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‘Tis the season to bake cookies, which implies ’tis additionally the season to take inventory of your baking provides. How previous is that field of baking soda anyway, and can it nonetheless work? Do you could have a full set of dry cups, or has one in every of them mysteriously wandered off? (In case you are me, it hasn’t wandered off, however has been put to make use of as a dog-food scooper.)
After all the important instrument for baking cookies is a cookie sheet (and we might argue that the best cookie sheet is actually a half-sheet pan). If it’s wanting dinged and dented, mottled with stains and a far cry from its former shiny self, it’s possible you’ll be tempted to throw it out and get a brand new one.
Don’t! Or somewhat — do get a brand new baking sheet on your cookies, however don’t throw that battered and blackened one out. Right here’s why.
1. Baking sheets are extraordinarily resilient.
For starters, as I just lately realized, there are only a few issues you are able to do to your baking sheet that’s irreversible. Just a few weeks in the past, I roasted a turkey for the very first time. It went nice and you may learn all about it, however then my evening took a little bit of a scary flip after I determined to crisp some turkey pores and skin below the broiler.
There have been firemen concerned (though I acted shortly sufficient that the one actual casualty was my satisfaction) and the turkey pores and skin and my baking sheet had been charred principally past recognition. My neighbor Arnold mentioned to me, “Geraldine, can I offer you a chunk of recommendation? Throw out your pan.”
However I didn’t throw it out. As a substitute, I soaked it in a single day in sizzling, soapy water. Within the morning, it nonetheless seemed fairly dangerous:
I made a decision to make use of my tried-and-true methodology of cleansing: salt and oil and a superb scrub. This obtained any gnarly raised bits off the floor, however the pan was nonetheless very black.
I attempted lemon juice and baking soda, individually after which collectively, after which I soaked it some extra. Then I scrubbed it some extra. And slowly, ever so slowly, I began to see actual indicators of progress.
Your pan might by no means be like new, however with a little bit elbow grease, you could possibly deliver it again to life.
2. Blackened baking sheets make higher roasted veggies.
However in case you can’t and it’s nonetheless stubbornly scarred and charred, you continue to shouldn’t give it the heave-ho. That’s as a result of a blackened baking sheet is great for roasting veggies. It helps obtain the short, deep browning that you really want for roasted greens (even when it’s not so nice for cookies).
3. Battered baking sheets can be utilized for non-cooking duties.
After I posted a photograph of my poor, patinated pan on Instagram, our meals editor Christine commented, “Hold it! Nice photograph floor.” Whereas this specific use won’t apply to everybody, there are many different instances when a sturdy tray is useful. Use it to clear the desk when firm comes; or to hold meat and to and from the grill. You would possibly even use it as a serving piece, the place it’s positive to spark dialog: Keep in mind that time I made a turkey and I set my oven on fireplace?
Do you retain an previous, ugly baking sheet in your kitchen?