News, Notes & Recipes
Cook, Celebrate, Repeat: November Edition
November is all about cozy kitchens, comforting meals, and preparing for the big holiday feast. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to stock up, plan ahead, and make sure your kitchen is ready for anything—from savory sides to the show-stopping turkey.
Check out our Thanksgiving Kitchen Checklist, packed with must-have tools, cookware, and gadgets to make holiday cooking easier and more enjoyable. From roasting pans and carving boards to peelers, basters, and prep essentials, we’ve curated the best products to help you serve up a stress-free, delicious feast your family and friends will remember.
Your Thanksgiving Kitchen Checklist
Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and friends—and having the right tools can make all the difference. Our Thanksgiving Kitchen Checklist is packed with everything you need to prep, cook, and serve a memorable holiday meal. From trusty cookware and clever prep gadgets to roasting racks, basters, and peelers, we’ve selected the essentials that make cooking easier, faster, and more enjoyable. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite product recommendations for you as well, so you’ll be ready to pull off a stress-free feast—and maybe even sneak in a few moments to sit back and savor the holiday.
Roasting pan & roasting racks*
Brining bags
Baster*
Meat thermometer*
Carving knife*
Kitchen/poultry shears*
Sharpeners*
Roasting socks/herb bags
Cutting board*
Fat separator*
Gravy boat
Whisks
Peelers*
Masher/ricer
Vitamix or immersion blender
Squash scoop tools
Casserole dishes*
Mixing & serving bowls
Pots & pans*
Stock pot*
Baking sheets
Nonstick mats/parchment
Mandoline
Pie plates
Springform pan
Pie server
Whipped cream dispenser*
Rolling pin
Pastry blender
Bread warmer baskets
Measuring cups & spoons
The Hestan Provisions Classic Roaster is a chef-inspired, tri-ply roaster with an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel for even heat distribution and a safe, non-reactive cooking surface. It features a premium nonstick interior, flush-rivet ergonomic handles, and a stainless steel rack that promotes even roasting. Induction compatible, oven and broiler safe up to 500°F, warp-resistant, and easy to clean (roaster nonstick and rack dishwasher safe), it’s perfect for everyday cooking or holiday entertaining. Elegant brushed stainless steel exterior, drip-free flared edges, and a lifetime warranty complete this versatile, high-performance roaster.
Nordicware Extra Large Nonstick Copper Roaster: This roaster features a striking copper exterior and nonstick interior for easy cleanup. Made from sturdy aluminized steel with polished cast aluminum handles, the extra-large roaster includes a rack and generously sized handles for easy gripping, even with oven mitts. PFA-free and proudly made in the USA, it’s perfect for roasting turkeys and large meals.
The RSVP Zeus Nonstick Roasting Pan is a heavy-weight aluminum pan that ensures even heat distribution. Its PTFE/PFOA-free Quantum 2™ nonstick surface makes cleanup easy. Extra-large at 16.75" x 14" x 3.75", it includes a V-shaped nonstick roasting rack for perfect roasting results.
We love HIC’s Heat Resistant Glass Baster. It features an 11-inch tempered glass tube with a silicone bulb that holds 2 ounces, designed to keep meats and vegetables moist while roasting, grilling, or barbecuing. It features clear 0.5-ounce markings for precise measuring, a textured heat-safe silicone grip, and strong suction for easy juice collection and release. Durable and heat-resistant up to 450°F, it separates fat from drippings, thickens sauces, supports healthy cooking, and is easy to clean—top-rack dishwasher safe.
CDN Smart Probe Thermometer: This Bluetooth®-enabled thermometer allows remote monitoring via mobile devices with a 1-second response and a wireless range of up to 165 feet. Waterproof (IP67) and top-rack dishwasher safe, it’s compatible with iOS 15+, Android 12+, and Bluetooth® 5.1. Accurate to ±1.8°F (±1°C), it measures internal temperatures from 14–212°F (-10–100°C) and ambient temperatures from 14–572°F (-10–300°C). Features include 24-hour battery life, preset and programmable meat/taste settings, time estimates, customizable alerts and alarms, auto-off, and the ability to connect up to 4 Smart Probes™ via the app.
