Always Put This Under Your Cutting Board Before You Chop

If you've ever watched Top Chef , you know how quickly cooks can work a knife. It probably leads to thoughts like "watch your fingers!" and "I can't watch!" But, apparently, these professionals have a few tricks up their sleeves to keep their digits safe.

For instance, to keep boards from budging, wet a paper towel and lay it under the board. Since most people already have this in their kitchen, it's a quick fix. Sharon Franke, director of the Kitchen Appliances and Technology Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, also recommends sticking with wood and plastic boards, because other materials (like glass or bamboo) are harder and more likely to move on your counter.

Another way to ensure your safety? Make sure your knife is sharp. Dull blades make cutting more difficult and more dangerous, since they can slip sideways and cut your finger. Once you've got your cutting board and knife squared away, you can cut up your veggie spread without fear — just don't race through it like Emeril (for the sake of your fingers).

​Via