QUESTION -- I have some favourite baking sheets and muffin pans. They are shiny aluminum, but they tend to become brown and have developed a sticky coating. Because they are my favorites, I would really like to clean them and make them shiny again. Is there any way to do that? Thanks for your help. Carol, Sarto
ANSWER -- You can clean your baking sheets by using a combination of baking soda and dish soap. Scrub with an abrasive cloth. If the shiny finish is gone, you will likely not bring it back. In the restaurant business people use steel wool to scrub non-coated aluminum baking sheets. Some people have had great results by cleaning sheets with oven cleaner in a ventilated area. Or use Barkeepers Friend, testing on an inconspicuous area first. To make cleaning easier in the future, line pans with parchment paper, spray them with non-stick coating, grease them with oil or purchase a silicone sheet.
QUESTION -- My husband and I need to settle an argument, how often should I replace my fire extinguisher? Sarah, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- You only need to replace a fire extinguisher if it needs replacing. With that said, fire extinguishers should be maintained at least once a year or when specifically indicated by an inspection. This is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. If the extinguisher is damaged or needs recharging, replace it immediately.
QUESTION -- I am having a dinner party and would like to make cheesecake for dessert. Can you tell me if I can quadruple my cheesecake recipe and bake the cake in a large rectangle pan? Brittany, Winnipeg
ANSWER -- It's not a good idea, the cheesecake will brown on the sides and the centre will remain under-baked. You are better off using a round spring form pan and baking several cakes (one at a time). Here is another cheesecake tip: After baking cheesecakes, partially freeze them. Doing this will make cutting easier and you will end up with professional-looking slices.
QUESTION -- What can I use to clean billiard balls. Any help would be great. Doug, Rosenort
ANSWER -- Some people have great results by putting billiard balls into the dishwasher. However, due to the bleach in dishwasher detergent, this seems a little risky. All you really need is dish soap and water. Rinse and wipe dry. You can also use window cleaner or purchase professional cleaners, but they will run about $50 per bottle.
Fabulous Tips of the Week:
After baking or frying bacon, place a few pieces of stale bread inside a pan and put the bacon on the bread. Doing this will absorb the bacon grease. Discard the bread.
Speaking of bread: save bread ends to make your own croutons (or crumbs). Brush both sides of bread with melted butter or olive oil, sprinkle on garlic, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Cut bread into cubes. Arrange the pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes.
Poke holes in homemade pizza dough crusts before baking. You will have crispier crusts.
Bake rice in the oven, it takes longer but you will not end up with half of the rice sticking to the bottom of your pan as long as you grease the pan before adding rice.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Check out my website Reena.ca.
