If you’re looking for an inexpensive gift for someone who loves to bake, you might want to introduce them to the Exopat Baking Mat from Matfer. These are actually the same thing as the well known “Silpat” sheet but are much cheaper.

We have the Silpat and were sort of skeptical that this flimsy looking silicone mat would actually work. It looks like it might just melt in the oven, but it’s actually heat-safe to 580 degrees F and is a snap to clean off. The surface feels “slickery” and you can just use soap and water to wash any debris off. You don’t really have to scrub; nothing seems to stick to it.

We’ve had much success with baking cookies on this mat (they just slide right off onto your waiting plate), but I’ve also heard it’s a good underpan for baking pies that may bubble over and can also be used for making hot sugar creations. It can also serve as the nonstick surface in a roaster. I believe it’s also freezer safe.

Now, the manufacturer says that’s it’s “only” good for 2000-3000 bakings. Well, I rather think it’ll take a few years to get up to 2000 bakings for us! In the meantime, the special $12 price currently at amazon is a sweet deal.