Q: Recipes sometimes direct you to cook an item, such as chicken, then set it aside and keep it warm. What’s the best way to do this?

A: For a short time (5 to 10 minutes), you can loosely cover the item with foil and set it aside on the counter. If you need to keep it warm for a longer period, place the cooked item on an ovenproof plate or in a pan, cover it loosely with foil and place the container in a low-temperature oven (200°F. to 225°F.). Don’t crimp the foil tightly; you might create a seal that allows the item to continue cooking.