- Parchment paper is a versatile baking aid. Use sheets of parchment paper to cover cookie sheets, cake pans or other baking vessels in lieu of greasing the sheet or pan. Your baked goods won't stick to the parchment, and your cleanup will be significantly easier: toss the parchment and rinse the pan. In a pinch, parchment paper can stand in for muffin tin liners. Divide your sheet of parchment paper into squares, then push them into the tin and pour your batter on top.
- For steamed fish dishes or vegetable sides, parchment paper makes a handy packet. The technique, called "en papillote" in the food industry, gives you healthy meals and dramatic presentation. To make your own packets, place your raw ingredients on the parchment, season them, then fold the paper in half. Crimp the edges by folding them up, to seal in the ingredients and the flavor. Bake the packets following your recipe's suggested time frame, then remove the packets and place them directly on the plate, or tear open and remove the food.
- Parchment paper makes food storage easier. Stick small squares of parchment in between burger patties, chicken breasts or other meats you freeze, using pieces large enough to cover the item. You'll be able to separate out the meat, defrosting only the amount you need. For delicate baked goods, parchment paper also helps you layer. Stack crumbly cookies, frosted brownies, lemon squares or other items with parchment in between, to keep your goodies looking fresh and avoid getting crumbs on other items.
- Line food baskets with parchment or create parchment paper cones for to-go snacking. To make a cone, roll a rectangle into a cone shape, then use tape to secure the edge. Add cheesy nachos, fries, onion rinds, popcorn and other greasy food to the parchment cones or lined baskets, and you can snack without worrying about grease seeping through.
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