What To Use If You Run Out Of Aluminum Foil In A Bind
Aluminum foil is incredibly versatile and a staple in most homes. It is used not only for baking but also for food storage. The material is moldable and can be used to create a makeshift storage container or be placed on top of one when you lose a lid. You probably keep your kitchen stocked with aluminum foil, but what about those times when you forget to purchase it? Instead of rushing to your local supermarket to buy more, you can use alternatives like silicone baking mats, beeswax food wraps, parchment paper, or wax paper if you have them on hand instead.
Of course, these alternatives do not work exactly the same way that aluminum foil does. The silicone baking mats, for example, are not moldable and cannot be wrapped around storage containers or baking dishes. However, they can be used to line bakeware, similar to aluminum foil. While these options may not be quite as versatile as foil, they are great alternatives for when you find yourself in a bind.
You might also be interested in aluminum foil alternatives because of the metal's negative impact on the environment. Bauxite, the material that aluminum is refined from, is often mined in rainforests. Large areas of this tropical land are cleared as part of the bauxite mining process. Clearly, there are multiple benefits to exploring aluminum foil alternatives.
Consider these alternatives when you run out of aluminum foil
You may still be able to pull off your recipe flawlessly even after running out of aluminum foil because there is a chance that you have one of these alternatives in your kitchen. If you need to line bakeware, silicone baking mats or parchment paper are both viable options, depending on what you're baking. Keep in mind that aluminum foil absorbs heat, so it can make the bottom of your food crispier when used to line bakeware. You will not get that same effect with these alternatives, but depending on what you're making, that might be a plus.
Silicone baking mats are a great option for those with environmental concerns because they are reusable. These mats are also non-stick, which simplifies cleanup. To use a silicone baking mat, simply place it on top of appropriately sized bakeware and bake as you normally would. You should clean your mat with warm or hot water and a gentle dish soap after each use. You can also place parchment paper on the bottom of your baking sheets or pans the same way as aluminum foil, and as a bonus, it results in more even baking. It is even non-stick, and you can use each sheet a maximum of three times, reducing unneeded waste.
What to use to store food when you run out of aluminum foil
As we also use aluminum foil to store food, there are several alternatives like beeswax food wraps, parchment paper, or wax paper that can protect leftovers, too. Of course, plastic or glass food storage containers are also an option that you likely already have at home.
Let's start with beeswax food wraps. This environmentally friendly choice is particularly impressive because the material is moldable, just like aluminum foil. To store food with these wraps, simply use the warmth of your hands to mold them around the tops of jars, containers, or even directly around cheeses or fruits. Remember that beeswax food wraps should never be exposed to extreme heat as they will melt. Wash the wraps with soap and warm water between uses.
While parchment paper can be used to line bakeware, it can also be used to wrap food to store in your fridge. However, it is not nearly as moldable as aluminum foil or beeswax food wraps. You may need to get creative when wrapping your food with parchment paper to ensure it stays in place. Try sealing the paper with a twist tie or rubber band. As for wax paper, this material is great to use to protect your food when storing it in the fridge or freezer, but keep in mind that it will only protect food from being freezer-burned for a few months. Never expose wax paper to direct heat.