Make your Thanksgiving less stressful with these helpful products. (iStock)
When the leaves start falling, the air turns crisp and Thanksgiving gets closer, it’s time to start planning. Whether you’re hosting family and friends or preparing a few dishes to bring to someone else’s home, getting organized now can make the holiday feel much less hectic.
As a trained chef and a mom with a large extended family, I know how quickly Thanksgiving prep can get overwhelming. I’m sharing the kitchen tools I rely on to make the feast easier, including reliable meat thermometers, veggie choppers that speed up prep and a portable slow cooker that you can take from the kitchen to the car.
Original price: $20
A digital thermometer is key to cooking a turkey to perfection. (Amazon)
The biggest turkey risk is under- or overcooking it. This digital thermometer from TempPro is reliable and easy to use, delivers a reading in seconds and rinses clean under running water. It costs less than $20, but it can make or break the meal.
These multitasking pans handle sides with ease. (Amazon)
In culinary school, I learned just how useful half-sheet and quarter-sheet pans can be. Beyond baking cookies, they help organize ingredients, roast vegetables and proteins, dry washed produce and stale bread for croutons or stuffing. With so many ways to use them, it helps to have plenty on hand when you’re cooking a large holiday meal.
Original price: $50
Slice and dice produce in uniform shapes. (Amazon)
Manual choppers like this one can save you time in the kitchen, especially when you’re prepping for Thanksgiving. Use it to slice or dice onions, celery, carrots and more into uniform pieces without advanced knife skills. It’s also an easy way to get less-experienced cooks involved in the meal prep.
Original price: $58
Glass storage containers are ideal for prep work and leftovers. (Wayfair)
Prep your sides ahead of time and store them in glass containers, then move them from the fridge to the microwave when you’re ready to reheat them. This saves time and cuts down on dishes. Once the meal is over, use the containers to store leftovers for several days.
Original price: $20
Parchment paper can help simplify cleanup. (Amazon)
Line your sheet pans with parchment paper to make cleanup faster and easier. These precut sheets fit half-sheet pans without any measuring or guesswork. If you’re using a quarter-sheet pan, simply cut one sheet in half.
Original price: $18
Take this pie dish from your oven to their table. (Amazon)
This deep pie plate accommodates most recipes and helps you achieve a golden-brown crust. Made from borosilicate glass, it can go from the freezer to the oven, while the plastic lid makes it easy to transport your pie to someone else’s table.
This dishwasher-safe cutting board is big enough for a turkey. (Amazon)
Sure, you have a cutting board or two in the cupboard, but are they large enough for an entire turkey? Probably not. This paper-composite cutting board is big enough for the bird and includes a juice groove and nonslip silicone feet to keep it steady while you carve. Once you’re finished, pop it right into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
This large spoon is perfect for stirring and saucing. (Amazon)
A heat-resistant silicone spoon is a kitchen essential when you’re preparing a large meal. This one is long enough to reach the bottom of tall stockpots and designed to protect nonstick cookware from scratches. It also rinses clean by hand or goes in the dishwasher.
Bring your side along for the ride to Thanksgiving dinner. (Amazon)
Let this Hamilton Beach slow cooker handle some of the holiday cooking for you. Add your ingredients, set the temperature and let it cook while you focus on other dishes — then serve it at your table or bring it to a host’s house. A locking lid with a spill-resistant seal and easy-grip handles make it easier to transport, while the temperature probe helps you monitor the food as it cooks.
This three-pack of peelers stays sharp, even when up against butternut squash and potato peels. (Amazon)
A reliable, sharp peeler is a must when you’re prepping a holiday feast. This three-pack makes quick work of potatoes and other vegetables, and you can also use the peelers to shave Parmesan over salads or chocolate onto desserts. At $16 for the set, you won’t mind if a family member swipes one after realizing how useful they are.