Specialized Equipment

Reusable liners are useful because absolutely nothing sticks to them, making them ideal for caramel, meringues, and ladyfingers. See caramels and meringue. Sometimes called super-parchment or reusable parchment, they also make cleanup easy. Food service-quality Silpat, a combination of silicone and fiberglass, is not quite as nonstick as Teflon-type liners. However, it is more durable and is safe for temperatures up to 480°F (250°C), whereas the Teflon-type liner is rated as safe only up to 425°F (220°C). Parchment is ideal for lining the bottoms of cake pans. It enables the cake to release perfectly when unmolding and, if left uncoated, helps to remove the bottom crust easily for sponge cakes that will be brushed with syrup.