Five Tips for Using Aluminum Foil

Wrapping Pointers

• Aluminum foil molds easily to accommodate different shapes and sizes of food. Because it is metal, it provides good moisture, odor and vapor barriers if properly and tightly sealed. However, it is easily pierceable by surrounding packages or simple handling, so first wrap foods in plastic to ensure optimum protection from the food drying out or developing freezer burn. Avoid using aluminum foil to wrap acidic foods like those that contain tomatoes or vinegar as they will eat through the foil and give it a tin flavor and unattractive appearance.

Lining Hints

• For easy cleanup during baking or broiling, line broiler pans or baking sheets with foil to catch spills and drippings and prevent them from sticking to bakeware surfaces. To easily remove dense baked goods, such as bar cookies, cakes and brownies, from square cake pans, line the pans with foil before adding the dough or batter. Crisscross two sheets of foil along the bottom and sides of the pan, and leave enough foil hanging on the sides to lift the finished product from the pan. Spray the foil in the pan with cooking spray, and lift the baked goods from the pan after they have cooled.

Baking Advice

• To give cookies or rolls crispier bottoms, line cookie sheets with foil and spray with cooking spray. Place the items on top of the foil, and place into a preheated oven. The foil lining increases the heat underneath the cookies or rolls and gives them crunchier bottoms.

Grilling Suggestions

• Tightly wrap small pieces or portions of food in aluminum foil, and grill them alongside meats, fish or poultry, turning occasionally. Poke a few holes in the foil to let the flavors of the barbecue smoke add extra taste to the food.

Shiny Vs. Dull Side Tips

• Aluminum foil usually has a shiny side and a dull side. Store foods in the refrigerator or freezer with the shiny side out so warmer temperatures are deflected. If you are heating foods in foil, wrap them with the shiny side out to reflect and increase the heat. To keep cooked foods warm, place them on the shiny side of the foil for wrapping so the heat reflects back into the food and keeps it warm for longer periods.