Brooks & Crowley - March 2021

METHODS TO KEEP YOUR BLADES SHARP DON’T STRESS OVER DULL KNIVES

When you're preparing food, the last thing you want to use is a dull knife. Not only does it make cutting more difficult, but it's also dangerous. That’s because you have to apply more force with a dull knife than a sharp one, which can lead to serious injury if your hand slips. Here a few sharpening methods to consider if your kitchen blades are getting dull. Honing Steel This tool is commonly misunderstood. While a honing steel won’t sharpen your knives, it is a crucial part of the sharpening process and caring for your knives. Honing steels are used to realign knife blades, which begin to bend over time. Straightening the blade with a honing steel will make cutting with and sharpening the knife easier. Whetstones A whetstone is one of the most reliable ways to sharpen your knives because it gives you control over the process. Though you should consult the manufacturer’s instructions on your particular stone, you need to saturate most whetstones with water before use. Once saturated, place your knife at a 20-degree angle at the top of the coarse side of the whetstone. Drag the blade down the length of the stone in an even sweeping motion.

Repeat this several times on both sides of the blade, then flip the whetstone and repeat the process on the side with the fine grain. Professional Sharpener The best and safest way to get your knives sharp is to let a professional do it. Not only will they keep your blades straight and perfectly sharp, but they also understand how to care for your knives and ensure their longevity. Even if you sharpen your knives at home occasionally, take them to a professional at least once a year. Knife Sharpeners If you do use a manual or electric knife sharpener at home, use it on cheaper knives and not your most treasured chef ’s knife. Knife sharpeners may be inexpensive and easy to use, but they can also grind the blade down, which can harm it rather than sharpen it. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll keep your knives as sharp as they were the day you bought them.

LAUGH OUT LOUD

English Ground Beef Pasties

Ingredients

• • •

3/4 lb ground beef

• • •

1 tsp dried parsley

1 medium onion, diced 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 2 sheets store-bought puff pastry dough

Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 cup beef broth (as needed)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, and potatoes. 3. Roll out the pastry dough into roughly 10-inch circles or squares. 4. Spoon 1/2 of the beef mixture onto each sheet of dough, then top the mixture with parsley, salt, and pepper. 5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching

each pasty shut and tucking in both ends. 6. Transfer the pasties to the prepared baking sheet, then cut several small slits in each pasty for ventilation. Bake for 45 minutes. 7. Remove the pasties from the oven and reduce the heat to 350 F. Spoon 1 tsp beef broth into each slit, then bake for an additional 15 minutes.

8. Serve and enjoy!

Inspired by AllRecipes.com

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