A bain marie is simply a hot water bath and is ideal to keep foods such as sauces hot without being on a direct heat and the fear of burning the bottom of the saucepan. This can be used in many different recipes and is simple to set up.
A step by step guide
- A bain marie is very easy to make. You will need a good solid metal tray that will not buckle on the heat and a metal mat of some sort to place in the bottom to stand the pans on in the tray.
- Half fill the tray with hot water and place on top of a low heat on the hob (just enough to keep the water ticking over).
- When required, place the saucepan onto the metal mat and cover with a lid.
- Stir from time to time.
The bain marie should keep sauces etc. hot until required.