Every budding chef needs a chef’s knife, which has a broad, tapered shape and a fine sharp edge. It is designed so it rocks on a cutting board as it cuts food – anything from vegetables, to meat. A dull knife is more likely to slip during cutting, putting your hands and fingers at risk of accidental injury.
Even if you can’t afford Wusthof, Messermeister, Global or Cutco cultlery right away, razor-sharp knives make cooking a far easier, quicker task and can help make your food look more visually appealing: you can cut perfect cubes, ribbon-thin julienne vegetables and perfect minces – no more unwieldy chunks of onion in your weeknight tomato sauce.
Kitchen Commandment #3: Use sharp knives.
If you’re sharpening your own knives at home, you can use whetsone or a steel rod to refresh your blades. Also, most kitchen stores offer knife sharpening services that will do it for you for a small cost. No matter how you decide to sharpen your knife, it’s important to start with the right blade.
According to our friends at Fine Cooking, one size does not fit all when it comes to choosing the perfect chef’s knife. When you’re making your purchase, the experts recommend:
Try before you buy. Richard Von Husen, owner of Warren Kitchen and Cutlery in Rhinebeck, New York told Fine Cooking “…he lets customers “play” with a range of knives without looking at price to determine the size, shape, and weight of knife that they prefer.” Then he helps them choose one based on their budget.
Determine what is important to you. Consider weight, balance and size when choosing a knife. Some people prefer heftier knives because they exert more force, while others prefer the ease of use of a lighter knife. According to Fine Cooking, 8-inch chef’s knives are often the most popular among home cooks, but if you’re looking for something with a little more agility, a 6-inch blade can be effective.
Know the difference. Do you really need a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, a paring knife and steak knives? Surely you can use one for all the same purposes, right? Well, wrong. You actually do need different knives for different purposes. While some can be used interchangably, it can be dangerous to use the wrong type of knife. For example, if you try to cut a large watermelon with a steak knife, an injury is imminent. Likewise, if you use your 8-inch chef knife to cut a tiny lime for you Corona, there’s a fair chance that you’ll end up one finger short of a hand.
The Giveaway:
In case you’re cooking with dull knives, Cutco has generously agreed to give a Kitchen Classics Knife Set to one lucky reader. You can use them to replace the knife set you bought at WalMart in college, you can add them to your growing kitchen collection…or you can regift it. Really, I’ll never know.
The Rules:
- Leave a comment here that answers the following questions: what is one recipe you want to learn how to cook?
- Anonymous comments: leave your email address when you comment so I can reach you.
- 1 random winner will be chosen by Friday, November 19 at 11:59PM CST and announced by Sunday, November 21. I will notify you via email and you will have 72 hours to respond before I choose a new winner.
- Contest open to US & Canada Residents only.
For Additional Entries:
- Re-tweet the following message: Stop chopping with dull blades! Win a set of @cutcocutlery from In Good Taste (cc @mariscallahan). Enter here: http://bit.ly/8X3rgb
- Follow me on Twitter @mariscallahan
- Become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook.
- Suggest that your friends become a fan of In Good Taste on Facebook.
- Please leave one comment for each entry.
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by Cutco. I was not provided with complimentary product or compensation of any kind. The words and opinions expressed here are my own.
The 10 First Kitchen Commandments, Part 1: Choose quality over quantity.
The 10 First Kitchen Commandments, Part 2: Be Practical, Be Realistic.
{ 138 comments… read them below or add one }
I Want to make a good homemade chicken stock.
SERIOUSLY???? I have wusthof but I dream of CUTCO! My sister has a kick ass set..but I just cant fork out the money for new knifes when mine are perfectly fine.
Hmmmm. I would like to learn how to cook a good french dinner. ohhh, howbout a nice loaf of fresh french bread!!!??
I would love to learn to properly cook octopus – I never seem to get it quite right.
I am obsessed with cheese right now, and want to make some feta.
BUT – I wouldn’t need a knife for that! I want to learn to make an amazing chicken piccata for my husband – it’s his favorite dish.
I would love to learn how to cook a great pad thai! The problem is that then my husband will never take me to that great local Thai restaurant… I have a set of Cutco knives-best investment I’ve ever made.
Hmmm…this is a hard question. I’m still stubbornly trying to master bread-baking, but the one recipe I’m too intimidated to even try would be macarons. With proper hand-holding, I might be convinced to try.
I’ve made paneer (indian cheese) but I would love to learn to make good mozzarella!
I’m a fan on facebook!
I follow you on twitter
I like you on Facebook
I tweeted-Stop chopping with dull blades! Win a set of @cutcocutlery from In Good Taste (cc @mariscallahan). Enter here: http://bit.ly/8X3rgb
I would love to learn how to make a chateaubriand. I don’t know if I spelled it correctly but I have only had it at restaurants and love it
I really want to learn to cook more international dishes, like an authentic Kung Pao Chicken which I ate almost every day while living in China. I start culinary school in March and could really use these awesome knives!
