Thanksgiving Problem Solvers

4. Chicago Metallic Ventilated Pie Weight. Say goodbye to those messy, stinky, wasteful beans and clumsy pie weights, this ventilated pie weight works like a charm. The perforations allow for even airflow so your crust turns out crisp, not soggy, with no blistering or shrinking.
The pie weight will accommodate a 9- to 11-inch pie pan. Just place on top of your shaped piecrust and bake as usual. It’s dishwasher safe and lies flat for easy storage; a bargain at $12.95.
Is your Thanksgiving menu plan ready to roll or are you winging it? What tools and gadgets help you get through the holiday? —Karen