1. ALWAYS start with a clean kitchen, and I mean always. The cleaner it is the easier it is for you to get around and quickly do things.
2. Prepare all your ingredients before you start. I know it sucks but it makes it so much easier and quicker.
3. If it says at room temp. Actually make sure it is a room temp. (I hate this one)
4. Never leave the house while anything is in the oven. (I know it seems silly but the amount of times a neighbor has come to see me and I've forgotten about my cake)
5. Timing is EVERYTHING! and don't always trust what a recipe says, every oven is different so know your oven well.
6. Use the freezer and beat the horrors of shortbread! Use to chill dough so it doesn't melt everywhere or freeze it and use it another time!
7. Your oven changes over time. Hot spots or an off temp oven can make or break your baked good. Test your ovens accuracy: Place a 1/2 cup of 70°F tap water in an oven-proof measuring cup on the middle rack of a 350°F oven and allow it to bake for 15 minutes. If the oven is accurate, the water will be 150°F after 15 minutes.
8. Weigh everything! Weighing things is a bakers best friend.
9. Experiment once you understand the recipe . Make it your own.