Maris! I need to learn how to cook ceviche… Need a knife to chop that up! Hope you’re well!! xx
I just tweeted (@Creatively_GF): I tweeted-Stop chopping with dull blades! Win a set of @cutcocutlery from In Good Taste (cc @mariscallahan). Enter here: http://bit.ly/8X3rgb
I would love to make ravioli and tamales but they seem so daunting!
I would like to learn how to cook my husbands grandmother’s Waffle Gravy. It’s really a custard and it’s easy to ruin.
I would love to learn how to cook the perfect turkey!
I’d love to learn how to make proper Pho soup. I love it so much, but never have the guts to make it.
I want to learn how to make Schaum Torte. It’s pretty obscure and delicious!
I want to learn how to make peking duck. So amazing when it’s done well.
I want to learn how to make a good vegetarian chili – one that doesn’t make me miss the meat!
I’m completely lost in the kitchen, so I’d really like to be able to cook the perfect turkey dinner! I can’t multi-task at all
I would like to make puff pastry – it’s too imtimidating! Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to learn to make my friend stephanie’s awesome beef stew that takes hours upon hours to make!
My husband and I just came back from France where we had the most amazing roasted rabbit. I’d love to be able to make that (or just about anything else we had while there!).
I tweeted about it too!
Hmmm…I’m thinking of maybe cheesecake except that could be really dangerous around here
I would love to learn how to make a nice healthy Acorn Squash soup. . .and everyone knows you need very sharp knives to work with Acorn Squash!
i would love to know how to cute this http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2010/09/apple-gruyere-and-sage-muffins-and.html it looks amazing!
fan on facebok
My brother used to sell Cutco, and I know that it is great stuff! Very excited about this offer, and the first recipe I’d try with the new knife set is Beouf Bourgignon — classic, and a dish that makes my tummy rumble just to think of it!
I would like to learn how to make souffle.
I would like to learn how to cook a killer steak.
I’m a facebook fan.
I would love to learn to cook a beef roast like my grandmother makes
I tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/brittty/statuses/5056329429295104
I’m following you on twitter
I also am a fan on Facebook.
I want to learn how to ROAST A TURKEY!!!!
I just TWEETED about you as well.
I’m a fan on facebook!
I also follow you on twitter (can’t you tell, I REALLY want to win this one?)
I want to learn how to make a good GF and vegan pumpkin pie — I have several recipes, but none taste quite right!
gdblogger1 at gmail dot com
I am a twitter follower (gdblogger1)!
gdblogger1 at gmail dot com
I also tweeted!
http://twitter.com/#!/gdblogger1/status/5060504217194496
gdblogger1 at gmail dot com
I follow you on twitter!
I would love to perfect my crepe batter and making technique! Savory Vietnamese crepes AND French ones
I would like to learn to make my own gyoza, yummy japanese dumplings.
i am also following you on twitter @littlepod
I just saw a little blurb about making phyllo dough and was interested in learning how to make it… that’s the only one I can think of right now.
Would love to make a good roast beef with delicious gravy.
hmmm… i’ve never made the turkey for thanksgiving, although i’ve made everything else. my sil makes the most perfect turkey and i’m terrified that it will be my turn one year.
Shame on me, I do not have a chef’s knife. I have many knives, but not that one. I use a santoku instead.
One of these days I really need to get around to learning how to make my own pasta. I have a machine for it, I just haven’t ever gotten it out of the box.
I’m already a fan on Facebook.
I’m already a follower on Twitter.
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/heidi_renee/statuses/5085478713823232
I want to learn to make Tom Kha Gai. I always order it with my green curry at our local Thai restaurant.
I would love to master the perfect pie crust.
I would love to learn about the perfect pie crust and maybe phyllo dough too!
I want to learn to make my own pasta because I’m a pasta addict, I can’t even lie.
And I follow you on twitter, obvs.
And a fan on facebook!
I would love to make a gluten free eggs Benedict.
Cutco are the greatest knives in the universe. My husband would like me to learn how to make Peking duck…a recipe he remembers from his childhood. I bet these knives would help me with that!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I’ve tweeted the giveaway.
Followed you on Twitter.
“Like-d” your Facebook page.
I’d love to learn to make a pie from scratch!
I suggested that friends like you on facebook
I can’t master basic mashed potatoes.
I would love to make a creme Brulee or a souffle.
I love cooking and using the Cutco knifes has added pleasure to cooking after using all the other knifes over the years. I love your recipes
A completely homemade apple pie, complete with the lattice topping!
I would love to learn how to make home-made pasta! Or an authentic Indian curry!
I would like to make yeast bread work right for once!
keep up with the practical “make after work” recipes…altho I love some of the more difficult/ingredient and method driven recipes…Im always in need of something that is quick and provides a change to our weekly dinners…esp following a hard day’s work!
I have absolutely no fear when it comes to trying recipes….except for pastry. For whatever reason the thought of making a pie crust freaks me out….that would be the ultimate recipe for me to master…the perfect pastry.
Conquer Indian food! That would be an accomplishment!
