Bain-Marie

C1 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /beɪn məˈri/

Definitions of bain-marie

noun a utensil used in cooking for heating delicate foods gently and gradually

Example Sentences

A1 A bain-marie is a kitchen tool used for gentle heating.

A2 To melt chocolate without burning it, you can use a bain-marie.

B1 When making custard, it is important to use a bain-marie to prevent curdling.

B2 Professional chefs often utilize a bain-marie for precise temperature control in cooking.

C1 A bain-marie is an essential piece of equipment in the pastry kitchen for tasks such as tempering chocolate.

C2 The delicate process of making a perfect creme brulee requires the use of a bain-marie to achieve the desired texture.

Examples of bain-marie in a Sentence

formal The chef used a bain-marie to gently heat the chocolate for the dessert.

informal I always use a bain-marie when melting chocolate to avoid burning it.

slang I'm gonna throw this chocolate in the bain-marie real quick.

figurative She placed her emotions in a bain-marie, keeping them warm but not letting them boil over.

Grammatical Forms of bain-marie

plural

bains-marie

comparative

more bain-marie

superlative

most bain-marie

present tense

use bain-marie

future tense

will use bain-marie

perfect tense

have used bain-marie

continuous tense

is using bain-marie

singular

bain-marie

positive degree

bain-marie

infinitive

to use bain-marie

gerund

using bain-marie

participle

used bain-marie

Origin and Evolution of bain-marie

First Known Use: 1710 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The term 'bain-marie' originates from the medieval Latin phrase 'balneum Mariae' which translates to 'Mary's bath'. It is named after Mary the Jewess, an ancient alchemist who is credited with inventing the water bath cooking technique.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in alchemy to heat substances slowly and gently, the term 'bain-marie' evolved to refer to a double boiler used in cooking to melt chocolate or cook delicate sauces without burning.