Cutlery & Knife

Make Chopping Veggies a Breeze with the Best Vegetable Chopper

Last Updated on June 2, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

I guess you will agree with me that chopping vegetables is a time-consuming task that many of us would want to skip. Of course, that’s not possible as every soup and entrée start out the same—by cutting vegetables. So the next best thing is to get the best vegetable chopper which you can use in making meal preparation faster and safer.

And if you are a vegan, then you should have a vegetable chopper in your kitchen. It’s an essential kitchen tool for any vegetarian.

Rank	Product Name
#1	Aliskid Vegetable Chopper	REVIEW
#2	Chef’n VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper	REVIEW
#3	BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper	REVIEW
#4	Acodine vegetable/fruit salad food garlic meat chopper and dicer	REVIEW
#5	Freshware KT-402	REVIEW

Rank	Product Name
#1	Aliskid Vegetable Chopper
#2	Chef’n VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper
#3	BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper
#4	Acodine vegetable/fruit salad food garlic meat chopper and dicer
#5	Freshware KT-402

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Types of vegetable chopper

A Vegetable Chopper on the table

There are two kinds of vegetable chopper—manual and electric. Obviously, the manual type is cheaper. It is the more portable type as there is no need to plug it into a wall outlet. It’s also ideal for campers because of the lack of electricity. Electric vegetable choppers, on the other hand, have motor-powered blade. It is the type of vegetable chopper that the elderly users will find very handy. It can also be used by people who have arthritis as they don’t have to settle for a manual vegetable chopper.

Electric vegetable choppers are considered safer than their counterparts, chef knives. In fact, even children can use one during those instances when they help their parents in food prep.

Things to consider in choosing a vegetable chopper

A Vegetable Chopper

Aside from deciding on which kind of vegetable chopper is best suited for you, the following are other factors that you have to consider in shopping for this kind of kitchen apparatus:

Ease of cleaning

Sure, a good vegetable chopper can cut the preparation time in half. But this would go to naught if the apparatus is difficult to clean that you would have to allot a lot of time in removing stuck vegetable bits.

So like in shopping for a rotisserie oven, ease of cleaning is a top factor in choosing a chopper.

In shopping for a vegetable chopper, look for one that has removable parts. The parts should also be dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to clean them up yourself.

Versatility

A versatile vegetable chopper can be good enough to replace some of the tools in your kitchen. For example, it is common for many manual choppers to have blades that can be used for slicing, dicing, and shredding. Electric models, on the other hand, can facilitate mincing of onion and garlic. You’ll get value for your money when you buy a versatile chopper.

Capacity

Before you even shop for a vegetable chopper, ask yourself this question— are you the type of cook who processes a lot of vegetables? If so, you should look for a chopper with a large capacity. On the other hand, if you live alone then a chopper with a small container should get the job done.

Blade quality

Like in choosing an electric knife, you should get a chopper with a stainless steel blade. Why? Stainless steel is very resistant to rust, staining, and chipping. It lasts long and can keep your food safe.

Moreover, stainless steel blade will be able to easily cut through hard vegetables like potatoes and carrots.

Safety

You may have gotten a chopper with the sharpest blades, but the chopper will be a waste if it lacks safety features. Most vegetable choppers have a kind of anti-slip technology designed to prevent the item from moving around as you cut up veggies.

Storage

Whether you have a big kitchen or a small one, you should always consider the space you have when buying kitchen tools. Vegetable choppers may be stored in the cabinet or next to your stove. As such, don’t forget to take note of the size of the vegetable chopper before you buy one.

Top 5 Vegetable Choppers Available in The Market Today

Now that you have an idea on what to look for in a vegetable chopper, I’ll present five choppers which I believe are excellent choices for any chef or homemaker:

#1. Aliskid Vegetable Chopper

https://www.amazon.com/Vegetable-Chopper-Slicer-Shredder-Grater/dp/B06WLPYLV3/

Let’s get into the basics first—this is a very versatile vegetable chopper as it also works as a dicer, slicer, shredder, and grater. It’s a hard worker as you can use it from cubing and cutting all vegetable types to grating cheese and even cubing onions.

Vegetable Chopper Dicer Slicer Shredder Grater Cutter – ALISKID Manual Vegetable Chopper Onion and Fruit Cutter with 5 Stainless Steel Blades

With five pieces of stainless steel blade included in the package, a 1.3-liter built-in storage container and a cleaning brush, you will get your money’s worth with this unit.

