Why Does This Chef Want You To Know His Chef Secrets?

Whether you take cooking classes in person or from an online course, it’s important to understand the significance of the chef’s knife. In fact, one of the 5 Chef Secrets that professionals use to create amazing meals at home and on the job is the use of the chef’s knife.

Professional chefs know that correct preparation of ingredients helps in the eye appeal of the final presentation of the dish. More importantly, items that are cut consistently will cook consistently. That way, every piece of carrot has the same texture in the soup. If they’re cut to different sizes, the larger one will be hard and crunchy, and the smaller piece soft and mushy.

Practicing correct skills with your kitchen knives will also save money by allowing you to buy larger items and break them into usable pieces. When you prepare fresh ingredients correctly, there is less waste and fresh ingredients improve your cooking by increasing the nutrients in your diet by using more wholesome foods.

One of the most common items that needs to be cut in household cooking is an onion. Every time you make a cut into an onion, it releases sulfur-based gas. When that gas comes in contact with the water in your eye, it turns into sulfuric acid and burns. So, not only does the onion need to be cut into consistent pieces, it is certainly more pleasant if you can do it with as few knife strokes as possible.

Wrong Way to Cut an Onion

The common rocking of the knife against the cutting board, the “mezzaluna” motion is just another way to chop things inconsistently.

Right Way to Cut an Onion

The correct way to dice an onion is to first cut the onion in half from root end to blossom end, giving you a flat surface to work from, avoiding a rolling onion and sharp knife. Since the root end of the onion holds it together, the next step is to cut the blossom end from the onion and remove the skin.

The natural curve of the onion layers will help you in cutting the item into consistent pieces if you first make horizontal cuts in the onion that travel parallel to your cutting board. Now, make vertical cuts in the onion with the tip of your knife, but not all the way back to the root end.

You should now have a “checkerboard” type slices in the onion, but it should stay together because you haven’t cut back to the root end. A tip/fulcrum method will now cut the onion into consistent diced pieces if you now cut across the previous two cuts.

Try it at home! You’re going to love the time and tears that it saves you as well as having the ability to have consistent sized pieces of onion. So, keep in mind, whether you take cooking classes online or in person, one of the most important of chef secrets is having knife skills. The correct use of a chef’s knife will help you save money, use better foods, improve your confidence, and save time spent in the kitchen.

Related Posts:
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otisdavi » Professional Knife Sets – Quality on a Budget

A knife is an essential tool for professional chefs. Kitchen professionals often use Santoku knives. It features a handle and blade-top, assuring a level position. Below are some professional knife set products:

Ginsu Knife Sets- GINSU 04825 $53.85

Ginsu offers new extensive cutlery sets to complete a chef’s cooking habits. It is a professional knife having a tang so as to increase balance.

GINSU 04825 International Traditions Bakelite 14 Piece Stainless Steel Cutlery Set features:

o Two dimensional serrated surface.

o Satin finished stainless steel blades

o Symetric Edge design – It integrates identical serrations matched to each side of the blade.

o Hygienic stainless-steel construction

o Egonomic curve handles.

o Designed for right and left-handed people.

o No maintenance – Does not need sharpening

o Unlimited warranty.

o Measures 8-1/2 x 6 x inches

8-inch chef’s knife, six 4-1/2-inch steak knives, 3-1/2-inch paring knife, 5-inch boning knife, 8-inch slicer, 8-inch bread knife, kitchen shears and a knife block.

Farberware 4-piece Professional Knife Set $29.99

o Stainless steel construction

o Satin finish handles

o 90 days limited warranty

o 13-inch serrated slicing knife

o 13-inch chef’s knife

J.A. Henckels

The Advantages of a Professional Knife Set | Knife Set Reviews

There are many advantages to owning a professional knife set. It is much safer to cut food items with a sharp knife instead of a dull knife. A dull knife can slip off of certain foods causing the user to cut their fingers. A good kitchen knife set is definitely part of the cookware essentials.

