050-ENVCSE01 guide - CSE RSA enVision Essentials (new update) Updated: 2023

Ruth Mayhew has been writing since the mid-1980s, and she has been an HR subject matter expert since 1995. Her work appears in "The Multi-Generational Workforce in the Health Care Industry," and she has been cited in numerous publications, including journals and textbooks that focus on human resources management practices. She holds a Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Ruth resides in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

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Every week, Essential Arts covers the depth and breadth of Southern California’s complex cultural sphere: the latest biennial, the avant-garde building design, a groundbreaking opera and the Pulitzer Prize-winning play — along with all the bits of related news emerging from the region and beyond.

This begins with the voices of our award-winning critics, who bring a depth of reporting and experience to the region’s cultural scene: Christopher Knight’s profound knowledge of art in Los Angeles; Mark Swed’s longtime immersion in classical music; Charles McNulty’s deep understanding of theater, and his ability to identify the idea that stays with you long after the performance is over.

But it also includes our reporting: investigations, profiles, interviews, photo essays and explanatory pieces produced by a team of longtime journalists who know what’s happening in the creative corners of L.A. — and beyond.

Your host

Carolina A. Miranda is a Los Angeles Times staff writer covering a wide gamut of culture, including visual art, architecture and film, not to mention performance art cabaret divas.

Her work often looks at how art intersects with politics, gender and race — whether it’s the ways in which artists are tackling the U.S.-Mexico border or the ways in which art intersects with development and gentrification.

She is a regular contributor to KCRW’s “Press Play” and was a winner of the 2017 Rabkin Prize in Visual Arts Journalism.

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

From fundamental turkey tools to side dish heroes.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and fun, but it can also be stressful, no matter your skill level. If you have never made a Thanksgiving meal, even choosing a turkey to buy can be daunting. Of course, food comes first when it comes to a Thanksgiving dinner success story, but the meal is only as good as the tools it takes to make it.

After testing hundreds of products all year, including over 50 Thanksgiving tools I tested personally this season, here are our recommendations for high-quality and dependable purchases that will help you make meals to remember.

Just the Essentials

Turkey Tools

Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be as complicated as it's often made out to be. Simply put, defrost your bird, put it in one of our favorite roasting pans, season it, moisten it with a turkey baster as it roasts, and ensure it’s cooked through with an accurate instant-read thermometer. If you are a brave soul who fries your turkey, that's more involved. But we tested deep fryers and found one for every setup. No matter how you cook it, you’ll need a carving knife, and we also prefer a carving board over a regular cutting board to catch the juices. We like our turkey with gravy, and a gravy boat is necessary to reduce tabletop mess. Trust us, we’ve done it every other way.

Wüsthof Classic 9-inch Hollow Edge Carving Knife

See at Amazon

We loved the Wüsthof Classic Carving Knife during our carving knife testing. It’s a high-quality knife with a long, thin blade and a slightly curved edge that will easily slice through any turkey, no matter how it's prepared. It is made of high-carbon stainless steel and is very sharp. The hollow oval-shaped indentations along the knife's edge leave air between the food and the blade, resulting in smoother slices. The handle is comfortable to hold, even when wet or greasy.

Cooks Standard 14-inch by 12-inch Stainless Steel Roaster

See at Amazon

The Cooks Standard Roaster is a sturdy, stylish roasting pan with a perfect mirror-shiny finish that performed well during testing. It is small enough to be easy to handle but large enough to roast a family meal or even a dessert. It also heats up quickly and evenly, making it ideal for gravy. We recommend this roasting pan for seasoned cooks and beginners alike.

Bayou Classic 44-Quart "Big Bird" Kit

See at Amazon

The Bayou Classic turkey fryer is an excellent traditional option for those who want to cook a whole turkey quickly. It has a large capacity and heats quickly, making it ideal for large gatherings. Like most turkey fryers we tested, you need to read the instructions well before use.

Made In The Butcher Block

See at madeincookware.com

This heavy-duty carving board is made from beechwood and has a deep juice groove to catch any drips. It is also very durable and can handle even the most brutal cuts of meat thanks to its weighted style. It was one of the heavier carving boards we tested, but we found that a plus.

