James P. DeWan, an adjunct instructor at Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, has co-authored ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS Complete Book of Knife Skills: The Essential Guide to Use, Techniques & Care (Robert Rose Inc., 2010, ISBN: 978-0-7788-0256-3). The book teaches mastery of knife techniques for both the novice and experienced chef and is the must-have cutlery reference book for anyone who loves to cook.

DeWan, chef and instructor, is also an award-winning food writer. His Chicago Tribune column, “Prep School,” is now in its fifth year. He joined Kendall College in 2008 and teaches introduction to professional cookery; introduction to stocks, sauces and soups; introduction to garde manger; methods of cooking; and culinary arts.

“Now more than ever, there is a return to cooking in the home. Yet most home cooks would agree that the one ingredient missing in their kitchen is basic knife skills,” said Renee Zonka, RD, CCE, CHE, managing director and associate dean of Kendall College’s School of Culinary Arts. “DeWan’s book is a welcome addition to everyone’s kitchen library, and reflects both his passion for culinary and the mastery of technique in cooking.”

Complete Book of Knife Skills provides valuable information about an essential kitchen tool used every day. The book covers everything about cutlery—from basic vegetable cuts to creative garnishes to boning meat and everything in-between. There is also a chapter that provides background information and photos on the types of knives available, how they are used and how to care for them.

DeWan co-wrote Complete Book of Knife Skills with Jeffrey Elliot, director of culinary relations for Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Demeyere and Staub and executive chef of Zwilling J.A. Henckels USA. Zwilling J.A. Henckels, based in Solingen, Germany, was founded in 1731 and today is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium cutlery, flatware, cookware, scissors and kitchen gadgets.