Tips and Techniques Posts

Hands in bowl of flour

A beginner’s guide to gluten

A little bread-ucation goes a long way.

Aug 18, 2021
Wet bread dough being stirred

When it comes to bread dough, is wetter really better?

An examination of high-hydration doughs.

Aug 16, 2021
cake doughnuts

Can you make doughnuts in an air fryer?

The answer is yes. But do they measure up to the real thing?

Aug 12, 2021
Electric beater mixing cake batter

A pastry chef’s trick for preventing curdled cake batter

Banish broken batters forever.

Aug 11, 2021
Baker using a wood-fired oven

So you want to build a wood-fired oven? Start here.

The first step is deciding which oven is right for you.

Aug 4, 2021
Sourdough culture in a clear glass jar.

Ask the Bread Coach: Can sourdough starter be too active?

Sometimes the secret to a tall loaf is a starter that’s been slowed down.

Jul 29, 2021
Plated biscuits

Erika Council's tips for better biscuits

The award-winning baker continues her family’s legacy, one biscuit at a time.

Jul 26, 2021
Plated buckwheat brownies

A guide to baking with buckwheat

This under-appreciated flour is the key to more flavorful bakes.

Jul 21, 2021
Packages of butter

The baking trials: butter vs. vegan butter

How well does vegan butter stack up to dairy butter in baking?

Jul 19, 2021
Tortillas de Maíz (Corn Tortillas)

Pati Jinich’s tips for the best homemade tortillas

Expert advice: the tastiest tortillas are the ones you make yourself.

Jul 12, 2021
Almond Flour Shortcakes

Imaginative ways to up your shortcake game

Time to embrace summer’s sweetest dessert.

Jul 8, 2021
Hands cutting dough into rolls

Can I freeze my yeast dough?

Before you stash dough in the freezer, here's what you need to know.

Jul 6, 2021
Different shapes of two-toned green and pink pasta

How to make colorful two-toned pasta

Using only natural ingredients, pasta becomes an edible canvas.

Jul 5, 2021
Lattice topped pie

How to make a lattice pie crust

For pies that look as good as they taste.

Jul 1, 2021
Bagels at home

The 5 elements of great bagels

To truly master bagels, first understand their makeup.

Jun 29, 2021
A cinnamon roll log shaped like an epi de ble

Think beyond the cinnamon roll

Alternative ways to shape the classic breakfast treat.

Jun 23, 2021
Checkerboard cake

A checkerboard cake is simpler than you think

Learn how to make this sweet showstopper.

Jun 21, 2021
Bowls of salt on counter

Is there a best salt for baking?

And other salt questions, answered.

Jun 17, 2021
Naked cake decorated with flowers

How to decorate a naked cake

When it comes to frosting, less can be more.

Jun 3, 2021
Whole Grain Dinner Rolls

How can I convert a bread recipe into rolls?

Turn your favorite loaf into shareable buns.

May 28, 2021
Vanilla cupcakes topped with chocolate frosting and filled with pastry cream

How to make filled cupcakes

Add more flavor and delight to a basic treat.

May 27, 2021
Unbaked pie crust in pan

How to prebake pie crust — and why you should

The key to flaky — not flabby — pie crust.

May 24, 2021
A little girl eating chocolate pudding

5 lessons every young baker should learn

Time for kids to take over the kitchen

May 21, 2021
Hands dipping pretzels with lye

A baker’s tips for safely working with lye

A serious (but ultimately delicious) baking method

May 20, 2021