Tips and Techniques Posts

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
Collage of Natasha against a tan background with various cake tools

Cake queen Natasha Pickowicz's favorite cake tools

A minimalist’s approach to pro-level cakes.

Apr 27, 2023
Sliced tahini pound cake with sesame seed crust

Turns out, crusts aren’t just for bread

Your cakes deserve a crust that’s crispy, crunchy, or just plain sparkly.

Apr 25, 2023
Block of fresh yeast in front of loaf of sliced bread

How do I bake with fresh yeast?

And can I substitute fresh yeast and dry yeast for each other?

Apr 24, 2023
Dough rising in a lidded 6 qt container

How to cover your bread dough the right way

For better bread, ditch the folksy method.

Apr 18, 2023
Sliced apple pie with container of Instant ClearJel in the background

What exactly is Instant ClearJel, and why do bakers swear by it?

For better fruit pie fillings and more stable whipped cream, we turn to this beloved ingredient.

Apr 12, 2023
Muffin pan full of different liners

The baking trials: What's the best way to line cupcake pans?

From paper liners to silicone baking cups to nonstick spray, here are our results.

Apr 10, 2023
Printed sugar cookies on a piece of white parchment paper.

"Printed" sugar cookies are the colorful decorating technique you need to try

No icing needed.

Apr 6, 2023
Velvet Pound Cake baked in a loaf pan and sliced to show its fine-textured interior.

Believe it or not, you don't always have to preheat your oven

Starting with a cold oven can yield surprising (and delicious) results.

Apr 5, 2023
A matrix of chocolate chip cookies made with different kinds of fats

Butter? Oil? Shortening? Which fat makes the best chocolate chip cookies?

Find your favorite flavor and texture combination.

Mar 31, 2023