As we prepare for the holidays, many of us will be faced with the task of hosting a holiday dinner. While being a gracious host means having food and beverages ready to consume, this can be quite a feat if you’re cooking for a large group. Since space and time are often limited, dinner preparations can often leave you stuck in the kitchen instead of chatting with guests. In addition to freeing up some oven and counter space, owning the right kitchen tools can create room for you to socialize and relax. Here are six appliances that will help make holiday cooking easier:
Blender
You’ll likely need a blender when preparing your side dishes, but not all mixers are created equal. Whether you are pureeing celery for your stuffing or whipping up sorbet, a powerful blender can handle all of your needs. It may be a big investment, but it won’t let you down.
If your first thought when you hear “blender” is “smoothies,” think again. Try a new recipe like an espresso mousse. It’s sure to be an original dessert at this year’s feast.
Crockpot
A cookware classic, a crockpot is a necessity for any large gathering. The slow, low heat allows you to cook a variety of foods over several hours with minimal effort. Perfect for dishes like roast beef, a crockpot helps deliver the most tender meat. Clean-up is also easy with disposable liners, which keep your slow cooker’s basin from getting plastered with stuck-on foods.
Free up oven space by making your stuffing in a crockpot this year. Or, whip up a batch of slow-cooked apple cider for a delicious warm beverage. The warming function is perfect for dips, queso and chili.
InstaPot
An electric pressure cooker, the Instapot has been one of this year’s hottest kitchen tools. More than just a rice cooker, it can sauté, brown, steam, warm, and even bake food. Like most pressure cookers, this gadget significantly cuts down on cooking time.
The Instapot is made more efficient than your grandmother’s pressure cooker by its instant, electric heating and easy-to-use digital display functions. You could make risotto in half an hour, a fraction of the time it would typically take to cook.
Electric Roasting Pan
Those with limited oven space will benefit from an electric roasting pan. Just plug it in on your countertop and start heating. Unlike convection ovens, which fluctuate in temperature every time you open the door, these roasters stay at a constant temperature.
The continuous heat gives you a thoroughly cooked tender bird with no hotspots. Check manufacturer’s instructions for how to cook a turkey in an electric roaster, based on weight. For those who make multiple turkeys or various meats, this can be a lifesaver. This pan will not only roast, but it will also bake and smoke, making it a true multi-tasker.
Air Fryer
If you’re looking to serve a healthier meal this year, consider using an air fryer. By using hot air and an internal fan, this countertop appliance makes food crispy without all the grease of deep frying. Since it takes the same cook time as a deep fryer, it’s an efficient way to enjoy a crispy dish without making a huge mess. With no grease splattering the cabinets, cleaning up will be a breeze.
For an appetizer, try this crunchy fried pickle recipe. And don’t limit its use to appetizers, think creatively when using your appliance. You can even air-fry turkey for two if you’re planning an intimate gathering.
Heating Trays
When serving dinner, it’s inevitable that one dish will get cold while taking another out of the oven. That’s where warming trays come in handy. Keep food warm until its ready to serve by placing it on the electric tray after initial cooking.
No more cold soups or lumpy queso. This appliance is particularly helpful when hosting buffet-style or potluck. Your food will be warm but not overcooked.
Pour yourself a cup of cider and start planning how you’ll use that extra time this holiday season.
Sincerely,
Diane
You may also like Thanksgiving Entertainment Timeline. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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