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1. Master basic knife work
Knife work can be intimidating, but all you have to do is remember your shapes. All vegetables can be chopped by breaking them down from one shape into another. A cucumber is a good example. Start by peeling it and cutting it cross-wise into segments roughly the length of your knife. Cut each segment lengthwise to create "planks" and chop them down into "batons." Dice the batons by gathering them together and turning them 90 degrees so they are facing left-right. Keeping your knife point on the cutting board, feed the cucumber batons into your knife as you chop, cutting them to the size you want. This is called a dice or, in the classic French, a "brunoise." Use the cucumbers in a cucumber salad or salsa and enjoy!