MACON, Ga. — Most people are starting to prepare that big Christmas dinner in their kitchens at home.
That's why cooking expert Bill Sirmon shows us how to properly use chef knives, so you can cook that huge meal faster and safer.
Sirmon says you will only need one or two knives to cut those fruits and vegetables. He recommends buying a chef's knife that fits the size of your hand.
"Now, the thing to know about chef's knives is to get the one that fits your hand the best. I brought two and they have different characteristics," he said.
He says using a chef knife with a wooden handle is great for cutting thick foods like butternut squash. Most chefs grip the actual blade, while wrapping the fingers around the handle.
This gives you more control of the blade while you are cutting your food.
Also, most restaurants use chef knives with a plastic handle because they are easier to clean. Sirmon recommends buying pairing knives that help peel and cut smaller foods like apples.
"Pick the one that fits your hand the best that you're the most comfortable with and go with that. Then you can have specialty knives like bread knives," said Sirmon.
Sirmon says it's best to keep your knives sharp with either an automatic knife sharpener or a handheld one. He recommends only sharpening your knife when it goes dull to keep you safe in the kitchen.
You can test the sharpness of your knife by cutting it through a piece of paper. The best way to keep your knives clean is by handwashing them because they can get damaged if they are put in the dish washer overtime.
Chef knives with plastic handles dry quicker and don't hold water like wooden handles.
Most chef knives start out at $40, but specialty knives can cost you between $50 to $80 at stores like Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot.