Saturday, November 21, 2020

Last Minute Mini-Thanksgiving Pantry Check

No matter how different this year's Thanksgiving celebrations are it is a good idea to double-check your pantry and kitchen supplies so that you are not left unprepared.

Arguably, given the imminence of future shutdowns and stricter distancing measures an inventory of your kitchen materials maybe even more important this year. 




Here is a list of items to get you started on your own checklists: 

Aluminum Foil: Aluminum Foil is the Swiss Army Knife of my kitchen. Not only can it tent your turkey, but it protects pie crusts from burning, helps to scrub dishes if your steel wool is no longer doing the trick, helps to move heavy furniture to make space for games (nope not kidding, look it up), and in lieu of a chisel or hammer, soften up that brick of sugar that's been hiding out in your pantry since last Thanksgiving.* 

Garbage Bags: Check your supplies. Aside from the obvious, I've also used garbage bags as a tarp for easy crafts cleanup. Consider adding to your Thanksgiving traditions with some crafting activities.

Kitchen Timers: That's right timerS plural! If you're cooking different parts of your meal at the same time, it is even MORE important to keep track of your individual components. As the self-proclaimed queen of "crispy not charred" dinners I declare it absolutely essential that you invest in at least two kitchen timers. 

Paper Towels: Because sometimes spills are guaranteed... 

Meat Thermometer: Helps to make sure that you cook your turkey thoroughly while keeping it juicy and not dry. 

Food Processor: Chop. Slice. Mix. Blend. This machine is your best friend and secret weapon to speeding up your meal prep. 

Placecards: Accent your table with personalized place cards. For fun you can write one thing you are thankful for/that you admire about the person assigned the card on the inside fold. 

Oven Mitts: I'm often tempted to just use a dish towel, but I am tired of getting burn marks on the back of my hands. 

Spirits: Make sure your cabinet is well stocked with spirits, mixers, and whatever you may need to fix a festive quarantini. Some ideas: 

*Orange Bitters for Old Fashions 

Harney's Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea  one of my FAVORITE teas, I use this as the base of my hot toddy's

Simple Syrup a staple in many cocktails, it is fairly easy to make your own. A premade simple syrup is nice to have but not need to have.

Fever Tree Light Tonic Water: as someone who likes a G&T I find other tonic waters a bit heavy, Fever Tree's Light Tonic Water is much more pleasant. They also have it in cans which you can finde here. 

Fresh Lime Juice : I use this in pretty much everything. You can't beat fresh squeezed lime juice. 

Bar Tools: Specifically, a zester/channel knife helps to dress up your holiday spirits. 

Candles: Recently I've really been into beeswax candles--there is something so calming about the flickering of the candlelight. 

Hopefully, this list helps you think about your own holiday checklist and reminds you to order anything that you may need in time for the holiday. 


*Sweet Tip: Take the brick of sugar, wrap in aluminum foil and toss it in the oven (set at 350 degrees F) for 3-5 minutes. 

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