Clean Your Pyramid Pan The Right Way

Cleaning a burnt pan can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to restore your cookware to its original condition. One popular method involves using a combination of baking soda and vinegar, bringing them to a boil in the pan, and then scrubbing away the burnt residue. Another approach is to use lemons, either boiled in water or cut in half and used to scour the pan with baking soda. For more stubborn stains, creating a paste with baking soda and water, or using aluminium foil and baking soda, can effectively remove burnt-on food. Additionally, dishwasher tablets, dryer sheets, and even soda can be used to tackle tough stains. While it may take some effort and experimentation, these methods can help you clean your pyramid pan and restore its shine.

Baking soda and vinegar

To clean a pyramid pan with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove Debris

Remove as much food debris from the pan as possible. For stubborn debris, heat the pan on the stove until a droplet of water sizzles on the surface. Then, add a mixture of half water and half white vinegar and allow it to boil. Use a spatula or scraper to dislodge any remaining bits of burnt food.

Step 2: Deglaze

Pour the liquid down the sink and do not dry or wipe the pan. Instead, sprinkle the bottom of the pan liberally with baking soda and let the pan cool. The alkaline baking soda will react with the acidic vinegar, creating a fizzing reaction that helps loosen burnt food.

Step 3: Scrub

Using a wet scouring sponge or nylon brush, scrub the pan vigorously. The baking soda will act as a mild abrasive, helping to remove stubborn stains and scorched oil.

Step 4: Wash and Dry

Once all stains and scorch marks have been removed, wash and dry the pan as normal.

Alternative Method:

If the above method does not completely clean your pan, try the following alternative:

Step 1: Boil Vinegar

Add enough white vinegar to your pan to cover the bottom with at least half an inch of liquid. Bring the vinegar to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Remove the pan from the heat and add one cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction, so it is best to do this in the sink. The fizzing action helps to lift caked-on food residue.

Step 3: Soak and Scrub

Set the pan aside and wait for the fizzing and bubbling to stop. Then, discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Rinse the pan clean and dry it.

Tips:

• For persistent stains, create a baking soda paste by adding a few tablespoons of baking soda to the pan and enough water to form a paste. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub away the caked-on residue with a sponge or brush.
• Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, oven cleaners, bleach, or strong abrasive cleaners, as these can scratch your cookware.
• Thoroughly dry your pan immediately after cleaning to prevent the development of water spots and dried, white calcium spots.

Boiled lemons

Selecting and Preparing Lemons

Choose firm, heavy, unwaxed medium or large lemons. Wash the lemons thoroughly before use to remove any dirt or residue.

Boiling Process

Place the washed lemons in a pan and cover them with water. As the lemons will float, it is recommended to cover the pan during cooking. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer or boil the lemons for around 20 minutes. For a softer consistency, you can boil them for up to 30 minutes. To prevent the lemons from floating, you can use a plate to keep them submerged or simply use a lid.

Using Boiled Lemons

Once boiled, carefully remove the lemons from the water using a large spoon and set them aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, cut the lemons open and remove the seeds and pips. At this stage, you can use the boiled lemons in a variety of ways:

• Whole: Boiled lemons can be added whole to stews, tagines, and baked dishes, infusing a rich lemon flavour.
• Chopped: Chopped boiled lemons are excellent in salads, vegetable dishes, or even pureed for sauces, dressings, marinades, and drinks.
• Squeezed: The juice from boiled lemons can be used as a tangy citrus addition to various dishes and drinks.

Storage

Health Benefits of Boiled Lemons

While scientific studies on the specific health benefits of boiled lemons are limited, lemons themselves are rich in vitamin C and various other vitamins and minerals. Consuming boiled lemons may offer potential health benefits, such as improved skin, boosted immunity, and even weight loss.

Pyramid Pan Cleaning

Now, let's shift our focus to the Pyramid Pan. This innovative product is a food-grade, heat-resistant silicone baking mat designed to make oven cooking and cleaning a breeze. The Pyramid Pan allows for even heat circulation, ensuring your food cooks evenly. Additionally, the fat and grease drain to the bottom, leaving your food light and crispy.