Pottery Barn Emma Beaded Stoneware Gravy Boat

See at Pottery Barn

This elegant gravy boat is made in Portugal from stoneware and has a classic beaded design that seamlessly blends with any dinnerware or serveware. It is perfect for serving gravy at formal dinners but just as helpful for an impromptu weeknight gravy. It was one of our favorites when we scoured the market for gravy boats.

OXO Good Grips Angled Turkey Baster with Cleaning Brush

See at Amazon

This angled turkey baster makes it easy to reach around a turkey and prevent spills. I tested all sorts of basters, including many delicate glass ones, and this was the most durable. There is nothing worse than a greasy baster, and it was also the least messy out of all the turkey basters I used. I also like that it has a built-in stand and measurement markings. It's made of plastic and dishwasher-safe, but we recommend hand-washing.

ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

See at shop.kingarthurbaking.com

This instant-read thermometer is incredibly accurate and fast. It is also very durable and can be used in various cooking applications. Its fold-out design means the thermometer is always ready to use and also preserves battery life. No wonder we always put it on the top of our best instant read thermometer lists. It's also the only thermometer I use at home, and I have tested many. I trust its accuracy.

On the Side

While the turkey is the main attraction, many people love the side dishes more. Whether you make everything from scratch with your vegetable chopper or lean on your can opener, we've vetted the best options.

No matter which type of stuffing you prefer, it will be fan-favorite in one of our tested casserole dishes. Lumpy or smooth, a potato masher is a must, as is a great vegetable peeler to nimbly liberate potatoes from their skins or peel a lemon for a welcome martini. And who can get by without a Dutch oven or half-sheet pan for roast vegetables and toasting toppings?

Oxo Good Grips Pro Y-Peeler

See at Amazon

This Y-shaped peeler is ergonomic and easy to use, no matter how big your hands are — a key factor when I sought to find the best peelers. This was the favorite in my household, no matter who used them. I already owned an earlier model, and it was still in good shape after years of use. It has a sharp blade that can easily peel vegetables of all kinds and is a helpful tool for removing potato eyes.

Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Smooth Potato Masher

See at Amazon

This potato masher has a fine, alternating grid pattern that produces silky-smooth mashed potatoes. It is also made from durable stainless steel and has a comfortable handle. It was the only one that didn’t hurt my hands after extended use during tests, where I mashed over 20 pounds of Yukon gold and sweet potatoes.

Great Jones Hot Dish

See at greatjonesgoods.com

This casserole dish is ceramic and has deep sides, perfect for layering casseroles or stuffing. It is also oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used in the microwave and freezer, which is why it is one of our favorites — and perfect for leftovers.

Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet

See at Amazon

This two-pack of sheet pans is made from aluminum and evenly conducts heat. They are also durable and resistant to warping at high temperatures, so they will be trusty helpers whether you’re making rolls, roasting veggies, or toasting nuts for a dessert or salad. I normally like a sheet pan that can go in the dishwasher because I can be lazy, but these are my favorite, even though they are hand-wash only. I choose them every time due to their superior performance, because who wants warping at high heat?

Staub Round Cocotte

See at Amazon

The Staub Round Cocotte is the best Dutch oven on the market, according to our exhaustive testing. Made with high-quality materials and construction, it performs flawlessly in every kitchen task due to its unique spiked lids. It's also versatile enough to use for a variety of dishes, whether you’re using it for potatoes, turkey, or stuffing.

KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper

See at Amazon

We found that the KitchenAid Chopper is the best vegetable chopper on the market and was my favorite when we tested all sorts of choppers. I had previously used one from another brand for many years, but this became my new go-to because of the controls, which enable me to slow it down when I want a rougher chop. It's easy to use and makes quick work of chopping vegetables for stuffing and salads. It's also dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze.

Don't Forget Dessert

Many cherished Thanksgiving memories come when baking with a rolling pin in hand. Whether it’s your beloved apple pie in one of these gorgeous best pie dishes or a sweet cream galette, a freshly baked dessert is the finishing touch to any meal and a special way to treat guests.

We've tested foundational products you can’t bake without, like a hand mixer for whipping fluffy cream or a stand mixer for Parker House roll dough. But we've also selected tools you may not know about, like Silicone baking mats. They are great for keeping cookie sheets safe from stickier items like candied pecans for the top of a sweet potato casserole or parmesan tuille.