Not into bluetooth? Then check out the CDN Dual Sensing Probe Thermometer & Timer: This thermometer monitors both food and oven temperatures while cooking, displaying actual and set temps for each. It’s programmable, features distinct alerts for food, oven, and timer, and includes a timer that counts up or down. It measures 32–572°F (0–300°C), has a 6.75″ probe with a 39″ heat-resistant sensor cable, and offers high-heat tolerance, big-digit display, stop/restart, temperature guide, and dual mounting options (magnet or stand).
This WÜSTHOF Classic 2-Piece Carving Set includes an 8" hollow-edge carving knife and a 6" straight meat fork. Precision-forged from a single piece of high-carbon stainless steel with full tangs, these knives feature durable, fade-resistant synthetic handles and are part of WÜSTHOF’s best-selling Classic collection. Both pieces are also available for purchase separately!
Also from Wusthof, we love these Poultry Shears that feature sharp, curved stainless-steel blades for easy skinning, jointing, and spatchcocking. Designed for poultry, they cut through thin bones effortlessly, with a spring mechanism for comfortable, fatigue-free use.
The CINQ Rolling Knife Sharpener is a high-quality, easy-to-use tool that makes sharpening knives simple and precise. Its magnetic pentagon base offers five preset angles (10°–25°), so it works with everything from delicate Japanese knives to tough outdoor blades. It comes with three diamond-grit discs, a honing disc, and an angle finder. Just mount your knife, roll the disc along the edge, flip, and hone—you’ll get near-professional sharpness in minutes. It’s perfect for all kinds of knives and takes the guesswork out of sharpening. Check out this informative video and see how easy it is to sharpen your knives at home!
This JK Adams Maple Reversible Carving Board is a top-rated, versatile meat-cutting board, recognized as the best carving board by America’s Test Kitchen. One side has a cradling indentation to hold poultry or roasts securely, while the other side is flat with a juice groove. Large enough for up to a 25 lb. turkey, it’s perfect for holiday meals or everyday cooking.
We LOVE Epicurean boards here at Pepperberries, and The Gourmet Series Cutting Board is one of our favorites. It’s thick and durable, with a juice groove to contain liquids on one side and a spacious prep area on the other. Its dual-tone design adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen. It’s lighter weight than a traditional wood board, and easy to clean. Win!
This HIC Glass Fat Separator strains fat and seasonings from liquids for smooth, lump-free gravies, sauces, soups, and stocks. Made from borosilicate glass, 18/8 stainless steel, and food-safe silicone, it holds 4 cups and features dual strainers, a wide-mouth pitcher with measurement markings, a low-set spout for easy pouring, and a comfortable handle. Stovetop and microwave safe up to 300°F.
Another Pepperberries favorite, the Dreamfarm Sharple Peeler features a rust-resistant Japanese stainless-steel swivel blade that self-sharpens with a built-in ceramic-ball sharpener every time you open and close the cover. Its ergonomic, ambidextrous handle has drainage channels and a potato-eye/blemish remover tip. Dishwasher safe and BPA-free, it’s designed for easy, everyday peeling of fruits and vegetables.
Le Creuset’s Heritage 3-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set includes three versatile stoneware dishes (12.5", 10", 7.5") with deep walls and scalloped handles, perfect for baking, roasting, marinating, and storing. Made from premium stoneware with a colorful, nonporous, virtually non-stick glaze, they ensure even cooking, easy cleanup, and excellent heat retention. Oven, freezer, microwave, broiler, and dishwasher safe, they withstand temperatures from -9°F to 500°F.