There are many options for good kitchen knife sets. Some are very expensive while others are more cost effective. For example, the Henckels professional knife sets are quite expensive but they’re very sharp and they last a long time. They are actually made for professional chefs. Some popular TV chefs have been releasing their own cookware lines. The Wolfgang Puck knife set is fairly inexpensive and very popular. Rachel ray has a full set of cookware essentials including, pots and pans kitchen utensils and even a set of knives.

Another advantage of using a professional knife set is having the right tools for the job. Most sets come with everything you need to prepare most meals. This includes a paring knife the chef’s knife and a set of meat scissors.

One good way to keep your knives sharp and in working order is to invest in a good knife sharpener. One really good knife sharpener is by the Wusthof company. The Wusthof knife sharpener is very popular and works with a large array of knives. This should always accompany your set of knives.

A good set of knives displayed in a handsome wooden block on your countertop spruces up your kitchen. This also keeps them right hand. Always keep in mind that your knives should always be washed by hand and not in the dishwasher.

A Look at Kitchen Knives & Cutlery From Global

Global is one of the most popular kitchen knife brands among professional chefs and serious home cooks. Global operates out of Japan and has established one of the most well thought of brands in cutlery. Once you experience using a Global knife it’s easy to see why!

The Global knife story started in 1985 when Japanese designer Komin Yamada set out to create a new take on the humble kitchen knife. Using the finest materials available and employing the most modern design principles he made a line of kitchen knives that were easy to use, safe, and hygienic.

Inspired by ancient Samurai swords of Japanese lore, Global knives are carefully weighted to have incredible balance in the user’s hand. The construction of the knife blade to handle is seamless, which means no grooves or pits for dirt or food particles to get trapped in. The handles of the knives are dimpled to give the user a sure grip. Global knife blades are ground down to a point instead of being beveled like western knives which results in extraordinary and long lasting sharpness.

Since being introduced to the European cooking scene in 1988 Global knives have won numerous and prestigious awards for quality and design and are used by chefs in the finest hotels and restaurants all over the world. Also, many of the most prominent celebrity chef’s including Susur Lee, Geordie Glumac, Anthony Bourdain and the lovely Giada De Laurentiis, use Global knives.

Today, the Global knife brand has greatly expanded and now offers over fifty different knives, numerous tweezers, tongs, forks, spoons, sharpening tools, steels, chef cases, and more. All top quality products that with proper care would last for years if not an entire lifetime for the proud owners.

The design and production team at Global are always looking to further develop and expand their range of cutlery products and listen closely to the comments and ideas of current users of Global goods.

Kitchen Devil Knives Cut Out the Competition

One thing all good chefs have in common, and this is obvious on any cooking competition TV show you may watch, is a great set of knives. In order to do a good job, a chef at home, needs a good set of knives just the same as any other chef. Thankfully, for an affordable price, you can get good tools to help you do a professional job.

Stellar James Martin knives are developed and sponsored by professional chefs, and are really excellent for all kinds of cooking. These goods are made of durable molybdenum steel and and are guaranteed for life. You can purchase them in sets or individually, to get exactly the ones you need for your collection.

Most dedicated cooks know that a drawer of loose knives is a poor way to store cutlery, and that custom wood blocks help protect edges, assuming you take care to dry the product before storing them in the block. So, while James Martin sells many individual knives, it may be better to buy a set that comes in a custom wood block.

Kitchen knives are top-of-the-line when it comes to performance, quality, and value. You will find them to be especially appealing to home cooks, because they are both extremely lightweight and functional. If you look for them online, you will often be able to find them at bargain prices. As with James Martin, you can buy Kitchen knives in sets or as individual items to meet your needs.

Kitchen knives are also made of terrific molybdenum steel, a type of stainless steel that is very durable yet creates an extremely sharp edge superior to common stainless steel blades. This means optimum cutting ability combined with the convenience of being dishwasher safe.

Another excellent piece of the Kitchen tool line is the comfort designed handle, which allows for a sure, comfortable grip. This added feature allows greater ease in use, and will likely mean that the knife will be put to greater use then those expensive ones that are uncomfortable to use. They also come with a warranty that lasts for ten years, a good protection on your investment.

