web analytics

Gifts and Good Advice

Posted on

I like baking for other people for a variety of reasons. Namely, I like baking and, generally, people enjoy eating what I make. This means that occasionally I will buy odd containers and plates that can be given away or used to store/carry baked goods.
I picked up the neat paper loaf pans shown above at Sur La Table around the holidays, optimistically thinking that I would have lots more time and be baking little (ok, not that little) loaves for everyone. Needless to say, this never really happened. So I used them today to make little zucchini breads for a friend and for my grandfather.
I love these “pans”; they’re disposable, cute, light and I don’t have to grease them. Indeed, I’m not sure it would be advisable to grease a paper pan.

Speaking of advice, a reader recently sent me some advice in return for my advice on how to return a leftover slice of pizza to it’s former glory (read: reheat pizza in the oven). I thought I would post it here:

You know over the years I have used many ovens in many different situations and perhaps you can benefit in some way from my experience. So here I give you my top 5 things to not cook/heat in the oven.
# 5. Plastics is not a good idea. Long lasting unwanted smell.
# 4. Any kind of footwear. From flip flops to motorcycle boots
# 3. Anything basically that warns “Harmful If Swallowed”.
Especially anything that could be considered a solvent.
#2. Pelts are real bad if burnt.
# 1. Watermellon. Trust me, do not do this.

And my advice? To reheat your pizza and get a crisp crust, take it from the fridge and put it onto a baking sheet into a (preheated, if possible) 375F oven on convection bake. Remove after about 5 minutes, when cheese is melty. If for some reason your pizza slice is frozen, defrost in the microwave first.
Heat your watermelon separately.

Share this article

1 Comment
  • Jessica
    March 8, 2005

    Actually, my fav way to reheat pizza is to put it in a pan over low heat, cover, and let the cheese melt for about 10 min. The bottom gets crispy while the rest of the dough is soft and airy. It even makes Domino’s pizza taste good! It’s a great way to reheat sandwiches too (except I separate the halves).

What do you think?

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *