water bath

Beginner 🍳 Food / Culinary

Definition

A cooking method using a container of hot water to surround food, providing gentle, even heat for delicate preparations like custards and cheesecakes. The culinary equivalent of bubble wrap, protecting fragile foods from temperature shock.

Example Usage

Bake the crème brûlée in a water bath unless you enjoy curdled, cracked custards that photograph like scrambled eggs.

Origin

Translation of French 'bain-marie,' used more commonly in American culinary contexts

Fun Fact

Water baths work because water can't exceed 212°F at sea level, creating a natural temperature ceiling that prevents delicate foods from overcooking.

Source: General cooking technique terminology

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