Pyrex Basics 9-Inch Pie Plate

See at Amazon

The Pyrex BasicsPie Plate is the best pie dish on the market, according to us. It's made with durable glass that won't shatter and is also dishwasher-safe. It's also very affordable, making it an excellent value for the price. I often make pies to take to friend's houses and love that I can gift one of these and not worry about getting back. You can also pick them up anywhere on the cheap.

J.K. Adams Dowel Rolling Pin

See at Amazon

We chose the J.K. Adams Dowel Rolling Pin as our favorite rolling pin on the market, thanks to its stellar performance. Made with high-quality maple wood and construction, it rolls dough evenly and smoothly. It's also very affordable, making it an excellent value for the price and the handy tool you’ll use to make a pie crust.

Breville Handy Mix Scraper

See at Amazon

The Breville Handy Mix Scraper is one of the best hand mixers we’ve tried. It's easy to use and has a variety of speeds to choose from. It's also very powerful and can handle even the most demanding mixing jobs we threw at it during at-home testing.

Kenwood 5-Quart Chef Kitchen Machine

See at Amazon

We like the Kenwood 5-quart Chef Kitchen Machine because it’s powerful, versatile, and easy to use. Most of its parts are dishwasher-safe, so cleanup isn't messy, a requirement for any stand mixer we test and award the overall best.

Silpat Silicone Baking Mat

See at Amazon

We love Silpat Silicone Baking Mats because they are nonstick, heat-resistant, and easy to clean. It's also reusable, so you won't have to keep buying new baking mats. We have a feeling you’ll get plenty of use through the various tasks required to pull off a Thanksgiving meal. They also last forever. I have had the same set since I discovered this miraculous invention in culinary school. They're still like new.

Set the Table

While we love cooking products, housewares are important to us, too. We continually search for the best dinnerware and fabulous flatware sets to set a great tablescape, regardless of whether it is a holiday. 

We’re constantly evaluating wine glasses for every type of wine. And since many of us love all the accouterments, we’ve also tested top wine decanters to ensure your wine is properly aerated.  As with any special occasion, it’s time to pull out those cloth napkins and tablecloths you never use. Ensure you grab a few trivets to protect your table from burns when a casserole dish comes straight out of the oven. And, of course, our tested and approved food storage containers will house your leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Our Place Dinnerware Set

See at Our Place

The Our Place Dinnerware Set is one of the best dinnerware sets we found on the market — and there are many sets out there, making it the perfect set for your Thanksgiving tablescape. It's made with high-quality ceramic and is dishwasher-safe. It's also very affordable, making it an excellent value for the price. It is a consistent favorite among our editors and discerning buyers alike.

Lenox French Perle 65-Piece Flatware Set

See at Amazon

The Lenox French Perle Flatware Set is our favorite flatware set for entertaining. It's made with high-quality stainless steel and is also dishwasher-safe. We love that it is affordable for such a large set that should last many years, and due to the number of pieces, it should be able to feed your party — no matter the size.

Riedel VINUM Glasses

See at Amazon

Whether you’re sipping while preparing the meal or sharing a bottle when it’s time to eat, these sleek and universal wine glasses by Riedel enhance the aromas and flavors of any wine. They're shorter and more comfortable to hold than other options and store easily in smaller spaces. While they're on the pricier side, these expert-loved glasses are a worthy investment for serious wine drinkers — or anyone who wants to kick their feet up after a long day of cooking.

Made In Decanter

See at Amazon

While you’re still preparing, pour one of your favorite bottles into a decanter to aerate by the time you’re ready to sit down and eat. Made In's compact decanter is perfect for small kitchens and tight spaces, so it easily became one of our favorites. It's also easy to grip and pour, with a wide bowl allowing proper aeration. The angled neck makes it easy to top off glasses without spilling. We also love that you can buy the wine glasses and decanter in a set for a host gift.

Terrain Antiqued Brass Candlestick

See at Anthropologie

We love that the classic brass candlestick from Terrain is versatile enough for formal and casual dining occasions. It's also affordable, so you can invest in several to create a dramatic tablescape. The low profile makes seeing your guests across the table easy, even with a full-sized taper candle. It's also sturdy and won't tip over easily.

