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Rolling pins are a must in every kitchen, but if you've never cooked or baked before, you might be unsure of how to use them. To make sure you get the most out of this practical instrument, here are the best ways to use a rolling pin.
Before we talk about how to use a rolling pin, let's first explain what it is.
A rolling pin is a simple kitchen tool used for flattening and shaping dough. It typically consists of a long, cylindrical rod made of wood, metal, or plastic. To use it, you place the dough on a flat surface, then roll the pin over the dough repeatedly until it reaches the desired thickness. They come in different sizes and shapes, but they all serve the same basic purpose.
Wondering how to use a rolling pin? Continue reading to find out:
A rolling pin is a handy tool for rolling out various types of dough, like cinnamon rolls, pizza, and cookie dough. It helps to flatten the dough evenly, which prevents uneven baking or burning. You can also use it for rolling out puff pastry and scones.
Rolling pins are great for making all sorts of crumbs, like graham and bread crumbs. Just put the food in a zip-top bag or wrap it in a tea towel, then roll it with the rolling pin. Even though you could use a food processor for this, a rolling pin makes the process easier.
Some rolling pins, like laser-cut or textured ones, have raised designs on their surface. These are used to decorate shortcrust pastry by imprinting patterns onto the dough. They're also handy for carving designs into fondant when decorating cakes.
A meat tenderizer is a piece of hand-powered equipment used to flatten various types of meat, mainly beef, and chicken, before cooking. They're usually heavy and need some pressure to work well. While meat tenderizers are the best for the job, rolling pins can also do the trick. Unlike a meat tenderizer, you can use a rolling pin to flatten the meat further after tenderizing it.
Just like crumbling, you can grind spices using a rolling pin instead of a mortar and pestle or an electric grinder. Just put the spices in a large zip lock bag, seal it, then crush or grind them with the rolling pin.
Now that you know the different uses of a rolling pin, here are the different types:
This is probably the most familiar rolling pin that most people recognize. It has two handles and is often called an American, or bakers', and standard rolling pin. Some newer versions have ball bearings that let the middle part roll independently from the handles, making it smoother and easier to use.
French rolling pins can be of two types: straight and tapered pin.
Tapered pins usually narrow towards the ends and don't have handles. They come in various sizes, with the very small tapered pins being just a few inches long, and often used for making dumplings.
Straight or dowel rolling pins are quite similar. The only difference is that straight French-style rolling pins are generally thicker and heavier than tapered ones.
As mentioned earlier, a textured rolling pin has raised decorations on its surface. Instead of flattening the dough, these rolling pins are mainly used for decoration. They have designs like swirls, hearts, or stars that leave impressions on the material they're rolled onto.
Precision rolling pins are excellent for precise baking tasks. They include small laser-etched lines similar to a ruler. These rolling pins bring together the best features of traditional rolling pins in one tool. For top-quality precision rolling pins suitable for all your cooking and baking needs, check out Pepe Nero.
Whether you are using a standard, textured, or a French pin, each of these can be made of different materials. Here are the different types:
These rolling pins are made entirely of wood and are likely found in most kitchens. While they're versatile for many kitchen jobs, they need careful handling. Unlike other materials, you can't wash them in the dishwasher or soak them in water.
Just like a regular wooden rolling pin, a marble rolling pin works the same way, except the cylinder is made of stone. Some of them have wooden handles, while others are made entirely of marble. This type is often preferred by those who like working with laminated dough and appreciate its aesthetic appeal.
Metal rolling pins are typically well-balanced and require less maintenance than wooden and marble ones. They work especially well for crushing, grinding, and rolling dough.
Apart from the materials mentioned earlier, rolling pins can also be made from plastic, glass, and silicone. Whatever material you pick, make sure it's comfortable to use and you can handle its weight easily.
Yes, absolutely! Rolling pins are perfect for rolling out pie crusts to achieve that ideal thickness for your pies.
It depends on the material. Wooden rolling pins should be wiped clean with a damp cloth and dried immediately. Metal and marble rolling pins can typically be washed with warm, soapy water and dried thoroughly. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific care guidelines.
Yes, you can! A rolling pin is great for rolling out fondant to cover cakes or for creating decorative elements. Just make sure to lightly dust the surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking.
It's not recommended. Rolling pins are typically used on room temperature or chilled dough to prevent sticking and maintain the dough's texture.
Lightly flouring the rolling pin and the work surface can help prevent sticking. You can also try rolling the dough between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap to minimize contact with the rolling pin.
As you can see above, rolling pins not only have different uses but they can also be made of different materials and can be of different types. If you're searching for a rolling pin that is versatile and can be used for practically everything, check out Pepe Nero.
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