Because its one of the most versatile, hard-working products in the kitchen.

That said, aluminum foil’s potential for service spansfarbeyond covering leftovers.

What Is Aluminum Foil?

piece of aluminum foil folded twice into a square

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Aluminum foil is created by rolling sheets of aluminum until they are incredibly thin and pliable.

Despite their distinct appearances, both sides are exactly the same in terms of function and reactivity with food.

What Makes Aluminum Foil So Useful?

Polishing Silver with Baking Soda

Its malleable.Aluminum foil can be easily molded and will retain whatever shape its molded into.

Repeat this process as needed to return the blades to optimal sharpness.

To do so, follow our step-by-step instructions forHow To Make a Homemade Pie Crust Shield.

Anytime a situation along these lines arises, aluminum foil has your back.

First, youll need to find a piece of cardboard large enough to suit your platter needs.

Safeguard Frozen Foods

Lets face it,freezer burnoccasionally happens.

Note:Never place foil directly onto the bottom of your oven; this is asafety hazard.

Polish Your Silver

Tarnished silverwareor serving pieces?

Using a clean cloth, dry and buff each piece.

One caveat: Never use this technique on nonstick cookware, as this will damage the nonstick surface.

Spoon yourfrostinginto the cone and gently squeeze downward through the open tip.

This is most effective if the grates are warm.

Additionally, the refracted light from the foil can help increase photosynthesis in your plants.

you could extend the life of your paint tray by lining it with aluminum foil.

At the end of the day, youre left with a clean tray for the next job.