A food preparation aid comprising an absorbent element 800 is adapted to be placed in a cooking vessel 815 with food 810 as part of a preparation process whereby to absorb liquids released from the food during said preparation. The heat-tolerant absorbent element preferably comprises an outer layer or casing (603) that protects the food from direct contact with the element. Excessive oils can removed from the food being prepared. The outer casing can be removed from the absorbent element, washed and re-used.
