Browsing Tag

knife

Culinary Tips Vegetarian Recipes

Knife Sharpening Using a Whetstone

What is a whetstone exactly? Also referred to as a wet stone, waterstone, or sharpening stone, whetstones can be natural or manmade, and are typically made of finely bonded ceramic. They are truly the best and smartest way to sharpen knives, as other methods will grind away precious metal from your knife’s blade, and shorten it’s life. One side of the stone is a coarse grit which you sharpen with first, and the other a fine grit which is used last. The whetstone is used as a primary method of sharpening, and the honing steel is used for maintenance, read more about the differences and brand recommendations here. Knife sharpening takes practice, but once you become accustomed to the technique you will be deliciously pleased with your effortless, gorgeous, even cuts of food.

Watch the video to see Chef Danilo Alfaro‘s easy techniques for knife sharpening, using a whetstone and a steel .

Culinary Tips Thanksgiving Recipes

The Art of Carving a Turkey

The Art of Carving was a book written in 1791 by Reverend John Trusler, taking us back to an era where manners and etiquette rated highly in society, even while slicing a Thanksgiving turkey! A few amusing excerpts from this historic book are here:

“…manners and etiquette are vital, and the ability to carve with “ease and grace” gains great respect among fellow diners”

“On no account must the carver stand up while doing the deed, but must always have a chair high enough to do the job commandingly.”

“Any attempt to hack at the turkey will end in guests being “bespattered” and so should be avoided.”

“Choice cuts should always be handed out evenly around the table, unless people of a “superior rank” are present. ”

Many times going back to basics is best! Houstonian chef Jeffrey Everts shows us just how quick and easy it can be, in this video demonstration of how to carve a holiday turkey with a carving knife.

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Another “How to carve a turkey” video may be found here, and we found a helpful printable guide at the Eating Well site here.

Culinary Tips

All about kitchen knives

This video features chef Jean Pierre explaining what knives are best for kitchen use. How many do you need? Only about 5 or 6, and they should be high quality, well balanced with a substantial weight and fit well in your hand. Jean Pierre recommends having a 9 inch chef’s knife, a thin slicing knife, a serrated knife, a boning knife, a short paring knife, and a honing steel. Jean Pierre explains why having a sharp knife is much safer for you than attempting to cut with a dull knife, contrary to popular belief!