Sharp Knives are Safer

A sharp knife it the cooks best tool. Even if you have a less expensive knife, keeping it sharp will keep your fingers safe. Knives develop burs on the edge  as we use them. These burrs are the natural result of the knife cutting through food. The best way to keep a knife sharp is with a "Steel".  That is a long file in a the shape of a rod.  They are easy to use and will keep your knife sharp.  When needed, either take your knives to a professional for renewing the edge or buy a good knife sharpener for the home.  I use a Chef Choice that has four different guides that allow me to sharpen everything from a Chef knife to scissors. They can be expensive, but they last a lifetime.

Sharp knives do not slip.  That is what causes most knife accidents. Be Sharp  and Be Safe!

Have a great day!!

Follow up On Strawberry Shortcake

A quick note: on yesterday's tip I talked about using Angel Food Cake for Strawberry Shortcake.  It works very well!!  However, when you cut the strawberries make sure you do two things. 1. Hull the strawberry by cutting the stem end out.  If you just slice off the top you will leave the hull in.  2. Slice the strawberries in thin slices.  This will give you more juice and make it easier to use the macerated berries.

Strawberry Shortcake

Nothing says summer like Strawberry Shortcake.  Here is a way to change it up a bit. Bake an Angel Food Cake but make it in a half sheet pan.  A half sheet pan can be purchased at any good kitchen store like Williams Sonoma or other store that features cookware.  It is not a cookie sheet.

When the cake is done let it cool in the pan. I bake mine the day before so the cake has cooled and is ready to come out of the pan. Cut around the sides of the sheet pan with a knife and use an offset spatula to loosed the cake. Place a cutting board about the same size as the pan on top of the cake and invert it.  Use large cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Stack the cutouts on a plate and cover with your strawberries. ( used three different sizes making a three level desert. That served five adults and I still had cake left over.) Add some whipped cream and you have a great summer dessert.