All About Whisks Plus A Whisking Video

Most of us have at least one whisk (sometimes called a whip) in our kitchen, but do we really know how they meant to be used. Whisks seem to come in many shapes and sizes and it is easy to get confused when trying to figure out which one is right for our own personal cooking needs. Do I need a balloon whisk, straight whisk or one of those weird looking ball-in-ball whisks?

I have just updated my whisk web page that goes into the history of whisks and describes various types and how they can be used. I will be adding some more information soon about whisk techniques and how to choose the right whisk for your needs.

I also just posted a fact filled video about whisks by my friend Peter Hertzmann describing the history of the whisk, the various types of whisks and how they are supposed to be used. He also gives detailed instructions on how whisking techniques.

I have a lot of whisks in my kitchen. I seem to get them along with many other great kitchen gadgets from friends and family at holiday time. There was a whisk I never knew what was for until I watched Peter’s video. It is the sauce whisk that can stand up in the pan. Who knew?

How to Buy A Whisk

Not only will this video teach you about whisks and how to use them, it explains how you should go about purchasing one. Do you need a balloon whisk or a straight whisk? What is it made of? Are you using it for non stick pans? What is the clearance between wires? Does the hand feel good in your hand? How long is it and does it work with your sauce pans and bowls?

How to Manage A Whisk

Peter’s video shows you how to hold the whisk properly for the task you are attempting. He then describes the different techniques you might use for whisking various ingredients. I think you will be surprised at how many ways there are to use a whisk and this video shows most of them.

So if you have ever been confused about your own collection of whisks, be sure to check out All About Whisks to learn more about them and watch Peter’s informative video.

Shout out to my friends Sarah and David B in Park City, Utah for sending us an interesting new pair of salt and pepper shakers.

Most of my friends know I collect salt and pepper shakers and have a collection started by my mom and it’s continuing to grow. Although my mom’s collection was all antique shakers, I’ve been receiving some newer unique and interesting ones from friends that fit in nicely with the rest of them.

I would say this newest gift from David and Sarah fits into the category of “tacky” S & P shakers as you can see from the photo. I can’t wait to bring them out at one of our dinner parties especially if our guests are not accustomed to our sense of humor.

You have heard me speak of David on my site. He owned the best gourmet specialty store in Park City when we lived there and is a very knowledgeable cheese monger. You may have read his interview about buying and storing cheese here or have seen the cartoon RG did with him here.

David is one of the most conversant food people I know. He’s now an award winning kitchen design architect in Utah. I’m hoping he will share some of his incredible knowledge about designing a kitchen especially for those of you thinking of re-doing your own kitchen.

Anyway, thanks again guys for this very thoughtful and provocative gift. Whenever they grace our table, I will think of you two.

If you want to see more of my collection, just let me know. I can post more of my favorite shakers from the collection. Maybe even create a page for them on the main site. I’m sure there are lots of you out there who collect them.

How To Choose a Kitchen Knife

I am thrilled to post this article from Cooking Instructor and Knife Expert Peter Hertzmanm who is the author of the book above, Knife Skills Illustrated - A User’s Manual. If you are thinking of purchasing your first knife or finding one that’s right for you, read the article below in its entirety. It offers some of the best information I have ever read on the subject.

If you enjoy the article, please check out my Novice2Pro Interview with Peter here. Not only will you learn more about knives and knife skills, Peter offers some great tips on writing and publishing your own book. And then of course you are going to want to go out and purchase his book Knife Skills Illustrated.

Here’s what Martin Yan, one of Peter’s early teachers said about his book, “Peter Hertzmann’s Knife Skills Illustrated is the ultimate reference guide that no home cook should be without.”

And then Molly Stevens from the Food Network said, “Knowing how to slice and dice with precision and efficiency is not a natural gift - it’s an acquired skill that starts with good training and develops with practice. Here Peter Hertzmann provides the step-by-step instruction that every cook needs on how to properly handle kitchen knives (he even tells you which knife to use when). Opinionated and thorough, this book lays the foundation for success in the kitchen.”

And these are just two of many great testimonials from celebrity chefs. But I think after you read this informative article about choosing the right knife, you will convinced. And don’t forget to check out my own articles on this subject, How to Choose & Buy Kitchen Knives and How to Choose a Chef’s Knife

How To Choose & Buy a Kitchen Knife

How to choose a knife for one’s personal use is a multifaceted challenge involving much honest soul-searching. Or one can just buy a knife that feels good. I firmly believe that each of us should “test drive” any knife we plan to buy in a real-world environment before purchase. Ignore advice from friends, store clerks, Internet buddies, and experts like me. Return well-meaning gifts, and never purchase a set of knives.

Grab a couple of carrots, march off to your knife store, and insist that you want to try any knife before you purchase it. If the store has a policy against testing, find a different store.

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