November 28, 2014
by Jason Ford
Ford on Food
Besides your hands, knives are the most commonly used tools in the kitchen.
I’ve had many an altercation with knives as a chef – they’ve been both my greatest ally and most dangerous foe.
Simply put, knives and hands don’t always get along.
Knives can be hazardous.
To prevent unnecessary kitchen bloodshed, always remember:
- Never test the sharpness of a knife by running your finger along or across the edge. It’s safer to test it on tomato skin etc.
- Never leave a knife in a sink full of water, because other people can’t see it below the soapsuds. Wash up your dirty knives immediately and store them away.
- When not in use, store knives in a knife block, on a magnetic strip or in sheaths, not loosely in a draw, and keep them out of reach from young children.
- Don’t use a knife with a greasy handle; clean the handle or the knife may slip out of your hand.
- Don’t run with a knife – walk calmly with the knife down by your side and not waving around.
- A sharp knife is safer than a blunt one as you apply less pressure when cutting and are less likely to slip. Also, an injury from a sharp knife is cleaner and likely to heal quicker.
I remember a Japanese sushi chef I once knew cutting his thumb to the bone while filleting tuna.
He always kept his knives razor sharp and the wound healed without stitches in a matter of days (but don’t try this at home, kids).
* * *
Easy Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
This recipe may be simple, but it’s a great way to practice your knife skills. Take you time, work at your own pace and watch your fingers.
Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 tspn brown sugar
- 3 tbsp basil, chopped
- 250g pasta, freshly cooked
Method:
- In a fry pan, heat olive oil and gently cook the garlic.
- Add tomatoes and brown sugar.
- Gently simmer for approximately 30 minutes (stirring frequently) until thickened.
- Add finely chopped fresh basil; then season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the tomato basil sauce with some freshly cooked pasta.
- It could also be topped with pieces feta or grated parmesan cheese.
Serves 2.
