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Greetings!
This week it was time to get all my knives I use for class sharpened. Fortunately my class set comes from Cutco and they will come to my house and do all the sharpening for me free of charge. So I made the appointment. Then I let my mom know and she brought over her knives too. By the time my Cutco girl arrived she had a stack of over 30 knives waiting for her!
So what's you knife situation? Hopefully you have one good chef's knife to help you speed through your prep work. If you don't, then let me help you get to get to knife nirvana. Here's my tips for buying and caring for knives, and why you need to buy one.
Building Community through Cuisine,
Naomi
Naomi Kakiuchi, RD, CD, CCP
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Knife Know-how
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Image via Flickr user bmann |
I always say, if you want to speed your time in the kitchen, the best thing you can do is learn some knife skills. But first you need a knife!
Choosing a Knife
Walking into a knife store can be overwhelming, there are so many kinds and sizes! But let me tell you, all you need is a chef's knife. If you really want a set, then pick out a paring knife and a serrated knife for cutting bread, tomatoes, etc. Everything else is for the real aficionado.
Everyone's hand is different and one size definitely doesn't fit all. So be sure to hold, and actually try cutting with a number of knives. Pay attention to how heavy the knife is and your effort in lifting it. You might want something heavy and forceful, or you might prefer a lighter knife that feels more agile. Most people do tend to get an 8-inch knife, but a 6- or 10-inch might work for you too. Think about what you'll be cutting, is it most often going to be carrots or pineapples?
Making do with a poor quality knife, just creates people who think they hate cooking. A cheap blade that dulls quickly, or has an uncomfortable handle, or using a paring knife to do the work of a chef knife isn't fun. Something in the $40 to $80 range will likely keep you happy and not dreading using it.
If you've liked the knives we use in my classes then you should check out Cutco. I also use Mac knives, which are available at Uwajimaya. But I don't want to get too specific about brands as it really does depend on your personal comfort in your hand. One tip is to ignore price at first, just figure out what feels right. If it turns out the winning knife is out of your budget, show it to your salesperson and explain what you like about it. They'll get a clear picture of what you want and can show you ones that don't break the bank.
Caring for Your Knives Never put knives in the dishwasher where they can get knocked around, dulled, or chipped. The knife is your most important kitchen tool, so give it some TLC with a quick handwashing and drying. Then store it away on a magnetic strip or with a knife guard so it's protected, and you're protected. A loose knife swimming about in the utensil drawer is a sliced finger waiting to happen!
Keeping Your Knife Sharp
You know that metal rod that often comes with a knife block? It's called a steel and it's often thought that its purpose is to sharpen your knife. Actually, it's hones your knife, which is how you preserve a sharp edge, not create one. Ideally you want to do this maintenance step each time you use your knife. And since it only takes about 30 seconds, why not learn how to hone your knife!
I don't actually advise you to try sharpening your own knife. Sharpening is an art and people are known to dedicate their lives to it. We just want to get cooking, right? So let the expert handle it. Usually the cost is not more than a few dollars. Here's 3 places you can go:
- Rex Morris is a regular at the West Seattle Farmers Market, he'll sharpen your knife while you get your groceries.
- Donna Gerhart of Kitchen Song Sharpening stops by Dish It Up! kitchen store monthly for sharpening, call to find out her next date.
- QFC will sharpen your knife for free. Just drop it off at the butcher counter, and then don't forget to pick it up after your shopping!
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Radish Soup With Beef
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Here's a good soup to make when you want to take your new knife out for a spin. And it's a warming meal to help ease you into fall and the start of our rainy season.
Korean radish is in the same family of varieties as the daikon radish. It has a mild taste that is delicious. Besides its use in soups, it's a common ingredient in kimchi.
Radish Soup with Beef
Recipe by Chef Toby Kim
- 8 oz sirloin tip or beef brisket, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 6 cups water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups Korean radish, sliced
- 3 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (Three Crabs or Squid Brand)
- 4 teaspoons Korean beef soup base powder
- In a 4 qt. pot, combine cold water and beef. Bring to a heavy simmer and skim any foam that rises to the surface. Continue cooking until the meat is almost tender.
- Add the garlic and Korean radish. Continue to simmer until the beef and radish are cooked through and tender.
- Add green onion, fish sauce and soup base powder. Simmer to combine flavors.
- Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve with hot steamed rice and assorted kimchi.
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Community Calendar
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From Fields to Family: Asian Pacific Americans and Food
Now on display at the Wing Luke Museum:
719 South King Street, Seattle, WA 98104 | |
Photo by Barry Wong
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Come to the Wing Luke Museum to explore traditions, techniques, and mouth-watering stories! This delectable exhibit investigates cultural traditions and cooking techniques that have changed with time and generations. Experience the sights, sounds,tastes and smells of food in the homes and restaurants of diverse Asian Pacific Americans.
NVC Chow Mein Dinner
Time: Sun., Nov 6, 11am - 5pm
Location: NVC Memorial Hall: 1212 S King St, Seattle 98144
Dine In or Take Out
Bake Sale -- Donations gladly accepted!
Help support the programs of the Nisei Veterans Committee by attending their main fundraising event of the year - and enjoy plenty of good company while you do! Call 206-322-1122 for more information.
 2011 Densho Sushi & Sake Gala
Time: Thurs., Nov 10, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Location: Sheraton Seattle Hotel: 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, 98101
You're invited to this fabulous fundraiser for Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project. There will be fresh sushi preprared by fabulous local chefs and premium sake and Japanese beer served at our reception. The famous sushi and sake reception will be followed by a benefit dinner.
Ayame Kai Craft Fair
Time: Sat., Nov 19, 10am - 4pm
Location: Blaine Memorial UMC: 3001 24th Ave S, Seattle, 98144
Unique handmade Japanese and Japanese-inspired gifts.
Antique/vintage Asian items!
50 crafters from Washington, California, Hawaii and Oregon.
Delicious home-baked traditional and Asian goodies.
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