What should be done to the knife after each cut on a pie?

After each cut on a pie, heating the knife and wiping it dry can be an effective method to ensure clean slices. When you heat the knife, it helps melt the pie's filling slightly at the point of contact, which can result in a smoother cut and prevent the filling from sticking to the blade. Additionally, the heat helps to sanitize the knife, effectively reducing the risk of cross-contamination between slices, especially if the pie has various flavors or if it's being served to a group.

Using this technique also enhances the presentation of the pie by ensuring that each slice looks tidy and appealing. Maintaining a clean cutting tool is crucial in any food preparation to uphold food safety and quality standards. This approach is often favored in culinary practices for desserts and pastries where aesthetics and cleanliness are significant concerns.