Dull Knives Make Cooking Difficult
September 10, 2008 by Roberta
Filed under Kitchen Accessories
The most expensive knife isn't necessarily the best. If you don't keep your knives up in good condition, they won't be easy to cook with, no matter how costly they were. It's vital to have the right knives and be able to make sure they're in good shape, if you want to have an efficient kitchen and avoid accidents.
Every cook should be sure to have a decent chef's knife. This is the familiar large handled knife with a wide base and pointed tip, and it's the knife you'll use for most of your cutting tasks. Because chef's knives are so versatile, you won't even need to invest in a full knife set. All you need is a great, very sharp chef's knife to accomplish almost everything.
Remember that not every chef's knife is the same. These blades come in many different sizes, and are measured by the length of the blade. Don't get one that's too small - the smallest knife you should buy for all purpose use is around eight inches long, not including the handle. Small knives may seem safer or easier to use, but that's not always true. Large knives can be used to cut small things, but the reverse doesn't work.
The variety of knives can be bewildering, since even an eight inch chef's knife comes in examples between fifteen and a hundred and fifty dollars. Look for a knife that's around twenty-five dollars if you're on a budget, but more money can get you a more attractive knife. A significant overhang below the handle will help you keep it sharp.
You might have heard that a costly knife will hold it's edge longer. That's not really true. Good steel does keep an edge better than the cheapest metal, but cutting any sturdy root vegetable will cause the edge to go out of true. It doesn't matter if you're using a mediocre knife or one that's top of the line. To help fix this, use a steel to straighten the edge on a daily basis. Steels are the long sticks you've probably seen with knife sets, and are traditionally made from steel. However, many are not ceramic or diamond. Using a steel is just a matter of swiping it down the side of the knife at a twenty degree angle, but this takes some experience. For those who aren't comfortable with this process, there are also a few easier options.
You can get knife and tool sharpeners that have their own built in angle, eliminating guesswork. With them, you can straighten a knife edge without needing skill. Just hold the knife with the edge up, tip hanging off the counter's edge. Swipe the sharpener over the edge a few times, and you'll get a much sharper blade. However, this kind of sharpener can reduce the life of your knife, taking metal off the edge. Still, a knife that's sharp and lasts a few years is better than a dull one for a lifetime.
No matter how you sharpen your knives, be sure to wash and dry them both before and after sharpening. Once you get used to having a sharp knife, you'll know right away when yours is losing its edge. Suddenly, cutting becomes a lot more difficult. One easy test is sliding your knife along a peach or tomato, exerting no pressure. If the knife is sharp, it'll pierce the skin right away.
Always treat your knife carefully, too. Don't use a granite or glass cutting board, because they'll hurt the edge. Instead, a plastic or wood cutting surface is preferred. Also, wash and dry the knife immediately after use to prevent a sink full of dishes from taking the edge off.
Tags: cooking, dull knives, Kitchen Accessories, knife sets, knife sharpening, knivesRelated posts
All About Kitchen Accessories, Dinnerware and More
September 2, 2008 by Roberta
Filed under Kitchen Accessories
You may not really have given it much thought, but kitchen accessories are classified under four groupings which are discussed in the article below which we recently came across. Here at TableWareMall.Com we focus on tableware, including dinnerware. Interestingly, the article attributes the crowing glory of the kitchen to dinnerware. We Agree. Read on.
Kitchen Accessories Can be Separated Into Four Groupings
Imagine if the food processor had never been invented! Kitchen accessories are pieces of magnificent equipment. These galley-electric assistants can speed up the cooking time on your daily schedule. Think for a moment about how much time you save by using the food processor in place of performing all your food preparation by hand.
What Are Kitchen Accessories? Kitchen accessories are separated into four groupings. They would be; cookware, bake ware, dinnerware and kitchen tools. All these types of galley fixtures are very central to your food preparation and you need all of them. You cannot only buy whatever electric accessories you require on sale, but you may want to acquire what assistants will be useful in your galley that will be helpful as it pertains to your particular type of eating. Each type of cooking has an electric assistant you may acquire which has its own point, so you are required to buy the obsessions you need. You don't actually want to clog up your galley with a lot of things that you will never utilize but make sure that you have what you absolutely need. Always bear in mind that a cluttered preparation area is difficult to work in, and is even more intricate to clean-up.
The Cookware: Before you start the search for cookware, you need to build a list of the items that you now have in your galley. What is more, these types of kitchen aids come in an assortment of substances from plastics to steel, and you should learn about each type of cookware so that you know you are getting the finest. For example, a non-stick frying skillet is a lot more enhanced than the usual cast iron fry-pan, that will permit the food to stick to its shell.
The Bake Ware: If you love to bake, you should get the exact galley accessory to allow you to zap up a lot of truly delectable goodies for the entire family. Baking will be much easier, if you acquire an up-to-date oven and diverse styles of cook and bake ware including cookie sheets. You shall also require roasters, casserole, and dishware.
Utensils: You cannot actually do well in the kitchen with out your galley apparatus. When looking for utensils, make certain that you get yourself the correct types of kitchen utensils. To make your kitchen look very attractive, try to get those brightly colored and stylish kitchen utensils to give a new look to your old kitchen.
Dinnerware: Your dinnerware will be your crowning glory. This is especially true when you begin to entertain guest or relatives. It will make your dining table appear most attractive. To give your dinner a more stimulating effect serve it on some pleasant dinnerware. The appetizing aroma of food, artfully arranged on nice affluent looking dinnerware will always improve the desire for food among your guests, acquaintances or even a family gathering.
John Bakers frequently writes detailed papers on areas associated to kitchen cabinet matters and kitchen counters and cabinets. One might find out more about his comments on kitchen counters and cabinets and new kitchen here.
Tags: dinnerware, dishware, Kitchen Accessories, kitchen aids, kitchen tools, Tableware
