Freezer, Oven, Broiler, Whatever
No temperature differential disturbs a silicone spatula, so use it to sauté vegetables or poke at the roasting potatoes (Le Creuset spatulas, $9.99 to $11.99 at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., nr. 59th St.; 212-705-2000).
For Bread and Beyond
Cuisinart’s new mixer has twelve speeds, an auto timer, and three accessories that mix, whip, and knead dough (5.5-quart stand mixer, $349.99 at Macy’s, 151 W. 34th St., nr. Broadway; 212-695-4400).
Check the Temperature
Turkey is done when it reaches 165 degrees internally (and temperature can rise when it’s out of the oven). The Taylor Instant Read thermometer has an easy-to-see dial ($20 at Williams-Sonoma, 110 Seventh Ave., nr. 17th St.; 212-633-2203).
Easier Bird-Lifting
Put these silicone straps under and around the turkey before roasting (Kitchen Friends Turkey Lifter, $9.95 at A Cook’s Companion, 197 Atlantic Ave., nr. Court St., Brooklyn Heights; 718-852-6901).
Pour and Store
Use a collapsible silicone funnel to marshal peas into storage ($5.95 at Broadway Panhandler, 65 E. 8th St., nr. Mercer St.; 212-966-3434).
Essential Knives
A bread knife, paring knife, and sturdy cook’s knife are the fundamentals, but they don’t have to be pricey (Forschner eight-inch cook’s knife, $31.95 at Broadway Panhandler, 65 E. 8th St., nr. Mercer St.; 212-966-3434).
Pre-Gravy Separation
Fat rises to the top, making gravy that much easier (Bennington separator, $24.95 at Lancelotti, 66 Ave. A, nr. E. 5th St.; 212-475-6851).
Don’t Dilute the Vinaigrette
Dry lettuce holds dressing better (Oxo salad spinner, $29.99 at Linens ’n Things, 2485 Richmond Ave., nr. Richmond Hill Rd., Staten Island; 718-982-8238).
For Flawless Coleslaw
Shred the cabbage on a finger-protecting mandoline ($24.99 at the Vinegar Factory, 431 E. 91st St., nr. First Ave.; 212-987-0885).
Décor and Cleanup
At Every Setting
Paper-accordion turkeys make everyone happy ($2.50 for two at Village Paper Party Store, 18 Greenwich Ave., nr. W. 10th St.; 212-675-9697).
Prepare for Breakage
Stock up on cheap wineglasses ($1.49 each at National Wholesale Liquidators, 632 Broadway, nr. Bleecker St.; 212-979-2400).
Buy Them in Bulk
Dish towels double as pot holders, trivets, and emergency cleanup rags ($5.95 for a dozen at Chef Restaurant Supply, 294 Bowery, nr. Houston St.; 212-254-6644).
Festive, and Freeing
Clean up quickly with colorful plastic cutlery ($3.75 for a bag of 25 at Very Good Things East, 1020 Third Ave., nr. 61st St.; 212-521-3605).
Stuffing for Weeks!
FDA-approved silver particles in these containers keep leftovers three times longer than ordinary ones (Oso Fresh fourteen-piece container set, $49.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond, 1932 Broadway, nr. 65th St.; 917-441-9391).