This STAUB 3-piece nestable baking dish set features heat-retentive, moisture-resistant stoneware with a durable, scratch- and impact-resistant vitreous porcelain finish. Oven, broiler (up to 570°F), microwave, and freezer safe, the dishes transition beautifully from oven to table and include large handles for easy handling. Dishwasher safe and designed in France, they’re perfect for everything from lasagna and casseroles to roasted meats and desserts.
The Hestan NanoBond Molecular Titanium 5-Piece Set features Italian-crafted cookware made with titanium nano-layers bonded to 18/10 stainless steel—4x harder than standard steel. Scratch-, stain-, and salt-resistant, this toxin-free set includes ergonomic handles, flared rims for drip-free pouring, and sealed rims that make it truly dishwasher safe—meaning fewer dishes to hand wash on Thanksgiving! With heat-locking lids and oven safety up to 1050°F, it delivers professional performance, precision, and lasting durability for every culinary creation.
Heritage Steel Titanium Series 8 piece set: This fully non-toxic, PFAS-free cladded steel cookware is oven-safe up to 800°F, broiler-safe, and compatible with all stovetops, including induction. It features a drip-free rounded lip and stay-cool handle for easy, safe cooking.
Need to brine that turkey or make mashed potatoes for a crowd? These durable RSVP 18/8 stainless-steel stock pots features a triple-ply encapsulated base for induction, gas, and electric cooktops. They include riveted handles, a glass lid with a steam vent (oven safe to 450°F), and are dishwasher safe. Available in 8 Qt., 12 Qt., and 16 Qt.
Don’t forget dessert! Make your own whip cream with the Isi Creative Whip. Create restaurant-quality desserts in minutes—elegant, easy to clean, and stays fresh for days with airtight, preservative-free storage.
Monthly Recipe
Let’s be real — Thanksgiving dessert is where the magic truly happens. This year, we’re keeping things simple, stress-free, and absolutely delicious with two foolproof favorites.
First up: a pie crust that’s buttery, flaky, and genuinely easy to make. No fuss, no fear — just perfectly rollable dough that bakes up golden and tender every time.
Not feeling pie this year? Say hello to pumpkin cheesecake with a spiced gingersnap crust. It’s creamy, cozy, and honestly easier than pie.
Whether you stick with a classic double-crust pie or surprise everyone with cheesecake, these recipes bring all the comfort (and none of the chaos) to your Thanksgiving table — simple, stunning, and sure to disappear fast.
Image courtesy of Le Creuset
Double Pie Crust
If pie crust has ever given you trouble, this one’s here to change your mind. It’s buttery, easy to roll out, and strikes the perfect balance between flaky and tender. Think of it as your dependable baking friend—always reliable, always forgiving. The recipe makes two crusts, enough for a double-crust pie or two single-crust pies.
Prep: 15 mins
Total: 45 mins
Yield: 2 standard (9") single crusts or 1 double crust
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
2 1/2 cups (300g) All-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons table salt*
1/4 cup (46g) vegetable shortening
10 tablespoons (142g) unsalted butter, very cold
6 to 10 tablespoons (85g to 142g) ice water
*Reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon if you use salted butter
Topping: (optional)
2 teaspoons milk
1 tablespoon coarse sparkling sugar
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine the dry ingredients - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until evenly blended.
2. Cut in the shortening - Add the shortening and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips until it looks evenly crumbly—like coarse beach sand. The mixture should be uniform with no large lumps remaining.
3. Add the butter - Cut the butter into small cubes (about ½ inch). Toss them into the bowl and work them in lightly. You want to see uneven bits of butter throughout—some large, some small. Don’t overmix; those buttery pockets are what make your crust beautifully flaky, not mealy.
4. Add the water - Drizzle about 4 tablespoons (57g) of cold water over the mixture and toss gently with a fork or your hands. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together in a shaggy, clumpy mass. It should hold when you squeeze a handful together, but avoid overmixing or adding too much water—both can toughen the crust.