This is an easy-to-clean vegetable chopper as all its parts are dishwasher-safe. It is very durable as it is made from professional grade and heavy duty ABS plastic. It comes with a lifetime warranty from Aliskid.

Storage should not be an issue with this kitchen tool as it is very compact, measuring 11.3 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 4 inches tall. It weighs about 2 pounds.

PROS

Very versatile chopper that can also be used for slicing, shredding, dicing and grating ingredients
It is very easy to clean
It is durable, made from heavy duty ABS plastic
It is compact/very easy to store

CONS

Because of the plastic material, you should check the chopper before using. The units might be broken if you press too strong.
Has some difficulty in cutting potatoes

#2. Chef’n VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper

https://www.amazon.com/Chefn-VeggiChop-Hand-Powered-Chopper-Arugula/dp/B004HFR2MS/

Chef’n VeggiChop Hand-Powered Food Chopper (Arugula)

This is another compact manual vegetable chopper that you should consider getting if you have limited space in the kitchen. It measures 5.5 inches long, 5.5 inches wide and 5.2 inches tall. Because it is of the manual chopper type, it is ideal for RVs and campers.

It’s also very easy to use. Simply place the vegetables or fruits in the container then twist and lock the lid. You will then have to pull the cord to spin the chopping blades. Once you are done, you should have no problems washing the bowl, the storage lid and blades as said parts are dishwasher-safe.

I’ve been able to use this once, and I have to say that its build quality is very impressive. Sure, it is small and compact, but it is very durable. The pull handle, for instance, won’t easily get stuck. Its lid also snaps on tight. And the storage lid is very convenient when you store leftover salsa dip, for example. It is a great item to have in the kitchen.

PROS

Very compact and perfect for small kitchens, campers, and RVs
It is very easy to use
It is easy to clean with its parts all dishwasher-safe
It is very durable/well-designed

CONS

There are times when it yields cuts that aren’t uniform
Not versatile, strictly for chopping

#3. BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper

https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-1-5-Cup-Electric-HC306C/dp/B000I0DV6W/

This is an electric vegetable chopper that looks good on any kitchen countertop. It is colored white and measures 7.6 inches long, 5.3 inches wide and 5.6 inches tall. It’s quite compact for an electric chopper. It comes with a limited two-year warranty.

BLACK+DECKER 1.5-Cup Electric Food Chopper, White, HC306C

It has a 1.5-liter capacity, which isn’t the best in its class. Still, that should be good enough if you are preparing salsa, dips, and pesto for a few people. While it is an electric food chopper, you won’t have to be rattled in operating it as it is designed with a one-touch operation. Simply push the pulse control, and the apparatus will do its thing.

It also has very sharp blades thus you don’t need to worry about chopping vegetables, onions, garlic and other ingredients. Once you are done with it, you can simply place its parts in the dishwasher.

PROS

Very compact and easy to store
It has a simple, one-touch operation
Sharp blades that can get the job done quickly
Its parts are dishwasher-safe

CONS

It doesn’t have the biggest capacity, ideal only for preparing small meals
It is a bit noisy when in operation

#4. Acodine vegetable/fruit salad food garlic meat chopper and dicer

https://www.amazon.com/Vegetable-Garlic-Chopper-Cutter-Stainless/dp/B01CSZQFW6/

Onion Vegetable Fruit Salad Food Garlic Meat Chopper Dicer Cutter Stainless Steel Blades Manual Hand Chopper – Acodine

Another manual vegetable chopper makes it to our list. Like most of the choppers I’ve listed here, this is a very simple to use a chopper. You only need to press down the top of the chopper to chop the food. If you want the food to be chopped more finely, simply press it again.

Made of high-quality ABS plastic, this chopper should last for a long time. It also has a non-slip design so you should be able to chop food properly without the unit skidding.

I really like the compact design of this chopper. It measures 3.5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide and 10 inches tall. Suffice to say, it should fit in easily in most cabinets and drawers.

PROS

Very easy to use as you only have to press down the top part of the apparatus
It is made of superior quality ABS material
Compact and easy to store
It has a non-slip bottom

CONS

It struggles in chopping vegetables with thick skin
No instructions on how to disassemble/assemble the parts

#5. Freshware KT-402

https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-KT-402-Vegetable-Cheese-Chopper/dp/B00FWLJOSG/

This 2-in-1 chopper is compact though not as small as the item preceding it. It measures 10.5 inches long, 4.3 inches wide and 4 inches tall. It has a plastic container that should be able to hold 1.2 liters of onions, vegetables, and cheese.

Freshware KT-402 2-in-1 Onion, Vegetable, Fruit, and Cheese Chopper

A lot of users say that this compact tool can be kept secure on the countertop thanks to its non-slip foot. It can also protect the user from getting cut by the blades because the top lid is closed when it is operated. Speaking of the blades, these are both made of stainless steel so you can be assured of the cutting performance and durability.

I also like that there is a cleaning tool that comes with the unit. You can use this in removing bits of food stuck in the blades. The parts of the chopper are also dishwasher-safe.

PROS

Small and compact, easy to store
It has a non-slip foot to keep it secure on the countertop
Safe to use the top lid is closed when in operation
Its blades are made of stainless steel

CONS

Very small capacity, ideal only for small households
Has difficulty chopping hard vegetables like potatoes and carrots

Conclusion

Vegetable Chopper Dicer Slicer Shredder Grater Cutter – ALISKID Manual Vegetable Chopper Onion and Fruit Cutter with 5 Stainless Steel Blades

I can guarantee you that all these vegetable choppers are high-quality kitchen tools that you won’t regret getting. Whether you are in the market for an electric or manual food chopper, the five models I mentioned above should meet your requirements.

In my opinion, though, the Aliskid Vegetable Chopper is the best buy in this list. It is very versatile as it can also be used in dicing, sliding, shredding and grating ingredients. The five pieces of stainless steel blades are a great bonus, not to mention the 1.3-liter storage container and cleaning brush.

How about you? What do you think is the best vegetable chopper in this list? Write down your thoughts in the comments section below and please do share this article on your social!

Choosing The Best Chinese Chef Knife: Top Five Knives Reviewed

Last Updated on June 3, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

We all know how vast and diverse Chinese cuisine is. From how rice is prepared, noodles are cooked, up to the various ways meat is prepared, there are always a lot to choose from. But their choice of cooking equipment is another story. Most of the time varied dishes are cooked with just a single equipment, like a Wok. A prime example would be the use of the best Chinese chef knife in preparing almost any dish.

Due to its design, a Chinese chef knife, also known as a Chinese cleaver, is more versatile than the already all-around chef knife. Aside from being able to do all the tasks of a regular knife, it also has the sturdiness to chop big pieces of meat and bones. The variety of tasks it can do ranges from making paper thin slices, peel the skin of fish and other meat, up to cutting up through bones. In this article, I reviewed the top five Chinese chef knives available so it would be easy for you to decide.

Rank	Product Name	Image
#1	7 Inch Stainless Steel Chopper – Cleaver – Butcher Knife – Multipurpose Use for Home Kitchen or Restaurant by Utopia Kitchen	7 Inch Stainless Steel Chopper – Cleaver – Butcher Knife – Multipurpose Use for Home Kitchen or Restaurant by Utopia Kitchen PROS The blade is made of 100% stainless steel which is resistant to rust and corrosion. The 7-inch blade is wide enough to chop through large pieces of meat. It has an ABS+430 handle that provides a steady grip and makes it easy to maneuver and control. The knife is dishwasher safe, although hand wash is recommended. CONS The blade doesn’t retain its sharpness for long. Periodic sharpening is recommended. The blade thickens as it goes up to the blunt edge, making it a challenge to cut through meat and other thick food items. #2. JapanBargain Japanese Chinese Style Kitchen Chopping Knife https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-Japanese-Chinese-Kitchen-Chopping/dp/B001CB3RFQ/

Rank

Product Name

Image

7 Inch Stainless Steel Chopper – Cleaver – Butcher Knife – Multipurpose Use for Home Kitchen or Restaurant by Utopia Kitchen

PROS

The blade is made of 100% stainless steel which is resistant to rust and corrosion.
The 7-inch blade is wide enough to chop through large pieces of meat.
It has an ABS+430 handle that provides a steady grip and makes it easy to maneuver and control.
The knife is dishwasher safe, although hand wash is recommended.

CONS

The blade doesn’t retain its sharpness for long. Periodic sharpening is recommended.
The blade thickens as it goes up to the blunt edge, making it a challenge to cut through meat and other thick food items.

#2. JapanBargain Japanese Chinese Style Kitchen Chopping Knife

https://www.amazon.com/JapanBargain-Japanese-Chinese-Kitchen-Chopping/dp/B001CB3RFQ/

A Closer Look On The Best Cutlery Trays: A Complete Guide

Last Updated on June 2, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

Your quest for culinary excellence doesn’t end with getting a high-quality set of knives or silverware. For you to be able to experience the benefits of posh cutlery for a long time, you should also know how to take care of it. One thing that should never be overlooked is the means of storing your knives and silverware. With a wide array of the best cutlery trays available today, you can surely have the one that fits your storage needs.

Rank	Product Name	Editor Score
#1	Totally Bamboo Large Expandable Cutlery Tray & Drawer Organizer, 8 Compartments, 2 with Adjustable Dimensions, Beautiful and Durable Bamboo	88/100	REVIEW
#2	Bamboo Cutlery tray-Silverware Organizer-5 compartment-by Utopia Kitchen	86/100	REVIEW
#3	Rubbermaid No-Slip Silverware Tray Organizer, Large, Black with Grey	85/100	REVIEW
#4	Madesmart Large Silverware Tray, Granite	79/100	REVIEW
#5	Dial Cutlery Tray – Single (White) (1 1/2″H x 12″L x 7″W) (1, A)	73/100	REVIEW

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Benefits Of Having A Cutlery Tray

Cutlery Trays on the table

While putting all your kitchen tools in one drawer can do, there are a lot of advantages of using a cutlery tray. This is a kitchen necessity that everyone should have due to the following reasons.

Organization

How often do we spend time rummaging through our stuff just to look for a specific item? With a cutlery tray, you can organize everything so that it will be easy to find what you are looking for. Knowing where the sushi knife and the paring knife is can save you from frustration and save yourself some time to do more important stuff.

Sanitation

Although we put the items in the dishwasher before storing them, there is still some residue that remains on the cutlery. If you put knives and spoons together at the same drawers, chances are some of the bacteria that retained in the knives gets on the silverware. Putting them in separate compartments ensures that what goes into raw meat doesn’t go into our mouths.

Aesthetics

No matter how expensive your cutlery set is, if it is not organized or just placed into some unarranged drawer, it does not look good. Aside from the aesthetic value that an organized drawer provides, a cutlery tray itself adds beauty to the kitchen, whether it is in or out of the drawer.

Preserves Your Cutlery

If you do not have a knife block, a cutlery tray can do the job as well. Organizing your knives prevent any unnecessary interaction with other items that may cause damage or corrosion.

Factors To Consider In Choosing Cutlery Trays

A Cutlery Tray on the table

Depending on what you want to achieve, you need to look on some things before you get some trays. This is to ensure that the tray will serve the purpose that you intend it to do.

Material

Metal trays often come in a mesh design. This is to ensure that any moisture left in the cutlery drips down instead of accumulating in the tray and cause rust and corrosion. If you are gearing towards sanitation, this is the way to go.

Wooden trays provide the most aesthetic value. It provides a classic look and adds beauty to any kitchen counter. If you want to show off your silverware, this is the tray for you. However, proper care is required. Make sure that everything is devoid of moisture before being placed in the tray.

Plastic trays are the most popular kind. They combine beauty and functionality. High-quality plastic trays don’t react to moisture, doesn’t harbor bacteria, and lasts long without getting deformed or discolored. However, make sure that the plastic used is food grade and BPA-free.

Size

You have to know the size of your drawer if you are planning to put it inside or your counter if you are going to put it on display. You also have to know the size of your cutlery. A mismatch in size can render your tray useless, especially if it is too small for your drawer or silverware.

Number Of Compartments

You should have an idea in mind on how many slots you might need. Good thing there are trays which have expandable slots aside from the existing slots that it have. Of course, if you don’t have a need for too many slots, being a minimalist won’t hurt.

Ease Of Cleaning

You need to clean the tray every once in a while especially this is where you put the kitchenware directly involved with the food you eat. The best thing would be a tray that is dishwasher safe so that you wouldn’t have to spend time cleaning.

The Best Cutlery Trays Available Today

Let’s take a look at my list of the best cutlery trays available today.

