Bain marie (au)

(lit: Marie’s bath) a hot water bath; a way of cooking or warming food by placing a container in a larger recipient of very hot or simmering water, such as preparations that must not cook over direct heat, for keeping delicate sauces hot, and for melting chocolate. Bain marie is said to be named after an alchemist by the name of Marie la Juive dating back to around 300 BC.