The average American consumes around 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving. However, that’s just for dinner. If you plan to partake in appetizers, drinks, and desserts that total could rise to a hefty 4,500 calories. While the classic turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and casseroles never seem to change, the technologies behind preparing and serving them are constantly evolving.

 

Turkey Tech

The popularity of deep-frying a Thanksgiving turkey started in the late ’70s as part of the Cajun cooking craze. While a delicious one, this tradition is responsible for an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Since the risk does not seem to outweigh the reward for thousands of hungry Americans, companies are working to make frying a turkey a safer experience. For example, this Splatter Protector Turkey Fryer helps to keep the hot oils in the pot and off of your skin.

Turkey fryer

US9016190B2 – A fryer for deep frying a turkey has an outer cooking pot for containing hot oil. Source: ktMINE Patent Application.

Cutting Back on Carving Time

The honor of carving the Thanksgiving turkey is a family tradition in many homes across the United States. In the 1960s the electric knife was introduced into the market as companies searched for new products to meet demands. Interestingly, at the time, it didn’t matter if the electric knife made it easier to carve a turkey, it was more about the performance for their dinner guests. However, as the utensil became more common, the features and functionality of the knife became more important. Taking this into consideration, KDW Company LTD patented a battery-powered carving knife with a rechargeable battery to take the standard low performing, plug-in carving knife into the modern era. 

battery-powered carving knife

US6976313B2 – A battery-powered carving knife is shown having a housing and a switch, which connects and disconnects a battery to a motor Source: ktMINE Patent Application.

Dry Turkeys Not Welcome

On top of countless hosting duties, one cannot forget to season the turkey. Basting a turkey with pan drippings or melted butter has been known to add moisture to the Thanksgiving main course. However, basting only covers the surface of the turkey. This meat-piercing rod can be inserted into the interior of your turkey containing desired herbs — giving your turkey as much flavor, moisture, and tenderness as possible.

distributing the residual flavor from herbs and aromatics

US6692783B2 – A method and apparatus for distributing the residual flavor from herbs and aromatics into the interior of meat

 

No One Has Thyme For That

Since the holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, the old-fashioned, time-consuming way of mashing potatoes is becoming a thing of the past. Who needs a sore arm on Thanksgiving when a kitchen appliance could automatically mash and season potatoes for you? In the future, if you’re tired of wasting hours preparing your secret family recipe for mashed potatoes, the patented Automatic Mashed Potato System will be the new Thanksgiving must-have for hosting.

automatic mashed potato system

US7172335B1 – An automatic mashed potato system for efficiently and automatically creating seasoned mashed potatoes. Source: ktMINE Patent Application

In the season of giving thanks, don’t forget to thank IP and the many inventors for not only making your Thanksgiving gathering a safer one but also a more delicious one. Happy Thanksgiving from Miner Mike and the ktMINE family.Â