Dear Home-ec 101,
I hate cooking. I make a bloody mess (literally!) everytime I have to do anything involving onions. Can you help?
~Stubby in St. Petersburg
Dicing onions shouldn’t make you cry, in pain that is.
First peel off the papery layers, this is easier if you cut off the root end, although some say this releases more of the chemical that burns the eyes. If you can cut quickly in a well ventilated space, it shouldn’t be a problem
Slice the onion in half, like so.
When you grip the planks, be careful to hold it so your fingertips are not exposed to the blade of the knife and would be protected by your fingernails. Or, if you are a pansy like Ivy, you can use a fork to hold the onion.
Finally, turn the onion 90 degrees and slice again.
Questions?
Yes, how did you get your fingernails to be so nice?
::runs::
Another onion tip: Once you peel the papery layers off, if you core the onion like you would a tomato, and toss that chunky core part, you’ll remove most of the tear-causing scent.