Le Creuset Silicone Trivet

See at Amazon

This durable and heat-resistant silicone trivet from Le Creuset is easy to clean and comes in various colors to match any kitchen décor. It's also a must to catch hot dishes coming straight from the oven as you play oven Tetris. It was the most versatile out of the trivets we found. It's also affordable, making it an excellent option for everyday use, not just special occasions.

Solino Home Classic Hemstitch Tablecloth

See at Amazon

We found this linen tablecloth from Solino Home to be an excellent value for the price, among others we featured. It's available in various sizes and colors, and the classic hemstitched edge gives it a touch of elegance. It's also machine-washable, making it easy to wash out any wine spills or mashed potato messes.

Williams Sonoma Hotel Dinner Napkins Set of 12

See at Williams-Sonoma

These simple yet elegant cloth napkins from Williams Sonoma can be used for any occasion, from formal dinner parties to casual family meals. They're made from pure cotton and come in a variety of colors to choose from. I like that they are always in stock, so I can easily replace napkins that become stained or ripped in the wash. They're also machine-washable, which makes them a favorite at my Thanksgiving dinner table.

Glasslock 18-Piece Set

See at Amazon

Thanksgiving doesn’t end on Thursday night. These durable and airtight glass storage containers from Glasslock are perfect for keeping your turkey, stuffing, and all the other favorite sides fresh for enjoying the next day. They're also microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to heat up quickly. The thick glass walls also protect food from staining or retaining smells.

Our Expertise

Jennifer Zyman is a Senior Commerce Writer for Food & Wine and a recovering restaurant critic with a culinary school degree and over 15 years of food writing experience. Her work has appeared in Atlanta Magazine, Bon Appetit, Eater Atlanta, The Kitchn, Local Palate, National Geographic, Southern Living, and Thrillist. She wrote this story using our testing insights and research, as well as her personal insights she gathered after months of testing Thanksgiving-related products in her own kitchen.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and having the right tools can make a world of difference. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, the right kitchen gadgets can simplify meal prep, saving you time and effort. From slicing and dicing to brewing and baking, these essential kitchen tools are the secret ingredients to making meal prep a little easier. You don't need a culinary degree or many fancy contraptions to get dinner on the table, but with some strategic purchasing, you can streamline things in your kitchen.

We've reached out to experts and our favorite and most seasoned at-home chefs, as well as our own research, to understand what you really need in your kitchen to make cooking a cinch. Check out our picks for the must-have cooking essentials.

Dutch Ovens

We wouldn't recommend a heavy cast-iron pot unless we really meant it. The versatility of a proper Dutch oven makes it a great addition to your kitchen, even if you don't regularly cook pot roasts. You can cook virtually anything in one, including soups, stews, layered pasta bakes and even bread. It's also great for frying items as the cast iron heats evenly, and you don't lose heat when dropping cold items into the hot oil. Chef Thomas Ricci likes a cast-iron enamel version for easier cleaning and recommends brands like Le Creuset and Lodge, sharing, "Spend the extra money, and they will last a lifetime, and you can pass them on to your children. Like anything, what you invest in money and care usually results in a better product."

Nordstrom

This is definitely not a budget purchase, but the Le Creuset oval French/Dutch Oven is a classic that offers all the benefits of cooking in cast iron, except you can safely clean it in your dishwasher. Like other brands, it comes in a variety of sizes and colors, and while the price tag is quite hefty, it is a quality purchase that you can pass down to younger generations. 

$445 at Nordstrom

Lodge

This bestselling dual-handle Dutch oven is great for stovetop cooking and can go in your oven up to 500°F for all of your marinating, cooking, baking and serving needs. Lodge's chip-resistant porcelain-enamel finish comes in over ten colors and has varying sizes depending on your individual cooking needs. 

$80 at Amazon$80 at Walmart

Knives

A good knife is essential to meal prep, and experts and at-home chefs alike shared how important it is to have a sharp knife for slicing and dicing. It may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually safer to have a sharper knife. A dull blade requires more force to cut and, therefore, a bigger opportunity for it to slip and cause injury.

