What is one function of a cook-and-hold oven?

A cook-and-hold oven is specifically designed to keep cooked food at safe serving temperatures for extended periods without further cooking it. This function is crucial in catering environments where food must be prepared ahead of time and held for service without compromising food safety or quality. By maintaining a consistent, controlled temperature, these ovens ensure that food remains safe from bacterial growth while still being appealing for guests when served.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary use of a cook-and-hold oven; for example, rapidly freezing food after cooking is not a feature of this type of oven, nor is it intended for baking pastries exclusively or providing a grilling element. Instead, its focus is on safe food temperature maintenance, making it an essential tool in catering and food service operations.