hello friends
I have a question for you today. Not the most transcendant question in the world, but something that got me wondering for months now, and I'm thinking now only to ask for your opinion.
if you've known me for long enough or have been reading my blog for long enough, you'll know then that I have a soft spot for baking muffins. That's the one thing I can whip up without any problem, the one thing I feel comfortable baking without hesitation.
I mean both for the health AND for the pollution. I had opted for the silicon ones because of the amount of paper destined to the bin (and not even recyclable as the paper would be greasy or dirty) that paper cups involve. But now I really think about it twice. I feel like having no perfect solution. What is your opinion about this ? I really would love to know.
xoxo
Sonia
I have a question for you today. Not the most transcendant question in the world, but something that got me wondering for months now, and I'm thinking now only to ask for your opinion.
if you've known me for long enough or have been reading my blog for long enough, you'll know then that I have a soft spot for baking muffins. That's the one thing I can whip up without any problem, the one thing I feel comfortable baking without hesitation.
apple + chocolate chip muffins baked last Sunday
what is the best ? the silicon moulds or paper lining ? (may it be individual paper cups or parchment paper simply put in the bottom of a metal baking tray)
I mean both for the health AND for the pollution. I had opted for the silicon ones because of the amount of paper destined to the bin (and not even recyclable as the paper would be greasy or dirty) that paper cups involve. But now I really think about it twice. I feel like having no perfect solution. What is your opinion about this ? I really would love to know.
xoxo
Sonia
If I'm making muffins and not cupcakes, I prefer a greased tin without a liner or silicon. Given the choice between paper and silicon, I choose paper. Not because I think it's better or worse for the environment, but because silicon creeps me out. :)
ReplyDeleteI do the same as lisa above unless they are meant to be brought out to school or a party of some sort , then I use unbleached paper liners or natural parchment paper. The liners after use can be placed in the recycling bin or in the compost. Silicone in its pure form is non toxic and does not leach out into the food. It is really just a polymer of silica ( sand ) and oxygen (component of air). It is just as safe as using pyrex cookware which has been used for over a century with no health risks. What bothers me as a doctor, chemist, mother and citizen of the world is those *^*&%(*% artificial dyes they add to make them bright and cheerful.
ReplyDeleteWe don't need that!!! It is not the silicon that creeps me out it is the dyes!!!!!
Interesting. I have a silicon heart shaped muffin tray bought in the States just because it was too cute (and of course, a pretty red). The UK was quite slow to get silicon baking products, really only easily available the last couple of years. I've only used mine a few times and I've always wondered about the chemical side of silicon, thanks for the clarification Margie. To me the word silicon makes me think of beauty "enhancements" - which maybe creeps me out the most.
ReplyDeleteI normally use the unbleached papers in tins because then my tins last longer. My helpers will dig the muffins out with knives or forks or any old implement scratching up the tins, leading quickly to rust.
Such a good question Sonia.
I've thought the same thing as well, often. I don't use paper - for many reasons (the cost of buying them, the environmental cost; not just paper but also the dye and bleach used on them). I do currently use little silicon cupcake cases. I used to just use a metal muffin tin that I greased, but often had issues with the cakes sticking. {I like to make my recipes up, and sometimes they don't just slip out of the tins easily!}.
ReplyDeleteI haven't looked into the health issues of the silicon, for the reason that I probably don't want to know about it. I'm happy using them for now.
When I bake a cake or loaf I grease (butter) the tin and sometimes use the paper left over from the butter (which I save in the freeze when we're finished with them). I don't buy butter in a plastic tub, only wrapped in paper. Sometimes I use old brown paper bags to line a tin or a baking sheet, if I need, rather than using new baking paper.
It's hard isn't it. Working out which lines to draw and which things you can compromise on.
I do the same as Lisa and Margie. We rarely have cupcakes, but muffins are a constant. I use a pastry brush and oil the tin completely... even the top so that any overflow still slips right off. I loved hearing Margie's info about silicon as I've always been curious.
ReplyDeleteI won't use silicone moulds any more. I find they stick and make a mess of whatever I've baked. I thought it was just me who had no luck with silicone, but I was watching a cookery show and one of the contestants was using one, and Lo & Behold, his stuck and totally mucked up the muffins.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite thing to use is non stick foil. It really works, and after a brief wipe,can be put in the recycling bin. But I also use paper cups too. Sometimes there is no way around things.
Hope you are having a good day. Very cold here today, but may take the girl out for a brief stroll later, just to blow away the cobwebs!
lots of love xxx
(p.s thank you for your tweets yesterday, put a smile on my face) x
oh, forgot. I'm signed in elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteIt's me!
Sadie xxx
I have to say that I also follow Margie and Lisa's methods. I guess I am just leery of any newfangled "must-have", so I have been avoiding the silicone. I am glad to have the information that Margie shared about the dyes as now I have something to back up my aversion. :)
ReplyDeleteI cut paper squares, lay them ontop of a metal muffin tray. When I put the mixture in the paper squares push down and create a little case that looks nice ( I read it in a Nigella Lawson book). When I'm being quick I use paper cases. I don't use the silicon just because I like the way the metal tins look and feel. I'm an old fashioned kind of girl when it comes to things in the kitchen. x x x
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to mention that Silpat makes a lot of undyed transparent silicone bakeware, if the dyes worry you. I have a cookie sheet and a muffin pan and they seem to work great. I have looked at this dilemma too and can't seem to find how much resources/energy it takes to produce one reusable mat. It would be interesting to know how many dozens of muffins you have to make to break even compared to paper.
ReplyDeleteI have little individual muffin tins and I always put the mix straight in. They stick a little bit but if I'm just making them for myself then it doesn't matter too much. Silicone freaks me out a bit too although I have no idea about any health risks.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for raising this question, Sonia! And the comments have been really insightful and helpful. I use metal muffin tins with the paper liners if I'm taking muffins or cupcakes for a school or other function, without them if it's just for our own consumption. I have never used silicone because I worry about the off-gassing. See http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_safe_to_cook_or_bake_with_silicone_products.
ReplyDelete