1. Knife Skills Good cooking starts with good cutting. Proper knife skills make cooking quicker, safer, and more enjoyable. Many beginners struggle because they use dull knives or hold them incorrectly. What You Should Learn How to hold a knife using the “pinch grip” (pinching the blade, not the handle) The rocking motion for slicing Basic cuts: dice, mince, julienne, and chop How to keep knives sharp and clean Why It Matters With strong knife skills, food cooks more evenly, and preparation time becomes shorter. Plus, sharp knives cause fewer injuries than dull ones because they require less force. Quick Tip Practice slicing onions or carrots into even pieces. Consistency is key, not speed 2. Sautéing Sautéing is a quick-cooking method that uses high heat and a small amount of oil. It’s ideal for vegetables, thin cuts of meat, garlic, onions, and many everyday ingredients. How to Sauté Preheat the pan before adding oil. Add ingredients once the oil shimmers. Stir o...