Alton Brown Has The Ultimate, Mess-Free Tip For Flouring A Pan When Baking

Alton Brown, the renowned culinary expert, has shared a clever and efficient tip for flouring a pan when baking, which promises to eliminate mess and ensure even coverage. This innovative method is particularly useful for those who often find themselves struggling with the traditional approach of dusting flour directly onto a greased pan. Brown suggests using a bit of parchment paper as a tool to help distribute the flour evenly. First, grease the pan thoroughly to ensure the flour adheres properly. Then, place a piece of parchment paper larger than the pan itself over the greased surface. Add a small amount of flour to the center of the parchment. By gently tilting and tapping the pan, the flour spreads out evenly across the greased surface, guided and contained by the parchment. Once the flour is evenly distributed, any excess can be removed by lifting the parchment and shaking out the surplus, leaving behind a perfectly floured pan. This method minimizes waste and keeps your kitchen counter clean, making it an ideal solution for bakers looking to streamline their preparation process. Brown's tip is a testament to his knack for simplifying complex tasks in the kitchen, allowing even novice bakers to achieve professional results.
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A flour-free, grease-free, mess-free option

Flouring isn't the only way to ensure your finished cake releases easily from the pan without leaving crumbs behind. Another effective method is to line your pans with parchment paper, and Alton Brown's "EveryDayCook" offers a helpful tip for bakers who choose this approach. (Keep in mind that while parchment works well for many pan shapes, it’s not suitable for Bundt or tube pans. However, if you're using a rectangular, round, or even heart-shaped cake pan, continue reading.)

To secure the parchment in place, you can butter the pan before laying down the paper, but Alton Brown recommends using water instead if you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning a greasy pan later. Simply spray the pan with water, then place the parchment paper on top. (Be sure to check out these tips for effective parchment-lining techniques.) The water will keep the paper in position, preventing it from shifting when you pour in the batter, which could result in exposed areas that may stick.

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