Want to make your life easier in the kitchen? It all starts with having and knowing how to use the equipment that will serve your best. Last week I shared How to pick the best knife for you. There are many types and varieties of knives, but don’t get overwhelmed. You can do any standard culinary task with having just 3 knives. You don’t need to have a full set of quality knifes to have success in the kitchen.
(paring knife, chef’s knife and serrated knife)
If you are ready to purchase some knives, these are the 3 knives that will handle the majority of all your kitchen tasks. Whether you choose Forged or Stamped knives, here is where you can start and build upon your set.
The 3 knives you need:
Paring: The Paring knife is usually 3-4 inches long. It is best used for cutting small items like fruits: slicing a kiwi, pear or hulling a strawberry or tomatoes. Perfect for peeling items or slicing a bit of cheese for a snack.
Serrated knives have a saw-like blade that make it easy to cut through delicate items like breads, cakes, slicing a whole citrus with a thick rind.
Chef’s Knives can range from 4 inches to 16 inches. This is the workhorse of the kitchen, and should be used for the majority of all cutting tasks from onions and carrots, to melons, squashes and meat. This is your main chopping knife.
If you notice a job in the kitchen is becoming difficult or taking too long, it may be because you are using the wrong knife for the job, or that the blade of the knife is too dull. It is important to properly care for and store your knives for safety and for keeping them in the best condition long-term.
Pick up your copy of The Pretty Plate for more simple techniques and recipes, and learn about the five elements to make your everyday meals magnificent.
