Tips and Techniques Posts

Baker pressing finger into proofed bread dough to gauge proofing

What is proofing bread? And how do I get it right?

Mastering your dough’s rise is one crucial step to great bread.

Aug 31, 2023
Buttered Toast Press-In Pie Crust

The best use for stale bread is ... pie crust?

Our Buttered Toast Press-In Pie Crust is an unexpected use for your breadcrumbs.

Aug 24, 2023
Crusty baguette made with irish-style flour

How to shape baguettes

While baguettes can be difficult, with a few tips and tricks you can make beautiful bread.

Aug 7, 2023
Platter of different types of meringues

Things bakers know: Store your meringues in the freezer (!)

How to make sure your meringues stay crunchy, not soggy.

Aug 3, 2023
Baker using hands to fold bread dough

What does folding bread dough mean, exactly?

A foundational technique, explained.

Jul 31, 2023
Two boules of baked bread next to each other, one with more even browning

Baking trials: Does a baking stone really make a difference in your bread?

We tested how a baking stone can impact your breads' rise, color, and more.

Jul 25, 2023
Baker brushing simple syrup cake soak onto round cake layer

A cake soak is the easiest way to upgrade your cakes

A little liquid can take your cakes a long way.

Jul 24, 2023
Pie crust dough made in a stand mixer.

Why you should make pie crust in a stand mixer

Stand-mixer pie crust is quick, easy — and every bit as good as handmade.

Jul 19, 2023
Beginning to fold rolled-out pie dough in half

Things bakers know: This is the easiest way to transfer pie dough 

Folding is the secret to moving delicate dough without tears.

Jul 11, 2023
Light Rye Bread

Does salt kill yeast?

A common baking myth gets busted.

Jul 5, 2023
Monster Cookies

How can I keep cookies soft?

Use these tips to make soft cookies — and keep them that way.

Jun 27, 2023
Pizza baking in Ooni oven

My Ooni has changed the way I make pizza — and bagels, focaccia, and even dinner

With its high heat and compact size, this wood-fired oven is my summer staple.

Jun 26, 2023
Stand mixer beating coffee cake cake batter

Forget overmixing cake batter — maybe undermixing is your real problem

A cake with perfect texture starts in the bowl.

Jun 21, 2023
Bag of semolina flour next to grilled Asiago rounds

What is semolina flour, and how do I bake with it?

Sure, it’s for pasta, but what else?

Jun 20, 2023
Crock of sourdough starter on kitchen counter

Things bakers know: Sluggish starter? Add a little whole grain flour.

Rye and whole wheat flours can act like rocket fuel to boost your starter’s activity.

Jun 15, 2023
Baker mixing bread dough with gluten-free bread flour

How to substitute Gluten-Free Bread Flour for regular flour

With the right flour and a few simple tweaks, you can make any bread recipe gluten-free.

Jun 13, 2023
Stand mixer bowl of whipped cream next to Instant Clearjel

Baking trials: What’s the best way to stabilize whipped cream?

From cornstarch to crème fraîche, here’s how to keep your whipped cream from weeping and deflating.

Jun 8, 2023
Stack of various baking pans

Your complete guide to baking pans

Understanding everything from Bundt to Pullman pans.

Jun 5, 2023
Baker squeezing a loaf of baked sandwich bread

How to tell if bread is done baking

Nail the perfect bake with these guidelines.

May 31, 2023
Lemon blueberry cake on a turntable

Things bakers know: Frost your cake with help from your microwave

For a picture-perfect cake, look to an unexpected tool.

May 29, 2023
Baker pouring milk powder into browning butter

Wait, why is everyone toasting their milk powder now?

A baker’s trick to supercharge brown butter.

May 24, 2023
Pie crust rolled out, docked, crimped, in the pan and ready to be filled.

How to keep pie crust from shrinking, once and for all

Many pies later, we've got the tips you need to follow.

May 17, 2023
Baker adding yeast to the bowl of a stand mixer to make bread dough

The comprehensive guide to baking with yeast

Including how it works, how to store it, and how to tell the difference between instant and active dry once and for all.

May 10, 2023
Lineup of four different gluten-free flours

Which gluten-free flour should I use?

There are many options to choose from: Here's a guide to picking the right one for cakes, cookies, breads, and more.

May 4, 2023