Today we are waxing poetically about waxed paper and parchment paper. They may look the same, but are very different...and it's all in the coatings. Parchment paper is a grease-proof and moisture resistant paper that has a thin coating of silicone. The silicone gives it a non-stick and heat resistant surface making it perfect for baking. Use parchment paper to line baking sheets for baking cookies or other treats, line cake and loaf pans, cook  "en papillote" or fold up to make a small piping bag. Wax paper has a thin coating of food grade wax that makes it non-stick, but not heat resistant and therefore should not be used for baking. If heated, the wax will melt and maybe even smoke or ignite. The melting wax can also alter the flavour of the food. Keep wax paper for the non-baking jobs like wrapping up a sandwich or other foods for storage or rolling out pie or cookie dough. Parchment paper is much more versatile than waxed paper and can even be re-used and recycled. The only draw back is parchment paper may ignite and burn if exposed to direct heat (like under the broiler) or at temperatures above 450°F (230°C).   Photography by Leah Kuhne