The molybdenum steel make them better able to take the rougher handling at home than even some much more expensive professional knives. Chefs carry their very pricey tools in special cases and no one touches another chef’s knives, but at home, the use is more casual and often not as careful. Putting those in a dishwasher would be unthinkable, but both Kitchen Devil and Stellar give you this option.

Three Important Things to Consider Before Buying a Serrated Knife …

You have probably seen chefs using knife sharpeners before; the long metal rod is perfect for honing and sharpening the blades of most knives, returning even very dull ones to their former glory. As these are very useful, you may be tempted to run out straight away and buy several, but wait!

Before you do it is important to decide what type you need, as using a normal knife sharpener on serrated knives will not do quite the same job. Here are some things to know which could help you pick the right serrated knife sharpener and save you trouble.

The difficult way

Using a normal sharpener on a serrated knife can work, but it can be incredibly time consuming and very hard work, as you will need to file each individual groove to hone the blade. This is possible but just not practical, especially considering the time constraints that professional chefs usually face. Serrated knives can also be sharpened using a round steel file or a filing stone, which can give good results, but again can take a lot of time and effort.

The easy way

There are several products on the market designed to hone serrated knives. There are diamond knife sharpeners with special diamond files, and the Spyderco Tri Angle Sharpmaker is a favorite among enthusiasts, and while these are expensive they may be just about the best way to hone and sharpen your serrated knives.

The easiest way

Many professionals advise simply not sharpening your serrated knives. As they generally don’t get the same wear and tear as other knives, even very cheap models can stay functional for a very long time, and the cost and effort of buying a serrated knife sharpener or doing it yourself just isn’t worth it.

Kitchen:Anolon® Advanced Steak Knives (Set of 4) – $34.99

Anolon® Advanced Steak Knives (Set of 4)

The Anolon® Advanced steak knife has a super sharp fine edge and neatly slices through meat without tearing it, which is a must when you’re serving grilled steaks or pan-fried pork chops. The perfect composition of Japanese high carbon stainless steel ensures the blade stays sharp and is stain and rust resistant. The forged blade construction adds strength and durability, which is preferred by professional chefs, and the heat-treated and ice-hardened steel creates a stronger blade that holds its sharp edge longer. The soft Anolon® SureGrip® handle is durable and comfortable to hold, and its contoured design provides a sure, confident grip. A counter balance cap and thick bolster ensures a superior balance for precision and control. Set includes four 5″ steak knives. Hand wash. Limited lifetime warranty.

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Finding the Right Chef's Knife Case

Caterers need to find suppliers who chef’s equipment completely, including quality chef’s knife cases. Professional chefs carry their own knives and they are interested in protecting their investment. That’s why they choose to store their knives in a knife rack, block, wallet, or knife case.

To help you choose quality storage for your chef knives, here are a few product suggestions.

We start with the Vogue chef’s knife case, which comes in two different sizes. Both are made from durable nylon that can be easily cleaned. They have zippered compartments and are reinforced to prevent damage at the ends from protruding knives. One case fits up to ten pieces, with Velcro fasteners and a clip-on strap for carrying over your shoulder.

The other chef’s knife case has a flap that folds over and is secured by two clip fasteners at the front. This one has a capacity for up to sixteen pieces, and the carry strap is reinforced with padding at the shoulder for extra support.

These pieces are long enough to fit the larger knives in a chef set, like bread knives, carving knives, and even roasting forks and knife sharpeners. They work well with some of the more professional sets of knives, like Hygiplas, Victorinox, Deglon, and Chef Works.

There are many options when choosing adequate storage for chef knives, ones that fit every budget. Apprentices may choose one of the inexpensive canvas knife wallets that have either ten or fourteen compartments and, in some cases, one large pocket for either books or other tools.

Then there are knife boxes made from tough, durable plastic. There is a large model that even comes with a removable tray and can be fitted with a padlock for a little more security, if necessary.

For something a little more stylish, chefs can choose a leatherette briefcase made by Chef Works. This can serve as a chef’s knife case that is a little more portable, and looks very much like a regular piece of luggage. It has a zipper pouch in front and the carrying handle and padded shoulder strap make it easy to carry.

