Monday, February 24, 2014

The Knives You Need

Cooking will never be enjoyable if the proper tools aren't at hand. After realizing that even peeling and mincing garlic can be effortless with just the right knife, I wanted to share my discoveries with you. 
http://www.lifedynamix.com/articles/files/iStockCuttingVegetables.jpg
(1) For basic chopping, dicing, and mincing, I pretty much use just one knife, which happens to be a Santoku knife, although a Chef's knife would fulfill the same purpose. It's a matter of preference. I like the Santoku because it has cleaver-like qualities, making it a chopping fiend with the vegetables, which I live on. 
http://eco-friendlycookware.com/image/cache/data/Zwilling%20Pro/Zwilling-JA-Henckels-Pro-Santoku-Knife-700x700.jpg
The width of the blade makes it easy to scoop up the chopped veggies and deposit it where desired. 

Take a gander at these, for instance: 
(2) For smaller work, like cutting a piece of cake or slicing an apple, a serrated utility knife is best. 
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/w/u/wu4126.jpg
These are super-sharp, and my fingers were bleeding until I learned how to navigate them safely. 
What is equally important is the choice of cutting board—and I have found that the wider the board, the easier the chopping. Sloping edges are a pain. It seems as though Jacques Pépin's countertop is just one large cutting board, and having room to maneuver is very important. 

I like the bamboo/wood ones best; my current one is by KitchenAid, which is thin and wide, with grips on the edges so the board doesn't shift during use. It doesn't seem to be available anymore, though. 

This one, the Wusthof 2036 Bamboo Cutting Board, has the same dimensions and favorable-ish reviews. The OXO Good Grips Cutting Board in Bamboo is available in two wide sizes.
http://a3.zassets.com/images/z/2/4/6/5/3/2/2465328-p-MULTIVIEW.jpg

3 comments:

sporadicintelligence said...

You would love this book I found in the library a while ago. I found it fascinating.

It's Knife skills and techniques and basically the proper technique in how to cut ANYTHING, with LOADS of pictures

Zwilling J.A. Henckels complete book of knife skills : the essential guide to use, techniques & care

Princess Lea said...

Hummina hummina! I'm looking that one up!

Henrik Popowski said...

Hi, A Santoku knife is the most important knife in your collection. A serrated utility knife is the go-to tool for more than 90 percent of daily kitchen tasks. Quality knife make the kitchen work smooth and flexible.
Thanks. Check out Use of other knifes.