chess Pie

Buttermilk–Lemon Chess Pie recipe

Chowhound

Our recipe for this Southern classic doesn’t require blind baking the crust so you don’t need to plan ahead. The egg and buttermilk custard mixed with tangy lemon zest is a refreshing end to a heavy meal and might just become a new tradition. Get our Buttermilk–Lemon Chess Pie recipe.

15. Brown Butter Maple Chess Pie

Think of this as an autumnal take on the above chess pie, and even better than the original. With nutty brown butter and sweet, deep maple syrup flavor, how could it not be? Get Broma Bakery’s Brown Butter Maple Chess Pie recipe.

16. Banana Pudding Pie

Banana Pudding Pie recipe

Chowhound

Here’s another pie so firmly rooted in the Southern tradition you can practically hear its drawl. A buttery, crushed–Nilla Wafer crust is the landing pad for a creamy pastry custard, upon which sweet, ripe, fragrant sliced bananas exude charm. Crowning everything is a light, crisp-topped, and beguilingly sweet meringue. Get our Banana Pudding Pie recipe. (Or if you’re a fan of the tropical headiness of coconut with the delicate fruitiness of banana, try our Banoconut Cream Pie recipe.)

 17. Chocolate Mousse Pie

Chocolate Mousse Pie recipe

Chowhound

Everyone loves chocolate, so why not put it into a pie where it’s the clear star? This recipe has an easy press-in chocolate cookie crust, a luscious chocolate mousse filling, and airy fresh whipped cream as a topping. It’s absolutely fantastic, whatever the occasion. Get our Chocolate Mousse Pie recipe.

18. Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie

Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie recipe

Chowhound

For an even easier option, this humble but delicious pie showcases one of the best mashups in human history: peanut butter and chocolate. It’s a pairing that knows no season and is never unwelcome at the party. Get our Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie recipe.

19. Chocolate Pudding Mini Pies

Chocolate Pudding Mini Pies

Chowhound

If you’re always tempted to take too big a slice, though, these mini pies might be just the thing. Flaky pie pastry cups baked in muffin tins are only the beginning. A rich, velvet-smooth chocolate pudding is spooned into said pastry cups, and a soft, lightly sweetened and vanilla-scented whipped cream is spooned gently on top of each. Get our Chocolate Pudding Mini Pies recipe.

For more Thanksgiving tips, tricks, hacks, and recipes, check out our Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide and our Ultimate Guide to Friendsgiving.​

Related Video: How to Make the Easiest Pumpkin Pie Ever



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The ‘Piecaken’ Is the Ultimate Thanksgiving Dessert

Brainchild of pastry pundit Zac Young, the Piecaken is the turducken of sweets, and solves the problem of trying to decide between pecan pie and pumpkin pie (and a couple other Thanksgiving desserts besides).

The most frustrating thing about Thanksgiving dinner—if you’re lucky, anyway—is navigating all the dessert options. Should we eat pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, or pound cake? The list goes on and on.

With so many sweets to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to decide what to indulge in (and stomach space is usually limited after the big meal). But why miss out on any of your favorites? This is where  Zac Young, pastry director of Craveable Hospitality Group and judge on various TV baking competitions, comes to the rescue. Young combined all of the best autumnal desserts to create the “Piecaken.” It’s the confection holiday dreams are made of.

piecaken (turducken of desserts)

Chowhound

With layers of pecan pie, pumpkin pie, spiced pound cake, and apple pie filling all baked together, you’ll never have to worry about leaving anything off your plate. This beauty is all held together with cinnamon buttercream frosting and butter, lots and lots of butter. Think of it as the dessert equivalent of the turducken, the meaty monstrosity in which a chicken is stuffed into a duck which is stuffed into a turkey. Except this time around vegetarians can get in on the food mash-up action. What’s not to love?

