Bulb baster

A utensil that assists with basting, which is a method of moistening food, adding flavor and creating a glaze during the cooking process. Basting is most often used when cooking meat, such as roasts. Pan drippings, butter, or sauces can be applied to meat in several ways. They can be spooned over the meat periodically as it cooks, brushed on the surface of the meat with a basting brush, or dispersed over and around the meat with the use of a bulb baster. The head of the bulb baster is squeezed, creating a partial vacuum, and then the stem is inserted into the juices at the bottom of the pan. When the pressure is released on the bulb, the juices are drawn into the stem so they can be transferred to the surface of the meat. Typically, there are two varieties available for use, either a standard open nozzle or an injector nozzle, which has a needle-like nozzle. The open nozzle is used to distribute liquids over the outside of the meat while the injector nozzle is best for injecting juices, herbs, wine or other liquids into the meat.