Smartware brand cookware comes in flexible silicone shapes, unlike traditional cooking and baking pans that come in firm metal or glass varieties. Smartware cookware safely cooks dishes in the oven or microwave, stores them in the refrigerator or freezer and washes clean in the dishwasher. Because of its versatility, Smartware appeals to cooks with limited time to spend in the kitchen. Learn how Smartware differs from your traditional cookware and it may replace some of your older pans.
Preparation
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Before using Smartware cookware, make sure it's clean and dry. Because the silicone cookware can attract dust, it may need to be rinsed and toweled dry before use, even if it was put away clean after its last use. Spray Smartware with nonstick cooking spray before use. Although food releases easily from the silicone pans, a bit of nonstick cooking spray helps ensure its release in one piece on the first try.
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Oven Use
After filling the Smartware cookware with your recipe for baking, place Smartware on a firm baking sheet before placing it in the oven. Because a silicone pan doesn't have the firmness of traditional metal or ceramic bakeware, it may shift or bend if you try to remove it directly from the oven. Placing it on a baking sheet allows you to remove the Smartware on the baking sheet, preventing spills and burns from the flexible pan. Bake dishes in Smartware cookware at the same temperature you would in a metal or glass pan.
Storage Use
Smartware cookware sets come with lids that fit the pans so that you can store prepared dishes right in the pans used to cook them. Without lids, wrap the pans in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep foods fresh during storage in the refrigerator or freezer. Smartware's flexibility makes it safe for storage at cold temperatures in the refrigerator or freezer, as well as at room temperature.
Care and Cleaning
Hand-wash Smartware cookware using any dish-washing detergent, or clean it in the dishwasher. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Since most food releases easily from Smartware's silicone surfaces, abrasive cleaners and long soaking periods won't be necessary. If you air-dry Smartware, water spots may form on the surface. These spots won't harm the function of Smartware. Simply wipe them clean or dry the Smartware with a towel after cleaning it.
Warnings
Smartware cookware bakes and stores food but don't use it on a stove top or grill. Smartware cookware can't handle direct heat. Don't use Smartware at oven temperatures higher than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't slice bread baked in Smartware directly in the pan or you risk slicing through the silicone. Avoid sharp metal utensils to avoid scratching the cookware's surface.