#1. Totally Bamboo Large Expandable Cutlery Tray & Drawer Organizer, 8 Compartments, 2 with Adjustable Dimensions, Beautiful and Durable Bamboo
#2. Bamboo Cutlery tray-Silverware Organizer-5 compartment-by Utopia Kitchen
#3. Rubbermaid No-Slip Silverware Tray Organizer, Large, Black with Grey
#4. Madesmart Large Silverware Tray, Granite
#5. Dial Cutlery Tray – Single (White) (1 1/2″H x 12″L x 7″W) (1, A)

#1. Totally Bamboo Large Expandable Cutlery Tray & Drawer Organizer, 8 Compartments, 2 with Adjustable Dimensions, Beautiful and Durable Bamboo

https://www.amazon.com/Totally-Bamboo-Expandable-Compartments-Adjustable/dp/B002RL9CYK/

By itself, it is a very beautiful piece of kitchen furniture. Imagine how beautiful your silverware would like in this. The good thing about it is that this tray is made without the use of any chemicals or cutting any forestation.

The trays are made of renewable Moso bamboo which grown without the use of artificial fertilizers and designed without the use of any paint. This tray is 100% organic, yet very durable.

Totally Bamboo Large Expandable Cutlery Tray & Drawer Organizer, 8 Compartments, 2 with Adjustable Dimensions, Beautiful and Durable Bamboo

PROS

The tray is made with pure organic bamboo without hurting the environment.
It has natural colors without the use of any toxic paint or varnish.
The 8 individual compartments of which two are adjustable are enough to put multiple cutlery and silverware in.
It is very easy to clean, just wipe with a damp cloth.
A 100% satisfaction replacement warranty makes this a risk-free purchase.

CONS

It cannot be exposed to water or moisture since it might incur wood rot.
The bottom part is thin and bows to the weight of the silverware.
The parts are not nailed together and can easily become loose.

#2. Bamboo Cutlery tray-Silverware Organizer-5 compartment-by Utopia Kitchen

https://www.amazon.com/tray-Silverware-Organizer-5-compartment-Utopia-Kitchen/dp/B019CJZ1SK/

Bamboo Cutlery tray-Silverware Organizer-5 compartment-by Utopia Kitchen

If you want to have a touch of class or an oriental feel to your kitchen, then this is the tray for you. It is made with bamboo which is a very renewable source that doesn’t hurt the environment. You can use it in any part of the house and still look good.

PROS

This tray is made of 100% renewable bamboo which is durable and beautiful.
It has five spacious compartments to accommodate your items.
It is nice to look at whether in the drawer or on a countertop.
It is FDA and FSC approved to be food grade and food safe.
It can easily be wiped clean or washed mildly with soap and water.

CONS

The dividers are not nailed so it can easily be detached and removed.
Minimize exposure to moisture as it can cause wood rot and harbor bacteria.

#3. Rubbermaid No-Slip Silverware Tray Organizer, Large, Black with Grey

https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-No-Slip-Silverware-Organizer-Large/dp/B01N0KL7PQ/

This tray is both functional and beautiful at the same time. The black color provides a high-quality appeal that will look good even on the most sophisticated countertop. It has seven slots of which two are expandable to accommodate all of your flatware and silverware. The premium plastic structure is durable and is dishwasher safe. Its non-slip base keeps it in place even if the drawer opens and closes.

Rubbermaid No-Slip Silverware Tray Organizer, Large, Black with Grey

PROS

The tray is made with high-quality plastic that doesn’t warp easily, durable, and dishwasher safe.
It has seven compartments of which two is expandable to adjust to drawer space.
The non-slip base keeps the tray intact despite movements from the drawer.
The black color looks good and provides elegance whether in the drawer or countertop.

CONS

Be sure to take measurements as this tray somehow exceeds the measurement of the standard drawer size. Make sure that it fits before you buy.
The compartments are narrow and do not hold a lot of utensils.

#4. Madesmart Large Silverware Tray, Granite

https://www.amazon.com/Madesmart-Large-Silverware-Tray-Granite/dp/B003U5UYQM/

Madesmart Large Silverware Tray, Granite

This tray is the way to go if you want a nice tray to show off your silverware but doesn’t want to use wood. This tray is made of a high-quality plastic material with a granite theme that truly exudes style and elegance. It is perfect fit whether you have a classical or contemporary kitchen. Not to mention that it serves its purpose pretty well to with its well-spaced compartments. This tray focuses on providing aesthetic value without compromising performance.