I would like to learn how to cook beef stroganoff
bread making! i don’t have a knack for kneeding …
There is Nothing better than sharp knives in the kitchen.
I would love to learn how to make ravioli stuffed with crab or lobster.
I have old kitchen knives that should have been retired long ago. I have heard of Cutco but have never used their knives.
I’d like to learn how to make a souffle (or alternatively, something where I’d get to use an awesome new knife!).
don’t laugh..but…I’m almost embarrassed to say…. I would LOVE to get it right with pork chops. they are my nemesis. I need color and juice. My huuby STILL tells people 11 yrs later how I served him white pork chops! They were juicy & tasty, but no color. I need color, juice, taste!
I want to cook beef bourguignon!!
I’d love to learn how to make a good yeast bread.
I follow you on Twitter
I tweeted!
I really want to learn how to prepare osso bucco – oddly, I’ve never made it before.
Also tweeted, friended, and followed on Twitter!
I want to cook something so good that when my husband eats it he wants me to make it again. He is picky!
Wow, these knives look incredible!! My sister and I were just discussing the value of a good knife and she told me to get engaged fast so I could get a nice set. Good reason, right?
I’ve always wanted to cook beef wellington… I hear it isn’t all that hard, but it intimidates me for some reason!
Whole fish (like with the head still on it!)roasted on a bed of rock salt. It just sounds like such an interesting preparation. Will definitely RT the message!
I want to learn how to make a perfect cheesecake. Good cheesecakes are intimidating!
I RTd the message!
I follow @mariscallahan now!
I like In Good Taste on Facebook!
This is just what i need . Great stuff for the single guy.
…and I suggested you to bunches of my friends on Facebook. Now it’s all up to chance! Thanks.
I’ve treated cooking like chemistry Alton Brown style. After you have the recipe down you can adjust it. Last week I made a test turkey in preparation of thanksgiving. Baking on the other hand is some weird voodoo stuff. I cant seem to make a light fluffy pastry to save my life.
I would love to learn how to make bagels.
I really want to tackle Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon. I know it’s not that hard but I’ve never attempted it.
Also, I took a knife skills class at my local Viking store a couple of years ago. It changed me in the kitchen. I have one really nice Wusthof that I won’t let anyone else touch. But man, I could use some more good knives!
I follow you on Twitter as kakaty and kakatywins (my giveaway alter-ego).
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/kakatywins/status/5363121480794112
I would love to learn how to cook chicken kiev!!
I “liked” in good taste on Facebook!!
I am following you on twitter!! @gogirl001us
I tweeted about the giveaway on twitter!! @gogirl001us
I’ve always wanted to know how to make Beef wellington. I’ve seen some amazing recipes for it on Food Network.
I like the way Tyler Florence makes it. And I also like the mini ones Rachael Ray made one time.
I would really love it for someone to teach me how to bake in general. It’s such a challenge for me…and even more specifically BREAD!
Great giveaway!
Just tweeted!
I would love to learn how to cook Pad Thai!
i want to learn to cook a perfect steak for my husband!
I would like to learn to make the most perfect fish tacos.
I would love to learn how to cook, well bake Lemon Meringue Pie.. I’ve always heard horror stories so I’m nervous to even attempt.
I tweeted
http://api.twitter.com/#!/CourtneysSweets/status/5443463986290688
Following you on twitter. I’m @CourtneysSweets
I really want to learn to make Turducken. Honest!
Liked In Good Taste on facebook.
Shared/suggested to friends on facebook. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=159967274044336&id=1622102866
I follow you on Twitter (@girlichef)
I tweeted the giveaway w/ your script (@girlichef)
I am a fan on FB (Heather Dar Schmitt-Gonzalez)…thanks for all of these chances to win!
Oh be still my heart! There are few things in this world that a girl needs more than a set of spectacular knives!!!! * sighhhh
What do I want to learn to make?……
Indian Cuisine. does that count? I looove Indian cuisine and generally speaking would love to learn how to make authentic dishes.
I would like to learn to make a pie crust that comes out perfectly every time!
i totally want to learn how to make pad thai – its my favorite!!!
I would love to learn to cook a perfect paella!
I would love to learn how to prepare the perfect Lamb Chop!
Pad Thai and Yellow Curry…my fave takeout!
My knives are severely defunct in the sharps department! Love this giveaway. I want to learn to cook…a really good leg of lamb. Those large roasted pieces of meat elude me.
I’d love to learn to make bread – any type. Yeast scares me.
I want to learn to make large fluffy melt-in-your-mouth homemade biscuits like my grandma made. I’ve tried for years and still have never gotten them just right.
(I’ve yearned after Cutco knives for years …this is such a fabulous giveaway!)
I am following you on twitter @rusthawk.
I am one of your facebook fans.
I’ve invited my facebook friends to join your page. Thank you for the entries.
Cinnamon rolls – I find them overwhelming.
I am looking forward to my winter break because I’m planning to make gnocchi for the first time! I usually shy away from any recipe that requires a rolling pin or flour on my counters or anything like that, but those potato dumplings call to me!