Using Parchment With the Cinder Grill
Parchment paper is a versatile and inexpensive kitchen tool. It partners perfectly with the Cinder Grill. Here are a few ways to use parchment paper to improve the Cinder Grill’s capabilities:
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Cooking on parchment
During the time it takes to raise food to temperature on the Cinder, water-soluble proteins on the surface sometimes adhere to even the slickest grill plates. Small squares of parchment paper under the food keep the food’s surface separate from the plate. This prevents any sticking at all.
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Searing on parchment
Even if the food slides as cleanly off the plates as it should, searing heat may cause residue to stick. This can damage the nonstick surface. Parchment paper is heatproof to well over 500 F, and also not made of metal. This makes it a far better choice than aluminum foil (which could scratch the plates). Simply use the trusty technique of a small square, just a little wider and longer than the food, beneath the food while searing. Searing may take a few seconds longer, but the nonstick guarantee is worth it.
Photo credit Adisak Pochanayon
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Cooking with glazes
Glazes finish off a dish with a gleaming, appetizing surface. However, many contain sugars and proteins which can adhere to the best nonstick. Covering the entire plate with parchment contains any spillover of glaze and makes cleanup almost instant.
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Cooking en papillote
This method of cooking food inside a paper packet steams the food in its own juices. This produces enhanced flavor and delicate texture. It also results in a dramatic presentation, perfect for entertaining. Because the Cinder Grill cooks precisely to temperature, this technique works even more beautifully on a Cinder than in the oven. In fact, the Cinder Grill is the only indoor grill which can cook en papillote. Just use any recipe but set the Cinder to 50F lower than the oven temperature called for. Because the Cinder conducts heat through solid plates rather than air, it won’t require quite as much heat.
For ease of use, fold a wide sheet of parchment paper several times and cut along the edges. This makes a stack of single-use squares, which can be kept in a kitchen drawer and pulled out as needed. Using parchment paper with the Cinder Grill can raise perfection to new heights!