Stuff You Need

Sorry guys...or the two or three of you who read my blog...I originally intended the "Stuff You Need" feature to be on Mondays. But this week has been crazy, so I hope you won't abandon me for doing "Stuff You Need" on Wednesdays from time to time.

So, I know it's been killing you. What do you need now? You need...

a Silpat!

What the heck is a Silpat? It's a super-nonstick baking mat made of fiberglass mesh and silicone. You never need to grease it. Nothing will stick to it...nothing. They're perfect for biscuits and cookies. Don't you hate it when you bake cookies or biscuits and the bottoms get too brown and then stick? Not anymore...you'll have perfect bottoms that slide right off the baking mat! Have you ever seen those baking challenges on Food Network? You know where they try to build a practically life-sized building out of cereal and marshmallows or something equally crazy? Well...when those chefs are making sugar decorations, what do they use to mold their sugar on? A Silpat! Because NOTHING will stick.

One thing I need to make sure you understand...this thing is not a cutting board. If you cut on it, you could release the fiberglass mesh into the food, and that can't be good for you. They're strictly for baking.

Where can you get a Silpat? (Or two...because you need at least two.) Mine came from Bed, Bath, and Beyond as a wedding gift. They're also sold at Sur la Table, Williams-Sonoma, Macy's, and a ton of other places. They come in different shapes and sizes (even an octogon shaped one for the microwave!), and you can check those out, as well as a list of FAQs at http://www.silpat.com/.