When it comes to cleaning the Pyramid Pan, the process is straightforward. You can simply wash it with hot or warm water and soap, or you can place it in the dishwasher. The Pyramid Pan's non-stick properties make cleaning effortless, and you'll never have to scrub your oven again!

Dishwasher tablets

To clean a pyramid pan with dishwasher tablets, follow these steps:

Firstly, make sure your pan is dry. If you have just used the pan, let it cool down before cleaning it.

Then, wet the dishwasher tablet with warm water and start rubbing it onto the burnt areas of the pan. Be sure to wear gloves during this process. You can also add a tiny bit of water to the pan and warm it up on low heat before removing it from the hob and rubbing the tablet across the burnt-on bits.

For more heavily soiled pans, place two dishwasher tablets on the side of the pan you wish to clean and wrap them in aluminium foil. Then, sit the pan in water overnight, ensuring the water gets into the foil.

Finally, rinse the pan and wash it with warm soapy water.

This method is a simple and effective way to clean your pyramid pan, removing even the most stubborn burnt-on marks.

Aluminium foil and baking soda

Step 1: Rinse the Pan with Hot Water

Firstly, rinse your dirty pyramid pan with hot water. This initial rinse will help to loosen any burnt-on food and grease, making it easier to remove. Make sure to use hot water as it is more effective in breaking down the burnt residue.

Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda

After rinsing, generously sprinkle 2 tablespoons of baking soda onto the surface of the pan. Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is a mild alkali that can help to cut through grease and grime. It is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that is safe to use on various surfaces, including your pyramid pan.

Step 3: Add Hot Water to Form a Paste

Add a few teaspoons of hot water back into the pan to create a paste-like consistency with the baking soda. The paste will allow the baking soda to adhere to the surface of the pan and provide a gentle abrasive effect when scrubbing.

Step 4: Scrub with Aluminium Foil

Now, it's time to scrub! Take a golf ball-sized piece of crumpled aluminium foil and use it as a scrubbing tool. Scrub the pan in a circular motion, applying moderate pressure. The aluminium foil will act as a scouring pad, providing enough friction to remove the burnt-on residue without damaging the surface of the pan.

Step 5: Rinse with Hot, Soapy Water

Once you have removed all the burnt debris, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water. This final rinse will remove any remaining residue and baking soda, leaving your pyramid pan clean and ready to be used again.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• If necessary, repeat the process for any stubborn spots or heavily burnt areas.
• For an even more effective clean, you can also add a few drops of vinegar to the baking soda paste. The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a chemical reaction that can help break down tough, burnt-on food.
• Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with baking soda to protect your hands.
• Ensure the room is well-ventilated when working with vinegar to avoid any strong odours.

Deglazing technique

Deglazing is a cooking technique that is used to clean a pan while also creating a delicious sauce. It is done by pouring a liquid, usually cold, into a hot pan that still has food particles stuck to the bottom. The liquid helps to release the food particles from the pan, infusing the liquid with flavour. This flavoured liquid can then be used as a sauce.

To deglaze a pan, first remove any meat, fish, or vegetables from the pan and pour off any excess fat or oil. If you are making a sauce, add any aromatic ingredients, such as shallots or fresh herbs. Then, pour in a small amount of cold liquid—enough to cover the bottom of the pan by about a quarter of an inch. You can use water, wine, broth, stock, juice, or vinegar for this.

Turn the heat to medium and bring the liquid to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen any remaining food particles. Continue to simmer the liquid until it has reduced by half. If you are using alcohol, make sure it has cooked off completely before adding cream or butter to finish your sauce.

It is important to note that you should not use a non-stick pan for deglazing, as the ingredients need to stick to the pan to create flavour. Additionally, if your food is burning, deglaze the pan with water, clean it, and start again with new oil.

Frequently asked questions