Safest Technique for Slicing a Bagel
There are several claims circling the web, with no reference, stating that around 2,000 to 40,000 individuals visit hospitals in the US annually due to bagel-related injuries. Whatever the actual figure is, I am confident that plenty of people have injured themselves while cutting bagels. This is understandable since bagels aren't like regular loaves of bread. They have a hard outer layer, are circular in shape, and must be cut into two halves. Here's what I can confirm: I've also accidentally sliced myself while attempting to split a bagel held in my hand, and it didn't feel good. I didn't need to go to the hospital, but my bagel didn't bring me any enjoyment that day either.
Select the appropriate knife
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Watching professionals at busy bagel shops slice open bagels often reveals that they use a long, serrated knife. These knives are ideal for cutting various bread varieties, and this is particularly applicable to bagels. Because bread frequently has a hard crust and a softer interior, the serrated knife's teeth cut into the crust, enabling you to saw into the bread. Child's play; a chef's knife or any other smooth-bladed knife could easily miss the crust. And it becomes even more perilous if your bagel is frozen or stale, making the crust even more slick. We're not even halfway done talking about the hazards yet.
Here are some knives suitable for the job:
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- Henckels Classic 7-inch Bread Knife
- Cuisinart 8-inch Bread Knife
Wüsthof Gourmet 8" Bread Knife, BlackAn affordable, high-quality, and safe bread knife. $75.00 at AmazonShop NowShop Now$75.00 at Amazon## Slicing safely while maintaining proper grip on the bagel
Press down and keep your fingers up.Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Here's another potential hazard: how you grip the bagel. Unlike other baked goods, a bagel doesn't provide a squishy surface or a convenient flat side. Therefore, you need to adapt to its unique qualities.
Saw into the bagel about a half-inch or so.Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
The most secure and safe method for cutting a bagel is to place it on a cutting board, with the bottom facing downward, just like it was baked in the oven. Don't attempt to balance it on one end and then cut down. There's no way to keep your fingers out of harm's way, and the bagel will surely roll around or slip sideways. Stability is key when cutting.
Give the bagel a quarter turn.Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Hold your dominant hand with a long, serrated knife parallel to the cutting board and halfway up the bagel. Saw into the bagel about half an inch deep.
Turn the bagel and pull the knife to continue sawing the bagel on your dominant hand-side.Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Utilize your non-dominant palm to provide support, but keep your fingers safely up and away. Raise your elbow for added safety.
Repeat this motion going over the same cut mark until you reach the center.Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Rotate the bagel a quarter-turn.
Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann
Slide the knife into the bagel about half an inch deep with your non-dominant hand. This is crucial. Use your palm to provide pressure, but keep your fingers clear of the cutting path. Keep your elbow at a safe position too—you don't want any unexpected accidents.
Make a quarter-turn with the bagel.Pull the knife to continue sawing on your dominant hand-side.
Now, employ your knife-holding hand to saw into the bagel a little further, perhaps half an inch. Flip the bagel and offer it some quarter-turns. The knife's position stays the same, only the bagel rotates. Repeat the sawing motion and continue turning it. Finish the cut by returning it to the starting position.
Repeat the process to reach the center. Then, start cutting again, halfway into the center of the bagel. Once you're halfway there or even before, you should be through to the middle slice. Remove the top portion and carry on with your breakfast.
You could also use a bagel guillotine. This device certainly instills a sense of unease, and if you've read my post on superfluous gadgets, you know my feelings on this matter. However, I understand: you may not have the necessary knife skills or your mother-in-law purchased you one. That's fine. But you don't require one if you possess a serrated knife and are willing to learn a new technique. With a bit of practice, you'll soon master the art of cutting bagels securely and easily.
Read also:
- Tips on Extending the Lifespan of Your Kitchen Appliances
- Top Initial Creations for a Brand New Instruction Pot
- Unnecessary Kitchen Gadgets That Only Fool You
- A kitchen scale is a crucial item in any kitchen for precise measurements of ingredients.
Source: lifehacker.com
