Before filling a punch bowl with a hot beverage, "temper" the bowl by filling it with hot tap water. Let it stand for about 10 minutes. Drain when you are ready to transfer the hot punch to the warm bowl.
Tempering serves two purposes: it minimizes the risk of stress cracks from a hot liquid hitting cold glass, and it keeps the punch warm a bit longer.
You can temper teapots, coffee pots and mugs in the same way.
Cook's Note: Warming a Punch Bowl comes from the Cook'n with Pillsbury collection. Click here to order this CD or download this brand-name recipe set right now!