5 Must-Have Kitchen Tools For The Holidays

From a quality pie plate to a dependable set of brushes, the right kitchen tools can help you make your holiday feast a rousing success. Plus, get more mileage out of these gadgets with our tips for using them year round!

1. Pie Plate

Bake flaky, fully cooked crusts and achieve an even bake on homemade pies by using a quality pie plate. All sorts of cutting-edge models exist, but a sturdy, ovenproof glass or ceramic plate is all you need.

Year-round uses: Roast vegetables, bake cinnamon rolls or cook creative party dips in your pie plate.

2. Meat Thermometer

This gadget is a crucial kitchen tool because it takes the guesswork out of cooking a perfectly tender turkey. We suggest an ovenproof digital version that allows you to read the temperature without opening and closing the oven. Be sure to handle the hot probe carefully and wash it thoroughly after each use.

Year-round uses: Check the doneness of beef, pork, poultry and egg dishes, plus use it when baking homemade bread to test the water temperature before adding yeast.

3. Bulb Baster

The secret to a moist, golden-skinned turkey is cooking it in its own juices, also called basting. Use this handheld tool – made of silicone or stainless steel – to make basting simple. Just be sure to baste with caution, as the drippings are piping hot.

Year-round uses: Remove and replace the murky water in fresh floral arrangements without having to remove the bouquet, or baste other tasty meat dishes.

4. Mesh Strainer

Whip up smooth and creamy gravy with this essential tool. Rest it in a heat-resistant bowl, and then strain pan drippings through it. The super-fine wire mesh filters out unwanted bits, so you’re left with a bold-flavored base for gravy.

Year-round uses: Avoid lumps by sifting flour and powdered sugar for baked goods with a clean and completely dry mesh strainer.

5. Set of Brushes

Add the finishing touches to your main courses and desserts with a useful set of brushes. Coat yummy pies with an egg wash, or brush the turkey with a brown sugar glaze. Avoid broken bristles and simplify cleanup by choosing ones that are dishwasher safe.

Year-round uses: Keep brushes within reach to butter baking pans, glaze grilled foods and spread sauce or olive oil on rolled pizza dough.

Plan Ahead for the Big Cleanup

Anticipating a houseful of guests? When you’re out shopping for new kitchen gadgets, be sure to add these cleaning supplies to your list:

• A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can remove stuck-on food from counters, stove tops, sinks and the inside of your refrigerator
• Swiffer WetJet removes dirt and grime from your linoleum, tile and finished hardwood
• Cascade Platinum ActionPacs make short work of dishwashing – just add a pac to the load to get clean and sparkling dishes, cutlery and stemware
• For extra-tough, greasy dishes, make sure to grab a bottle of Dawn Ultra Dish Soap