Culinary Endeavors

[Anileve]

Well this is a question to all of you chefs and food connoisseurs and perhaps hardware experts. I am looking to buy some outstanding knives for cooking. Sharp, efficient, the ones that never get dull and never get rusty. I am tired of my Chinese knives. Any suggestions?

 

 

 

Also, I was reading about organic food today. I wanted to ask you about your experience with organic food. What have you found to be worth the exuberant organic price? Besides the appealing look I don't really detect much of a difference between organic and non-organic.

[Azat]

Ponch, vonts es? it is VERY crucial to have a good set of knives. I personally use Four Star and Five Star Hanckle knives and also have 2 Kyocera ceramic knives that i love.

 

All knives get dull so you have to also get one of those metal rod knide sharpeners and learn the proper use. even ceramic knives I send in to kyocera every few months to get them sharpened.

 

make sure to use a nice wood chopping block and when cutting dont push the food to the side even a millimeter with the knife as that will speed up the process of getting dull.

 

you can get great deals onn ebay on new knives.

 

as for organic food. i have the complete opposite experience. they look worse, but taste better, however sometimes the price does not justify what you get in return

[Anileve]

Azatyushkin, I am wonderful, thanks! Always great advice from you. I've been using these Chinese cheap knives for so many years, and now I am tired and I am not going to take it anymore. I love good knives, they make cooking experience so much more pleasant.

 

I need a Knives 101 course. I know that you and Vavachka are experts. Can you recommend a few knives and explain which knives is best to use for what. Of course I can't be spending more than $40 per knife. I have decided that in a year or so I will take some culinary lessons and wine classes. The hardest part is to keep your figure under control, particularly if you love food as much as I do.

[vava]

Wusthof also makes excellent knives - and I believe they manufacture all their knives in one plant, whereas Henkel has several manufacturing locations. I have a few Wusthofs, and a couple of older Henkels that were passed down to me - I love them all. The Henkels are over 25 years old, and they work like new. Of course, you can't necessarily get knives like that on a budget - IMO it's well worth it, and probably save you money in the long run.

 

On a budget, rather than purchasing a SET of knives, I would suggest that you purchase ONE very good all-purpose chef knife, maybe 8" or 10". Get something that feels comfortable in your hand. That should serve you for most of your food prep needs in the immediate future. As your culinary passion grows, you may add knives one by one: a bread knife, carving, paring, cleaver etc. as you find the need for them. One I really like is a Santoku knife.

 

Henkel has a few different collections in various budget ranges that may fit for you. I suggest you get the best you can - you won't regret it. Azat is right, good knives are very necessary.

[vava]

THE CHEF KNIFE

 

The chef knife will have a triangular blade from 6 to 10 inches long (with the most popular being 8"), usually at least 1 1/2" tall which gently tapers to the point. French chef knives will have thinner, longer blades to better slice thick items, while German-style chef's knives will be wider across the blade and shorter in length for better chopping. The chef knife often seems too large to novices, but with some practice it becomes the knife of choice because it is efficient for large or multiple jobs.

Use this knife to chop, slice and mince; the side of the blade can be used for crushing garlic and some spices. The chef knife is best used in a rocking motion for chopping.

 

THE PARING KNIFE

 

The paring knife has a blade of about 2 1/2" to 4 inches that is only about 3/4" wide at its widest point. It can be used to peel vegetables and fruit, trim meats, and cut pastry dough - any job that requires some delicate cutting work.

 

THE BREAD/SERRATED KNIFE

 

The long serrated knife is often called a bread knife because it is particularly good for slicing breads that require a back and forth sawing motion. Beyond breads, the serrated knife can be good for tomatoes and peaches and other fruits that have a skin that can bruise easily. The serrated knife must be sharpened professionally, and should not be used on a sharpening steel. However, the properly cared for serrated knife should not become dull because it is rarely drawn across a cutting board or other surfaces.

 

*** I never use my bread knife for anything OTHER than bread. Also, I make sure to cut the bread and NOT the board - even professional sharpening doesn't get them to the same precision as when they're brand new.

