Here's the Single Best Way to Keep Your Knives Sharp

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I take a confession to make: sometimes, I blench inside when other people reach for my chef's pocketknife. I want to exist the type of good person who would say, "Certain, no problem, utilise my knife!" only I worry. Misusing a knife is the number one way to dull its edge, and chop-chop. (Find out 8 ways you probably didn't know you were abusing them.)  So, I'yard going to let you in on a fiddling clandestine that might help convince me you're ready to use my knife. I'thou going to teach yous the best way to keep your knife sharp.

Don't Use Your Chef's Pocketknife

I know this might sound like silly advice—sure, if I don't employ the knife it won't tiresome—but that's non what I'g maxim. The chef's knife is one of the all-time kitchen knives, and at that place are a ton of times when you'll desire to use it. Cutting vegetables, slicing meat and chopping herbs, only to name a few. But, there are a few instances where I recommend that you don't use your chef'south knife to forbid it from dulling speedily.

• Don't cut on a glass or marble cutting board. These cutting boards are a cakewalk to clean, just they'll deadening your knife faster than yous blink. Wooden cutting boards are the best, and plastic ones come in a close 2nd. Psst! Here'south how to care for your cutting board therightfashion.

• Never employ information technology to piece bread. A serrated bract's saw-like border is designed to become through bread'southward crunchy exterior without burdensome the tender insides. The chef's knife can non only skid and slide (which puts your fingers at hazard), simply that hard crust will actually harm your sharpened edge. Acquire which knife is all-time to use for every prep technique.

• Forget about slicing frozen things. Take a picayune patience and let it thaw. Otherwise, that super expensive (only frail) Japanese steel could chip right off when information technology hits the hard, frozen block of food.

At present that you know what not to do, you are welcome to borrow my pocketknife! Just don't you dare put it in the dishwasher or throw it in a drawer when you're done (both of which will dull it, likewise!).

Get cooking!

Taste of Home

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A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. And then I adult my own, modifying a recipe for irish potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American care for turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin

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Strawberry Pretzel Dessert

Need to bring a dish to pass this weekend? This make-ahead strawberry pretzel salad will disappear quickly at any potluck. —Aldene Belch, Flint, Michigan

Italian Brunch Torte

We always serve this impressive layered breakfast broil with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can exist served warm or common cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan

Flossy Coleslaw

For me, this is the best coleslaw recipe because a package of shredded cabbage and carrots really cuts down on prep time. This creamy coleslaw recipe is swell for potlucks or to serve to your family unit on a busy weeknight. —Renee Endress, Galva, Illinois

White Edible bean Chicken Chili

My sis shared this white edible bean craven chili recipe with me. I unremarkably double it and add one extra can of beans, and so serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough rut to notice but not as well much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New United mexican states

Amish Carbohydrate Cookies

These like shooting fish in a barrel-to-make, old-fashioned sugar cookies simply melt in your oral cavity! I've passed this recipe effectually to many friends. Afterward I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. —Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

I got this grilled chicken recipe from a friend while living in Hawaii. It sizzles with the flavors of brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce. Huli ways "turn" in Hawaiian. This sweet and savory glaze is fantastic on pork chops, too. —Sharon Boling, San Diego, California

Peanut Butter Chocolate Dessert

The desserts of my dreams have both chocolate and peanut butter. So when I came upward with this chocolate peanut butter dessert, it rapidly became my all-time favorite. It'southward a cinch to whip together because it doesn't crave any baking. My family unit loves this chocolate peanut butter cup lasagna! —Debbie Toll, LaRue, Ohio

Elementary Taco Soup

We start sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a common cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it'southward a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Scored Potatoes

These well-seasoned baked potatoes are a fun alternative to apparently baked potatoes. It'southward easy to assistance yourself to only the corporeality you desire, too, since the potato halves are scored into sections. — Barbara Wheeler, Sparks Glencoe, Maryland

Barbecue Pork and Penne Skillet

I'm the proud female parent of wonderful and active children. Uncomplicated, succulent and quick meals like this BBQ pork skillet are perfect for usa to enjoy together after school activities, especially if I have leftover pulled pork. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Pumpkin Staff of life

I keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with dwelling-broiled goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin staff of life recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia

Bacon Macaroni Salad

This pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and dark-green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. Information technology'southward a real oversupply-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana

Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake

I created this dish to fill two pans because these cheeseburger sliders disappear fast. Just cutting the slider burgers recipe in half if you want to make only one batch. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Lovely Lemon Cheesecake

Wait for the oohs and aahs when you present this luxurious lemon cheesecake recipe. The lemon flavor gives it a vivid, tangy flavor. —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia

Egg Coil Noodle Basin

We honey Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup

This is my favorite tortellini soup recipe. It'southward quick to set up on a busy dark and full of healthy, tasty ingredients. It originally chosen for spicy sausage links, but I've found that turkey sausage, or even footing turkey breast, is just every bit good. —Tracy Fasnacht, Irwin, Pennsylvania

Basic Homemade Bread

If you'd similar to learn how to bake bread, here'southward a wonderful place to offset. This easy white breadstuff recipe bakes up deliciously gilded brown. There's nothing like the homemade olfactory property wafting through my kitchen equally it bakes. —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie

For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama

Crustless Spinach Quiche

I served this crustless quiche at a church lunch, and I had to express mirth when one guy told me how much he disliked vegetables. Many people were surprised by how much they loved this veggie-filled quiche recipe—and he was i of them! —Melinda Calverley, Janesville, Wisconsin

Chicken Enchiladas with Cream of Chicken Soup

A must for any Mexican meal at my house, effort these enchiladas as a principal dish or include them every bit part of a buffet. —Cheryl Pomrenke, Coffeyville, Kansas

Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake

My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry block recipe. He thought no one could indistinguishable it. I made it, and information technology'due south just as scrumptious every bit he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky

Artichoke & Lemon Pasta

While sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests dearest. Endeavour information technology with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Irksome-Cooker Pot Roast

I work total time, so this slow cooker roast beef is my go-to when I desire a hearty, dwelling house cooked meal. It'southward a comfort to walk in and smell this simmering slow cooker pot roast that I know will be fall-apart tender and delicious. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Of all the quick breads we had growing upwards, this beautiful lemon blueberry bread is the all-time! The citrus glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Mom's Meat Loaf

Mom made the all-time meatloaf, and now I do, too. When I showtime met my husband, he didn't treat homemade meatloaf, simply this won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

Mama'southward Potato Salad

This erstwhile-fashioned murphy salad recipe doesn't have many ingredients, so it isn't as colorful as many that yous find nowadays. But Mama made it the manner her mother did, and that's the way I still brand it today. Try it and come across if it isn't one of the all-time-tasting tater salads you have ever eaten! —Sandra Anderson, New York, New York

CokeCola Cake

Nosotros live in Coca-Cola country, where everyone loves a chocolaty, moist canvass cake made with the iconic soft drinkable. Our rich version does the tradition proud. —Heidi Jobe, Carrollton, Georgia

Fiesta Pinwheels

Whenever I serve this brand-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Chocolate-brown Deer, Wisconsin

Favorite Skillet Lasagna

Whole wheat noodles and zucchini pump up nutrition in this delicious, family-friendly dinner. Topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, information technology has an actress bear upon of decadence. No ane volition believe this i's lighter. —Lorie Miner, Kamas, Utah

Broadway Brownie Confined

I named these dessert confined for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially similar to make them every bit a gift for anyone with a sugariness tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

Never-Fail Scalloped Potatoes

Take the chill off whatever blustery day and make something special to accompany meaty entrees. This is the best scalloped potatoes recipe ever, and my family unit loves when I serve it. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

Craven Quesadillas

Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The craven quesadilla recipe has an impressive expect and taste still requires piffling preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado

Kokosnoot-Pecan German language Chocolate Pie

This German language chocolate pecan pie combines the ingredients anybody loves in its classic cake cousin. It'southward so silky and smoothen, y'all won't exist able to put your fork downwards. —Anna Jones, Coppell, Texas

Amish Breakfast Casserole

We've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, 1 of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the meridian of her head. I modified information technology to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana

Skillet Mac & Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is and so simple it's near too easy! Kids e'er get for the rich cheese flavor, but I've never met an developed who didn't love information technology only as much. —Ann Bowers, Rockport, Texas

Giant Cinnamon Scroll

This must-endeavor cinnamon roll is all almost the pillowy texture, the sweet spices and the homemade caramel drizzle. —Leah Rekau, Taste of Home food stylist

Corn Pudding

Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. At present, this is existent comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

This recipe was inspired by my girl's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, Due south Carolina

