A cornucopia of Thanksgiving supplies on display at Hill’s Kitchen.
I hosted my very first Thanksgiving twenty years ago when I was clueless and poor. We ate at a card table and served a lentil roulade as the main course. My hosting and cooking skills have improved with time and hard-earned wisdom and I prepare to host Thanksgiving as if it were my Super Bowl, because it is. But this year we will head to my ancestral homeland to celebrate with family so this means I have more free time to share my hosting and shopping tips with you.
Whether you are hosting your very first Thanksgiving or your 25th all Hill hosts should pay a visit to Hill’s Kitchen. Owner Leah Daniels has nearly everything you will need aside from plates, cutlery and the actual food.
For first-timers you are likely thinking about what what you absolutely must have and what you can make do with. Daniels says you definitely need to pick up a baster for the turkey (if that lentil roulade isn’t your thing) and a bag to brine it in to maximize juiciness. A gravy boat is a must-have item as is a potato masher. Full disclosure: I prefer to use a ricer to get my mashed potatoes smooth and creamy. Both Teams Masher and Ricer can find their respective tater smooshers at Hill’s Kitchen. While you may not feel ready to invest in a roaster or a carving knife you can get some pretty napkins and candles to create instant festivity.
Even experienced hosts can use some upgrades in their T-day game. Daniels suggests that maybe now is time for a real carving knife which is longer and slimmer than an all-purpose chef’s knife and will result in a prettier presentation. A stand-alone carving board can better accommodate the large bird and free your everyday cutting boards for more mundane tasks.
Are you ready for a roaster? Since I don’t eat meat the turkey is always prepared by my husband who is a kitchen MacGyver and the absolute king of making do. He has prepared turkeys on cookie sheets and in disposable trays. But it’s time to admit we are grown ups and get him an All Clad roasting pan to make his job easier. The roaster sells for $159 and comes with a rack to allow even air circulation of the bird as well as lifters to assist in hauling it up and out. While you may be tempted to check elsewhere to find it cheaper (rhymes with Shmamazon…) you will see our local shop sells it for about the same. (Okay fine it is 3 dollars cheaper on Amazon and there’s the free shipping but there is NO JOY in that. Plus and the adorable turkey salt and pepper shakers or the turkey-shaped cake pan you didn’t know you needed. Daniels bakes half vanilla and half chocolate and then asks her guests if they want white or dark meat.)
So you have the basics and some upgrades covered. What else might you need?
At Union Market, Salt and Sundry can assist with any tableware issues you may face. There are bowls, plates, glasses and bar fixin’s as well as table cloths and napkins. The wire candelabra on display would make a great centerpiece and add an indie/Etsy glow to your table for $58. While not exactly a necessity, I did spot some Abe Lincoln flasks that may help more than one host make it through the day. They are $32 and I am here to inform, not to judge.
So your table is set and you have a gravy boat. Now what? Oh right. Food. There is still time to order turkeys from various Hill purveyors. Capitol Hill Poultry in Eastern Market is taking orders through Sunday. You can call 202-544-4435 or stop by to place your order. Red Apron Butcher at Union Market is taking orders for heritage breed turkeys as well as some sides and pies online until 12pm Tuesday the 25th. Harvey’s, also at Union Market, is taking Turkey orders through Sunday.
If you prefer someone else prep your meal there are still places willing to take that task off your hands. The just-opened Radici on 7th Street (in the former Silver Spork space) has an entire menu to choose from including the birds (cooked or uncooked) and all the sides, gravy and desserts. Stop in and fill out an order form by Friday the 21st and your items should be ready for pick up Wednesday or Thursday.
Ris at Union Market can get you everything but the bird. From shrimp cocktail to sorbets they have almost everything for a holiday spread. Check out the “Sides and Pies” menu here and then stop by the stand or email erin@risdc. by Sunday the 23rd.
You can always stop by Safeway, Giant and the various Teeters to grab a Butterball, some Stouffers and Mrs. Smiths. Ultimately the holiday is about bringing family and/or friends together to share a meal, no matter what it is and how it go there.