Wednesday 7 March 2018

The best tips for chopping and dicing



In general, you really want to avoid serrated knives for small dices, opting for a smooth, thin blade and a knife that is strong enough to cut through some tougher veggies, but not so large that you can’t get what you need into tiny 1/8-inch cubes.





Small Dice (Fancy name: Macedoine)

“I find that a small dice, roughly 1/4-inch cubes, are one of those knife cuts we use for many things. The size of it fits well on a spoon, and lets you get multiple things into one bite. It works for soups, salads, and raw dishes," says Ted Hopson, head chef of L.A.'s The Bellwether. For this, you start off by cutting 1/4-inch planks, then turn those on their side, and cut them into 1/4-inch strips. Gather those strips up, turn them again, and cut them into a small dice.

rival 1042w electric food slicer
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/rival-meat-slicer-slices-your-food-but-not-your-pocket


Super-Small Dice (Fancy name: Brunoise)

This cut will allow you to cut things into 1/8-inch cubes. To do this, use the exact same method mentioned previously, just make it smaller. “I usually use this when working with strong-flavored items, like onions. People don't love huge bites of onions—so we cut them smaller, then you get the flavor but it blends nicer into whatever you're cooking,” Hopson says. “When working with raw dishes, like tartare and crudo, this works great to add lots of flavors in small bites. This knife cut is probably too small for hearty vegetables, like celery root, but perfect for shallots.”

swissmar borner v-1001 vs v7000 5
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/5-top-mandoline-slicer-reviews-make-the-right-choice

Now go dominate your prep-work like the master chef you are (just please, don't cut yourself!).

Dicing an Onion

Start by slicing off the smallest possible amount from the stem of the onion to create a flat surface, but keep the root intact. Then, with the stem end on the counter, cut the onion in half.

Place the flat cut side of the onion down on the counter with the root end away from your knife. Slice into the onion from stem end toward the root, but don’t cut all the way through the onion. Stop before you get to the root, which will hold the onion together while you dice it.

rival meat slicer
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/rival-meat-slicer-slices-your-food-but-not-your-pocket

Next, make more slices down the onion from root to stem, but again, don’t slice all the way through the stem and leave the root intact. Finally, make a third set of slices across the onion, and the onion will fall into perfect dice (we say "perfect" lightly).

Chopping Herbs

According to Chef Daniel Holzman, co-founder of The Meatball Shop and founder of Project Foodie, chopping herbs tends to crush them, releasing all of their subtle flavors before they get to your dish. To keep this from happening, he says it’s important to use a very sharp knife and always slice rather than rough-chop the herbs.

great american steakhouse onion machine
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/blooming-onion-cutter-2-star-options-just-for-you

“I start by chiffonading them, which is a fancy French word for cutting them into thin strips. Start by bunching, stacking, or rolling a small pile of leaves, then slice them thinly in one direction. After that, rotate the stack 90 degrees and slice the strips into tiny squares. This gives you an even chop at whatever size you’d like with a minimal number of cuts. It saves time and keeps your herbs fresh and flavorful.”

29 simple cooking tips you don't learn before

We've compiled a list of 29 Simple Cooking Tips Everyone Should Know! to make every time in the kitchen a successful one.
Check them out, learn something new, and share your best tips for surviving in the kitchen:

rival meat slicer
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/rival-meat-slicer-slices-your-food-but-not-your-pocket

1. Set up the perfect workspace by gathering clean tools, bowls and utensils. And make sure to keep a trashcan within arm’s reach.
2. To create an egg wash, whisk together a large egg with one tablespoon of water until smooth. Use as a glue to seal pastries, then brush on top for a glossy appearance.
3. Peel tomatoes with ease! Cut an X in the top, and then simmer in a pot of hot water for 15 to 30 seconds. Cool down and the skin will fall right off.

rival 1042w electric food slicer
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/rival-meat-slicer-slices-your-food-but-not-your-pocket

4. Get comfortable! Wear comfy clothes and an apron when you work in the kitchen and you won’t have to worry about getting dirty.
5. Invest in a baking scale. Scales are not only an accurate way to measure your cooking ingredients, but they streamline the entire process.
6. Always read and re-read your recipes before you start cooking.
7. Clean as you go!

swissmar borner v-1001 vs v7000 5
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/5-top-mandoline-slicer-reviews-make-the-right-choice

8. Use two skewers instead of one when grilling or roasting to prevent your food from spinning.
9. Learn and practice the rule of thumb to check the readiness of steak.
10. To prevent butter from over-browning in your pan, add a little bit of lemon juice.
11. Embrace salt. Don’t be afraid to use salt; it pulls the flavors out of your dishes. Cook with kosher salt and season with sea salt.
12. No luck finding shallots? Replace with a combination of onions and garlic.
13. After handling garlic, rub your fingers on stainless steel, like your sink, to get rid of the odor.
14. Ovens can lie. Place a second thermometer in your oven to ensure proper preheating temperatures.
15. Ignore cooking times. Check your dishes by using your own senses (smell, taste, touch) to decide when they are done.

great american steakhouse onion machine
http://www.cutsliceddiced.com/blooming-onion-cutter-2-star-options-just-for-you

16. The most versatile and important tool is a sharp chef’s knife.
17. Perfect all the different ways to cook an egg.
18. When poaching an egg, add a teaspoon of white vinegar to simmering water to help keep the yolk from breaking.
19. For a great hardboiled egg every time, bring your pot to a boil and then turn off the stove. Let your eggs sit in the heated pot for 12 minutes and then transfer to cold water.
20. Crack eggs on a paper towel on the counter —no shells and easy cleanup!
21. Make an ide al sunny-side egg by covering your pan with a lid and letting the steam cook your egg. No flipping required.
22. Always taste your food before seasoning.
23. Anchor your cutting board to the counter with a damp paper towel to keep things steady and safe.
24. Hold a knife properly: pinch the blade instead of gripping the handle.
25. Don’t rinse pasta.
26. Substitute half a lemon and half an orange as a replacement for a Meyer lemon.
27. When sautéing garlic, use sliced garlic instead of minced to prevent burning.
28. Invest in a seasoned cast iron skillet. This kitchen staple distributes heat evenly and is easy to clean.
29. Remove tough stems on leafy greens by pinching the stem and gently pulling off the leaves with your other hand.