While the “Piecaken” began its humble origins as an exclusive dessert at Young’s restaurants, it soon bloomed into a viral phenomenon. Everyone on the internet literally wanted a piece of the pie (er, we mean “Piecaken”). And frankly, we can’t blame them. We were lucky enough to meet up with Zac Young while baking his signature creation to catch a glimpse of how something this awesome is made in the first place. Check out the video above and marvel at layer upon layer of deliciousness.

Get inspired to create your own towering confections. We dare you not to drool at the mouth-watering decadence. Pecans, pumpkins, and apples, oh my! This year’s Thanksgiving dinner guests are certainly in for a treat.

The PieCaken, $99 on Goldbelly

Order online if you're not up to tackling your own!
Buy Now

Related Reading: The Best Mail Order Holiday Desserts

See our Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving for more tips, tricks, hacks, and recipes.



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11 Easy Mug Cake Recipes That Make the Best Single Serving Desserts

chocolate mug cake recipe

Whether you’re limiting your calorie intake or don’t enjoy sharing food, microwavable mug cakes are a quick and easy alternative to baking standard-sized confections. Many times requiring only a small number of ingredients in very small quantities, the single serving dessert makes the perfect weekday snack to satisfy any late-night sugar craving. We’ve rounded up 11 of the most drool-worthy mug cake recipes we could find. From tried and true classics to innovative re-creations, these pre-portioned treats always deliver.

These also happen to be the perfect way to celebrate Single’s Day.

1. Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake

Chowhound

Raspberry preserves and shredded coconut give this recipe a Black Forest twist, but it most closely resembles the lava cakes you salivate over at your favorite restaurant. Get our Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake recipe.

Cake Boss Mini Cakes Mugs, 4 for $17.99 on Amazon

Mugs perfectly designed for mug cake creations. Cakes on cakes on cakes!
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2. Skinny Cookies and Cream Mug Cake

Honestly, anything that involves Oreos will always have our attention. The fact that this recipe only takes four ingredients (including melted ice cream and cake flour) and a couple minutes—and has fewer than 200 calories—makes it even better. Get the Skinny Cookies and Cream Mug Cake recipe.

3. S’Mores Mug Cake

You don’t need bug spray, sticks, and a campfire to enjoy America’s favorite summertime treat. In fact, all you need is a mug and a few familiar ingredients. Feeling extra fancy? Ditch the Hershey’s for a more decadent bar of chocolate. Get the S’mores Mug Cake recipe.

4. Snickerdoodle Mug Cake

Sugar, spice, and everything nice with this microwavable take on a cookie classic. Though cinnamon is an appetite suppressant, this dessert will leave you wanting even more. Get the Snickerdoodle Mug Cake recipe.

5. Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake

Keto dessert has never been better—or easier. This gluten-free mug cake marries peanut butter and chocolate in a quick, low-carb confection with melty chocolate chips. Get the Keto Chocolate Peanut Butter Mug Cake recipe.

6. Carrot Cake Mug Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

7. Cinnamon Nut Swirl Mug Cake

Who knew that a basic drinking device could capture those spirals we love so much? Get the Cinnamon Nut Swirl Mug Cake recipe.

8. Banana Mug Cake

Chef tested, monkey approved. You’ll go bananas over this unique mug with a brown sugar glaze. Get the Banana Mug Cake recipe.

9. Funfetti Mug Cake

It doesn’t have to be your birthday to celebrate snack time with sprinkles. In fact, funfetti snack time should be an everyday occurrence. Get the Funfetti Mug Cake recipe.

10. Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake

Crumb cake, who? Your breakfast just got an instant upgrade with this instant recipe. Get the Blueberry Lemon Mug Cake recipe.

11. Red Velvet Mug Cake

Red velvet is Southern, but your baking skills will go north after impressing family members with this depth of flavor. Just don’t tell them it took you less than ten minutes to prepare. Get the Red Velvet Mug Cake recipe.

Related Video: Baking Shortcuts Using the Microwave



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