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How does parchment paper compare
to waxed paper?
Q: In certain recipes, it calls for parchment paper.
How does that compare to wax paper, can I use that instead of
parchment paper?
A: Although parchment paper and waxed paper can sometimes
be used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Waxed paper
is actually tissue paper which is coated on both sides with a
paraffin wax. The wax helps the paper resist moisture and grease.
Waxed paper will melt or burn if it comes in direct contact with
a heat source.
Parchment paper is paper that
is coated with silicone, making it moisture and grease resistant.
It is commonly used to line cookie sheets. Unlike waxed paper,
it can withstand exposure to temperatures up to 420°F (210°C)
in the oven, so it is used in cooking e n papillotte, which means
cooked in paper. The paper will brown when exposed to direct
heat, but won't burn. However, it should not be used above 420°F
(210°C) or under the broiler.
Both waxed paper and parchment
paper may be used to line the bottom of cake pans to make it
easier to remove cakes from a pan, especially since the paper
will be greased and floured, but I would not recommend waxed
pan for lining cookie sheets.
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