Sandy'south Chocolate Cake

Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a block contest, property my entry on my lap the whole way. Just information technology paid off. Ane seize with teeth and yous'll run into why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate block recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

Lemon-Parsley Baked Cod

After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

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This is the best buffalo chicken dip recipe! Whenever I bring buffalo dip to a tailgate or potluck, everyone asks for the recipe. —Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie

Slab pie is a pastry broiled in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you volition. My grandfather was a professional person bakery and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the mean solar day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous reddish raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cauliflower Soup

This cheesy recipe is way tastier than whatsoever other cauliflower soup I've tried! We like it with hot pepper sauce for a little extra kick. —Debbie Ohlhausen, Chilliwack, British Columbia

Taco Lasagna

If y'all like foods with southwestern flair, this just might get a new favorite. Loaded with cheese, meat and beans, the layered casserole comes together in a snap. There are never any leftovers when I take this dish to potlucks. —Terri Keena, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Banana Pudding

I didn't see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than than two years later on he enlisted in the Marines subsequently loftier school. And when I saw him arrive at the airport, I just grabbed hold of him and flare-up out crying. When we got home, the outset thing he ate was two bowls of my piece of cake assistant pudding recipe. He's a true southern male child! It'due south a dessert, but you tin can have information technology for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

There's nothing like fresh salmon, and my mom bakes it just correct so it about melts in your mouth. The sour cream dill sauce is subtly seasoned with horseradish then that it doesn't overpower the delicate salmon season. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Easy Crab Cakes

Set up-to-go crabmeat makes these fragile patties easier than other crab cake recipes. You tin likewise form the crab mixture into 4 thick patties instead of eight crab cakes. —Charlene Spelock, Apollo, Pennsylvania

Farmer'southward Casserole

Betwixt family and friends, nosotros average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the nighttime before, let the flavors alloy, so bake it in the forenoon. —Nancy Schmidt, Eye, Colorado

Crispy Fried Craven

If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried craven recipe is delicious either hot or common cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Craven! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana

Moist Chocolate Block

This chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because information technology was one of her specialties. I broil it ofttimes for family unit parties, and it always brings back addicted memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

French Toast Casserole

Topped with cinnamon and sugar, this fuss-free overnight French toast casserole is my favorite style to brand the breakfast favorite. Since you lot gather this baked French toast the previous night, you save time in the morning, and if yous have an extra hungry oversupply, it'southward easy to broil upwards a few batches. —Sharyn Adams, Crawfordsville, Indiana

Competition-Winning New England Clam Chowder

This is the best New England clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington

Sheepherder's Breakfast

My sis-in-law ever made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come upward with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or java, it'due south a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a large help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon

Apple Pie

I remember coming home sullen 1 twenty-four hours because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, "Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie volition make yous feel better." One seize with teeth, and Grandma was correct. If you want to learn how to brand homemade apple tree pie filling, this is really the only recipe you lot need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington

Truthful Belgian Waffles

Information technology was on a visit to my hubby'due south relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are keen with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan

Favorite Chicken Potpie

This is the best chicken potpie recipe! Chock-full of chicken, potatoes, peas and corn, this recipe makes two golden pies, then you can serve one at supper and salve the other for a decorated dark. —Karen Johnson, Bakersfield, California

Favorite Assistant Cream Pie

Homemade banana cream pie recipe is my mom'due south specialty. This dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor, looks pretty and cuts hands, too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

Italian Stuffed Shells

A love friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. At present I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because information technology's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri

Chocolate Bit Cookie Delight

This is a simple chocolate delight recipe for any type of potluck occasion, and the pan e'er comes abode empty. —Diane Windley, Grace, Idaho

Traditional Lasagna

My family offset tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's dwelling on Christmas Eve. We were and then impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare information technology other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested oft past my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois

Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it'southward easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska

Rhubarb Custard Bars

Once I tried these rich, gooey confined, I just had to take the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbreadlike crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they tin use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sour Cream Cucumbers

We have a tradition at our business firm to serve this creamy cucumber salad with the other Hungarian specialties my mom learned to make from the women at church building. It's especially skillful during the summer when the cucumbers are freshly picked from the garden. —Pamela Eaton, Monclova, Ohio

Creamy Grape Salad

Everyone raves when I bring this refreshing, creamy grape salad to potlucks. For a special finishing touch, sprinkle information technology with brown sugar and pecans. —Marge Elling, Jenison, Michigan

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-keep-kitchen-knives-sharp/

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