5. Bring the dough together - Lightly gather the dough into a loose mass. For extra flakiness, transfer it onto a sheet of parchment paper, press it into a rough rectangle, and fold it into thirds like a business letter. If any dry bits remain, mist them with a little cold water and fold again. This quick layering step helps create lovely, flaky layers later on.
6. Divide and shape - Split the dough in half and form each portion into a rough disk. Smooth the tops and edges gently—cracks are fine. Roll the edges lightly along a floured surface to round and seal them.
7. Chill or freeze - Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap (or your favorite reusable wrap) and refrigerate for **at least 30 minutes**, or up to overnight. For longer storage, wrap the chilled disks in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Check out our favorite tools for pie perfection—swing by the store and pick up your favorites for this baking season!
We LOVE with this Pie Top Cutter from Talisman Designs! It makes creating beautiful pie tops effortless, so you can spend more time enjoying the baking process.
Tovolo’s Precision Pie Crust Cutter delivers flawless results with four interchangeable nylon blades that create beautifully detailed edges.
Roll out dough like a pro with the King Arthur Silicone Baking Mat. Its nonstick surface stays put on countertops, making rolling and shaping dough, pizza, and breads easy. Concentric circles and side measurements help you achieve the perfect size every time. Oven-safe to 500°F, dishwasher-safe, and durable — a versatile tool for effortless baking and cleanup.
Mrs. Anderson's Ceramic Pie Weights keep pie crusts from shrinking or bubbling during blind baking. Made of food-safe ceramic, heat-safe to 480°F, the set includes 135 easy-to-use beads in a reusable container. Perfect for pies like banana cream, chocolate cream, and lemon meringue. Simply line crust with parchment, add beads, bake, and clean.
Elevate your baking with the Le Creuset Heritage Fluted Pie Dish and Pie Bird. The Heritage Pie Dish, crafted from premium stoneware, delivers even heat for golden-brown crusts and perfectly baked fillings, while its scalloped edges and angled sides make serving elegant slices effortless. And did we mention that it won Food & Wine Faves list? Paired with the classic Pie Bird, which vents steam to prevent boil-overs and keeps the bottom crust crisp, this duo ensures beautiful, delicious pies every time. Both are finished with durable, vibrant glazes that resist scratches, are virtually non-stick, and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust
This dessert takes everything you love about pumpkin pie—the cozy spices, the fall flavor—and gives it a creamy, dreamy twist. With a buttery gingersnap crust and a velvety pumpkin cheesecake filling, it’s destined to become a new holiday favorite.
And here’s the best part: it’s actually easier than pie. No rolling dough, no worrying about soggy crusts—just mix, bake, chill, and impress everyone at the table.
Plan ahead and make it a day in advance; a long chill is the secret to that perfectly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Total Time: About 5 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: One 10-inch cheesecake
INGREDIENTS
Gingersnap Crust:
1 1/4 cups (191g) gingersnap cookie crumbs
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons (28g) packed light or dark brown sugar
4 tablespoons (57g) butter, melted
Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling:
Three 8-ounce packages (680g) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups (347g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup (28g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (227g) pumpkin purée
5 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup (113g) sour cream, at room temperature
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the crust:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10-inch round springform pan. In a food processor, combine all crust ingredients and pulse until evenly blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and about 1 inch up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove from the oven, then reduce the oven temperature to 300°F.Make the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese on low speed until completely smooth and lump-free.
Add the sugar, flour, and spices, mixing for 2–3 minutes. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. Blend in the vanilla and pumpkin purée. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream by hand until the batter is smooth and creamy.Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the outer edges are set but the center 2 inches still wobble slightly. The internal temperature should read about 170°F when measured 1 inch from the edge.
Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
4. Chill and serve:
Remove the cheesecake from the oven, cover it lightly, and refrigerate for 4–8 hours (or overnight) before serving.