Module One
Knowing how to chop, cut, slice your food can actually make a huge difference to you and to the food you are cooking. Why? Because:
it gives you more control
you will have ingredients prepared correctly, at appropriate sizes - therefore cooking at the same rate as each other
it will look more aesthetically pleasing
it will create less wastage and allow you to use every part of the food - creating you saving on cost
it will give you a feeling of empowerment and achievement
it’s safer - blunt knives and not knowing how to use a knife can make the kitchen more dangerous
Types of cuts
Cut
Dice
Chiffonade
Rolling Chop
Juliene
Brunoise
Rough Chop
Batton
KNIFE SKILLS
Leek slicing, julienne etc
Practical tips - your board and making sure your work space is safe
WHERE TO BUY KNIVES
A knife should feel like an extension of your hand, and everyone will have different preferences. For example, I have small wrists so always go for light weight knives (like Victoria Knox). However, some people love Sabbatier as they have more weight to them.
I have always found the best thing to do, when it comes to buying knives, is to go to a large general store (in the UK somewhere like a John Lewis) and have a look at their knives and ask to hold them.
You can invest a lot of money into knives and, whilst I personally haven’t done that (mainly due to the fact the knives I like are by chance quite cheap), if you find a type of knife you like I would suggest working with it often and making sure it’s always sharp and at its best.
TK Max is a great place to pick up knives if just starting out and wanting to experiment with larger knife sizes.
Different techniques and knife skills
HOW TO STORE KNIVES AND LOOK AFTER THEM
Knife blocks or magnetic strips are, in my opinion, the best way to store knives. Storing them in a draw isn’t good for the blade, as it will bash into other things and can obviously be dangerous.
Carrots, batons, julienne
Potato dice etc
Herbs
More on the anatomy of a knife and chopping larger things
Knife storage
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HEALTH AND SAFETY
It goes with out saying that keeping your kitchen in good working order is essential in cooking and something important to think about whenever you are preparing food for yourself and others.
General health and safety in the kitchen includes practices like -
washing hands thoroughly before handling food,
properly storing raw and cooked foods to prevent cross-contamination,
properly labelling things once they have been opened so you are aware of their date and best before dates,
using sharp knives with caution, making sure they are well looked after and cared for,
keeping work surfaces clean and free from clutter,
wiping up spills and messed immediately,
wearing appropriate clothing - a clean apron is advised,
ensuring appliances are in good working order and used correctly,
being aware of potential hazards like hot surfaces, trip hazards, sharp implements and allergens.
Getting ingredients ready in advance helps with not rushing around the kitchen and creating more of a calm experience whilst cooking