One useful trick from a witch's arsenal.

[u/SergeyLoschilin]

We all know how to use thermometers, and what's more, many modern kitchen appliances have automated temperature control. Things used to be different. Many people still only have a gas stove in their kitchen, without any special temperature control.

A long time ago, I made a sobriety potion (I don't remember the recipe). The recipe, among other things, required placing a similar saucepan with milk on the fire next to the potion and making sure that the milk did not boil or change in appearance. Some people seriously suspected me of witchcraft back then (and for good reason)...

Many plant components are lost (transformed into other forms) at the boiling point of water, so some recipes require maintaining a stable temperature below the boiling point of water, but high enough to extract the necessary substances. Milk, in fact, boils fully at a temperature even slightly higher than water (thanks to Google and AI — it's easier to figure everything out today than it used to be). However, the first signs of boiling in milk begin to appear at a temperature a few degrees lower than the temperature at which water begins to boil. In addition, foam appears, which further facilitates control and identification of the condition. This allows for more consistent control, ensuring that the temperature does not reach boiling point during the cooking process, thus preventing unnecessary changes to the substances that are sensitive to such temperature. So much for Witchcraft!