Recently, my mom and I were sent complimentary matching Calphalon Precision Self Sharpening Knife sets. They’re very cool and huge upgrades from what we were both working with before, so naturally we wanted to do them justice when we blogged about them. And for some reason…my first idea was RECIPE BATTLE. So that’s just what we did!
The Calphalon Precision Self Sharpening Knife Sets we’re using during our battle come with 10 pieces (9 tools plus the base): 4 steak knives, one serrated utility knife, one chef knife, one santoku knife, one paring knife, and a pair of kitchen scissors.
When you remove or replace the three non-serrated knives, they pass through the sharpeners built into the base and get a nice little touch-up. And these puppies really do stay sharp–working with good knives that slice on the first try has been a bit of an adjustment. (If you’d seen our old knives, you’d understand right away.)
So, back to the battle. There were only three simple rules to our mom vs. daughter cooking competition:
- Must use your new knife set
- Fresh veggies only!
- Dish must be served over rice
Our battle was long distance since we live across the state from each other, so you’ll have to judge for yourself as to whose recipe looks tastier! Let’s start with mom’s recipe: Beef and Chicken Fajita Bowls
First, she prepped all the fresh ingredients (and made quick work of it thanks to the self sharpening knife set).
Next she sliced up the beef and chicken strips. These knives would slide through even tough cuts of meat like butter!
Then all the veggies and meat got coated with a healthy dose of seasoning and sauteed together in a nonstick pan.
Once her rice was cooked and tortilla bowls were nice and toasty, she layered everything together until it looked something like this:
Now it’s my turn! I decided to make a Tofu and Veggie Stir-fry with Peanut Sauce.
I chopped broccoli, a bell pepper, and an onion.
Then I toasted and chopped some cashews which I’d use for a final garnish.
I diced my tofu and sauteed it until it was crisp, and then I tossed everything together with my special peanut sauce.
Here’s how it came out. Looks good, eh?
Let’s get a side by side of the finished dishes. Whose dish do you think looks tastier?
We both followed the competition rules to the letter, so the only way to determine the winner would be to have a taste test. Guess we’ll just need to do a rematch when we see each other next…
In the market for a new set of knives? After testing it during this heated battle, we definitely recommend the Calphalon Precision Self Sharpening Knife set. Get yours on the Calphalon website!
Jenny Q. says
I love trying out new recipes and these both look very yummy! I will be trying both out.
Terra Heck says
They both look good but, if I had to vote, I’d go with mom’s dish. That’s a nice knife set.
alissa apel says
I think they’d both be good. It really just depends on one’s mood/taste buds.
IREON WILLIAMS says
This looks fun
Amy Greenwood says
I have never in my life tried tofu before, but this recipe looks pretty good. Maybe I’ll give it a try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jerry Marquardt says
The knives all look so nice and sharp. It will ready me for a grilling. No matter who wins, your readers are true winners for those tips and pointers.
Buddy Garrett says
The knife set looks great. I enjoyed reading about the recipe battle. Both of the recipes sound delicious. I’ve never had tofu. I am a big Mexican food fan so I’m leaning toward the fajitas dish.
Christina Gould says
I love that they put labels at the end of the knives. That is unique. Thanks for posting!
Barbara Montag says
Since I love Mexican I go for the fajitas.
The both look fantastic!
Candy says
I’m sorry but I would have to pick the beef and chicken fajitas I really don’t like tofu but the knives look awesome.
mami2jcn says
The beef and chicken fajitas look great! I’ve never tried tofu so I have no idea what it would taste like.
shelly peterson says
What a great knife set. How fun this must have been. They both look great but I would choose the fajita bowl because I dont like tofu.
Wendy R. says
Oooo what a fun competition!! I’m going to have to go with the Fajita bowl though as I am not a fan of tofu (and my daughter in law is allergic to soy!).
kathy pease says
Oh my they both look so delicious but seeing as I have never tried tofu I would have to vote for Mom’s Fajitas
Natalie says
My vote is for the tofu stir fry because I have always wanted to use tofu in recipes, but have never tried.
Sarah says
They both look awesome, not sure I could even pick. But the knifes! I need new ones so bad, going to check these out.
Bianca Dottin says
I’ve never had tofu before but I think I would try this recipe. I’m going to look into that knife set because we need one for our new house and a self sharpening set sounds like a great idea!
Cynthia C says
The tofu stir fry recipe really appeals to me. I’d love to try it.
Amber says
They both look super tasty but I personally think I would choose the tofu veggie stir fry!
krystal says
I have this same knife set! It has lasted for years – totally durable!
Claudia Krusch says
Love Both! Two delicious recipes! I can’t wait to try them!
Myrah Duque says
This set of knives looks exactly like what I need. It’s time to get rid of the old, in with the new! Those fajitas look yummy!
Kathy says
Both of these look really delicious! I think I’d go with the fajitas just cuz they look so darn good. I need to try them!
Alicia Gonzalez says
I so desperately need new knifes. It completely changes the cooking experience. I make fajitas all the time, but I never make fajita bowls. I’m going to do it the next time. I’m such a fan!
Jessica W. says
I am definitely in the market for a new set of knives. What a fun competition, they both sound delicious.
Amy says
While they both look yummy, I have to say that I would go with Liz’s because I do not like tofu!! Sorry Chanelle.
Connie says
I was just complaining about my knives the other day. Guess I’ll need to look in to these. I love that they sharpen each time you put them in/pull them out of the block.
Jessica To says
I really want to try those fajitas! My knife set that I have right now is horrible. I need to try these.
Kim Henrichs says
Oh they both looks SO good though!! Feeling a bit partial to the fajita bowl….
Dana Rodriguez says
These both look delicious so I personally think it is a tie. I really love this knife set too!
Stacie says
Judging by these recipes, I’d say the real winner is anyone who reads this. I will most definitely be making BOTH of them. Om nom nom.