Baking is a hobby many people enjoy. Thus, having the right tool makes everything even more exciting. If you happen to hate the hassle of prepping and cleaning your countertop when rolling out the dough, then how to use a pastry mat can prove useful for you. It is perfect for rolling and kneading just about any dough.
Silicone Pastry Mat
One of the most effective and popular baking mats is the silicone one. This high-grade tool can easily replace parchment paper due to its high heat resistance. Not only that, it’s a multi-function tool you can utilize in almost any kitchen process, thanks to its flexibility and non-stick features. It’s also a more economical option rather than purchasing disposable parchment and aluminum foil. So, how do you use a pastry mat?
Uses of Pastry Mat
As mentioned earlier, how to use a pastry mat varies on what you need it for. Since it can be a handy tool in your kitchen, anything you need a parchment or aluminum foil for, it can also do even more efficiently. Below are some of the uses of a pastry mat.
Rolling your dough
Using your countertop to roll different types of dough can be a lot of work. Silicone mats come in various sizes, and the largest size can be utilized for rolling the dough. The best thing about it? The non-stick features of the pastry mat will allow you a flawless kneading and prevent a messy countertop.
Home-made bread
If you want to make home-made bread but couldn’t locate your bread pans, utilize your pastry mat. How to use a pastry mat for making bread? Easy! Form your dough in any kind of bread you want. Dust it with flour and cut a few slices on top. Place in the oven, and you’ll have a tasty crusty bread.
Making your favorite pizza
That’s right! You can make your favorite pizza using a pastry mat without the bummer of cleaning pizza pans. That’s why opting for a silicone mat will make your life easier. How to use a pastry mat, you ask? Just place your pizza dough on top of your silicone mat, just like how you would do so in a pizza pan. Using a pastry mat will let you have a perfect-crusted pizza without the hassle of scrubbing a pan afterward.
Roasting vegetables
Another way on how to use a pastry mat is for roasting vegetables. The process is very easy. Just lay your vegetables on the pastry mat like what you do on a normal baking sheet. Roasting pans can be tricky to clean. So using a pastry mat instead can save you both your time and effort.
Roasting fat-free potatoes
Potatoes are a staple food many people love. They can be cooked in any way you like, from gourmet recipes to a simple deep-fried. However, if you are mindful of your calorie intake, you know it’s time to say goodbye to oil and grease. Using a pastry mat can help you come up with crispy potato fries without using too much oil.
Whipped cream ghost cocktail garnish
Silicone mats also have smaller sizes ideal for tarts, pies, and just about anything. Planning on throwing a cocktail party for your friends? Make your preparation easier by using a pastry mat for making whipped cream ghost cocktail garnish. The pastry mat is easy to slide into the freezer to let the ghosts set before garnishing your cocktails.
Chocolate drizzles
Being extra when baking a cake for your loved ones can be a bit time-consuming. However, if you have a handy pastry mat, you’ll save much on preparation. Prepare your icing bag with melted chocolate and place your pastry mat on the cookie sheet. Form different shapes using your icing bag and, once satisfied, put inside the fridge to harden. Once cooled, remove the shapes by peeling them from the silicone.
Baking cookies
Wondering how to use a pastry mat for baking cookies? Here’s how. Silicone mats come in different sizes and types. The one you need for baking cooking is those mats with markings. They allow you to get consistent spacing every time. Other types have measuring grids that are useful for all your baking needs—having these lines also make it easier for noob bakers to get the sizes accurate.
How to Care for your Pastry Mats
After learning how to use a pastry mat, it’s now time to know how to care for them. As previously mentioned, one advantage of using a pastry mat is the ease of cleaning. Here are some simple care guides to ensure your pastry mat lasts long.
- Clean the silicone mat with warm water, dish soap, and hang to dry.
- Once completely dry, you can store it flat or roll into a tube to save storage space.
- These mats are not intended to be cut or resized. Various sizes are available in case you need a smaller one.
- Generally, silicone mats can resist heat form -40º to 450º F.
- Use food grade silicone.
- They are non-stick, so no need for added oil.
Conclusion
Knowing how to use a pastry mat can be beneficial for your baking and cooking needs. This multi-function tool can help you go about with just anything without exerting too much effort. The best thing about it is it’s safe and economical. Forget about using rolls or parchment paper and aluminum foil. Utilizing your silicone pastry mat will definitely help you enjoy your baking session. Find out more about pastry mats.