Accidental Locavore’s 10 Essential Items for Thanksgiving

Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Accidental Locavore is looking through her kitchen tools, trying to figure out what’s essential for putting together a great dinner. Most of these tips/tools work perfectly for any type of poultry (and many other roasts).

1. Instant-read thermometer. You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating. For under $10, this is the most essential tool for roasting turkey, other meats and checking the temp of your yogurt.
2. Sturdy roasting pan and rack. There is an old memorable Martha Stewart episode when a guest brings foil roasting pans (too flimsy and not heavy enough for a rack). Martha freaks, you should too! This is more of an investment, but one you should make. Check the Internet or local lawn sales, you might get lucky. I use a V-shaped rack. It leaves lots of room for roasting veggies or potatoes along with the meat.
3. Spray Pam. There’s a high temperature one that the Locavore uses: Pam Professional. It’s great on the grill as well as making sure the V-shaped rack isn’t a clean-up nightmare.
4. Something to mash potatoes with. I’ve used a manual masher, electric mixer and am  now fixated on a potato ricer. The only downside with the ricer…no lumps.
5. A good sharp knife to carve with. This is another place to spend some money, but only if you’re going to keep them sharp. Buy a sharpening steel and use it faithfully and get them professionally sharpened at least once a year. It’s actually safer working with sharp knives.
6. A big cutting board or carving board. We actually found a classic one at a rummage sale for $1. It’s great because the juices collect in the well and not on the kitchen floor.
7. A wide roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Use it to make a tent for the turkey to keep it warm while it’s resting.
8. Butcher’s string. It’s for trussing the bird and yes, you need to truss it (cooks evenly and looks better). Butcher’s string isn’t toxic and won’t melt…
9. Lightweight reusable shopping bags. To support my friends at Ecoplum, the Locavore carries a couple of their Chico bags everywhere!
10. A sense of humor. Something is not going to go according to plan, but while Thanksgiving seems to be all about food, it’s really about enjoying friends and family. Almost any food disaster can be dealt with. Trust me; one Thanksgiving we were missing the turkey!