Is there a substitute for cooking spray?

Answer 1

There are two alternatives which I commonly use, and have listed here:

1. Oil in a Mister (with or without liquid lecithin): Add oil to a mister or even to a cheap plastic spray bottle from the dollar store. Canola or vegetable oil work well. Olive oil can be used (but as it is a bit heavier, it may require washing out the pump periodically with hot water and soap, to prevent clogging). If desired, add liquid lecithin (food grade, available at the Bulk Barn or any bulk or health food store). I add 2 tbsp liquid lecithin for every 1/2 cp of oil. You can increase the amount of lecithin up to equal parts lecithin and oil, if desired. *Lecithin is the emulsifier and 'secret' ingredient in commercial cooking sprays. It allows the spray to 'stick' to the sides of the pan and allows foods to slide out cleanly.

2. Oil in a Bottle with a drip pour spout (or a bartender's 'measuring spout' with ball bearings in the head) PLUS a silicone basting brush (from any dollar store): Drizzle two or three drops of oil (your favourite oil) onto the cooking surface (pan, grill, griddle, etc). Use the silicone basting brush to spread the oil over the cooking surface, to achieve an even coating. A bartender's measuring spout allows an equal measure (check the amount, each spout has different capacities, often colour coded). I prefer the drip nozzle - I can control the amount of oil, and change it with the size of the pan or cooking surface. *NB I find that this doesn't work quite as well with a muffin tin. For muffin tins, I use a spray bottle - even the cheap plastic plant spray bottles found in a dollar store work well for this. I prefer this method for all baking pans!

These alternatives are more economical, environmentally-friendly, and healthy. As a physician myself, I am a huge proponent of avoiding the chemicals in commercial aerosolized cooking sprays - CFC-free or not, they are not healthy! If you have a soy allergy, you can find liquid lecithin made from other sources (e.g. sunflower- or rapeseed-based), or you can omit the lecithin entirely, in a pinch.

I love the misters - they use an air-pressure system to disperse the oil. I don't find that they clog easily. I prefer the misters which have a see-through glass or plastic base, so I can see how much oil is inside the mister and when to refill it. You can also use misters (or cheap plastic sprayers) to dispense vinegar or salad dressing at the tableside. Fantastic for BBQ, and company, and for anyone who is watching their weight.

To infuse the oil with herbs or other flavours, you can let the herbs or chili peppers or garlic, etc., sit in the oil in the mister but this takes months to infuse. Alternatively, place a small amount of oil in a pot over low heat, and heat slowly over medium-low heat for about ten minutes, stirring frequently, until the oil takes on a gentle fragrance. Add to your mister or sprayer, or pour bottle. Enjoy.

Answer 2

Brush the pan with oil, or rub it with butter or shortening.

For most cakes, rub the pan with butter then dust with flour; shake out excess flour.