 

OTHER KNIFE TYPES

 

Beyond the three most popular knives,

you may have a need for one of these:

 

Utility

These are smaller than a chef knife and larger than a paring knife, usually with about a 6 inch blade. Utility knives, as the name implies, are used for many jobs and often serve as an extra knife for a kitchen helper to use. Sometimes it is called a sandwich knife, although now, most makers have an offset knife pattern that is more suitable as a sandwich knife.

 

Boning

The boning knife is used to cut meat off of bones, hence the name. The blades may be 5" or longer and are usually quite narrow. They are available in straight, curved, stiff or flexible.

 

Slicing

This is a long, thin knife, up to 8 to 10 inches, that is used for slicing roasts, hams, and turkeys. These are commonly available in either straight or serrated edge.

 

Butcher

This knife is similar to a chef's knife with a blade of up to 8 inches but is usually a bit heavier.

 

Cleaver

These are used to do heavy chopping and cutting of meats and for cutting through bone. They will either have a straight or slightly curved edge. A Chinese Chef's knife will look like a cleaver in profile but will be lighter because it is used for chopping vegetables rather than meats.

[Sip]

If you like your water out of expensive bottles, you will like organic foods. There is a Whole Foods market here that sells the $5 letuces and $3 carrots ... the ONLY thing I like there is their broccoli-cheese soup $7 / big container.

[MosJan]

Anijan go to Costco and get a J.A. Henckels International 10-piece Forged Knife Set

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?...av=&browse=&s=1

 

* 10-piece set includes:

o 3" kudamono paring knife: Hollow edge for extra thin slicing, perfect for chopping and dicing small foods

o 4” paring knife: Perfect for peeling, slicing and dicing small fruits and vegetables

o 5” utility/serrated knife: Scalloped-edged knife designed for slicing, chopping and dicing foods with tough skins and soft interiors

o 5” utility knife: Handy for peeling and slicing produce and efficient in carving small cuts of meat

o 7” hollow edge santoku knife: Great for mincing, dicing and slicing vegetables, meat and fish

o 8” carving knife: Perfect choice for carving meat and poultry as well as slicing cheeses

o 8” chef’s knife: For chopping, slicing and dicing

o 8” bread knife: Serrated blade designed to smoothly cut through a loaf of bread

o 9” sharpening steel: Essential for keeping knives in prime condition by maintaining a sharp blade and realigning edges

o Expanded slot birch block: Organization system includes extra knife slots to accommodate expanding set in the future

* Hot-drop forged for high durability, strength and weight

* Made of high-carbon, no-stain steel

* Full bolster provides weight and ensures safety

* Hand-honed precision cutting edge

* Fully visible tang for proper balance

* Handles tightly bonded to the tang

* Three tubular, compression rivets in handles for added strength and durability

* Polyoxymethilen (pom) plastic handles can withstand up to 100ºC, and are hygienic, break-proof and dishwasher safe (hand wash recommended)

* Made in Spain

* Warranty: All materials fully guaranteed against defects in material and/or craftsmanship

 

now if it's not sharp enough or you can no longer sharpen it - in 6 to 7 months or in 2 year- take it back to Costco - exchange for a new one

 

 

My self i'm using global & Cutco knifes

Cutco is also good but it's wayyyy over priced

http://search.ebay.com/Cutco_W0QQfsooZ2QQfsopZ3QQsbrsrtZd

[Anileve]

Actually I have a few ideas and I want to consult with you guys before I make any definite decisions. Thank you so much for your attentiveness and your explanations. Vava jan, you spent so much time typing all of that, I really appreciate it. And while we are on the topic, any pots and pans that you favor?

[MosJan]

pots and pans ?? Ask MAral Tantig - i'm in to BBQ & Xorrovats Shampurs & Smoking

[Sip]

Just be aware that you can't wash paper plates more than 3 times... and this is for the good wax-coated ones. The cheap cheap ones don't even make it to the sink.

[Maral]

pots and pans ?? Ask MAral Tantig - i'm in to BBQ & Xorrovats Shampurs & Smoking

Now you're in my territory

 

anything from Sur La Table will do

as long as you don't mind paying an arm and a leg for your kitchen stuff.

[vava]

Vava jan, you spent so much time typing all of that, I really appreciate it. And while we are on the topic, any pots and pans that you favor?

