Friday, October 5, 2012

WHAT DOES A ' Water Bath ' MEAN?

WHAT DOES A ' Water Bath ' MEAN?
Definition: A water bath is a technique to gently cook an item or seal a jar.
Cooking with a water bath:
The item to be cooked is placed in a shallow pan of water. The water heats and cooks the item gently. This is especially important for Flan, custards, sauces and mousses to prevent curdling.
The baking dish containing the water and the item to be cooked is gener

ally porcelain or ceramic, rather than metal.
Water baths are often used for egg-based dishes. The proteins in the eggs are very heat sensitive and only need to be warmed to cook thoroughly. They will start to get firm at only 145 degrees. Cooking them with a slow, gentle heat keeps the eggs soft and smooth.
Q. Many recipes call for the dish to be baked in a "water bath." What's a water bath, and why do you need it?
Will the recipe work without it?
A. Some foods require moisture in the oven, as well as a milder heat source than the direct heat of the oven, such as custards, puddings, and cheesecakes.
what's a water bath? It's just a pan of water placed into an oven. The hot water provides a constant, steady heat source and ensures even, slow cooking for recipes that call for a water bath.
http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/tools-and-techniques/what-is-a-water-bath.htm

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