HENCKELS

The Henckel brand is German-engineered with razor-sharp blades. They are lightweight and dishwasher safe (score!) and come highly recommended by the best at-home chefs we know, but they do have a hefty price tag.  

$130 at Amazon

Cuisinart

This 12-piece knife set from Cuisinart is a great budget option, but don't just take our word for it. This multicolored set has over 4,300 5-star reviews. Plus, they're often on sale!

$25 at Amazon$25 at Walmart

Sheet Pans

Nordic Ware

Classic Sheet pans are never a bad choice. These all-aluminum pans are top-rated for durability and won't warp over time. 

$27 at Amazon

Frying Pan

Tramontina

This Tramontina non-stick fry pan is a favorite among the household chefs we know. It's a lightweight pan with high-quality, non-stick capabilities that heats evenly and is easy to maneuver. Plus it has a removable silicone handle cover for ease of use. 

$25 at Walmart

Air Fryer

Air Fryers are the new "it" item in the kitchen, and if you're still skeptical, we get it; we were too. That is until we actually got one, and our dinner prep was completely transformed. Besides being super easy to clean and way more time-efficient, an air fryer also offers a healthier way to prepare your food. Traditional frying methods are notoriously higher in fat and calories, but the hot air circulation that an air fryer uses requires only a fraction of the oil. Plus you can literally cook a full meal right in there, without ever even turning your oven on. Registered Dietitian Sarah Alsing shares, "An air fryer is a great kitchen tool to make meal prep easier, healthier, and delicious. The 3-quart size is perfect for cooking for 1-2 people... You can prepare your protein and sides in this one device."

Crux

A more affordable option, the Crux Digital Air Fryer has a touchscreen for temperature and timer control and automatic shut off. Its compact footprint won't take up a ton of space in your kitchen and the price tag isn't too bad, either. 

$45 at Amazon

Ninja

With almost 42,000 5-star reviews, it's hard to deny how great this Ninja Air Fryer is. Shoppers rave about how amazing it is to reheat leftovers, make crispy vegetables, and roast quick and easy meals. It's slightly bigger than the budget option but the price tag isn't too bad for this highly-rated fan favorite. 

$90 at Amazon

Air Fryers& Food Processors

senbowe

Professional cook and cookbook author Dim Nikov, recommends this multifunctional vegetable chopper that he personally uses. "I highly recommend a food chopper because it can save a lot of time, and is also great for someone who might have limited mobility in their hands."

$20 at Amazon

Cuisinart

Norah Clark, pastry chef and food editor, shared her thoughts on why a quality mini food processor is her kitchen superhero, "It's a time-saver... Perfect for solo meals or whipping up something for two without a fuss." Plus, she touts how easy it is to clean compared to bulky food processors and we love an easy cleanup!

$40 at Amazon$40 at Walmart

Oven Mits

Gorilla Grip

, Soft Cotton Lining, Waterproof, BPA-Free, Long Flexible Thick Gloves for Cooking, Kitchen Mitt Potholders, 12.5 in, Almond

$18 at Amazon

Spatulas

OXO

• Flexible head slides easily beneath delicate food

• Heat resistant up to 450F

• Safe for non-stick cookware

• Soft, comfortable, non-slip handle

$10 at Amazon

Cooking Oils

Amazon

Grease is not the word (when you have this nifty gizmo in your kitchen). Picked by our editor, who regularly tests kitchen products, this oil sprayer changed their game in the kitchen. 

$21 at Amazon

California Olive Ranch

A personal pick from our shopping editor, this Extra Virgin Olive Oil blend is a great quality for the price. There are plenty of opportunities to spend a good chunk on fancy oils, and they're often very worth the price tag, but for everyday use, this California Olive Ranch is just right. 

$11 at Walmart

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Turn those dreams of becoming a professional travel photographer into reality with our guide to travel photography. 

Whether you want to get up close to the world's rarest wildlife, or view unending landscapes from the summit of a mountain, we share our top tips for capturing the perfect shot.

We've teamed up with CEWE to create an essential guide to travel photography. Read on to discover tips on different types of photography, advice from the pros, inspirational galleries, camera reviews, how to make money from your travel snaps and much more...