 

 

Awwww thanks - but to retain my integrity, it was pretty much copy-paste-edit

More on pots coming later, gotta run...

[Azat]

Well I disagree with Movses and Costco. Dont get the regular Henckel knives get either the pro, the four star or the five star. And no need for a set, you can buy 3 knives and a sharpener and be fine for MANY years.

 

You for sure need a 6-8 inch Chefs knife(I have the 8):

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1447

 

you need the 4-in. paring knife

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1440

 

and you need a 5 to 8 inch utility knife http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1598

 

and dont forget the sharpener

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1710

 

BTW, you can get all those knives on ebay at half price.

 

these will last you a life time

 

I dont know much about pots and pans, I do have a dutch oven that I love and have couple of french pots that are awesome and I have a US made but nice wok that is awesome. but thats it

[Maral]

Well I disagree with Movses and Costco. Dont get the regular Henckel knives get either the pro, the four star or the five star. And no need for a set, you can buy 3 knives and a sharpener and be fine for MANY years.

 

You for sure need a 6-8 inch Chefs knife(I have the 8):

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1447

 

you need the 4-in. paring knife

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1440

 

and you need a 5 to 8 inch utility knife http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1598

 

and dont forget the sharpener

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1710

 

BTW, you can get all those knives on ebay at half price.

 

these will last you a life time

 

I dont know much about pots and pans, I do have a dutch oven that I love and have couple of french pots that are awesome and I have a US made but nice wok that is awesome. but thats it

my birthday is in September

[Azat]

really, cool... I will give you 3 bottles of wine.

[vava]

I have just average heavy bottom pots by Lagostina - and a few oddball pieces here & there. I'm not too keen on spending a fortune on pots as I use a older gas stove top, and for some reason, all my stainless steel pots get stained - I have to use special scouring cleaner to shine them up and it turns out to be a lot of unnecessary work. One piece of cookware that I would NOT do without is a large enameled cast iron dutch oven - mine is by Crueset (French) but you can get other brands that are just as good if not better. I love it - indispensable for slowcooking stews, soups, or braised dishes. A solid cast iron grill pan is also one of my favourites. MMmmmm getting hungry again.

[vava]

really, cool... I will give you 3 bottles of wine.

 

Me too please

[Azat]

Me too please

for you 5 bottles

[MosJan]

Well I disagree with Movses and Costco. Dont get the regular Henckel knives get either the pro, the four star or the five star. And no need for a set, you can buy 3 knives and a sharpener and be fine for MANY years.

 

You for sure need a 6-8 inch Chefs knife(I have the 8):

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1447

 

you need the 4-in. paring knife

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1440

 

and you need a 5 to 8 inch utility knife http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1598

 

and dont forget the sharpener

http://www.kitchen-universe.com/detail.aspx?ID=1710

 

BTW, you can get all those knives on ebay at half price.

 

these will last you a life time

 

I dont know much about pots and pans, I do have a dutch oven that I love and have couple of french pots that are awesome and I have a US made but nice wok that is awesome. but thats it

 

3 hat ?? lav eli Azat jan Tuna mi 10 hat Normal Danak chlini ???

and if you must use 4 **** or 5 ***** then teke them w/you bro

 

es inch el b@Tsaxndir mard es yeghel chem imatsel 4 * 5*

[MosJan]

for you 5 bottles

es inch hashiva ??

[ED]

es inch hashiva ??

 

 

asa eli, savsem perestali uvajats slushi

[Azat]

chmtatses Movses jan, kez hamar 6 sish

[vava]

chmtatses Movses jan, kez hamar 6 sish

 

At the rate this is going, you may have a to wait for a few more paychecks before you get your winecellar

[Anileve]

Just be aware that you can't wash paper plates more than 3 times... and this is for the good wax-coated ones. The cheap cheap ones don't even make it to the sink.

Such a dork! I didn't even know that you can wash a paper plate, let alone 3 times!!!! Why in the world would you even buy paper plates if you are planing to wash them.

[vava]

Such a dork! I didn't even know that you can wash a paper plate, let alone 3 times!!!! Why in the world would you even buy paper plates if you are planing to wash them.

 

Sip is truly an enviro-guy re-use AND re-cycle!!