bain marie etymology

Etymology

The term "bain marie" is derived from the French phrase "bain-marie," which translates to "Mary's bath."

Meaning

A bain marie is a method of cooking that involves immersing a sealed container of food into a bath of hot water. This method ensures even cooking and prevents the food from scorching.

Origin

The origin of the term "bain marie" is unclear, but there are a few theories:

  • Mary the Jewess: One theory suggests that the method was named after Mary the Jewess, an alchemist and author of the 1st-century book "The Book of Mary the Jewess." This book contains a recipe that uses a similar cooking method.
  • Virgin Mary: Another theory attributes the name to the Virgin Mary, as it was believed that her purity protected food from burning.
  • Mary of Guise: A third theory links the term to Mary of Guise, Queen of Scotland in the 16th century. She is said to have been a fan of this cooking method and used it to prepare her meals.

Regardless of its exact origin, the term "bain marie" has become synonymous with this gentle and effective cooking technique.

bain marie relate terms

  • balneal

    Etymology Latin balneum bath Greek balaneion bathing establishment Meaning

  • acromegaly

    Etymology and Meaning The word acromegaly is derived from Greek ἄκρος akros

  • stearin

    Etymology The word stearin is derived from the Greek word stear which means fat or

  • phalanstery

  • tissue

    Etymology The word tissue comes from the Middle English word tissyu which in turn de

  • rosemary

    Etymology From Old French rosemarine from Medieval Latin rosmarinus in turn from Lati

  • Mary

    Etymology The name Mary originates from the Hebrew name Miriam Meaning From Hebrew

  • bureaucracy

    Etymology The word bureaucracy is derived from the following roots French bureau

  • theater

    Etymology The word theater originates from the Greek word theatron which is compose