No kitchen? No problem this Thanksgiving.

In early October, my fifty-two year old Magic Chef gas range and wall oven blew her last breath of blue flames. She’s been an avocado green work horse since being installed in my family’s newly built ranch home in 1968. No major repairs over the years that I remember save for a couple of pilot light filaments, one new gas line and a new knob or two. They certainly don’t make appliances like they used to.

The memories of holidays past, childhood baking experiments and the smell of Mom’s barbecued pork steaks wafted through my brain as I turned the gas valve off for the final time. If you’re wondering, yes, I did cry, because my sentimental nature always wins.

Being on a single mom budget, the purchase of a new range/oven will take some planning and saving. In the meantime, it’s time to get creative. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner I thought I’d share information I found on how to handle Thanksgiving dinner without a stove/oven.

If you have a variety of countertop appliances you should be all set. Air fryers, microwaves and slow cookers can be very handy and somewhat simple to use. Before using these appliances, be certain to check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all suggested safety precautions to avoid unwanted injuries or mishaps.

The internet is abundant with all kinds of recipes for slow cookers and other appliances. Just do a quick search and you’ll find just what you need.

A friend of mine uses a slow cooker to prepare mashed potatoes for her large family gatherings. She says this method is so easy and reduces mess and clean up. Toss peeled potatoes, butter, salt, pepper and a cup of water into a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 3.5 hours until the potatoes are fork tender. Add 1.5 cups of warm milk and sour cream to taste to the potatoes then mash until mostly smooth. Add whatever mix ins you choose. My friend adds shredded cheddar, bacon pieces and chives to her recipe.

Dorothy Kern’s blog, Crazy for Crust, shared a no bake pumpkin pie recipe that you can whip up in just under 10 min.

No Bake Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 3.4 oz. box instant vanilla pudding
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
• 8 ounces Cool Whip
• 1 9 in. graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
• Whipped topping/cream for serving

Instructions

• Stir together pumpkin puree, pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until no lumps remain.
• Carefully fold in Cool Whip.
• Spread pumpkin mixture in prepared crust. Chill at least 3 hours or until it sets enough to slice. Serve with whipped cream.

However you choose to prepare your holiday meals, just remember to cherish the time spent with your loved ones and friends. Those precious moments you can’t get back, so leave the dishes in the sink until morning.

Have a blessed and bountiful holiday season!