Must-Have Tools For Turkey Roasting

By Kayleen Larson

The perfect roast turkey takes the right technique. The right tools matter too. We stopped at gourmet shop Chef & Company and asked co-owner Julie Minor to pick the essential turkey roasting tools every cook should have. Here are her picks:

Roasting Rack: The ideal turkey is moist, but not soggy. A roasting rack raises the turkey off the bottom of the pan, keeping the turkey moist but allowing the outer skin to develop that classic brown crispness. Look for one with a lifter that allows you to transfer the turkey from the pan to a board for carving.

Digital Thermometer: Unlike the standard instant-read thermometer, a digital thermometer monitors the turkey’s temperature without requiring you to open the oven door to take repeated readings. The probe remains in the turkey and an attached oven-safe cord leads out of the oven to the thermometer, which sits on the counter and beeps when the correct temperature is reached.

Baster: It may seem like a simple device, but poorly designed basters often lose as much liquid as they hold, making basting a time-consuming, frustrating process. For optimal performance, look for one with a large bulb that fits snugly to the baster.

Whisk and Pastry Brush: The latest version of these kitchen staples are made of silicone, making them a breeze to clean yet able to withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees F. The whisk is essential for making lump-free gravy while the pastry brush is the perfect tool for buttering your bird.

Pot Holders and Oven Mitts: Most people buy inexpensive oven mitts with fabric that can wear surprisingly quickly, causing unexpected burns. Heavy-duty mitts last longer and wear better and more safely, making them worth the investment.

Chef & Company is a locally owned gourmet kitchen store offering the latest in kitchenware and cooking supplies, plus gourmet cooking classes for every level of expertise. More information at http://www.chefcompany.com/index.cfm