What is a bain-Marie?

[AlisonPotts]

What is a bain-Marie?

[sommelier]

A bain Marie is either a double saucepan the bottm one filled with water the top one used to warm food and sauces through gently, or a large roast pan half filled with hot water used for cooking things like creme brulee and creme caramel in the oven

[Vendetta]

Also restaurants often use industrial sized bain-maries - a large water bath with 6-12 metal dishes to keep food hot without scorching or drying out (in theory).