Monday, August 26, 2013

Cook With Silicone Pans

Modern baking pans are often made out of silicone as opposed to metal. Silicone baking pans are often used to prepare cakes, muffins and other types of baked goods that can be difficult to free from metal bakeware. Silicone pans differ from more traditional pans in several ways. The most significant issues can be with care instructions and use differences. However, once these differences are mastered, using silicone pans can be much easier than using metal bakeware.


Instructions


1. Wash the silicone pan with warm water, a soft cloth or sponge and gentle dish soap before use. Silicone pans have a tendency to collect dust and other grime when stored in cabinets. Dry the pan completely.


2. Coat the surface of the silicone pan with cooking spray. While this step isn't necessary for some types of silicone pans, the majority require the extra grease to easily release the food.








3. Pour the batter into the pan and even it out to make sure the silicone pan isn't unbalanced. Unbalanced pans tip over easily.


4. Place the silicone pan on a cookie sheet before sliding it into the preheated oven. Because the silicone is floppy and flexible, it needs a solid, supportive base that oven racks can't provide.


5. Monitor the food carefully. Food cooked in silicone pans tends to be finished baking before the recommended time in the recipe. Keeping an eye on the oven will prevent burning.


6. Allow the food to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan. It's much easier to free an intact, cooled item from the flexible pan because a hot item is far too delicate. Do not use a knife or other sharp object to free the baked good from the pan, as it can damage the silicone.


7. Wash the silicone pan thoroughly with hot water, mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth after use. Unlike metal pans, the majority of silicone pans are not dishwasher safe.

Tags: silicone pans, baking pans, baking pans often, dish soap, metal bakeware