PROS

This tray is made of high-quality plastic with a granite theme that make it both durable and beautiful.
Its rounded corners and interior overmold does not only add to the aesthetics of the tray but also adds functionality as it keeps items in place.
Non-slip rubber feet keeps the tray in place no matter what happens.
It has six spacious compartments to keep all your silverware intact.

CONS

This tray might be large for some drawers so make sure to take measurements before ordering.

#5. Dial Cutlery Tray – Single (White) (1 1/2″H x 12″L x 7″W) (1, A)

https://www.amazon.com/Cutlery-Tray-Single-White-12/dp/B00114ZTBO/

The approach of this cutlery tray is functionality. If you want a tray that you could use, this is the one. It has a mesh structure so you can put your cutlery in even if still wet since it would not accumulate water. You can put it in your kitchen drawer, the toilet, or anywhere you need organizing from. Its white color makes it look good on any surface.

How To Cut Frozen Meat In Three Easy Ways

Last Updated on May 31, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

Imagine this scenario–you planned to serve beef steak for your guests. They arrive for dinner, but you realized you hadn’t thawed the meat yet. Now how can you cut frozen meat in the quickest time possible, so that you can serve dinner to your starving guests?

I guess it’s safe to assume that we have all experienced this scenario before. Cutting frozen meat may sound difficult, but it can be done easily as long as you have a few tricks up your sleeve.

In this post, I will share some of those tricks that you can do to cut frozen meat.

Run the frozen food under water

Slices of frozen meat on the plate

One way to cut frozen meat is to place it under running water for several minutes. Doing so will make it soft around the edges so that you will have an easier time cutting it even with the use of a knife.

Believe me— trying to cut frozen meat straight out of the freezer with a simple knife is difficult. The blade of the knife will just simply glance off the meat and potentially hurt you.

Now after running the meat under water for several minutes, get a heavy duty knife that can do most of the work for you. Look for one with a jagged edge that can bite right in; or something like a meat cleaver that you can whack through stuff with.

Then cut the meat using the heavy duty knife. If you’re to cut frozen sausage for bread boats stuffed with sausage recipe, then simply slice the sausage into chunks. A cleaver can particularly be handy as you simply whack it through the frozen sausage.

You might also want to invest in knives like this. Frozen food knives have serrated edges that can easily cut through frozen foods.

Thawing the frozen meat in minutes

Slices of frozen meat and a knife

Here’s another way to cut frozen meat in the shortest time possible. By following this trick, you will be able to thaw frozen steak after a few minutes so that the meat will be easier to cut.

First, remove the steak from the freezer. Make sure that the steak is wrapped in at least one layer of covering like a vacuum-sealed, ziplock-bag. This would prevent the juice of the meat from getting lost as you thaw it.

Get a metal pot and add water. Don’t fill the pot with water; just put enough water to make it heavy. Use room temperature water because using hot water will cook the meat and cold water will just slow down the process.

Place the steak on a baking sheet then put the pot with water on top of the steak. Thus, the frozen meat will be sandwiched by the baking sheet and the pot with water.

After a few minutes, the meat will be perfectly thawed. In my experience, a thin cut of beet will take just 5 minutes to thaw if you follow this trick. A thicker cut such as rib eye should take about 15 minutes.

With the meat thawed, it will be a lot easier for you to slice it regardless of the type of knife that you are using.

In cutting the just-thawed meat, make sure that the knife is away from you. Hold the meat in a place where it won’t slip, like a cutting board.

Microwaving frozen meat

Microwaving Frozen Meat

This is another fast way to thaw the frozen meat so that it will be easy for you to cut it. This method would take about 5 to 10 minutes to thaw the frozen meat.

Simply put the frozen meat in the center of the microwave oven then switch on the defrost setting. But you have to be attentive because the meat could get semi-cooked if you leave it in the microwave for a longer time.

Once the meat has been thawed, you can cut it according to what is called for in the recipe that you are following. Again, use a strong and sturdy knife in cutting the meat. Use a cutting board, too, so that the meat won’t slip when you cut it.

Don’t get me wrong— placing the frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours is still the best way to thaw frozen meat. Refrigerating frozen meat gives it enough time to re-absorb ice crystals formed between fibers, which gives the meat better texture to cook.

But by doing the two tricks that I discussed above, you will be able to thaw frozen meat quickly so that you will be able to cut them easily.

