How to Use Parchment Paper in the Oven

Parchment paper (also called "Bakery Paper") is a white, heavy-duty, non-stick paper that's used in cooking and baking. It's specially made to be resistant to heat and moisture. When it's manufactured, it's treated with sulfuric acid to make it durable. It's then coated with a silicone material. Parchment paper costs more than aluminum foil, wax paper or plastic wrap, but it has many more uses. That and you can use parchment paper in place of wax paper, but not vice-versa. Read this informative article and find out how to use parchment paper in the oven:

1. Baking Cookies

Due to its durability, parchment paper can do double-duty when it comes to cookie baking. First, place a sheet on the counter to roll the dough out on. Then, line the cookie sheet with the parchment paper instead of using grease. Fit the paper inside the sheet so it doesn't hang out over the edges. Finally, remove the parchment paper, flip it over, and roll out another batch of cookies.

2. Baking a Cake

Place the cake pan on a sheet of parchment paper. Trace around the outside bottom of the pan with a pencil; cut along the lines. Place the paper inside the pan and grease the sides if necessary. Fill the prepared pan with the cake batter and bake it in the oven. Remove the parchment paper after the cake has cooled.

3. Decorating the Cake

Fold a square piece of parchment paper into a triangle, and then into a cone shape. Staple the cone together so it holds its shape. Fill this makeshift pastry bag with frosting. Snip off the tip and squeeze it to dispense the frosting.

4. Mess- Free Liners

Use parchment paper to line baking sheets and pans to keep foods from sticking. It also makes clean-up a breeze! The next time you bake a pan of coated poultry or fish, or oven-roast tomatoes, simply line the pan first.

Helpful Tips

1. To bake a half-sheet of cookies, cut the paper down so it doesn't extend out past the number of cookies you're baking.

2. Parchment paper is safe to use in oven temperatures up to 420 - 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the package for the exact temperature. Make sure the paper doesn't touch the oven wall or the elements.

Parchment paper is safe to use in a convection oven, but not under a broiler or in a toaster oven.

Resources

http://www.reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/parchment_paper/en/faq_detail.asp

http://reynoldspkg.com/reynoldskitchens/en/faq_detail.asp?info_page_id=756&prod_id=1799&cat_id=1337

http://www.thecitycook.com/cooking/advice/general/000016