Knife Skills AKA – how not to chop off your finger in the kitchen

1. Knife SkillsAKA – how not to chop off your finger in the kitchen Know this: How to hold the knife How to hold the food How to position your fingers

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i2-SbDS2hc4#t=52shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i2-SbDS2hc4#t=52s Pinch Grip • Pinch the back end of the blade between your first finger and thumb, one on each side. • Wrap your other fingers around the handle of the knife. • This gives a firm, safe grip.

3. Bear Claw Grip • Curl fingers to make a claw shape. • Tuck your pinky and thumb back to prevent cutting. • Rest the blade against your knuckle or flat of the finger. • Move food toward knife with thumb.

4. How to slice on the bias • Video clip describing

5. How to dice an onion • Video clip describing

6. How to mince garlic http://on.aol.com/video/how-to-mince-garlic-155981417?icid=video_related_thumb_0

7. How to do everything else • Watch carefully as I demonstrate the rest of the cuts you need to know. • Slice • Cube • Chop • Julienne

8. Safety Tips • Keep your knives sharp. Dull knives can slip while you’re cutting. Also, you’re more apt to be careful with sharp knives. • Slice away from your hand and keep your fingers clear of the blade. Slicing away from your hand prevents an accidental cut if the knife slips. • Don’t ever use the palm of your hand as a cutting board. That’s just inviting the knife to slice into your hand! • When mincing, keep the tip of your knife on the cutting board and pump the handle up and down quickly. However, because that knife is moving fast, be extra careful about your fingers. • Curl your fingers under and hold the food with your fingertips when chopping. Better to ding a knuckle than slice a fingertip!