"chopping techniques" news and stories

Using a knife like a professional chef is like playing the violin. It takes time and practice, but the first step is getting the hand-positioning right. The best way to learn to wield a knife like a pro and cut your prep time in half is just by rolling up your sleeves and doing it.

So what does it take to get really skilled -- fast enough to join the ranks of top chefs like Tom Colicchio and Gordon Ramsey? I got a grip on my own knife skills somewhere around the 4,000-hour mark, the equivalent to chopping 3,000 pounds of carrots. Working in restaurant kitchens, I saw some serious stuff from chefs who wowed me with their fluidity, speed and perfect accuracy. However, you don't have to be a pro to improve your knife skills and avoid injury. Start today with these two easy tips that anyone can master.

Get Jennifer's safe, swift chopping secrets after the jump.