Baking in Tin Cans
Tin cans can be used to bake a variety of cakes, breads, muffins and other foods. The key to using tin cans for baking is to make sure the paper label is removed and that the interior is not showing any signs of rust. You may also need a shallow pan, such as a cookie sheet, to keep the tin cans in place without tipping over in the oven.
Items:
Various sized tin cans
Metal kitchen scrubby
Vegetable shortening
Paper towels
Cookie sheet
Hot pads or oven mitts
Wire rack
One
Wash and remove the paper label from the tin cans. Use a metal kitchen scrubby to remove any label glue that remains on the outside of the can. Dry the cans thoroughly to prevent rust from forming.
Two
Grease the inside of the can with vegetable shortening before baking. Use a paper towel to distribute the shortening into the creases and seams of the can.
Three
Place the cans on a cookie sheet or in a shallow baking dish before adding the recipe to the cans. Pre-heat the oven to the desired temperature while filling the cans.
Four
Fill the cans in the same way you would fill muffin tins, cake pans or other baking pans for the recipe you are making. If making bread, the dough should fill approximately 1/3 of the can to allow for rising. Muffins, cup cakes and other cake batters can be filled to 3/4 full.
Five
Bake the recipe as called for in the instructions. Begin testing for doneness 10 minutes earlier than the stated cooking time.
Six
Remove the tin cans from the oven and, using hot pads or oven mitts, place the cans on a wire rack to cool.
Words to the Wise:
Some foods, such as prepared meat loaves, can be baked right in the can. Simply open the can, place on a cookie sheet and bake for the time stated on the label.
A 3 pound coffee can will substitute easily for a loaf pan when baking bread.
Make individual sized cakes for parties or other occasions by dividing the cake batter between empty tuna fish cans.
Small 6 ounce mushroom cans can substitute for muffin or cup cake pans.
Never attempt to bake an unopened can. The vacuum in the can may allow botulism to thrive.
