If there was ever a product in my mind that deserved the Simple Genius Award it would be the silpat. In its simplest use it replaces parchment paper or greasing your baking tray to ensure your cookies don’t stick. But it does more than that – use it as a nonstick surface for making pie crusts, bread dough or as a resting surface for sticky sugar work like like caramel and toffee.
Made of woven glass fibers that have been impregnated with silicone, this little baking mat can withstand temperatures of up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Washable and re-useable, it’s perfect for sweet and savory applications, and it sure beats buying parchment paper every few weeks!
Pros: It’s a durable money saver that’s easy to clean and store – just roll it up and wrap a rubber band around it to save space.
Cons: Discoloration occurs after a while. Do not fear though – it does not affect the taste of your food.