How to Get the Most out of a Baking Book First and foremost, before you start on any baking projects, I highly encourage you to read this entire book--like a novel. I might be joking a little, but really, you will get so much out of reading all my tips and guidelines, the recipes themselves, and the kitchen notes accompanying many of the recipes. Check out the Equipment and Ingredients sections to best know how to stock your supply cupboards (which tools do you really need, and which ones can you skip?) and your pantry (spoiler: good quality is always preferred, but what makes a product good quality?). The Baking Fundamentals chapter is like a mini master class, taking all the experience of a commercial bakery and modifying it to fit your home kitchen. For example, what is blind-baking? Why do we sift flour? And how many times have you read "don't overmix!"--what does it actually mean? Baking Fundamentals is where you'll find all the answers. Then on to the recipes! We wanted to fill this book with all kinds, some that are a bit on the easier side and others that offer more of a challenge for those who enjoy that sort of thing. This is a book of essentials: muffins, cookies, brûlées, cheesecakes, breads, and other basics that are wonderful to have in your repertoire, ready to whip up at any time. We often hear that baking is a science, and that measurements must be exact and precise to prevent horrible disasters.

But I believe baking doesn't need to be stuffy and uptight. While it is important to measure and weigh as accurately as you can, don't get too fussed about it. Feel free to play and experiment. Go into baking with an open heart and a relaxed attitude. We learn the best things when we play. Finally, it's great to know what can go wrong and how to fix it. The Troubleshooting guide can help you anticipate and avoid common mishaps before you've wasted those dozen egg whites or the carefully sourced passion fruit. But if you find yourself running into trouble while baking, check the guide, learn from your mistakes, and try again! I genuinely hope that everything you bake turns out magnificently, but there is no way I can account for the variables that exist in my kitchen versus yours, including the altitude, humidity, and temperature where you live, your oven and baking vessels, the brand of products you use, and, of course, your personal taste.

Be sure to experiment to see what works best for you. I want this to be your journey, and I am excited to introduce you to all the Crust recipes in this book. Make them your own. Have fun, take pride, and please, no matter what happens, be sure to eat it anyway!.