Double Boiler

A double boiler is a pan that consists of two parts: a bottom, in which a little water is placed and brought just below the boiling point to simmer, and a top, in which the ingredients to be cooked over the simmering water are placed. It is important that the water should simmer, not boil, and that it should never touch the bottom of the top section. A double boiler can be improvised by heating water in a saucepan and setting a mixing bowl (preferably stainless steel) over it (make sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water).