By STEPHANIE FAROH MA, RD CD
Purdue Extension Educator, Kosciusko County, Health and Human Sciences

Thanksgiving is just over a week away, so it’s time to get your menu ready to go and make the final preparations for your holiday.

When it comes to preparing healthy holiday meals, having the right ingredients is important, but having the right tools can save time and make your day so much more enjoyable. I am hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year, so I’ve gotten great ideas and input from my mom, mother-in-law, aunts, cousins, and friends.

There are countless gadgets and trendy tools designed to meet your kitchen needs, but here are my favorite basic tools that can be used for multiple purposes to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time eating turkey with your family:

1. Cutting Boards. Everyone has a cutting board, but do you have cutting boards – plural? Not only is it important to prevent cross-contamination, it also makes it easier to expand my workspace and get others involved in the prep process. Having extra cutting boards makes meal prep safer, more efficient, and more fun.

2. Silicone Tipped Tongs. Silicone tipped tongs are amazingly versatile. Use them for work on the grill or stove top without worry of scratching your favorite pans or use them to transfer foods from one bowl to another. Serving salads and pastas with tongs can also be a great use for these handy gadgets.

3. Chef’s Knife. Before I got married, I was using cheap, hand-me-down knives. I didn’t realize the importance of having a good Chef’s knife until I started chopping away with knives we received as gifts. Having at least one high quality and consistently sharp knife is so important for ease of cutting and for your safety. Most jobs in the kitchen where a knife is required can be done with a Chef’s Knife, so if you are looking to slowly upgrade knives, this is a good one to start with.

4. Grater. Another great way to add a little fun, flavor, and nutrition to your holiday meals this season is by adding fresh grated fruits or spices to the mix. Consider grated oranges, lemons, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top of veggies, sides, or desserts. The added color and flavor makes for a memorable meal, and remember that a little goes a long way.

5. Crock Pot. Do you treasure your oven space during holiday meals? My crock pots have become my best friends in the kitchen. Use them to make your green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, candied yams, or just to keep things hot once they’ve been prepared. My favorite trick is to keep my mashed potatoes in the crock pot-great idea, mom!

So, wish me luck on the first Thanksgiving at my house and try a few of my favorite kitchen tools.

Here’s to a healthier you!

For more information please call Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at [email protected].