Conclusion

Pieces of frozen meat on the table

Cutting frozen meat isn’t that difficult. You can thaw the frozen food quickly by microwaving it or running it under water. Or you can follow the metal pot trick that I shared with you.

Of course, thawing the meat is just half the battle, so to speak. You need to have heavy duty knife to quickly cut frozen meat. I suggest you invest in a frozen food knife, too, as it can make the work done faster.

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives: Three Easy Ways To Do So

Last Updated on June 3, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

Many ceramic knives manufacturers advertise their products as something that won’t easily get dull. However, the truth is that ceramic knives will eventually get dull. If you are one of those people who got a dull ceramic knife in the kitchen, you are surely wondering how to sharpen ceramic knives.

I have a couple of ceramic knives in my kitchen. While I agree that ceramic knives look great and feel great, I knew that they would get blunt after X years of use. So I researched on and tested several ways of sharpening ceramic knives, which I would be sharing with you later on.

What are ceramic knives?

Vegetables on the chopping board and a Ceramic Knives

Ceramic knives are made from extremely hard and tough ceramic zirconia or zirconium dioxide. These are commonly made by dry –pressing zirconia powder and then firing these through a solid-state sintering. Ceramic knives have a very hard edge, significantly decreasing the need for sharpening.

Aside from their hard edges, ceramic knives have other advantages as well. They resist stain and rust. These knives aren’t affected by acids found in foods. They are also very easy to clean and won’t absorb odors. Plus, these are very lightweight knives.

What’s tricky with sharpening a ceramic knife is that you can’t use traditional knife-sharpening materials made for steel knives such as oilstones as these are not hard enough to sharpen ceramic knives.

You can return the ceramic knife to the manufacturer for sharpening, although you may find this option inconvenient.

How can you sharpen ceramic knives?

Ceramic Knives and knife sharpener on the chopping board

So how can you sharpen ceramic knives? Read on and find out.

Electric knife sharpener

You can invest in an electric knife sharpener as this is one tool that you can use in sharpening your ceramic knives. I suggest that you look for one’s that diamond abrasive as it can remove nicks easily.

However, there are only a handful of electric knife sharpeners good enough to sharpen ceramic knives. I have the Kyocerca Advanced Ceramic Electric Diamond Knife Sharpener at home, and so far, it has done a good job of sharpening both ceramic and steel knives. This is a battery powered device which features a diamond grinding stone capable of removing up to 0.5-millimeter nicks.

I suggest you wear cut-resistant gloves in using an electric knife sharpener. Hold the sharpener down with one hand, while holding the ceramic knife in the other hand. Slowly pull both sides of the knife against the grindstone or sharpening stone.

You can then check the sharpness of the ceramic knife by cutting a piece of paper. The blade is already sharp if the knife easily and swiftly cuts the paper. If not, then you need to continue passing the blade into the slot.

In my experience, 4-5 passes are enough to sharpen the blade. You might need more passes if the blade has become dull.

Sharpening rods

Sharpening rods aren’t as convenient as electric knife sharpeners, but these can also be effective in sharpening a ceramic knife. Look for one made of diamond steel such as this one.

How do you sharpen ceramic knives with a sharpening rod? It’s pretty simple. While holding the sharpening rod vertically or horizontally, strike the blade against the rod about three times at each side. That’s it!

Again, remember to wear cut-resistant gloves when sharpening ceramic knives with a sharpening rod. Wipe the blade with a towel to prevent leaving behind metal fillings.

Using work sharp knife and tool sharpener

If you have many ceramic knives, then I suggest that you invest in a work sharp knife and tool sharpener. The BOKER 09DX003 Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener is not exactly cheap, but it is a good tool to have if you have multiple ceramic knives. You can also use it in sharpening other knives, and not just ceramic ones.

This tool may look intimidating and complicated to use. But I assure you that you won’t have a hard time using it.

Here’s how you sharpen ceramic knives with this tool. Lay a towel on an even surface and then place the clean tool sharpener. Insert the grit abrasive belt as well as the outdoor knife guide into the work sharp knife and tool sharpener.

Hold the tool by one hand. Using your other hand, slide the blade 5-6 times at both sides. After that, change the abrasive belt with a higher grit. Continue to slide the blade from left to right until you feel sharpness coming out.

Use a piece of paper to check on the sharpness of the blade. Then wipe the blade cleanly with a towel to get rid of metallic particles.

