Us bakers have this one highly important tool in our kitchen so that we can prepare our pies, pizzas, bread, and pastries in the best quality and taste they will have. That tool, of course, is a rolling pin. You can’t call yourself a baker if you don’t have one of these. I’m serious. For beginners, you’ll learn in this article the purpose of rolling pins, what are the kinds of rolling pins. You will also know more about French rolling pins, some of its benefits, and, most importantly, how to season a French rolling pin. Read on.
What are Rolling Pins For?
Rolling pins are long cylindrical utensils used to flatten various types of dough when you prepare bread rolls, pastries, pasta, and cookies. They are usually made from wood, ceramic, marble, or glass. It comes in various sizes and styles, but the standard one has handles securely attached to a rod or cylinder at the center that rolls freely. I cannot emphasize how this is one of the essential utensils for a baker, commercial, or retail baker for that matter.
Kinds of Rolling Pins
As mentioned, rolling pins come in many sizes and styles. It all depends on what suits you and what is easiest for you in the kitchen. Here are some of the kinds of rolling pins you can put in your kitchen:
- Classic Wooden Rolling Pin: This kind is generally made from wood and has a smooth, cylindrical roller and two handles. This rolling pin is the most popular rolling pin for beginner bakers. It easy to handle but heavy.
- Marble Rolling Pin: This rolling pin is made from, as the label says, marble, with wooden or even marble handles. If you want something visually fancy in your kitchen, this is the perfect rolling pin for you. However, it is heavier than the classic wooden rolling pin and conductive, which might complicate dough preparation.
- French Rolling Pin: This rolling pin is made from different materials, but it is usually made from wood, and it does not have handles. It is just a long stick with a thick middle part and tapered ends. This rolling pin is perfect for professional bakers because it requires experience to handle.
- Rolling Dowels: This rolling pin is like the French rolling pin. It is simple and effective. It is a long, smooth cylinder that is easy to clean.
Benefits of Using French Rolling Pins
Before we get to answer your question on how to season a French rolling pin, let us learn some of the benefits of a French rolling pin. French rolling pins are simple utensils compared to the other two kinds of rolling pins. Here are some of the advantages of French rolling pins:
- Simple design: Unlike those of the classic wooden rolling pin or the marble rolling pin, French rolling pins do not have handles and moving parts that will fall off or stop functioning over time due to the dough or flour accumulation.
- Easy use: French rolling pins are easy to use. You can put pressure either in the middle part or in the tapered ends to flatten your dough.
- Easy storage: French rolling pins are easy to store. With its simple cylindrical design, you do not have to worry about taking up space in your kitchen drawers.
- Easy clean: French rolling pins are easy to clean. You only wash them with hot water. No soap. Also, as mentioned, its simple design allows you to easily wipe away residue without having to check the nooks like in a classic wooden rolling pin.
How to Season Your Rolling Pins
Generally, wooden utensils, which include your French rolling pins, easily dry out, so the best way to maintain them and to make them waterproof is by seasoning it with block or coconut oil. Here are the steps on how to season a French rolling pin:
- You have to use oils that do not go rancid quickly. Professional bakers usually use block oil or coconut oil. Block oil contains lemon oil, Vitamin E, and seed oil. Coconut oil is the best alternative if you cannot find any block oil in the market.
- With half a teaspoon of block or coconut oil, rub it on the surface of your French rolling pin.
- Wipe off the excess oil from the rolling pin with a soft, clean cloth.
- Repeat this only if your French rolling pins appear to be drying out.
How to season a French rolling pin does not seem to be too difficult to do. With that knowledge, you do not have to worry about your rolling pins drying out and cracking. Find out more about rolling pins.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to season a French rolling pin, you are ready to bake away the best pastries and bread you can think of. Always keep in mind, keeping your rolling pins ready to use will make everything easier for you in the kitchen. Missing out on the proper way of seasoning your French rolling pins will result in delayed work in the kitchen and worse, bad pastries. So, remember, always have a handy bottle of block oil or coconut oil in your kitchen shelf to maintain your rolling pins in tiptop shape.