A Bain-Marie is a cooking technique that uses gentle heat to warm or cook food. It consists of a container filled with hot water, which is placed on a heat source, and another container holding the food is set inside the water. This method helps to maintain a consistent temperature and prevents direct heat from burning or overcooking delicate dishes. Commonly used in professional kitchens, a Bain-Marie is ideal for melting chocolate, making custards, or keeping sauces warm. It is also utilized in buffets to keep food at safe serving temperatures. This technique ensures even cooking and enhances the texture of various dishes.