Speaking of Chef Works, they also make an excellent knife case that is made from a durable Cordura nylon. The case folds out to reveal seventeen pockets in two sections, both of which are covered with the same material for extra protection. The pockets are sturdy enough to prevent movement while in the case, and two clips secure this handsome looking case with a fold-over flap.

It is also worth remembering traditional knife blocks and knife racks in a variety of styles. Some of the better knife racks are magnetic, mounted directly to the wall. Others are made from a durable plastic that is washable. It is also possible to acquire padlocks for those chef’s knife cases that can be secured to provide peace of mind and protection.

If you’re looking for quality storage for your chef knives, take at look at some of the fine knife cases and accessories available from suppliers to keep your chef knives safe, secure, and always ready for use.

Kitchen Knives – Tips For Buying the Best Kitchen Knives For You

There are many cutlery brands from all over the world to choose from when shopping for new kitchen knives. To make your decision a little easier, consider the following tips.

1) If precision cutting is important to you, check out japanese knives. Japanese knives are very popular among professional chefs. Japanese knives are much lighter than western and European knives yet most have extremely sharp blades that are precision forged for almost perfect straightness. They hold their edges very well and slice evenly. Some popular brands of Japanese cutlery are Shun knives, Global knives, and Santori knives.

2) If you are looking for high quality, make sure to purchase a fully forged knife. Also, ensure that your next knife comes with a full tang. A full tang means that the blade runs all the way to the back of the handle, rather than connecting to it. This makes for a much stronger, more durable knife that is very difficult to break. Examples of these knives would be Henckels knives, Wusthof, and Victorinox.

3) For the best overall deals, purchase a kitchen knife set. Buying knives in sets instead of one at a time can save you up to 75%. Most manufacturers make sets in every price range and for specific usage. Custom made sets are possible through some manufacturers as well. When shopping for a set, just make sure that the knives included are ones that you will actually use. Sometimes, a chef’s knife is enough to get the job done.

4) Make sure to get an unlimited warranty. Many budget knives will advertise a warranty but it will be very limited and very hard to get replacement knives for ones that break or go bad. All of the top quality kitchen knife brands will come with lifetime warranties.

Kitchen Knives – Why Quality is Important

What kind of cook are you? How much time do you spend in the kitchen? Are you a professional chef who earns a living by cooking? How about a lively hostess who loves to entertain? Maybe you are a mom who loves cooking for her family and friends. It could be that you are one of those people who only cook out of necessity and want to be out of the kitchen as soon as possible. You could even be in a category all by yourself.

No matter how you rate your cooking abilities, there is one thing that is true for everyone. The more efficiently you get the job done, the better the experience will be. To help insure that efficiency you must have the right tools for the job at hand. A good set of kitchen knives is essential for all cooks and should be a priority when equipping any kitchen.

Professional chefs know the value of buying good quality kitchen knives. While these knives may cost a little more they are an excellent investment and the good ones will last a very long time. With the proper care some will even last a lifetime.

Choosing which kitchen knives to buy and how much money to spend is up to the individual. There are many types to choose from and almost anyone can find a style that is pleasing to them. Most types come in several different blade lengths, and styles vary with each different manufacturer. There is also a large choice of handle material available. You can choose knives with handles made from exotic wood, ceramic, or stainless steel, just to mention a few.

If you don’t want to collect your kitchen knives one at a time you can buy a complete knife set instead. There are some advantages to buying a knife set instead of making individual purchases. A block set offers the convenience of storing your kitchen knives together in one place and helps protect them from damage. It is also much safer to store knives in a block than it is to keep them in a drawer. Remember, these knives are razor sharp!

No matter what method you use to provide your kitchen with these essential tools, just remember to make quality your first priority. Don’t waste your money on something that won’t stand the test of time, or that doesn’t get the job done. It isn’t necessary to buy the most expensive kitchen knives on the market, but always be sure to pick good quality products.

Take your time and be selective when shopping for kitchen knives. Invest some time before you invest your money. Check out the vast selection of kitchen knives offered by the many name brand manufacturers that are on the market. Decide which knives would best fit your needs, then compare products and prices. Keep in mind that you are making an investment and aim for the best that your budget will allow. Spending a little more now can save you a lot more in the future. You will be glad you did.