In most kitchens, you will find quite an assortment of pans. There are round ones, square ones, and rectangular ones. Many of these have been dedicated to using for baking cakes. However, you can use them for far more than merely cakes.
A bundt cake pan is similar to those used for angel food cakes. They are fluted and feature a post in the center. They were made for baking the many recipes for bundt cakes that became popular a few decades ago. However, they have many more uses. They can be used to produce a crusty bread that is a bit different than the same recipe baked in a regular bread pan. A simple meat loaf becomes transformed into a more elegant main course when prepared in a bundt. These types of pans can also be used to mold gelatin into a special dessert that is still easily prepared at the last moment.
Square cake pans are just right for numerous uses. They can be used to bake biscuits or cinnamon rolls. Most of the complete box dinners that are basically just pour and bake fit well in these pans. A square pan is also useful when making fudge, as it is about the perfect size to hold a cooling batch. It saves space in the refrigerator when you need to cool down a dish before serving, such as a macaroni salad.
A rectangular cake pan is among the most versatile pan in your kitchen. It can be used to bake a cake that is very easy to frost. But it is also just right for most casseroles, such as a tuna or enchilada casserole. The lidded type offers an excellent way to safely chill down devilled eggs before you transfer them to an open egg plate for serving. It also works well for meat loaf or to bake lasagna, a pot roast, or chicken with rice.
Shaped pans, such as cartoon characters, can be used to create special gelatin dishes. They are sometimes used to bake corn bread or to mold homemade candy. Basically any food that can be poured into the pan and then baked or cooled can be turned into a fun treat.
If you are going to make a layer cake, you will need round pans. But they can also hold a deep dish pot pie or a box of dehydrated potatoes. Rather than taking up oven space with a baking sheet, you can bake at least six rolls in a round pan.
Many cooks forget about these types of pans until it is time to make a cake. It is not unusual for these to be among the better quality pans owned. With imagination, they do not have to remain hidden in the cabinet but can be put to use every day.
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