[Sca-cooks] OOP: How to use a chafing dish?

[Gorgeous Muiredach]

>Since the
>white stuff would not burn, no matter how many matches I inserted,
>I conclude that it is merely intended to hold the (liquid?) fuel.  What
>kind does it take?  And where can I get some?

Lamp oil fuel will usualy work nicely.

>The Sterno instructions say
>never to let the can come into direct contact with the table or
>tablecloth.  Is this a serious concern, or a legal CYA?  Would it
>suffice to put the whole chafing dish unit on top of a plate or
>something?

Mostly CYA, but...  If for any reason some of the sterno gel/liquid
splashes out of the container, and it happens sometimes if the chaffing
dish is bumped, you dont' want it directly on a flamable surface.  Plate
should work, but it's a slippery surface...

>I'd very much like to be able to use this thing, but I'd like to do it
>both conveniently and safely.

Remember that chaffing dishes should be used with a pan of water under the
actual dish.  That's how you get even heat without burning spots where you
have the burner.

Gorgeous Muiredach
Rokkehealden Shire
Middle Kingdom
aka
Nicolas Steenhout
"You must deal with me as I think of myself" J. Hockenberry