Tips and Techniques Posts

Oatmeal sandwich bread proofing in loaf pan

Ask the Bread Coach: My dough isn’t rising — what now? 

The best solution is patience. But if you don’t have that, there are some other tricks.  

Mar 23, 2023
Different types of sugar next to each other

A guide to different types of sugars, how to use them, and when to substitute

It’s a sweet (and confusing) world out there, so we’re breaking it all down.

Mar 21, 2023
The baked scone loaf, cut open to show the streusel inside

How to turn scone mix into an irresistible scone loaf

Loaf cake meets scones, lives happily ever after.

Mar 20, 2023
A simple, single layer lemon cake that's frosted and topped with candied lemon slices

Beyond juice: all the ways you can bake with lemon 

From zest to emulsion (and everything in between).

Mar 13, 2023
Cream of tartar used to whip egg whites

What is cream of tartar? And do I really need it to whip egg whites?

Even a pinch is enough to make a drastic difference.

Feb 27, 2023
Dough buckets full of flour

What’s the best way to store flour?

Ensure your flour is always fresh with these best practices.

Feb 23, 2023
Whisk folding batter

Things bakers know: Why a whisk (not a spatula!) is the best tool for folding

Turns out, it’s better at incorporating beaten eggs without deflating them.

Feb 22, 2023
Baker flipping a batch of pancakes on an electric griddle

This griddle changed the way I make pancakes — and much more.

With consistent heat and a large surface, it’s improved my cooking and baking.

Feb 20, 2023
Baker stirring bowl of melted chocolate with a spatula

We tried every method: This is the best way to melt chocolate

Microwave, double boiler, hair dryer (!), and more — here's what came out on top.

Feb 8, 2023
Honey-Beer Miche

You make good bread. Here are 8 tips to make it great.

A baker’s favorite tools for better bread.

Feb 7, 2023
Egg cracked into a clear bowl

Our best recipes and tips for baking egg free

Skip the eggs, not the baking.

Feb 3, 2023
Biscuit dough being folded like a letter

For the flakiest flaky dough, you've gotta fold

Adding this quick step to your biscuits, pies, and scones will boost those buttery layers.

Feb 2, 2023
Baker fill pastry bag set in a drinking glass

Things bakers know: A glass and a straight edge make piping bags mess-free

Claire Saffitz has two tips that take the stress (and the mess) out of pastry bags.

Jan 26, 2023
Proofing basket next to loaf of baked bread

A guide to bannetons, brotforms, and proofing baskets

Navigating these beloved bread tools and how to use them in the kitchen.

Jan 25, 2023
Multigrain Sourdough Boule

How to coat your bread with seeds, oats, and other crust treatments

And make sure they stick.

Jan 23, 2023
Coconut Cake

Cake flour vs. all-purpose flour: What's the difference, and how do I substitute?

Cake flour is great, but if you don’t have it, don't worry.

Jan 18, 2023
Top of pound cake with crack running on top of loaf

Things bakers know: How to get pretty cracks in your loaf cakes

Crack the code with a knife and some butter.

Jan 12, 2023
Bread with open crumb structure

Hydration in bread dough, explained

The what, why, and how of bread hydration.

Jan 11, 2023
Pizza crust in an air fryer for baking

So you just got an air fryer? Here’s how to bake with it.

This beloved appliance is great for baking everything from cookies to cheesecake.

Jan 4, 2023
Glazed Ginger-Citrus Shortbread

Things bakers know: The go-to trick for perfectly round logs of cookie dough

All you need is parchment paper and a bench knife.

Dec 14, 2022
Mini offset spatula being used to frost a cupcake

Why an offset spatula is an essential, must-have tool

It does far more than just frost cakes.

Dec 9, 2022
Maple Shortbread

7 of the cutest (and greenest) ways to gift your baked goods

Skip the single-use wrapping paper and embrace the reusable route.

Dec 7, 2022
Stick of unwrapped butter on counter

Is it always OK to put softened butter back in the fridge?

For the best baking success, here's the deal on saving softened butter for later.

Dec 6, 2022
Sugar cookies on parchment-lined baking sheet

Cookies spreading? It might be your pan lining.

From parchment to silicone, the material you use to line your pans affects how your cookies spread.

Dec 1, 2022