In baking, when it says to use a cheesecloth, do you really have to, and is there a subsitiute?

Answer 1

It depends on what it's asking you to do; are you covering a bowl of yeast dough with it? If so, you can use a regular towel. Or- are you using it to squeeze moisture out of frozen defrosted spinach? You could use a clean kitchen towel for this too, but it won't be as effective. Really- there aren't that many jobs in the kitchen that require the use of cheesecloth- just try using a towel or cloth napkin or a piece of old sheet even!

Answer 2

It is a good idea to use a cheesecloth when it directs because it is such a fine mesh that there aren't many things comparable. If you're willing to sacrifice a dish towel to squeeze out liquid, that may be acceptable depending on the recipe.

Answer 3

I've never actually had a cheesecloth on hand, whenever a recipe calls for one, so I have improvised, and used by tea ball. It's a small metal container, made for seeping tea leaves, so it has small holes in it. I put the ingredients intended for the cheesecloth in the tea ball, instead. It's worked so far. :)

So, whatcha cooking?

Answer 4

I guess it depends on what you need it for, but I never seem to have cheesecloth when I need it. So I just use a coffee filter in a strainer and it's usually a pretty admirable substitute.

Answer 5

There is no substitute for cheesecloth. Use it if the recipe calls for it.

Answer 6

if it calls for the use of cheesecloth then by all means use it

Answer 7

It really depends on what it is you are baking...but I have found that sometimes coffee filters make a great substitute.

Answer 8

You probably should. It's most likely going to keep something from burning. If you don't have one, just use a damp cloth.