:: Order in the Kitchen: Parchment Wrappers ::

DIY Country Style Parchment Paper Wrappers

:: Megann's Kitchen :: 

:: DIY parchment paper wrappers by megann's kitchen ::

There is something about having a stash of your own home-made wrappers in the pantry that adds to the country style of your baking. Our grandmothers would have used parchment liners like these if they had no "bought" ones in the pantry, however they have now become a trend. These delightful DIY parchment paper wrappers have become so popular the world over, that they now can be bought pre-made & packaged. You will see them everywhere - from patisseries & cafes to a home kitchen like mine. I adore these wrappers as they add a visual homely, warm touch to each muffin.
They are oh-so easy to make, so next time you are feeling crafty, grab a roll of baking paper, ruler, stanley knife, cups & get making!

Equipment:
1 x 30 cm (12 inches) wide roll baking/parchment paper
1 x metal ruler
1 x stanley knife, craft scalpel or scissors
2 x cups (I use my toddler's plastic Tupperware bell tumblers)
1 x muffin tin

:: 15cm squares of parchment paper ::

Step #1
:: The first thing to do is cut your paper into 15cm (6 inch) squares. Once you have your desired number of papers, place carefully in a pile.
 

:: pull down, pleating at the sides ::

Step #2
:: Turn your cup upside down & place a sheet of parchment paper over the top. Making sure the sheet is centred, pull down firmly, pleating at the sides & smooth.

:: re-enforce for sharp pleats ::

:: slowly separate your cups ::

 Step #3
:: Re-enforce the pleats by placing a second cup over the top. Carefully separate the cups to reveal your wrapper.

:: double check your sizing & if correct, make up reserves ::

Step #4
:: Double check the first wrapper that you make by placing into your muffin tin. Does it fit in beautifully? Repeat Step #2 and Step #3 with remaining sheets!

:: making enough for my next batch of muffins ::

Kitchen Notes:
:: The cups used can be any cup that measures 5cm or 2" at the base & fits into your desired muffin tin.
:: Whist watching TV at night, I like to make up a large quantity for my next couple of batches of muffins so they are pre-prepared & ready to go.
:: The parchment papers can be bought pre-cut from industrial stores or online, however I have only found them in packs of 1000.
:: This could be a great project for kids to help with. As they tuck into their next batch of Blueberry Muffins or Apple & Pear Crumble Muffins, they will know that they helped contribute!

:: blueberry muffins ::

:: blueberry muffins :: 



:: apple & pear crumble muffins ::



Source: Follow on to Martha Stewart's Website for some good ideas.
Pre-Made Wrappers: Donna Hay Packaged Parchment Papers, follow on to the general store to purchase. 
Tupperware Bell Tumblers: Sourced through my local Tupperware representative.

:: Order in the Kitchen ::

Freezer Labels

:: Megann’s Kitchen ::



:: my favourite freezer labels ::



 “Is this pizza sauce, pasta sauce or Moroccan lamb?” I said to my husband squinting through the Tupperware container trying to figure out the frozen contents. I had made a double batch of pizza dough & we were making fresh pizzas for some friends that evening. I had also pre-made some pizza sauce and frozen it, yet all those red, tomatoey based sauces seem to look very similar when frozen. “No, this has got to be it.” I said confidently picking a container. “I must have put it in this the red one, it matches the pizza maker.” Needless to say, Moroccan lamb pizzas were added to the menu that night.

It was then one fine day that I was spending an hour (or two) on Martha Stewart’s web site & I came across some freezer labels. These “Freezer Labels” help me immensely in the kitchen in so many ways. I simply circle the date when I freeze leftovers & pre-prepared meals for my toddler, sticky tape the label to make it frost proof, trim the edges & stick it on.



:: healthy meals frozen for my little guy ::



It not only helps me label in the freezer but also helps me in the fridge. Making up a number of meals? Have a large family to communicate to? People with diet restrictions in the family? These freezer labels are great for forgetful minds, busy lives & can solve some big headaches.

When taking food parcels for friends, I also re-label the side with a “Best Before” date if the food isn’t frozen for them. It is just so that they don’t leave it sitting in their fridge for too long & know when exactly to throw it out.



:: freezer labels cut & ready to use ::



How to use: I print them out, cut them up with a metal ruler and Stanley knife (or you can cut them with scissors) & keep a stock of them for when I am in need of them. It is also suggested to print them on to self adhesive paper, an option which I haven’t done yet but would be very convenient.

 

:: kept in a zip lock bag with magnet on the side of fridge ::



:: the magnet easy to attach with sticky tape ::



Handy Hint: I print a few pages at a time & prepare them so they are ready to use. I keep them in a zip lock bag with an old fridge magnet attached to it on the side of the fridge with a pen so they are at the ready when I make meals.

Source: Martha Stewarts Website of clip art & good things

Sistema 200ml containers- 3 pack