What can you substitute for a baking sheet?

Answer 1

Broiling, cooking with direct heat applied from above and (often) at relatively close range, does require a pan of some sort for the sake of prudence if nothing else. A broiling pan can be fabricated out of foil by folding it several times along the edges and then folding the edges up to form some short sides. The foil pan will not have any strength to support food; don't grab the ersatz pan by the edges and pick it up. Instead, put a cookie sheet under the whole thing and lift the cookie sheet. Some broiling evolutions are quick, and this should work well. In instances where a bit more cooking time is required, the food may cook in it's own fat/juice. This may be desirable or it may not. If not, a bit of foil crumpled up under the item will lift it off the surface of the pan and allow fat and cooking liquids to drain away during cooking and reduce the chance that the fat will catch on fire. An exploration of some recipes and a bit of thought will guide choice. Don't be afraid to use the broiler. Know that, like anything else, it just requires a bit of practice to master its applications. If a broiler is part of a given appliance, why not learn to use it to increase your options as regards food preparation? Bon appétit!