3 reasons to be grateful for turkey basters that don't involve turkeys: Video

Turkey basters aren’t just for Thanksgiving anymore! They are an easy way to add extra flavor to chicken, pork and even some fish dishes year-round, according to Bon Appétit. In addition to juicing up the flavor of your food, the tool itself can be used in the mechanics of cooking different dishes. Similar to using tongs to squeeze citrus fruits, cutting cake with floss or dicing avocados with a cooling rack, turkey basters also have some untapped kitchen potential. So don’t be chicken, consider using a turkey baster next time you’re making a dish that’s sure to be gobbled up with gusto!

Watch this video for some unique ways to use a turkey baster that doesn't involve a turkey.

What is a turkey baster?

A turkey baster is a syringe that makes it easy to distribute juices over meat you’re cooking to help lock in the flavor, according to Wayfair. Turkey basters are especially useful, and arguably crucial when cooking large pieces of meat, like turkeys, that can dry out as it cooks.

To use a turkey baster, squeeze the bulb to suck up butter or juices cooked out from the meat. Then, squeeze the juice over the meat. Repeat this as necessary.

Alternative uses for a turkey baster

Whenever you’re next making pancakes, grab your whisk... and turkey baster! The secret to fluffy pancakes is egg whites, however, separating yolks from the egg whites can be tricky. Enter the turkey baster bulb (that’s the part on the top that you squeeze).

Crack your eggs into a bowl, then suck up the yolk with the bulb. Deposit the yolks into a separate bowl and use them as needed.

But wait, we’re not done yet! Rinse the bulb and reattach it to the tube. When your pancake batter is ready, use the turkey baster to portion out your pancakes in the pan or on the griddle. It’s perfect for smaller pancakes or if you want to make pancakes with designs. It’s worth noting that the turkey baster works best with thinner batters.

Similarly, turkey basters can easily fill muffin tins evenly while minimizing the mess. This is especially great for cupcakes and batters of a similar consistency.

A turkey baster is great for sucking up excess grease from a skillet or the top of stews, soups, and chilis. The self-contained vessel also reduces the risk of accidentally splashing or spilling the hot liquid on your skin and clothes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Unusual ways to use a turkey baster in the kitchen