The Fearless Baker: Simple Secrets for Baking Like a Pro

One of Food52's most popular columnists and a New York Times–bestselling author shares her baking secrets—and the science behind them.

When people see Erin McDowell frost a perfect layer cake, weave a lattice pie crust, or pull a rich loaf of brioche from the oven, they often act as though she's performed culinary magic. "I'm not a baker," they tell her. But in fact, expert baking is not at all unattainable, nor is it as inflexible as most people assume. The key to freedom is to understand ...