FEATURED FOOD
Workshop Teaches Culinary Knife Techniques
Written By Angie Sykeny (asykeny@hippopress.com)
Images: Stock Photo
Unless you’ve been to culinary school, it’s possible that you’ve been misusing your kitchen knives all along — which is why LaBelle Winery is offering a chance to learn more effective knife skills during a workshop on Wednesday, June 14.
The workshop will answer questions like what kinds of knives to use for different kinds of food, how to use them effectively and how to cut safely.
“People really appreciate it because many of them have never had this type of instruction unless they went to culinary school,” said Michelle Thornton, director of sales, business and program development for LaBelle Winery. “We all have a set of knives in our drawers, but do we know how to keep them sharp or how to not get cut? Many people realize they’ve been cutting the wrong way their whole life.”
Each participant will be given a set of knives and various fruits and vegetables on which to practice the knife techniques, such as carrots, potatoes, celery, apples and onions. Participants will watch demonstrations of different cutting, slicing and dicing techniques using different types of knives, then try out the techniques on their own, asking questions and receiving personal, hands-on instruction when needed. “There’s a lot of back-and-forth and one-on-one,” Thornton said. “Someone will come over and guide you and show you where to put your fingers and how to move the knife. It’s truly a learning environment.”
The class will also feature an integrated wine tasting in which participants can try several varieties of LaBelle wine.
Taught by winemaker and winery owner Amy LaBelle and the winery bistro’s Executive Chef Eddie Ceccherini, the class is one of the most-attended programs in The Winemaker’s Kitchen: Cooking with Wine Instructional Series, a series of cooking programs featuring dishes with wine as the main ingredient.
“A few years ago, when giving her instructional cooking classes, Amy realized that when she demonstrated chopping and preparing things with knives, people asked a lot of questions,” Thornton said. “It dawned on her that there was a need for a class to help people better understand those basics.”
A second knife skills class focused on creating garnishes and artistic food displays will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
Knife Skills Class
Where: LaBelle Winery, 345 Route 101, Amherst
When: Wednesday, June 14, 6 to 7:30p.m.
Cost: $25. Registration required by June 11.
Contact: 672-9898, labellewineryevents.com