How to Improvise a Double Boiler

Double boilers are frequently required for candy recipes, sauces, polenta and, even, for crafts such as candle making. While they are handy kitchen tools, many people don't have a double boiler. However, you can easily improvise one using a pot and a heat-resistant bowl.

Things You'll Need

• Small pot
• Heat-resistant bowl
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Use a pot that is relatively small as the base for your double boiler.

2. Put about one to two inches of water in the pot and place it on the stove.

3. Heat water to boiling.

4. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot. This is where you will actually place the food you are cooking. The bowl can be metal or glass as long as the heat will not damage it. It's easiest if the bowl is slightly larger than the pot so that the lip of the bowl rests above the pot.

5. Place a metal cookie cutter in the bottom of the pot in the water if your bowl is not larger than the pot. This will provide a place for the bottom of the bowl to rest and keep the bowl from touching the bottom or tipping over.

6. Proceed with cooking directions for your recipe. If you need to cover the food as you are cooking it in the double boiler, you can improvise a lid, as well, by using aluminum foil, or by placing a plate or pie pan upside down on top of the bowl.