Kitchen Gadget Love: Silpat Mat

For some time now, I've been thinking about periodically devoting a post to favorite kitchen tools or gadgets. At least for me, I love when I learn about new little things for use in the kitchen! Gives me things to ask for when family in the US want gift ideas, or directs my buying a bit when I'm in the US. I LOVE kitchen stores! Anyway, I thought I'd start with something simple that I use nearly every time I bake something! The Silpat mat.

Tracey B. first introduced me to these. Since then, I see them all the time on Top Chef or come across recipes that say to use one. I have a couple of these that fit perfectly on 2 different sizes of cookie sheets. Whenever I made breads like French Bread or buns, I just line the pan with these and don't grease it.

When I make recipes that call for you use parchment or wax paper, I just use one of these. A lot of people just cook their cookies right on them as well. I made some granola today and put one of these on the bottom of the pan to keep it from sticking. These are available in most kitchen stores around the US, Walmart and Target, on websites like Amazon, and I've even seen them in LogOn and CitySuper in Hong Kong!