Thanksgiving offers one of the best culinary experiences of all US holidays (Image source: Ambit Energy)
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, urban families are opting for simpler approaches to preparing Thanksgiving dinner – without compromising the gastronomic experience.
Thanks to stainless steel, preparing a proper Thanksgiving feast is easier than it seems. Stainless steel kitchen tools that are specifically designed for the holiday, or the “Thanksgiving gadgets”, can turn Thanksgiving cooking into a joy, not a chore. It’s no wonder the famed cooking show, America’s Test Kitchen, even did a segment on stainless steel utensils.
In celebration of one of the biggest holidays of the year, POSCO Newsroom shares a few fun and painless Thanksgiving recipes and stainless steel utensils, with which even a novice cook can create a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner.
Juicy Turkey Roast, Just a Roaster Away
Stainless steel turkey roaster. (Source: SAVEUR)
First, for the star of Thanksgiving dinner, a juicy turkey: preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. After drying the turkey with a paper towel, rub mixture into the cavity. Stuff it with chopped celery, orange, onion, and carrot. Then, place the turkey in the “roaster,” a roasting pan-and-rack combo made of stainless steel.
A roaster is a handy tool not only for Thanksgiving but for any other occasion at home, whether it’s a family gathering or a house party. Inside the oven, the pan maintains the shape of the turkey while the rack drains excess oil. The most impressive feature of the roaster is, how evenly it distributes the heat inside the turkey.
On this Thanksgiving holiday, the perfect turkey that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside is just a roaster away.
Lifting Turkey? No Muss, No Fuss
Stainless steel turkey lifter (Source: The Green Head)
Anyone who has ever tried to lift a full-size turkey would know how messy it can get. It is no easy task, especially when you are also trying not to burn your hands.
It requires advanced skills, but those who have yet to master the art of clean (and burn-free) turkey-lifting, need not worry.
Meet U-shaped lifter, a magical tool that will help you get the job done. The stainless steel construction makes it sturdy and it also comes with a snug handle that absorbs tension on the hand. The U-shaped spike maintains the shape of the turkey, holding it firmly from inside the cavity, and the turkey can be transferred from the pan to a plate in one swift motion.
Voila! The juicy Thanksgiving turkey is now on the table. Hello U-lifter, goodbye messy kitchen.
Steel Easier Mashed Potatoes
Steel potato masher (Source: Pinterest )
While making mashed potatoes is not rocket science, it’s not a piece of cake either. It can be made easy, however, with a stainless steel masher.
For creamy mashed potatoes: first, bring salt water to a boil, then add the desired amount of potatoes. Cook until soft. Drain the water and mix in warm milk and butter. This is where the steel masher really shines – use the masher to mash all the ingredients until the mixture gets that smooth and creamy texture.
Some of the best potato mashers loved in the kitchen are made of stainless steel. It’s built for durability and its handle is made to retain its shape after many years of use. The small inner holes and larger outer holes are intentional for quick mashing, so as not to leave any lumps.
Serving Gravy the Right Way
Thermal carafe keeps the gravy warm (Source: Unsplash.com)
For savory gravy: first, fill the saucepan with water. Add onion and turkey giblets, then bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer gently until slightly thickened. Add chicken broth and herbs, letting it simmer for two hours. Drain the soup, then add salt and pepper to taste.
Though not the star of the show on Thanksgiving Day, a Thanksgiving table is not complete without gravy. It adds flavor to otherwise bland turkey and mashed potatoes. When served in just any container, however, it can get cold very quickly.
That’s where the thermal carafe made of none other than stainless steel – comes in. While a gravy boat would be a more common choice, it is no match for stainless steel carafe when it comes to keeping the gravy warm. The stainless steel carafe insulates the heat, maintaining the temperature, and the gravy will never lose its smooth texture when kept inside the carafe.
Stainless steel, which helps retain the original taste of food, has become a kitchen essential for everyday cooking and not just for Thanksgiving. Just think how the food we consume get prepared, served and stored every day.
Thanks to its durability, stainless steel is likely to stay in our kitchens as a faithful cooking assistant for a very long while. Extra tip: All the utensils mentioned above are dishwasher safe.