Archive for November, 2009
Cut Like A Pro
The knife you use to cut fruits and vegetables is naturally different from the one you use to chop meat. Since meat is bigger and tougher than garden produce, it requires heftier and chunkier tools such as a butcher’s knife and a cleaver.
A paring knife, which is pointed, short-bladed, and easy to handle, is the tool you need for peeling and removing cores. Its blade may be straight or shaped like a bird’s beak and is typically 3.25-inches long. For chopping vegetables, the perfect tool would be a French knife. Also known as a Chef’s knife, this kitchen utensil is recognizable for its broad, tapered shape and fine edge.
Steak Knives
A few weeks ago we were watching some early morning paid TV programming. They were showing a cooker that uses what they call induction heating. My wife came back into the room and we really liked what they were saying about the cooker. Next thing I knew she was on the phone placing an order for two of them.
It took about five or six days for the products to arrive. After we unpacked the cooker and read all the directions and recipes we cooked 3 pork chops and enough vegetables for three people all in the same cooker and it only took 15 minutes to cook all of that. The pork chops were so tender that we did not have to use our serrated steak knives to cut though them.
5 Reasons to Enjoy Stoneware
1. Right from the Freezer to Oven
Rada cutlery stoneware you can take it out of the freezer and place it and 400 degree oven without cracking the baking stone. Now you can make your favorite recipes ahead of time!
2. Can be Cleaned in Dishwasher
Rada cutlery Stoneware minimizes moisture absorption through their own proprietary clay mixture and manufacturing process. That’s what makes their stoneware dishwasher safe!
3. Don’t Need to Pre-Use Seasoning
Before baking rinse your stoneware off with warm water and towel dry. No need to preseason Rada Stoneware each time you use them, there naturally stick resistant. You may need to use a light spritz of cooking spray when cooking wet batters or egg dishes the food will release easier.
4. Perfectly Baked Crusts
Stoneware is designed to absorb heat, that way it baking evenly. You can make fluffy cakes, mouthwatering juicy roasts and pie crusts that is so flaky that you will think they were made by a bakery. The textured surface makes great pizza crust the perfectly baked cookies and golden brown biscuits.
5. Rada Stoneware has a Three Year Warranty
Abuse, accidents or misuse will not apply to this warranty. Rada cutlery Stoneware will be replaced for defects in material or construction under normal and appropriate care.
Mom Always does it Better
One of my favorite kitchen tools is the vegetable peeler. Grandma always taught us for safety’s sake is to peel away from you but I always preferred to peel towards me. I can peel carrots or potatoes faster that way. When you have seven brothers to feed for dinner, it definitely makes a difference.
Of course, My Mother can peel the skin off potatoes with a paring knife just as thin as I can with the vegetable peeler. Ma can still run circles around me in the kitchen even though she’s been retired for awhile now.
Terrific Watermelon Salsa
Watermelon salsa? That’s right, I said it. It might sound off the wall, but this recipe is makes some excellent salsa; it’s both tangy and sweet. In addition to the ingredients, you will need a food chopper and some standard measuring cups.
Ingredients:
- 8-10 medium tomatillos
- 1 onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers
- 2 tsp. mild chili powder
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup watermelon chunks
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions:
First remove the skin, rinse, and quarter your tomatillos with your paring knife. Next address your jalapenos by seeding and chopping them into small chunks. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over high heat, and add the onion sautéing for a few minutes. Next add the tomatillos, garlic, and jalapenos and sauté until the onions begin to brown. Reduce the heat and sprinkle chili powder in the pan. Stir in the tomato sauce and let simmer. Cool for a few minutes, then place the mixture in a blender, and add the watermelon and puree to desired consistency. Blenders often have different speeds; be sure watch the salsa while it blends so it’s not too thick or too thin. Serve with tortilla chips. Great for parties!
A Fresh, Light Mediterranean Delight
Even though winter is undoubtedly here and many people have shifted their culinary attention to heavy, hearty dishes, I’m still in denial. It seems that my appetite for light, breezy dishes has no bounds. Rather than serving up some clam chowder or waiting impatiently for a pot roast, you’ll find me in the kitchen working with fresh ingredients. You should be able to find the components for this tabouli recipe in most supermarkets.
Ingredients:
2 cups cracked wheat
2 cups hot water
1 cucumber
2 tomatoes
1 bunch scallions
½ cup mint
2 cups parsley
1 clove garlic
Directions:
1. Prepare the cracked wheat by soaking in hot water until all liquid is absorbed – about 30 minutes. Squeeze dry.
2. Use food chopper to slice and dice all ingredients down to a preferred consistency. Stir together with wheat in a bowl and add a lemon dressing over top. Serve chilled.
Dull Knives Are Accidents Waiting to Happen
It might surprise you to learn that dull knives are often much more dangerous than sharp ones. The reason for this has to do with a chef’s expectations, and the principle could be compared to driving on the Autobahn. In Germany, motorists on that superhighway are inclined to pay close attention to the road, other drivers and the weather conditions. They drive fast and handle their vehicles with care. It’s often the slow drivers who don’t know what they’re doing that cause a crash.
Likewise, dull knives create complacency and potentially hazardous situations. Chefs become less concerned about cutting themselves with a “dull” knife, but they are also forced to try harder to cut food. When frustration sets in, even more mishaps occur. To put it bluntly, you’ll want to keep your knives razor-sharp. A knife sharpener is easy to use and inexpensive to boot.