Conclusion

Ceramic knives on the table

Ceramic knives may take a while to go dull but you’ll eventually need to sharpen them in the future.

I suggest you invest in an electric knife sharpener or a sharpening rod as these tools are effective in sharpening ceramic knives.

A work sharp knife and tool sharpener, on the other hand, is best suited for people who own multiple ceramic knives.

I believe you won’t encounter any problems in using any of these tools as long as you follow the pointers I discussed above.

How To Cut Bok Choy In Four Simple Steps

Last Updated on May 31, 2022 by Simply Healthy Family - Team

Have you eaten the green-leafed vegetable called bok choy? This Chinese vegetable is very much like western cabbages. It can be used in salads, soups and stir fries. But how do you cut bok choy? Is it difficult?

I’ve also asked those questions before. It turned out that cutting bok choy is very easy. Plus, there are plenty of recipes where you can incorporate this vegetable. Continue reading so that you would get more info on this Asian veggie.

What is bok choy?

Bok choy is also known as pak choi or Chinese cabbage. The name is Cantonese for the white vegetable. It has dark green leaves which are shaped like blades. The leaves, which form one cluster, are very similar to celery and even mustard leaves.

While the plant originated from China, it is now grown in other parts of the world like Europe and America. Moreover, bok choy is available all year round. This is one of the reasons why it has grown in popularity in recent years, aside from the fact that it can be used in many recipes.

Health benefits of bok choy

Like kale and other green leafy vegetables, bok choy is packed with nutrition.

It is very rich in beta-carotene, which can lower risks of cancer, cataract, and macular degeneration. The Macular Degeneration Association says that a cup of this vegetable has more than the recommended daily allowance of beta carotene.

The Harvard School of Public Health also recommends a daily intake of bok choy as it can lower risks of ovarian and prostate cancer.

How to cut bok choy?

Of course, you can’t get those health benefits without cooking bok choy.

But before you slice bok choy leaves, here are several tips to keep in mind when selecting bok choy brunches :

Get those heads with bright green leaves.
Avoid those brunches with holes and discoloration.
Larger leaves are ideal for making salads and cooking soups. Smaller and narrow heads, on the other hand, are ideal for stir fries.

In cutting bok choy, follow these steps:

Start by washing the leaves under running water to wash off residual dirt.
Remove the leaves from the stem.
Lay the leaves on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife like a sushi knife , cut the leaves into strips about an inch wide.
Cut the base of the stem to remove the remnants of the roots. Cut the stem at an angle so that each slice will have a bigger surface area and thus, easier and quicker to cook. I usually cut the stems into discs about ¼ inch thick.

As you can see, cutting bok choy isn’t that hard. Just remember to always curl up the fingers of your hand holding the vegetable. The fingers should be pointed toward your palm and away from the knife. This way, you will be able to avoid cutting yourself.

Simple bok choy recipes

Now that you have learned how to cut bok choy, you would want to learn some easy bok choy recipes, right?

Here is one simple recipe that you can do with the Chinese cabbage. This bok choy with garlic and oyster sauce recipe is so easy that you can do it in less than 30 minutes. It is a great meal for lunch and dinner, especially when you serve it with rice. I would recommend that you get baby bok choy for this recipe.

Ingredients

Three bunches of bok choy, remove the base
Three tablespoons of oyster sauce
A teaspoon of white sugar
10 teaspoons of water
Two teaspoons of minced garlic
A sprinkle of black pepper
One-fourth teaspoon of sesame oil
Three tablespoons of cooking oil
Salt

Step by step guide

Mix and stir the sesame oil, oyster sauce, and water in a small bowl. Set this mixture aside.
Combine the garlic and oil in a pan placed over medium heat. Cook the garlic until it begins to turn light brown in color.

Add the oyster sauce mix and put some black pepper. Stir a few times before letting it boil.
Add the bok choy then stir. Cover the pan and let the food cook, or until the sauce has been reduced to a half. You can also put some salt if you wish.
Transfer the cooked bok choy to a serving plate before serving with rice.

Aside from being quick and easy to do, this recipe also calls for a few ingredients. Most of the ingredients, in fact, are likely to be in your pantry right now.

Conclusion

Bok choy is a vegetable that’s so packed with nutrition. It’s also very easy to cut and cook, as you have learned after reading this article. So if I were you, I’d stock up more of this vegetable. It’s the ideal green leafy veggie—nutritious, delicious, and simple to prepare and cook.

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