Bushra Griffith
Cheese slicers are a simple yet effective tool that can help you create perfectly uniform slices of cheese every time, elevating your cheese boards and sandwiches. Learning how to use a cheese slicer like the Tupperware Cheese Slicer can save you time in the kitchen and ensure consistent results, especially when compared to cutting cheese with a regular knife, which often leads to crumbling and messy cuts. This guide will teach you how to use the Tupperware Cheese Slicer to achieve the best results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese Slicer | Norwegian-style, Wire, Plane-style, Electric |
| Use | Slicing and serving hard cheese |
| Features | Dual prongs on end, flat metal surface with a slot and an adjustable wire or blade |
| Advantages | Uniform slices, no cheese crumbling, adjustable thickness, easy to use |
| Preparation | Remove cheese from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before slicing, hold the cheese with the non-dominant hand |
| Technique | Apply gentle, steady pressure, maintain consistent pressure and speed, clean the slicer blade between cuts |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your cheese
Next, hold the cheese firmly with your non-dominant hand. Position your fingers away from the cutting area to avoid any accidents. Now, you are ready to start slicing. Grasp the cheese slicer handle with your dominant hand. Place the slicer at one edge of the cheese block, ensuring that the cutting wire or blade makes contact with the surface. The slicer should sit flat against the cheese with no tilting or angling.
Apply gentle, steady pressure as you draw the slicer across the cheese surface. Move in one smooth motion from one edge to the other. Avoid stopping mid-slice, as this can create uneven cuts or cause the cheese to tear.
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Holding the slicer
- Grasp the cheese slicer handle with your dominant hand. The handle is designed to be held comfortably and securely, allowing you to maintain control during the slicing process.
- Position your non-dominant hand on the cheese block. Hold the cheese firmly, but be sure to keep your fingers away from the cutting area to prevent any accidents. This provides stability and ensures the cheese remains in place while you slice.
- Maintain a steady grip on both the slicer and the cheese throughout the slicing motion. This helps to achieve smooth and consistent slices.
- Adjust your grip slightly as needed to navigate around the cheese block. As you work through the block, you may need to adjust your hand placement to reach different areas effectively. Always be mindful of keeping your fingers clear of the cutting path.
- When slicing is complete, release your grip on the slicer and carefully set it aside. Remember to clean the slicer blade after use, especially if soft cheese has accumulated on the surface.
By following these steps for holding the Tupperware cheese slicer, you can ensure a safe and efficient slicing experience. Remember to maintain a firm but gentle grip and adjust your hand placement as needed to navigate the cheese block safely.
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Adjusting the wire
Locate the Tension Mechanism: Most cheese slicers have a tension screw or knob that controls the tightness of the wire. This mechanism is usually located near the wire and can be turned to adjust the tension.
Loosen the Tension: If the wire feels loose or needs replacement, start by loosening the tension. Turn the tension knob or screw counterclockwise to reduce the tension and create some slack in the wire. This will make it easier to work with.
Clean and Inspect: With the tension loosened, take the opportunity to thoroughly clean your cheese slicer. Pay special attention to the slicing area and wire guides, removing any food residue or debris. Inspect the wire for any damage, rust, or dull spots.
Adjust or Replace the Wire: If the wire is damaged or worn out, it's best to replace it with a new one. Ensure you use the correct type of wire designed for your cheese slicer model. Align the new wire with the wire guides and tensioning mechanism. If you're simply adjusting the tension, ensure the wire is properly aligned and not twisted or tangled.
Tighten the Tension: Once the wire is in place and aligned correctly, tighten the tension by turning the knob or screw clockwise. Ensure you don't overtighten, as this can put too much strain on the wire and cause it to break.
Test the Slicer: Reassemble your cheese slicer and test it by slicing a piece of cheese. Ensure that the wire is slicing smoothly and cleanly, without any resistance or uneven cuts. If the wire tension feels off, make minor adjustments as needed.
Remember to maintain and care for your cheese slicer by regularly cleaning it and storing it in a dry and safe place. Depending on usage and wear, consider replacing the wire every few months or as needed to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.
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Cleaning the blade
It is important to regularly clean your cheese slicer to prevent the buildup of bacteria and pathogens, which can lead to foodborne illness and reduced equipment performance. Here are some detailed steps to effectively clean the blade of your Tupperware cheese slicer:
Protective Gear
Before you begin, ensure you are wearing protective gloves to safeguard your hands from the sharp blade and any cleaning chemicals.
Create a Soapy Solution
Mix a 1:1 ratio of hot water and soap in a container. Alternatively, you can use a degreaser spray, which is designed to break down food residue.
Clean the Blade
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy solution and carefully wipe both sides of the blade, moving from the center outward. Ensure you clean both the front and back surfaces of the blade. If there are hard-to-reach areas, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a brush to scrub them gently. You can also use the toothbrush to clean the blade when it is still in place by setting the thickness to zero and scrubbing as the blade moves.
Rinse and Sanitize
Once you have removed all visible food particles, rinse the blade with hot water using a clean towel. Then, use a food contact surface sanitizing spray to coat the blade and other parts of the slicer. Allow the equipment to air dry.
Lubricate
After the blade has dried, use a food-grade spray lubricant on the slide rods of the slicer. This step helps maintain the slicer and ensures its smooth operation.
Remember to always unplug your cheese slicer and wait for the blade to completely stop moving before beginning any cleaning or maintenance work. Regularly inspect your cheese slicer for food buildup and damage, and clean it as needed to maintain optimal hygiene and equipment performance.
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Serving the slices
Once you've sliced your cheese, you're ready to serve. The Tupperware cheese slicer is a versatile tool that can be used to serve a variety of foods, including cheese slices, hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, olives, and pickles. It's perfect for any party platter or appetizer buffet table.
When serving cheese slices, you can use the dual prongs on the end of the slicer to pick up and serve the slices. This will give you a neat and tidy way to present your cheese slices to your guests.
If you're creating a charcuterie board or a similar spread, you can use the Tupperware cheese slicer to arrange the various elements on the board. The prongs can help you place and adjust the arrangement of the different cheeses, meats, and other items on the board.
For a more informal gathering, you can use the slicer to transfer the cheese slices directly onto a serving plate or platter. Again, the prongs will come in handy for this task, allowing you to easily lift and place the slices where you want them.
Remember to consider the type of cheese you're serving and adjust your slicing technique accordingly. For semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, or Edam, a Norwegian-style slicer works well. Plane-style cheese slicers, on the other hand, are better suited for hard cheeses like Parmesan and aged Cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove the cheese from the fridge 15-20 minutes before slicing. Hold the cheese firmly with your non-dominant hand, with your fingers away from the cutting area. Grasp the cheese slicer handle with your dominant hand and place the slicer at one edge of the cheese block, ensuring the cutting wire or blade is in contact with the surface. Apply gentle, steady pressure as you draw the slicer across the cheese in one smooth motion.
Adjust the wire position to control the thickness of the slices. Move the cutting element closer or farther from the base plate.
The Tupperware cheese slicer is ideal for slicing hard cheeses. It works well with semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Cheddar, and Edam, and also with harder cheeses like Parmesan.
