No Double Boiler No Problem

Prior to microwave ovens, using the Double Boiler prevented your chocolate or sauces from burning or sticking to the pan.

A Double Boiler is useful when melting chocolate or making delicate sauces.  If you melt chocolate or make a delicate sauce directly in a sauce pan, it is too close to the heat and burning or sticking in the pan, was likely to happen.

A Double Boiler sauce pan set consisted of two stacking saucepans, where a smaller pan would fit on top of the bottom sauce pan. The bottom pan would have water in, and the top would have the chocolate or sauce ingredients. I had one many years ago but after many years of use I had to dispose of it. I didn’t purchase a new one because I opted to simply use the method below for double boiler purposes.

So if you come across a recipe that calls for the use of a Double Boiler and you don’t own one, don’t panic. You can just make one.

All you need is a Pyrex Heat Proof Glass Bowl and a Sauce Pan, as you can see in the photo above.

So how do you use it?

1. Put 1-2 inches of water in the sauce pan. The water should not touch the bowl when placed on top of the pan.

2. Bring the water to a simmer, over medium/low heat. Never boil the water as it will create too much pressure and heat. The simmering water will create steam trapped in between the bowl and the pan which is what will melt chocolate or cook the sauce you are making. This process of cooking helps to prevent burning or sticking. If you have melted chocolate before, you know if it gets just a little bit overdone, it is ruined because it seizes up.

3. Stirring is key with this process. Keep an eye on your Double Boiler and stir the chocolate or sauce often.

4. Be careful when handling the bowl. It can get quite warm and you should use a pot holder or oven mitt when handling it. Also, when you remove the bowl from the top of the sauce pan, some steam will escape so use caution.

Using a Double Boiler is actually quite easy, so if you don’t have one in your kitchen and the recipe calls for using a Double Boiler, just make your own. Don’t be afraid to try using a Double Boiler if you have never done so. Your melted chocolate and sauces will end up being smooth and delicious!

Tip from: Hot Dish Homemaker