How to Practice Your Knife Skills with Simple Snacks

Learn the basics of kitchen safety and knife handling by preparing simple, delicious snacks. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Prepare your workspace. Place your cutting board on a flat, stable surface. If it slides around, place a damp paper towel underneath it to keep it from moving while you work.
2. Practice the 'claw' grip. When holding the vegetable, tuck your fingertips in like a cat's claw so your knuckles are facing the blade. This keeps your fingers safely away from the edge.
3. Cut the cucumber into rounds. Using your claw grip, slice the cucumber into circles about half an inch thick. Move your hand back slightly after each cut to keep your fingers safe.
4. Slice the carrots into sticks. Ask a grown-up to cut the carrot in half lengthwise first. Once you have a flat side, place it down on the board and cut it into long, even sticks.